A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

JULY 28, 1986

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Monday, July 28, 1986, at 9:00 a.m. in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: James R. Carson, Jr., Chairman: Glenn C. Burhans; Claude E. Smoak, Jr.; Thomas J. Windram; and C. A. "Lex" Deems. Others present were: Michael C. Willett, County Administrator; Bill LeHeup, Budget Analyst: Robert L. Wilson, Director of Finance; James C. Watkins, Clerk; Chris Giachetti, Director of Administrative Services: Chris Ford, County Attorney (arriving at 10:20 a.m.); and Linda R. Bar-nett, Secretary.

Mr. Watkins gave the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commr. Windram.

BUDGETS

Clerk's Budget

Mr. James C. Watkins, Clerk, requested approval from the Board for the General Fund Budget to be increased by 19% for the Clerk's operations. The figures include salary increases and other operational costs such as financial, custodial, administrative and secretarial services provided to the Board of County Commissioners.

Discussion occurred regarding the Fine and Forfeiture Budget. Mr. Watkins requested the Board to increase said budget by $100,000.00, over the original request, and distributed information explaining the request. Mr. Watkins informed the Board of a Bill that was passed in the Legislature which changed the distribution of fines. The Clerk of the Court previously had received a certain amount, per fine, for the processing of tickets; however, the Clerk's Association has sponsored a Bill to change that distribution, on a percentage basis, which sends it directly to the Board of County Commissioners. With this change in distribution, the Clerk's Office would lose $60.000.00 of Revenue. The County would pick up considerably more than the $60,000.00 lost in its percentages. The other portion, of the $100,000.00 requested, would include the Victim/Witness program from the State Attorney's Office. This change would not affect the millage rate. Monies would go directly to the Commissioners' account rather than to the Clerk's account. The Clerk's Office was actually requesting $770,000.00. To include the Victim/Witness program, the budget will need to be increased by approximately $30,000.00.

No action was taken, as additional time was needed to review the Victim/Witness program.

Centennial Committee Budget

MK . Everett Kelly, Chairman of the Lake County Centennial Committee, appeared before the Board to discuss the events that are planned for the Centennial Celebration in Lake County. He requested a tentative budget of $65,200.00, with $30,000.00 of that amount to be raised privately, by donations and fund raising events.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board approved a commitment of $30,000.00, to the Centennial Committee, in addition to the $5,OOO.O0 previously committed. Monies are to be released, as needed, after October 1,1986 .MK. Kelly and Mrs. Willett (who is also on the committee) thanked the Board for their support.

Clerk's Budget (Cont'd.)

Considerable discussion occurred regarding the Victim/Witness program presented by the State Attorney's Office, and funding requested by same. Based upon the figures submitted, the exact amount requested is $29,306.00, including the Clerk's programs of life insurance, hospitalization, etc. Mr. Watkins stated that the program appears to have merit, and is presently available in all 67 counties in the State of Florida. In order to obtain more information concerning this program, Commr. Carson requested the Clerk to ask a representative from the State Attorney's Office to appear before the Board at their August 5, 1986, meeting, to further disCUSS the program.

Commr . Carson read a letter received from the State Attorney, MK . Ray Gill, addressed to him, as Chairman of the Board, requesting the Board's cooperation regarding the Victim/Witness Program, to be.responded to by July 28, 1986. He then went on to read the Board's reply, stating their approval and future cooperation with the program.

On a motion by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved and authorized the proper signature on the letter of cooperation for the Victim/Witness Program, to be delivered to the State Attorney's Office this date.

Fire Districts

Discussion occurred regarding the South Lake Fire District's budget. The County Administrator, Mike Willett, stated that he had previously recommended $30,000.00, which had already been included in the budget (verified by Bob Wilson, Finance Director).

Planning Department

The County Administrator informed the Board that the Health Department had previously requested $50,000.00 for a Nurse/Practitioner, but decided to withdraw their request; there- fore, he would like to use said $50,000.00 for salaries for the Planning Department ,to bring them up to a total figure of $290,000.00. At this time, he requested the Board's approval for four additional Planners.

Other Budget Areas

MY. Willett informed the Board that the City of Eustis is no longer able to handle the library services for the County. He recommended that the Board approve $75,000.00 for the Library budget, and an additional $15,000.00, making a total of $90,000.00, to enable them to hire a full time coordinator for the office in Eustis. Mr. Willett went on to recommend that the Board approve a Library Coordinator position for said office.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved the adjustments as recommended.

Public Works

Discussion occurred regarding building another Maintenance Barn in the northeast part of the County to break up District 3, therefore, having one additional road district. MY. Willett requested approximately $4.5 million for road improvements, since that area has 404 miles of road.

Discussion occurred regarding the request for an Engineer and a Right-of-Way Agent.

Discussion occurred regarding the recommendation, by the Building Committee, on building separate quarters for the draftsmen and engineering staff, which are currently in the old courthouse, and turning the 4th floor over to the Judicial System. Amendments to the Public Works Budget total approximately $750.000.00.

No action was taken at this time.

Clerk's Budget(Cont 'd.)

On a motion made by Commr. Burhans, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously the Board approved the request for an increase in the Clerk's budget of $770,462.00, and that $30,000.00 be added to that figure.

County Attorney's Budget

MY. Chris Ford, County Attorney, requested the same increase as the County employees.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously the Board approved the increase as requested.

Clerk's Budget(Cont 'd.)

The Board briefly discussed the State Attorney's request concerning the Victim/Witness program, with the County Attorney, Chris Ford.

No action was taken.

Senior Citizens Services Budget

Discussion occurred regarding the increase in the Senior Citizens Services Budget. MY. Willett informed the Board that Senior Citizens Services had previously requested $14,200.00, but with cuts in the United Way budget, and more people using the Service, they are now requesting $19,391.00.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request by the Senior Citizen's Services of $19,391.00.

Planning Department

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request, as presented by Mr. Willett, for the hiring of four Planners as follows:

Rudolph Marchese Principal Planner $28,000.00

Emmett F. Stallings Principal Planner $28,000.00

William E. Reichert Planner III $24,000.00

Albert L. Starr Planner III $24.000.00

Millage Rate

Discussion occurred regarding the millage rate. Last year's millage rate was 3.492. As discussed in an earlier meeting, the revenue stream has not changed significantly. The Budget can be funded with an actual reduction in millage at 3.4.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Burhans and carried unanimously, the Board approved for the millage to be set at 3.4, which is a reduction in the millage of last year.

Welfare Services

Commr . Smoak requested clarification in the budget for Medicaid under Welfare Services. Commr . Carson suggested Commr. Smoak meet with Lonnie Strickland to get specific answers to his questions. Discussion occurred regarding age and other specifications.

Mr. Robert L. Wilson, Director of Finance, requested a proposed millage Kate for the hospital districts and the ambulance districts. Mr. Wilson recommended the hospital district at 1 mill and the proposed millage for northeast ambulance is .196 mill, and northwest ambulance .182 mill. The ambulance millage is a reduction of last year. The hospital millage is the same because it is statutory. Last year both ambulance millage rates were .226.

Discussion occurred regarding having millage rates the same in each district. Mr. Wilson informed the Board that they could adjust the millage rates to .196 for the two ambulance districts and 1 mill for the hospital districts. A .196 mill assessment on the properties in both the northeast and northwest ambulance districts, would raise the necessary dollars to fund the ambulance service, according to this year's contract.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Burhans and

carried unanimously, the Board approved the recommendation by Mr. Wilson that the hospital districts be approved at 1 mill and the ambulance districts at .196 mill.

Millages were set to fund the General Fund and the Fine and Forfeiture Fund, for a total of 3.4 mills. The Road and Bridge Fund Transportation Trust requires no millage. The Northeast Hospital, as well as the Northeast and Northwest Ambulance Districts, have had their millages set.

Commr . Smoak informed the Board that he would not be present at the August 12, 1986, meeting.

The Property Appraisal Adjustment Board dates are to be discussed at the August 5, 1986, Board meeting.

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.



ATTEST:

JAMES R. CARSON, JR., CHAIRMAN



JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK

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