A special MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
september 26, 1975
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners convened in special session on Friday, September 26, 1975, at 9:00 a.m., in the Commissioners’ Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida, to hold an advertised hearing regarding the adoption of the budget for the 1975-1976 Fiscal Year. Present were: J. M. Hoskinson, Chairman; Thomas J. Windram; C.A. “Lex” Deems; Glenn C. Burhans; and James R. Carson, Jr. Others present were: Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; Doris Babb, Deputy in Charge of the Finance Department; and Andrea Gambrell, Deputy Clerk.
The Invocation was given by James R. Carson, Jr., who also led the Pledge of Allegiance.
budget
Mrs. Babb read the proof of publication which had been received by the Clerk’s Office.
Mr. Ford suggested that the Chairman give a brief summary to the public that was present explaining the various stages the Board took to arrive at this proposed Budget.
Mr. Tom Hanson appeared before the Board regarding the taxes imposed on the people of Lake County and the taxes levied by the Northwest Hospital District.
Mr. Joe Pitlash appeared before the Board regarding the increased millage and the effect this would have on his total tax bill.
Mrs. Babb brought to the attention of the Board that in order to comply with state regulations in the Mosquito Control Budget, certain amounts in the categories of State I, State II, and Local Funds had to be changed; however, this did not affect the total amount of their approved Budget.
The Chairman asked if there was anyone present who wished to comment on the 1975-1976 Budget. The Chairman received no response.
On a motion of Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board adopted the 1975-1976 Budget for Lake County as published with amendments submitted by Mrs. Babb in the Mosquito Control Budget. The Board also authorized the Chairman to sign the necessary forms to be sent to the State Authorities which would enable Lake County to receive state funds for the operation of the Mosquito Control and Landfill Departments.
Mr. Tom Hansen appeared before the Board regarding the legality of the one mill tax levied by the Northwest Lake County Hospital District during the 1973-1974 and 1974-1975 tax year. Mr. Ford stated that he had information on this matter and would be happy to give Mr. Hansen a copy of the various bills presented by the state legislature on this same matter.
appropriations
Commr. Windram brought to the attention of the Board that he had been contacted by a representative from Tallahassee regarding the $10,032.00 allocated to Lake County through the Community Services Program.
He stated that in August the Board had endorsed the Legal Aid Society to apply for $4,000 of the allocated amount in order to continue its operation for another year. However, Commr. Windram stated that he was informed that the City of Leesburg had applied for $6,000 for a Meals on Wheels Program, and the City of Tavares had applied for $5,000 for the first phase of a recreational park for children. Commr. Windram stated that the Board of County Commissioners had to decide how the funds would be allocated. Discussion was held.
A representative from each organization appeared before the Board and stated that the funds which were requested were the minimum amount needed to carry their programs for one year.
Mr. Lem Downs from the City of Tavares suggested that the funds be divided among the three organizations according to the percentage of the funds requested, and then the sponsoring organization would make up the difference to enable each organization to attain their requested amount.
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board stated that the $10,932 allocated to Lake County through the Community Services Program would be divided as follows: Legal Aid Society - $2,675.20; the City of Leesburg for its Meals on Wheels Program - $4,012.80; and the City of Tavares - $3,344.00. The Board also approved for Lake County to pick up $1,324.80 which will enable the Legal Aid Society to secure the $4,000 needed to operate its program for another year.
commissioner
At 11:40 a.m. Commr. Deems left the Board meeting due to a prior commitment.
ordinances
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the advertisement of an Ordinance to include certain definitions in the Zoning Rules and Regulations for October 21, 1975 at 10:00 a.m. Commr. Deems was absent for the vote.
resolutions
Mr. Ford stated that he had received a memorandum from Wilson Wright informing him that certain legislation was passed during the last session held by the legislators, and if interpreted literally, a County would be unable to do business with a bank if a member of the Board serves as a director of that bank. At this time, Commr. Hoskinson stated that an Attorney General’s Opinion had been requested.
Mr. Ford presented a resolution outlining the practices of Lake County regarding the rotation of accounts in the banks within the County.
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried, the Board adopted the resolution presented by Mr. Ford as amended. Commr. Carson abstained from voting because he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Sun Bank of Leesburg. Commr. Deems was absent for the vote.
meetings
The Clerk informed the Board that on November 11, 1975 the County would observe Veterans Day, which is a regular day for the Board of County Commissioners meeting; therefore, on a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried, the Board stated that the Board meeting of November 11, 1975 would be held on Monday, November 10, 1975.
accounts allowed
The Chairman announced that he had received a memorandum from the County Engineer regarding the month-long course being offered by the Department of Transportation for the training of Bridge Inspectors. The Chairman stated that the County would be responsible for the lodging and meals of the individual sent to attend this course from Lake County.
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board authorized the Chairman to select the proper individual within the Road and Bridge Department to attend this course on behalf of Lake County, and should he feel an employment contract is necessary, the Board authorized such a contract to be signed.
commissioners
At this time, Commr. Carson congratulated Commr. Hoskinson on being elected to the Office of Vice President of the State Association of County Commissioners.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
___________________________
J.M. Hoskinson, chairman
___________________________
James C. Watkins, Clerk