HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/09/2009JEFFREY K. BARTON
Clerk to the Board
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INDEX TO MINUTES OF 2009/2010 PRELIMINARY
BUDGET HEARING
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
SEPTEMBER 9, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER..........................................................................................1
2. INVOCATION.................................................................................................1
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE........................................................................1
4. BUDGET OVERVIEW BY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR JOSEPH A.
I 16Y.1111__._1
5. AD VALOREM FUNDS................................................................................. 2
A. AD VALOREMMILLAGEANDAD VALOREMBUDGET........ 2
GENERAL FUND............................................................................. 2
MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNIT (M.S. T. U.) .......................... S
TRANSPORTATION FUND - (NO MALA GE) .................................. G
EMERGENCYSER VICESDISTRICT................................................. %
ENVIRONMENTALLYSENSITIVE LAND ACQUISITION ................... 8
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
LAND ACQUISITION BONDS - 2004 REFERENDUM ...................... 9
AGGREGATE................................................................................. 10
6. INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
SITTING AS SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT BOARD ...................10
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT BUDGET (NON -AD VALOREM
ANNOUNCE 2009/2010 PROPOSED CHARGE FOR EACH
SPECIAL DISTRICT)...........................................................
10
A.
ANNOUNCE 2009/2010 PROPOSED CHARGEAND BUDGETIO
B.
B.
RECEIVE COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ........................
11
C
CONSIDER ANY PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ......................
11
D.
ADOPT TENTATIVENON-ADVALOREMASSESSMENT
D.
ADOPT TENTATIVE CHARGE .............................................
RATES................................................................................11
E.
ADOPT TENTTIVEBUDGET ...............................................11
71 M C 8 . 1[17�[17� � p w 17 -1
A.
ANNOUNCE 2009/2010 PROPOSED CHARGE FOR EACH
NON -AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT DISTRICT ....................
12
B.
RECEIVE COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC .........................
13
C
CONSIDER ANYPROPOSED AMENDMENTS AND
CALCULATE REVISED CHARGE .........................................
13
D.
ADOPT TENTATIVE CHARGE .............................................
13
8. APPROVE NON -AD VALOREM DOLLAR BUDGETS ......................13
A. ANNOUNCE 2009/2010 PROPOSED BUDGET .................... 13
B. RECEIVE COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ......................... 14
C CONSIDER ANYPROPOSED AMENDMENTS ....................... 14
D. ADOPT TENTATIVE CHARGE ............................................. 14
9. ANNOUNCE TIME AND PLACE OF FINAL BUDGET HEARING. 14
10. ADJOURNMENT..........................................................................................15
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
JEFFREY K. BARTON
Clerk to the Board
September 9, 2009
2009/2010 PRELIMINARY BUDGET HEARING OF THE BOARD
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, met at the County
Commission Chambers, 180127 th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, September 9,
2009 to conduct a Preliminary Budget Hearing. Present were Chairman Wesley S. Davis, Vice
Chairman Joseph E. Flescher, and Commissioners Peter D. O'Bryan, Bob Solari, and Gary C.
Wheeler. Also present were County Administrator Joseph A. Baird, Management and Budget
Director Jason E. Brown, County Attorney William G. Collins II, and Deputy Clerk Leona Adair
Allen.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Davis called the Workshop to order at 5:01 p.m.
2. INVOCATION
Community Planning Director Stan Boling delivered the Invocation.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
4. BUDGET OVERVIEW BY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR JOSEPH A. BAIRD
County Administrator Joseph Baird presented an overview of the proposed 2009/2010
Budget totaling $302,670,415, a decrease of about $83,443,999, -21.6% from last year. He
reported Ad Valorem taxes down by $9,866,333, -10.1%. The budget cuts included eliminating
38 full-time positions, a savings of $2,300,665; a decrease in deductable health plan changes of
$513,000; and a total decrease in revenues from the 1/2 cent sales tax revenue of $400,000, -10%.
He conveyed that this year's aggregate millage would be 5.1436, 10.5% below the current rate of
5.7466.
Administrator Baird stated that this year's budget rates stayed the same or decreased,
with the exception of the golf course non-residents paying $1.00 more per round.
5. AD VALOREM FUNDS
A. AD VALOREMMILLAGEANDAD VALOREMBUDGET
GENERAL FUND
Administrator Baird announced that the proposed budget is $77,314,789, and the
proposed millage is 3.0892, 9.38% below rollback. He reported that the elimination of nine
positions is a savings of $365,000; Ad Valorem taxes are down $4,632,000; the health plan
change savings amounts to $280,000; travel is down $28,000; and the estimated energy savings
is $176,000. He pointed out that there were no merit or cost of living raises for employees in this
budget.
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
Attorney Collins requested the Board revise his budget to reflect the 12.3% decrease,
rather than the 14.0%.
Management and Budget Director Jason Brown recalled that the action taken by the
Board at the Budget Workshop on July 23, 2009, was to approve the County Attorney's
Department budget cuts by inducing 26 days of furlough per year.
Attorney Collins disagreed to the action taken at the Budget Workshop, and clarified that
the reduction in staff only works for the 12.3% reduction; and pointed out that it was not the first
year his office had taken reductions. He felt a 14% reduction would be difficult to make.
Commissioner Solari wondered if the Board should revisit decreasing the number of
attorneys in the office to balance the budget, and instead of the extensive furloughs, return the
office to the same number of positions as in 2007.
Vice Chairman Flescher voiced concern over the furlough process, the cost of outside
legal representation, and the value to the taxpayer. He believed furloughs were disruptive, and
that there was no justification for four attorneys or seven people in the Legal office when other
departments were required to downsize.
Director Brown reported that the cost for two outside counsel firms for right-of-way
acquisitions in fiscal year 2006/2007 was about $22,000, and that to date it is about $73,000.
MOTION WAS MADE BY Vice Chairman Flescher,
SECONDED by Commissioner Solari, to move forward
with a reduction in the County Attorney's office.
Under discussion, Commissioner Wheeler did not believe furloughs were as disruptive as
losing staff. He wanted additional information regarding the cost difference in reduction versus
September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
furloughs. He suggested leaving the percentage set at 14% today, review the records from the
Budget Workshop, then make a decision at the Final Budget Meeting.
Discussion ensued regarding Board and employee relations, micro -management, shifts in
workload, and policy decisions.
Attorney Collins expressed his opinion that administering the decrease through furloughs
would be a better approach than eliminating a position.
Chairman Davis mentioned earlier in the meeting that he felt the workload had shifted,
and Attorney DeBraal elaborated on the comment.
Attorney DeBraal asked the Board to respect the decision of staff and the department's
employees, approving furloughs rather than a reduction.
Director Brown provided the Board with figures and percentages of the decreases in the
Legal Department's budget as it would be affected by the reduction of each staff attorney.
The Board briefly discussed the effectiveness of furlough days.
The Chairman CALLED THE QUESTION, and by a 3-2
vote (Commissioners O'Bryan and Wheeler opposed),
the Motion carried. The Board approved to eliminate
one attorney position according to the County Attorney's
recommended options to reduce the budget.
The Chairman opened the floor to public comments. Seeing none, the Chairman closed
the public comments.
September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
ON MOTION by Commissioner O'Bryan, SECONDED
by Chairman Davis, the Board unanimously adopted the
tentative millage of 3.0892 (9.38% below rollback) for
the General Fund.
ON MOTION by Commissioner O'Bryan, SECONDED
by Chairman Davis, the Board unanimously adopted the
tentative budget in the amount of $77,314,789, for the
General Fund.
MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNIT (M.S. T. U.)
Administrator Baird reported the proposed millage to be 1.0774, 13.43% below rollback;
and the proposed budget to be $27,029,020, a reduction of $5,171,831, -16% from the prior year.
He summarized the reductions, saying that the nine positions eliminated were a savings of
$976,685; transfers between the Transportation Fund and General Fund for the Sheriff was a
reduction of $890,950; and eliminating life guards at the Tracking Station accounted for a
savings of $110,628. He pointed out that there were no merit or cost of living raises for
employees in this budget.
Commissioner O'Bryan hoped the level of service for the Tracking Station could
continue to work within the reduced budget parameters.
At the request of Vice Chairman Flescher, Management and Budget Director Brown
shared the expense and revenue neutral basis option of extending the hours and availability of the
Gifford Pool.
The Chairman opened the floor to public comments.
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
Joe McManus, President of the United Savings Lifesaving Association for the Southeast
Region, Indian River County Ocean Rescue Lifeguard II, complimented staff for keeping the
Tracking Station open and guarded; and believed it would be possible to keep staffing at the
Tracking Station for a reasonable cost.
There were no other speakers and the Chairman closed the public comments.
ON MOTION by Commissioner O'Bryan, SECONDED
by Chairman Davis, the Board unanimously adopted the
tentative millage of 1.0774 (13.43% below rollback) for
the M.S.T.U.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Solari, SECONDED by
Chairman Davis, the Board unanimously adopted the
tentative budget in the amount of $27,029,020, for the
M.S.T.U.
TRANSPORTATION FUND — M MILLAGE)
Administrator Baird explained that this fund derives 70% of its revenues from transfers
from the taxing funds; and reported that the proposed budget is $14,372,690, a reduction of
$3,101,368, down 17% from last year. He said the elimination of twelve full-time positions and
one part-time position was a savings of $853,108; and the reorganization and elimination of one
manager and two foremen was a savings of $243,423. The reduction in fuel costs for next year
was estimated to be a savings of $238,500; and the health plan changes will save $47,160. He
pointed out that there were no raises in this budget.
The Chairman opened the floor to public comments. There were no speakers, and the
Chairman closed the public comments.
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
ON MOTION by Commissioner O'Bryan, SECONDED
by Commissioner Solari, the Board unanimously
adopted the tentative budget in the amount of
$14,372,690, for the Transportation Fund.
EMERGENCYSERVICES DISTRICT
Administrator Baird announced that the proposed millage of 1.7148 is 11.27% below
rollback; and that the proposed budget is $26,736,213, a decrease of $4,286,039 from last year.
He revealed that the new Fire Station (12) would be opening in the Gifford area with seven full
time employees, at a cost of $501,512. He mentioned that the budget is down because the station
repairs, replacements, and upgrades were finished last year, decreasing this year's budget by
$2,372,190; and that the fuel savings was about $91,000. He informed the Board that the budget
included a merit raise of $273,918, but not a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) raise. He
pointed out that some of the line items for operating were decreased, and that there was no new
capital in this budget, as in years past.
Administrator Baird clarified for Chairman Davis that the new station would include dual
certified individuals, and an ALS engine assigned (not an ALS engine and ambulance). He also
noted that an Assistant Chief position was eliminated.
Commissioner O'Bryan explained that the grant extension would not postpone the
opening of Station 12.
The Chairman opened the floor to public comments.
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
Walter Geiger, 3944 58th Circle, voiced concerns as he outlined his handouts relating to
proposed Firefighter and Rescue budget reductions (on file). The Commissioners and
Administrator addressed Mr. Geiger's concerns.
Daniel Fourmont, 2267 Atlantis Drive, reiterated points from the previous speaker
regarding Firefighter salary and benefit cuts.
ON MOTION by Vice Chairman Flescher, SECONDED
by Chairman Davis, the Board unanimously adopted the
tentative millage of 1.7148 (11.27% below rollback) for
the Emergency Services District.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Solari, SECONDED by
Commissioner O'Bryan, the Board unanimously adopted
the tentative budget of $26,736,213 for the Emergency
Services District.
ENVIRONMENTALLYSENsmyE LAND ACQUISITION
Administrator Baird acknowledged that the General Obligation Bond had been voted into
place by the public, to purchase environmentally sensitive land. The proposed millage is 0.0725
(rollback rate does not apply); and the proposed budget amount is $2,330,010. He said this
makes the debt service payment on the bonds, and that one of the two bond issues would soon be
paid.
The Chairman opened the floor to public comments. There were no speakers, and the
Chairman closed the public comments.
N.
September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
ON MOTION by Commissioner O'Bryan, SECONDED
by Chairman Davis, the Board unanimously adopted the
tentative millage of 0.0725 (rollback rate does not apply)
for the Environmentally Sensitive Land Acquisition
Bonds Fund.
ON MOTION by Vice Chairman Flescher, SECONDED
by Commissioner O'Bryan, the Board unanimously
adopted the tentative budget of $2,330,010 for the
Environmentally Sensitive Land Acquisition Bonds
Fund.
LAND ACQUISITION BONDS — 2004 REFERENDUM
Administrator Baird acknowledged this to be the debt service for the General Obligation
Bond issue of $50,000,000 that the public voted into place. The proposed millage rate is 0.3154
(rollback rate does not apply) and the proposed budget amount is $4,793,098.
The Chairman opened the floor to public comments. There were no speakers, and the
Chairman closed the public comments.
ON MOTION by Vice Chairman Flescher, SECONDED
by Chairman Davis, the Board unanimously adopted the
tentative millage rate of 0.3154 (rollback rate does not
apply) for the Land Acquisition Bonds — 2004
Referendum.
x
September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
ON MOTION by Commissioner O'Bryan, SECONDED
by Chairman Davis, the Board unanimously adopted the
tentative budget of $4,793,098 for the Land Acquisition
Bonds — 2004 Referendum.
AGGREGATE
Administrator Baird stated the proposed millage to be 5.1436 and is 10.49% below the
rollback rate. He felt our County's General Fund millage rate would be one of the lowest in the
State, as established by the Board.
6. INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SITTING
AS SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT BOARD
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT BUDGET
(NON -AD VALOREM SPECIAL DISTRICT)
A. ANNOUNCE 2009/2010 PROPOSED CHARGE AND BUDGET
Administrator Baird reported the proposed charges as: (1) $40.38 per Residential Waste
Generation Unit ($64.61 per house), a 1.37% decrease from the current year; (2) $28.13 per
Commercial Waste Generation Unit, a 0.67% decrease; (3) $17.10 per Readiness -to -Use Fee, a
1.78% decrease; and announced the proposed budget as $10,869,504, which is $760,607 below
the current year. He reported that there was a savings on fuel, a savings in renegotiated
contracts, and that a management position was reduced to an operations coordinator.
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
B. RECEIVE COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
The Chairman opened the floor to public comments. There were no speakers, and the
Chairman closed the public comments.
C. CONSIDER ANYPROPOSED AMENDMENTS
There were no proposed amendments.
D. ADOPT TENTATIVE NON -AD VALOREMASSESSMENT RATES
ON MOTION by Commissioner O'Bryan, SECONDED
by Commissioner Solari, the Board unanimously
adopted the tentative Non -Ad Valorem assessment rates
of $40.38 per Residential Waste Generation Unit; $28.13
per Commercial Waste Generation Unit; and $17.10 for
Readiness -to -Use Fees, for the Solid Waste Disposal
District (SWDD).
E. ADOPT TENTTIVE BUDGET
ON MOTION by Commissioner Solari, SECONDED by
Vice Chairman Flescher, the Board unanimously
adopted the tentative budget of $10,869,504 for the
SWDD.
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
7. ADOPTION OF NON -AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT CHARGES
A. ANNOUNCE 2009/2010 PROPOSED CHARGE FOR EACHNON-AD
VALOREMASSESSHENT DISTRICT
Administrator Baird and Director Brown read into the record the 2009/2010 proposed
charges for the following Non -Ad Valorem Assessment Districts:
1.
Vero Lake Estates M.S.B.U.
$19.00
2.
East Gifford Stormwater M.S.B.U.
$15.00
3.
Gifford Street Lighting District
$25.00
4.
Laurelwood Street Lighting District
$18.00
5.
Rockridge Street Lighting District
$10.00
6.
Vero Highlands Street Lighting District
$23.00
7.
Porpoise Point Street Lighting District
$13.00
8.
Laurel Court Street Lighting District
$27.00
9.
Tierra Linda Street Lighting District
$23.00
10.
Vero Shores Street Lighting District
$21.00
11.
Ixora Park Street Lighting District
$19.00
12.
Royal Poinciana Street Lighting District
$28.00
13.
Roseland Road Street Lighting District
$ 1.50
14.
Whispering Pines Street Lighting District
$18.00
15.
Moorings Street Lighting District
$12.00
16.
Walker's Glen Street Lighting District
$24.00
17.
Glendale Lakes Street Lighting District
$40.00
18.
Floralton Beach Street Lighting District
$38.00
19.
West Wabasso
$21.00
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
B. RECEIVE COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Chairman Davis opened the floor to public comments. Seeing no one, the Chairman
closed the public comment period.
C. CONSIDER ANYPROPOSED AMENDMENTS AND CALCULATE
REVISED CHARGE
There were no proposed amendments.
D. ADOPT TENTATIVE CHARGE
ON MOTION by Commissioner O'Bryan, SECONDED
by Commissioner Solari, the Board unanimously
adopted the tentative charge for each of the nineteen (19)
aforementioned Non -Ad Valorem Assessment Districts.
8. APPROVE NON -AD VALOREM DOLLAR BUDGETS
A. ANNOUNCE 2009/20IO PROPOSED BUDGET
Administrator Baird announced the 2009/2010 proposed budget as follows:
1.
Housing Authority
$
141,047
2.
Special Revenue Funds
$
50,418,069
3.
Other Debt Service Fund
$
1,242,233
4.
Capital Projects
$
16,830,000
5.
Enterprise Funds
$
46,525,442
6.
Internal Service Funds
$
24,068,300
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
B. RECEIVE COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Chairman Davis opened the floor to public comments. There were no speakers and the
Chairman closed the public comment period.
C. CONSIDER ANYPROPOSED AMENDMENTS
There were no proposed amendments.
A ADOPT TENTATIVE CHARGE
ON MOTION by Vice Chairman Flescher, SECONDED
by Chairman Davis, the Board unanimously adopted the
tentative Non -Ad Valorem Budgets for the Housing
Authority; Special Revenue Funds; Other Debt Service
Fund; Capital Projects; Enterprise Funds; and Internal
Service Funds.
9. ANNOUNCE TIME AND PLACE OF FINAL BUDGET HEARING
Administrator Baird announced that the Final Budget hearing would be held at 5:01 P.M.
on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at the County Administration Building, Commission
Chambers, 1801 27th Street, Vero Beach, Florida.
ALL BACKUP DOCUMENTATION, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDINANCES ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE
OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AND ARE HEREBY MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.
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September 9, 2009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Chairman declared the Budget Workshop adjourned
at 6:15 p.m.
ATTEST:
Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk
Minutes Approved:
LAA/Preliminary Budget
September 9, 2009
OCT 13 1009
Preliminary Budget Hearing
Wesley S. Davis, Chairman
15