A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS



BUDGET WORKSHOP SESSION



SEPTEMBER 7, 1989



The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session, for a Budget Workshop, on Thursday, September 7, 1989, at 1:15 p.m., in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: C. W. "Chick" Gregg, Chairman; Don Bailey; Richard Swartz; Thomas J. Windram; and Michael J. Bakich. Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Robert K. McKee, Chief Deputy Clerk; Al Thelen, County Manager; Ava Kronz, Assistant to the County Manager; James C. Schuster, Finance Director; Donald Smalt, Budget Analyst: and Sandra Carter, Deputy Clerk.

BUDGETS

Library System

Ms. Sarah Jane Hewitt, Chairman of the Lake County Library Board, appeared before the Board stating that libraries today are no longer a place just to go and check out a book and do basic research - that libraries are a learning center. She stated that this past summer, the Lake County Library System had over 500 children in their summer program. She stated that they have programs for teaching individuals to read, in order to enable them to get and hold decent jobs in society. She also stated that there need to be places in the libraries where students can learn how to use computers; a place where senior citizens can go to watch movies; and a need to open the libraries at a time that is convenient for the residents of Lake County. These are several reasons why she feels the Library budget should not be cut.

Mr. Steve Benetz, representing the Eustis Library, appeared before the Board stating that, due to the fact that many people think libraries are mainly places to enlighten children, he would like to point out that libraries are institutions that perform many functions, and are active, not passive, institutions. He gave several reasons why their budget should not be cut.

Ms. Mary Ellen Babb, representing the Umatilla Library, appeared before the Board stating that the Umatilla Library has been in the Lake County Library System for almost seven years. She stated that the Cities have worked very hard to offer the citizens of the County services which the Cities have been supporting. The Cities have compromised with the County, in the past, however, do not want to compromise any longer, if possible. She stated that the Umatilla Library would like to stay at the level of funding they had last year, as they have approximately 1,000 more people using the library this year, than it did at this time last year, with the same amount of funding. She, therefore, requested the Board to think about other ways of obtaining funding for the libraries - possibly through impact fees.

Commr. Swartz informed those present that the County has consultants working on impact fees, at the present time, and that the Board hopes to have results of the study back by the end of this year, so that by early next year, the Board will be able to act on said impact fees.

Discussion continued regarding the Library budget, at which time Commrs. Windram, Bailey and Swartz gave input, as well as Mr. Jim Schuster, Director of Finance.

Ms. Dale Matthews, a member of the Lake County Library Board, representing Cooper Memorial Library, commented from the audience, reminding the Board that the County Library budget includes monies received from the County, from the Cities, and from State matching funds - that it is not all donations, nor is it all County money.

Mr. Benetz commented, again, from the audience, regarding line item contractual services, which he stated is divided between the six participating municipal libraries. He then discussed Capital funds, as well as Operable funds, and how said funds were used.

Mr. Jim Schuster, Director of Finance, verified what Mr. Benetz had said, stating that approximately $175,000.00 was the County's contribution to the Library System. He stated that the amended budget, for the Library System, was $185,000.00 - of that amount, $174,000.00 was being transferred over to the General Fund, and, in addition, $103,000.00 in Revenue Sharing. If one takes the $103,000.00 and the $174,000.00 transfer, this amounts to a $277,000.00 effort on the part of the County. He then reviewed the tentative budget, stating that it amounts to $318,000.00.

Ms. Matthews commented further, from the audience, requesting the Board not to cut the Library System's contractual services back to the individual libraries. She stated that the original concept, of the County supporting the Library System, was that the County was going to compensate the libraries for allowing non-city users to use them. All of the libraries in the system used to charge individuals who resided out of the Cities to use them, however, due to them now allowing free library services for all out-of-county residents, their circulation has doubled. She stated that she feels very strongly that the libraries themselves need the funds alluded to earlier, in order to support the free services they presently offer.

Mr. James Watkins, Clerk, stated that, in discussing the budget, the intent of the Board needs to be known by staff, so that staff can reflect it. He stated that, the way he sees it, the intent is that, as the Board adopted the budget in their previous workshops, this particular area is not one that will be changed. It was noted that this was a consensus of the Board.

At this time, Mr. Chris Ford, County Attorney, informed the Board that he had spoken with the Department of Revenue, and they determined that, assuming there was no advertising required, the meeting can be continued, just as the Board plans to do, at 5:05 p.m. this date. He continued that, what the Board is required to do at the conclusion of said meeting is for the governing body of the taxing authority to amend the tentative budget, as it sees fit; adopt the amended tentative budget: recompute the proposed millage rate; and publicly announce the percent, if any, by which the recomputed proposed millage rate exceeds the rollback rate, computed pursuant to Subsection 1, of the Florida Statutes. He further stated that, in his opinion, the Board is in complete accordance with the Department of Revenue, as to the way the meeting is presently being handled.

Sheriff's Department

Sheriff Knupp appeared before the Board stating that he and his staff looked at their budget (noting that the Board had suggested that it be cut by $716,000.00) and found that, if their budget is cut any further than it already has been, it would have to be in the new positions, which he named - totaling $432,028.00. He stated that the Board would also have to consider $275,216.00 budgeted for the E911 dispatchers. If said positions were cut, they could trim the budget back to approximately $300,000.00. He further stated that he does not want to cut the School Resource Officers. He then informed the Board that he does not see any way he can cut $716,000.00 out of his budget, as they had requested.

Discussion occurred regarding this issue, at which time Commr. Swartz informed those present how he came up with the $716,000.00 figure which was requested to be cut from the Sheriff's budget. He stated that said figure was taken from Personal Services (noting that it included the dispatchers for E911, which Sheriff Knupp alluded to earlier).

Sheriff Knupp stated that he could not cut his budget by the requested $716,000.00 and be able to give a 15% increase in salaries, which he would like to do. He further stated that the Board had originally requested him to cut $575,000.00; then $375,000.00 more: and now they were requesting that an additional $300,000.00 be cut.

Further discussion occurred, at which time Commr. Gregg stated that the Board cut approximately $6 million out of their own budget during the process. He stated that what the Board is asking of the Sheriff is less than what they are asking of themselves. He further stated that, at present, they are planning to give the County employees a 10% increase in pay, however, before the day is over, it may be cut to a lower percentage (noting that the Board was allowing a 15% increase in pay for the Sheriff's Department employees). He indicated that the Board and the Sheriff were going to have to come to a happy medium, at some point, as it would be unfair to the general public for them to have a 50% tax increase and an increase in their assessment all in one year.

Commr. Swartz requested Mr. Jim Schuster, Director of Finance, to take the $10,536,000.00 figure and reduce it by $432,000.00, as well as an additional $275,000.00, and figure what percentage of increase it would still be over the $8,300,000.00, to which Mr. Schuster stated that it would be a little over 18%. He then stated that, essentially, the Board is proposing a 15% increase in pay, however, the Sheriff is asking for 18%.

Sheriff Knupp stated that the Board will have to do what they have to do, however, he will only support cutting $300,571.00, as stated earlier.

At this time, Commr. Gregg indicated that he would have to support what Commr. Swartz was suggesting (a $716,000.00 cut), as he felt it was reasonable at this time, to which Commr. Swartz stated that he saw no other alternative, at this point.

Commr. Gregg reminded those present that, with the Prelude Project coming on line (at the end of this year), the Sheriff is going to have to hire some additional staff to operate it, and with the other project coming on line, also, he is going to have some staffing problems in the near future, and the Board needs to keep these things in mind.

County Manager

Mr. Al Thelen, County Manager, stated that the Board had asked him to review the current estimate for this year and see if there were some savings that would carry over from Pollution Control, Soil Conservation, and Building Maintenance. He stated that $38,098.00 would carry over from Pollution Control: $8,824.00 from Soil Conservation; and $24,371.00 from Building Maintenance, which represents unspent funds, that can be advanced, and used to reduce the levy. He then stated that there was $67,000.00 in Revenues, which represents a reimbursement in Workman's Compensation Insurance - originated by being charged a fee and then being rated by actual usage.

Mr. Thelen then reviewed a list of various departments that received cuts in their budgets, indicating the amount of cuts in each, as follows:

Sheriff's Department - Personal Services $716,000.00

County Attorney 100,000.00

Elections 18,166.00

State Attorney 14,000.00

Planning & Development - Personal Services 150,477.00

Building & Code Enforcement - Personal Services 17,311.00

Mental Health 15,300.00

Animal Control - 2 Positions/$30,000 from Bldg. Fund 68,375.00

E-911 - Personal Services 33,600.00

Veterans Services - Personal Services 22,735.00

Pollution Control - Personal Services 63,322.00

Building Maintenance - Personal Services 14,400.00

Discussion then occurred regarding pay increases, at which time Commr. Windram stated that the original intent was for a 5% cost of living raise and a 5% merit raise. He stated that, in his opinion, a merit raise is for something above and beyond ordinary duties, and would question seriously whether 100% of the employees of Lake County would draw merit pay.

Mr. James Watkins, Clerk, injected that the original intent was to give the County Manager and department heads a cost of living factor that they could determine, out of that posture, under 5%, if they so desired, or up to 5%, as well as an amount for a merit increase, and an amount to implement said plan.

Commr. Gregg stated that he did not feel it was up to the County Manager to determine whether there would be a cost of living increase, but to the County Commission to determine same.

Mr. Thelen commented regarding the Cody Study, stating that he had seen a preliminary and that it would be available for the Board's review on September 19, 1989. He stated that there seems to be a feeling among a number of employees that the County promised they would try and implement the Cody Study. Be stated that it looks as though it will take a 6.5% cost-of-living increase - leaving 3.5% for merit, to bring the County up to standards with the Cody Study. He stated that he agreed a merit increase should not go to all employees, but only to those that deserve it. Be stated that, in looking at the Cody Study, he found that some of the lower salaries are really low and felt that this is where the major impact would be.

Upon being questioned as to how the increases were handled in the past, Mr. Glenn Timmons, Director of Personnel, stated that, for the past seven years, in October of each year, cost-of-living increases were given across the board, plus merit, and that in April, merit increases were given to those that deserved it. He also stated that the County has not had a salary study done in ten years, however, have tried to stay up with what other counties and the private sector were offering.

Mr. Thelen injected that approximately five years ago, a trend was started to move away from an automatic across the board increase, due to a market analysis which showed that, in many instances, public employees were paid more than private sector employees.

Discussion continued regarding cost-of-living and merit increases, at which time several Commissioners, as well as the County Manager, gave further input.

Commr. Swartz questioned what 1 3/4% of Personnel Services amounts to, with associated benefits, to which Mr. Thelen replied that he would have Mr. Dennis Dorsey, Assistant Director of Personnel, figure it up and get back to the Board as soon as possible.

Mr. Thelen then stated that he would have Mr. Dorsey figure up what 1% would be, and the Board could go up or down from there.

Supervisor of Elections

Commr. Gregg stated that he had spoken with Mrs. Emogene Stegall, Supervisor of Elections, earlier this date and found that she was one of the finest ladies one would want to deal with, and that she had been very cooperative throughout the whole budget process. He stated that Mrs. Stegall had informed him that by 1991, the County will have to have certified machines, and the present machines cannot be certified, therefore, the County is going to be caught in a bind if something is not done regarding the present machines. He stated that Mrs. Stegall had informed him that one (1) reader could be cut out of the budget, thereby, eliminating $48,500.00.

A brief discussion occurred regarding the Supervisor of Elections' budget, at which time suggestions were made for handling same, however, no action was taken regarding it at this time.

Discussion then occurred regarding maintenance and up-keep on all the computers, equipment, etc. that the County presently has within the system, and the possibility of hiring an in-house individual to service said equipment, as it would probably be less costly than bidding it out. No action was taken, at this time, regarding said suggestion.

Planning and Development

Mr. John Swanson, Director of Planning and Development, commented regarding his budget, stating that 5% was not deducted, and it was found that salaries for Addressing personnel were deducted twice, thus the figure of $150,477.00.

Building and Code Enforcement

Commr. Swartz suggested that staff check said budget and make sure that the Revenue figures are locked in.

Mr. Don Findell, Director of Environmental Services, briefly commented concerning the fact that personnel is not presently available to do inspections, therefore, the County cannot collect revenue for same.

Animal Control

Mr. Lonnie Strickland, Director of Health and General Services, appeared before the Board stating that two (2) positions were cut from Animal Control's budget, thereby, allowing the pickup of large animals, however, preventing the County from going to euthanasia injections, as previously planned, for the upcoming year. The County will have to continue with the mass method that is presently utilized.

E-911

No comments at this time.

Veterans Services

No comments at this time.

Pollution Control

Mr. Don Findell, Director of Environmental Services, appeared before the Board stating that one (1) engineering position, which was open, was deleted, thus, the cut of $63,322.00 from their budget.

A brief discussion occurred regarding how much time Mr. Findell spends on Solid Waste Management versus Environmental Services, as well as impact and tipping fees concerning same, at which time Mr. Watkins, Clerk, stated that, for some reason, should there ever be a legal suit challenging the way the County has established impact fees, or tipping fees, the County needs to be prepared to show that 95% of the division director's time is, in fact, spent in the Environmental Services area.

Commr. Swartz suggested taking 75% of Mr. Findell's time and allocating same to the County's Enterprise Fund, thereby, reducing the obligation under Environmental Services, in the Personnel Services area.

Building Maintenance

No comments at this time.

Clerk of Courts

Mr. Watkins, Clerk, stated that he had asked Mr. Bob McKee, Chief Deputy Clerk, to look at the Clerk's budget and discuss with the Board ways in which it could possibly be cut. He stated, however, that he would like to bring to the Board's attention the fact that the Clerk's operation is a little different than the County's, in that the fees from the Clerk's Office pay for a significant portion of their budget. He stated that, in estimating fees that were put towards the Revenue portion of the budget, a conscious decision was made to take out of ad valorem taxation certain Finance Department functions, and increase the return from excess fees, from $50,000.00 to $250,000.00. He also stated that he and his staff take a very conservative approach to the Clerk's budget projections.

Mr. Bob McKee, Chief Deputy Clerk, reiterated what Mr. Watkins had said, in that the Clerk's statf takes a very conservative approach to the budget. He then proceeded to inform the Board as to what changes have been made, in trying to comply with their request for cutting the budget, in any way possible.

No further discussion occurred, at this time, concerning the Clerk's budget.

RECESS & REASSEMBLY

At 3:lO p.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would take a five minute recess.

At this time, Mr. Watkins, Clerk, commented regarding proper procedures which need to be taken at the Board Meeting scheduled this date, at 5:05 p.m. (which will be a continuation of the September 5, 1989 Board Meeting), for tentative adoption of the budget.

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

C. W. "CHICK" GREGG, CHAIRMAN

JAMES-C. WATKINS, CLERK

set/9-26-89/wp-2

A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS



SEPTEMBER 7, 1989



The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Thursday, September 7, 1989, at 5:05 p.m., in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: C. W. "Chick" Gregg, Chairman; Don Bailey; Richard Swartz; Thomas J. Windram; and Michael J. Bakich. Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Robert K. McKee, Chief Deputy Clerk; Al Thelen, County Manager; Ava Kronz, Assistant to the County Manager: James C. Schuster, Finance Director; Donald Smalt, Budget Analyst; and Sandra

Carter, Deputy Clerk.

Commr. Gregg gave opening remarks, stating that this meeting would be a continuation of the Budget Meeting held September 5 1989, at 5:05 p.m., and that those present in the audience could give input, if they so desired.

Mrs. Massey, a resident of Eustis, appeared before the Board complimenting them for the fine job they are doing and questioning the reason for the increase in the millage rate.

A brief discussion occurred regarding this issue, at which time Commr. Gregg explained the reason for the increase.

BUDGETS

Mr. Al Thelen, County Manager, reviewed with the Board an information sheet (which had been distributed prior to the start of the meeting) titled "Current Year Projections Which Affect Cash Carry Forward", indicating adjustments which were made recognizing expenditures that will not have to be made during this fiscal year. He stated that, in addition, the County received revenue, in the amount of $67,000.00, from an insurance rebate, which was also reflected on said sheet.

On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board approved to increase the County's 1989-90 fiscal year's budget, under Cash Carry Forward, in the amount of $138,293.00, as stipulated by the information sheet alluded to above.

At this time, Commr. Gregg stated that the Board would review each department, individually, indicating changes which were made, at which time department heads could give input, if they so chose.

Sheriff's Department - It was noted that the Board was cutting the Sheriff's budget by $716,000.00 (taken out of Personal Services). The Sheriff stated that he had no comments at this time, as he would like to review the changes which had been made, before doing so.

County Attorney - Cut by $100,000.00.

Elections Office - Cut by $16,166.00 plus cost of one (1) reader, in the amount of $2,000.00, totaling $18,166.00.

State Attorney - Cut by $14,000.00

Planning & Development - Cut $150,477.00 from Personal Services Building & Code Enforcement - Cut $17,311.00 from Personal Services

Mental Health - Cut by $15,300.00

Animal Control - Cut by $68,375.00 (2 positions and $30,000.00 taken from Animal Control's Building Construction Fund)

E-911 - Cut $33,600.00 from Personal Services

Veterans Services - Cut $22,735.00 from Personal Services Pollution Control - Cut $63,322.00 from Personal Services

Building Maintenance - Cut $14,400.00 from Personal Services At this time, Commr. Gregg informed those present that, during the workshop review, discussion occurred regarding Library funding, however, no changes were made at this time.

On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Swartz and carried unanimously, the Board approved amendments to the budget, as stipulated above (with exception to the Sheriff's budget, which will be discussed later this date), in the amount of $517,520.00.

Revenues - Animal Control - Increased $18,900.00, due to increased fees.

On a motion by Commr. Bakich, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board approved an increase in Revenues, in the amount of $18,900.00, due to increased fees in Animal Control.

Personal Services - Considerable discussion occurred regarding Personal Services, and ways in which it could possibly be cut, and as to whether this County was staying within the pay scale recommended by the Cody Study. Commr. Gregg stated that he would like to see said services cut by 1 3/4%, and requested Mr. Dennis Dorsey , Assistant Personnel Director, to figure out the amount of savings to the County said cut would generate and come back to the Board with said figures as soon as possible.

Mr. Al Thelen, County Manager, informed the Board that he would provide them with a copy of the Cody Study, for their perusal, before the Board Meeting scheduled for September 19, 1989.

Commr. Gregg requested Mr. Thelen to look at present County positions and come back to the Board, at a later date, with recommendations for possible cuts.

Sheriff's Department (cont'd.) - Sheriff Knupp appeared before the Board stating that he would like some additional time to further look at the changes before making any comments. He did, however, state that he noticed the Board had transferred medical costs, in the amount of $150,000.00, from Health and General Services, to his department and stated that it would be insufficient, as their medical costs are presently running approximately $26,000.00 per month.

After further discussion regarding the issue of the Sheriff's budget, a motion was made by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, to approve a reduction in the Sheriff's tentative budget (which is presently $10,536,615.00), in the amount of $716,000.00, under Personal Services.

Budgets (cont'd.) - Mr. Jim Schuster, Finance Director, reviewed the figures for the General Fund Account and stated that said account had been reduced by approximately $6,000,000.00, giving a newly revised total in the amount of $16,348,630.00. He also reviewed the Fine & Forfeiture Account, stating that the newly revised total for said account was $15,579,067.00, which amounts to an increase of approximately $1.45 million over the 1988-89 budget. He further stated that the Board needed to approve the tentative budgets for the Northeast Hospital District, in the amount of $1,463,439.00; the Northeast Ambulance District, in the amount of $338,430.00; the Northwest Ambulance District, in the amount of $309,213.00; and the total tentative budget for the County, in the amount of $123,361,186.00, as well as approve millage rates for the County and each district.

Mr. Watkins injected that the Board needs to recognize that said figures, with respect to salaries, would be revisited at the Final Budget Meeting, on September 19, 1989.

On a motion by Commr. Bakich, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Tentative Budget, for the County, for FY 1989-90, in the amount of $123,361,186.00.

Board of County Commissioner's Millage Rate

Mr. Don Smalt, Budget Analyst, informed the Board that the required millage for the County, for FY 1989-90, was 4.971 mills, which was an increase of 37.3% over the rollback millage rate.

It was noted that no one present in the audience wished to discuss the millage or millage rate.

On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved to set the countywide millage, for FY 1989-90, at 4.971 mills.

On a motion by Commr. Bakich, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved to set the countywide millage rate, for FY 1989-90, at 37.3% over the rollback rate.

Northeast Hospital District

Mr. Don Smalt, Budget Analyst, informed the Board of the budget, as well as the millage and millage rate for the Northeast Hospital District, for FY 1989-90.

It was noted that no one present in the audience wished to discuss the Northeast Hospital District figures with the Board.

On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bakich and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the budget for the Northeast Hospital District, for FY 1989-90, in the amount of $1,463,439.00..On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved to set the millage for the Northeast Hospital District, for FY 1989-90, at 1.000 mills.

On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved to set the millage rate for the Northeast Hospital District, for FY 1989-90, at 9.170% over the rollback rate.

Northeast Ambulance District

Mr. Don Smalt, Budget Analyst, informed the Board of the budget, as well as the millage and millage rate for the Northeast Ambulance District.

It was noted that no one present in the audience wished to discuss the Northeast Ambulance District figures with the Board.

On a motion by Commr. Bakich, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the budget for the Northeast Ambulance District, for FY 1989-90, in the amount of $338,430.00.

On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved to set the millage for the Northeast Ambulance District, for FY 1989-90, at .223 mills.

On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved to set the millage rate for the Northeast Ambulance District, for FY 1989-90, at 9.314% over the rollback rate.

Northwest Ambulance District

Mr. Don Smalt, Budget Analyst, informed the Board of the budget, as well as the millage and millage rate for the Northwest Ambulance District, for FY 1989-90.

It was noted that no one present in the audience wished to discuss the Northwest Ambulance District figures with the Board.

On a motion by Commr. Bakich, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the budget for the Northwest Ambulance District, for FY 1989-90, in the amount of $309,213.00.

On a motion by Commr. Bakich, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved to set the millage for the Northwest Ambulance District, for FY 1989-90, at .223 mills.

On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved to set the millage rate for the Northwest Ambulance District, for FY 1989-90, at 8.780% over the rollback rate.

At this time, Mr. James Watkins, Clerk, injected that the above stated figures are correct to the best of staff's ability and knowledge, noting that, when calculating the figures, should a calculation error have occurred, said error would be brought back before the Board, at a later date, for correction. He also noted that the increases and percentages expressed reflect the actions of the Board this date.

Commr. Swartz expressed appreciation to the Finance staff for their cooperation in obtaining figures which were requested by the Board at the afternoon workshop session, in a timely and efficient manner.

It was noted that the next meeting regarding final budget approval would be held on Tuesday, September 19, 1989, at 6:30 p.m., at the Agricultural Center.

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.