A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BUDGET WORKSHOP

JULY 9, 1992

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Thursday, July 9, 1992 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: C. W. "Chick" Gregg, Vice Chairman; Don Bailey; Richard Swartz; and Catherine Hanson. Commr. Bakich was not present due to a prior commitment. Others present were: Annette Star Lustgarten, County Attorney; Peter F. Wahl, County Manager; Ava Kronz, Assistant to the County Manager; and Marlene S. Foran, Deputy Clerk.

MINUTES

Regarding the Minutes of May 5, 1992 (Special Meeting), clarification was made to the misspelling of proper names.

Commr. Bailey requested that clarification be made to language on page 2, line 31.

Commr. Swartz requested that clarification be made, on page 15, line 21, to the motion incorporating the definition of development.

On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of May 5, 1992 (Special Meeting), as amended.

On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of May 19, 1992 (Regular Meeting), as presented.

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Swartz and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of May 26, 1992 (Regular Meeting), as presented.

On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Swartz and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of June 2, 1992 (Regular Meeting), as presented.







COUNTY MANAGER'S CONSENT AGENDA

AGRICULTURAL CENTER/HEALTH DEPARTMENT

COUNTY BUILDINGS & GROUNDS

Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, appeared before the Board and presented this request.

On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request to waive the bid requirements and obtain written quotes for the air conditioning and heating equipment at the Agricultural Center and for the air conditioning system at the morgue.

BUDGETS

Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, opened the Budget Workshop and presented the Constitutional Officers' budgets for FY 1992-93 and stated that the Constitutional Officers were invited to appear before the Board this date but have chosen not to appear.

Sheriff's Department

Mr. Wahl reviewed the Sheriff's budget for FY 1992-93 and stated that the budget is lower than the previous year, in the amount of $10,000.00, and includes $343,000.00 in capital expenditures. He stated that he will be meeting with the Sheriff to discuss the line item budget.

Clerk of Courts

Mr. Wahl reviewed the Clerk of Court's budget for FY 1992-93 and stated that the budget includes $29,000.00 in capital expenditures which were included in the transfer amount from the General Fund. He stated that staff is making a recommendation to remove said amount from the General Fund and fund out of the Infrastructure Sales Tax, thus reducing the Clerk's budget by approximately $29,000.00 from General Fund Transfer that is proposed to be moved over to the unappropriated reserve.

Property Appraiser

Mr. Wahl reviewed the Property Appraiser's budget for FY 1992-93 and stated that the budget is lower than the previous year due to the elimination of one Deputy position. He stated that

the Property Appraiser is requesting that the Board allow him to use existing equipment to trade in for new four wheel drive equipment and to add an additional appropriation in the amount of $30,000.00.

Supervisor of Elections

Mr. Wahl stated that the Supervisor of Elections' budget for FY 1992-93 is the same as the previous year.

Tax Collector

Mr. Wahl stated that the Tax Collector is not required to submit his budget for FY 1992-93 until August 1, 1992; therefore, staff has not had an opportunity to review said budget.

Commr. Swartz brought up for discussion the structure by which the proposed salary increases will be administered. Mr. Wahl stated that the proposed salary increases have been incorporated into the Constitutional Officers' budgets and that the increases are based on a two percent (2%) cost of living adjustment, and up to a three percent (3%) merit increase based on performance.

Commr. Swartz stated that he would like to recommend that the Board establish a policy for distributing the proposed salary increases based on a scale, which is based on salary, for the merit raise and possibly for the cost of living raise, to which Mr. Wahl stated that staff would look into this issue.

General Fund

Mr. Wahl reviewed the General Fund budget for FY 1992-93 and stated that the budget for FY 1992-93 is in the amount of $39,133,205.00, which is an increase of approximately $1,100,000.00 from the prior fiscal year. He stated that the largest part of the revenue supporting said increase is in the rental of bed space at the correctional facility.

Mr. Wahl reviewed a chart, on page 53 of the budget booklet, showing the General Fund Total, in the amount of $39,133,205.00, the Revenue Estimate, in the amount of $39,235.746.00, resulting in a difference, or unappropriated funds, in the amount of $102,541.00.



Mr. Wahl stated that Request for Proposals have been received for Custodial Services for the County facilities. He stated that staff will review said proposals, and a recommendation will be made to the Board at the July 21, 1992 Board meeting.

Ms. Eleanor Anderson, Executive Director of Management/Budget, appeared before the Board to address questions regarding the FY 1992-93 budget and presented to the Board, for their review, a General Fund Millage Table, showing the incremental impact of different millage rates. She stated that the roll back millage rate, for the General Fund, of 4.938 will generate $21,357,092.00 in ad-valorem taxes.

Mr. Tom Neumayer, Executive Director of Corrections, appeared before the Board to address questions presented by the Board regarding the Corrections Department. Mr. Neumayer stated that the FY 1992-93 budget is in the amount of $7,974,181.00, which is approximately $200,000.00 less than the prior year, at which time extensive discussion occurred regarding this issue. At this time, Commr. Gregg questioned the personal services costs and the fact that said costs are greater in FY 1991-92 than in FY 1992-93. Ms. Anderson stated that the FY 1992-93 projections are based on fully funded positions for twelve months, excluding eight positions to be added as additional money is provided. Mr. Neumayer stated that there is indication that revenues will be received in excess of what has been projected.

Commr. Swartz directed staff to prepare a detailed account and clarification on the projections being used for the FY 1992-93 budget.

Transportation Trust Fund

Mr. Jim Stivender, Executive Director of Public Works, appeared before the Board to present the County Transportation Trust Fund budget for FY 1992-93. Mr. Stivender presented a brief description of projected projects for the upcoming budget year for Parks & Facilities; Road Operations, including road maintenance, repair and construction, and engineering; and Special Services, including operations, special assessments, unmaintained roads, airports, and non-departmental.

Mr. Stivender reviewed the Road Impact Fee budget for FY 1992-93 and stated that a larger number of impact fee projects will be initiated at the beginning of the budget year rather than in the later part of the year, as was done in previous years. The Road Impact Fund total budget for FY 1992-93 is in the amount of $5,226,295.00.

Mr. Stivender reviewed projects planned under Parks maintenance, which is listed under the General Fund budget, at which time discussion occurred regarding the various projects. Discussion occurred regarding the proposed project at John's Lake, which is to purchase two lots next to the existing ramp for the purpose of providing parking for those using the lake, and the feasibility of this project. Commr. Swartz suggested that this project be reviewed carefully, due to the fact that very few Lake County residents use John's Lake. He further suggested that Orange County be notified of the project for the purpose of discussing the possibility of sharing in the expense of said project.

Fire Fund

Mr. Wahl reviewed the Fire Fund budget for FY 1992-93, and stated that the total budget for the Fire Fund is in the amount of $3,495,286.00; a reduction from the previous year of approximately $350,000.00. He stated that the proposed reduction reflects a reduction in the fee for church property, but does not, at this point, reflect any reduction for not-for-profit properties.

Discussion occurred regarding the use of the County insurance program in order to reduce insurance costs of fire programs. Mr. Gerry Jacobs, Risk Manager, stated that staff is in the process of obtaining underwriting information regarding this issue. Commr. Swartz directed staff to prepare a memo outlining the current costs for said insurance and possible savings which may be obtained by including fire services under the County's self-insured insurance program.





Solid Waste Enterprise Fund

Mr. Wahl presented the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund budget for FY 1992-93 and distributed a letter for the Board's review, dated July 8, 1992, from Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A., which provides a summary of the major policy and administrative issues that have been identified in connection with Lake County's proposed solid waste disposal assessment program. He stated that Mr. Ron Roach and Ms. Diane Martin, representing the Resource Development Group, were present in the audience to address questions presented by the Board. He stated that direction from the Board is needed, relative to the issues presented in said letter, for completion of the assessment program.

At this time, Commr. Swartz requested that staff provide an update, for the Board's review, of the proposed modifications to the library system.

Mr. Wahl stated that the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund total budget for FY 1992-93 is in the amount of $13,936,461.00. He stated that a special reserve relating to the requirements of both bond issues and operational issues, in the amount of $3,696,068.00,

is included within that total, which is reflective of having a situation with no history relative to the assessment program. He further stated that the proposed budget is subject to additional modification as the County moves toward the presentation and adoption of the assessment program.

Commr. Gregg brought up for discussion the handling of solid waste service to the unincorporated residents living in remote areas of the County who share in the expense of a dumpster with other area residents. Mr. Wahl stated that those residents living in remote areas will receive a notice with an assessment; however, if they can provide proof that they have collection services, the assessment on their tax bill will reflect a credit, effectively showing that the net amount due the County is zero.



Ms. Diane Martin, Resource Development Group, stated that every effort is being made to identify those residents who are on service whether said service is can or dumpster service.

Discussion occurred regarding the charge for the recycling portion of the assessment for those who are exempt from a tax bill; at which time Mr. Steve Hiney, Recycling Coordinator, responded that the solid waste system tipping fee at the waste energy facility, and for the assessment program, includes funding for the recycling program as a whole; therefore, the charge is included whether it is through assessment or through the tipping fee. He further stated that the tipping fee for every ton of garbage will be the same, and that a portion of said fee is for recycling whether it is for the benefit of the residents in the unincorporated portion of the County or the County as a whole, including the cities.

Mr. Hiney stated that public information, public education regarding waste reduction, and recycling as a benefit toward solid waste management will be provided to the cities. He stated that the total budget for the recycling portion of the solid waste program is in the amount of $595,000.00, of which $175,000.00 is for recycling collection in the unincorporated area.

At this time, Mr. Wahl reviewed the policy issues as stated in a letter, dated July 8, 1992, from Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A. as follows:

Rates: Lake County will use the waste stream and tipping fee analysis prepared by Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc. and Public Financial Management, Inc. as the basis for its disposal and recycling costs. Based on the analyses, a solid waste disposal and recycling assessment, in the amount of $74.00 per year per residential dwelling unit, has been proposed.

Properties to be Assessed: The proposed solid waste disposal assessment will be imposed against all residential property located in the unincorporated area and containing one or more buildings with four or less residential dwelling units per

building. However, parcels of property actually served by a solid waste collection contract with a County licensed hauler will receive a full credit for the assessment. No assessment will appeared on the ad valorem tax bill for these parcels.

Parcels having more than four dwelling units per building will be characterized as commercial property for purposes of the assessment. A tipping fee of $62.32 per ton will be charged for solid waste generated by commercial property, including the residential properties to be characterized as commercial property.

First-Class Mail Notice: Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, requires the County to provide notice of publication and first-class mail to each landowner being assessed, twenty (20) days prior to a public hearing to consider the assessments. All residential property owners will receive a first-class mail notice and be included on the assessment roll. Where evidence of service by a County licensed hauler is established prior to the first-class notice mailing, the notice will reflect both the amount of the proposed assessment and the credit, effectively showing the net amount due the County is zero.

Costs Included in the Solid Waste Disposal Assessment: The tipping fees and assessments are based upon the proposed FY 1992-93 budget and include the estimated cost for solid waste disposal and the County's recycling program. The budget includes the operation and administrative expenses for the County's disposal facility and its recycling department. All collection revenue costs, including those associated with the proposed assessments, are included in the budget upon which the FY 1992-93 tipping fee is based.

Exemptions: The following exemptions were identified and each of the exemptions must be specifically authorized in the County's ordinance: a) A "hardship exemption" will be available to property owners eligible for the County's general social services program and funded by the County's social services budget; b) An "on-site disposal exemption" will be available to the owners of property large enough for on-site disposal. The property owner must first

demonstrate compliance with other state and local regulations applicable to the disposal of solid waste on the property; c) An "annual vacancy exemption" may apply to parcels that are assessed, but whose owners can provide conclusive evidence that the assessed parcel was not used as a residential dwelling for the entire assessment period. This exemption will be available only as a refund, subsequent to the end of each annual assessment period.

Mr. Wahl stated that it is the recommendation of staff that the preliminary tax roll be adopted at a meeting on July 28, 1992, and the final public hearing for the adoption of the tax roll be scheduled for September 2, 1992.

Commr. Swartz stated that the recycling program has several flaws and is not a viable or equitable program. He stated that it was his assumption that curbside recycling was to be provided to those who have collection, and that drop off centers would be provided at a variety of transfer stations throughout the County for those living in rural Lake County.

Mr. Wahl stated that the issues of funding a portion of the recycling program with revenues from the cities, as well as the unincorporated area, will be revisited and staff will make a recommendation on July 28, 1992 addressing said issues.

On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the policy issues in connection with the solid waste disposal assessment program, as listed above, and approved a final public hearing on the tax roll to be held on September 2, 1992.

Mr. Wahl noted that additional amendments to the proposed budget may be presented at the July 28, 1992 meeting, due to the fact that the County has not received any information from the State of Florida regarding the budget impact.

It was the decision of the Board to cancel the tentative Budget Workshop, scheduled for July 14, 1992.





There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.







__________________________________

G. RICHARD SWARTZ, JR., CHAIRMAN



ATTEST:







______________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK



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