A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

JULY 18, 1985

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session for a Budget Workshop on Thursday, July 18, 1985, at 11:OO a.m. in the Board of County Commissioners Meeting Room, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Glenn C. Burhans, Chairman; James R. Carson, Jr.; Claude E. Smoak, Jr.; and C. A. "Lex" Deems. Commr. Windram was not present for the meeting. Others present were: Michael C. Willett, County Administrator; Robert L. Wilson, Finance Director: Donald Smalt, Director of Administrative Services; and Mary C. Grover, Secretary.

BUDGETS

Soil Conservation

Mr. Charlie Russ, Chairman of the Soil & Water Conservation District: and Mr. Mark Burgess, SCS Staff Person, addressed the Board to discuss the 1985-86 budget request for Soil Conservation. He stated that the increase in next year's budget is due to the following items being placed in the budget request.

1. A new 4 X 4 vehicle.

2. A ground piercing radar unit.

3. A demonstration project.

Discussion occurred regarding the purchase of a ground piercing radar unit. Mr. Russ stated that the cost of the unit has gone from $100,000 to $15,000. He explained that it would take approximately 6 months to get the equipment. Mr. Burgess explained how the machine, which has been loaned to the County on an experimental basis, has been used. He stated that there was a possibility of other surrounding counties participating in the initial cost of the equipment. Commr . Smoak questioned the possibility of setting up a contingency fund for the purchase of the equipment, subject to the Board's approving a fee schedule to pay for the equipment.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved that the ground piercing radar unit be placed in the proposed budget on a contingency basis, subject to further approval of a fee schedule developed by the Soil Conservation in conjunction with the Lake County administration.

The Board discussed the third item included in the budget--a demonstration project. Mr. Russ stated that this would be a seeding demonstration. He stated that many of the citrus growers do not have seeding equipment; and therefore are not familiar with the seeding techniques. Commr. Smoak stated that he felt the request could be handled in-house with existing equipment. It was discussed that another alternative would be to request the growers to participate with the demonstration.

It was the feeling of the Board that there was not a need for another vehicle at this time.

The Board discussed the following budgets:

Mental Health - Tentatively approved.

Welfare Department - Tentatively approved.

Veterans Service - Tentatively approved.

Welfare-Administration - Tentatively approved.

Welfare-Services - Tentatively approved.

Health Department - Postponed until a breakdown in the

figures has been received.

Section 8 - Postponed until a new formula has been received

from the Federal Government.

Senior Services - Tentatively approved the budget at $14,207, (same as 1984-85 budget).

Medical Examiner - Referred to Commr. Deems to meet with

Dr .Shutze regarding his budget request and to report back to the Board.



RECESS & REASSEMBLY

At 12:20 p.m. the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for lunch. The Board reconvened at 2:00 p.m. to review additional budget requests.

BUDGETS

Fairgrounds - Referred to Mike Willett & Lonnie Strickland

for further review.

Animal Control - Tentatively approved.

Mosquito Control/Aquatic Weed - Tentatively approved.

At this time Commr. Smoak discussed the possibility of consolidating Mosquito Control, Aquatic Weed Control, Pollution Control, and Water Authority to do 100% of the aquatic weed business and work together jointly. He requested permission to work with Mr. Willett, County Administrator, and Mr. Strickland, Director of Health & General Services, in investigating the possibility of a centralized agency. The Board indicated that they did not have any objections to Commr. Smoak's request.

Library Fund - Tentatively approved $60,000.

Economic Development Council - Referred to Mr. Willett to obtain a breakdown on the funds the Council receives from the County.



There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3:lO p.m.

GLENN C. BURHANS, CHAIRMAN

ATTEST:

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK

mcg/7-22/85