The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Thursday, September 2, 1993, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: G. Richard Swartz, Jr., Chairman; Catherine Hanson, Vice Chairman; Rhonda H. Gerber; Don Bailey; and Welton G. Cadwell. Others present were: Tim Hoban, Assistant County Attorney; Peter F. Wahl, County Manager; Ava Kronz, BCC Office Manager; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy, Finance & Audit Department; and Toni M. Riggs, Deputy Clerk.

The Chairman, Commr. Swartz, opened the meeting.

BUDGETS

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Commr. Swartz stated that the workshop meeting was scheduled, in order to review issues that the Board had requested staff to look at. He stated that recommendations, along with some modifications, have been put together for the Board to review.

Commr. Swartz began the meeting by stating that, after a consultation with Sheriff George E. Knupp, Jr., he would like to recommend to the Board that the Board consider returning the administrative operational control and responsibility of the jail to the Sheriff on, or about, October 1, 1993, or as soon thereafter as a transition can be made. Commr. Swartz stated that he has reviewed the Jail budget in great detail with Mr. Gary Borders, Operations Director, Department of Corrections, and he has reviewed some of the recommended cost savings received from the Sheriff. He stated that he feels there are some administrative savings that can take place with the Sheriff operating the facility, because the Sheriff has resources that the Board does not. Commr. Swartz discussed the security problems that have occurred recently, and explained that the Sheriff has the officers, and the communication equipment, as resources for these problems. Commr. Swartz stated that, for these reasons, he would like to recommend that the Board consider taking this action. He stated that the Sheriff is present today to discuss the recommendation, and suggested that the Board make sure it understands that ultimately the jail is the Board's responsibility, and if the Sheriff accepts it, he will accept it on the Board's behalf. He will have the administrative control and responsibility of authority, but if there are places where the Board can help him, the Board will need to determine how it can, and to make the facility work to benefit the citizens.

Sheriff Knupp appeared before the Board and stated that he has questions to ask the Board about accepting the jail facility. He stated that consideration needs to be given to the fact that the jail is unionized, and that he does not believe that the transition can take place on October 1, 1993. He stressed that the partnership between the Board and the Sheriff is essential, and stated that, by State Statute, the Board has the responsibility of either running the facility, asking the Sheriff to run the facility, or asking a private company to run the facility. He expressed that it has been beneficial for the Board to run the facility for several years, and to know the problems and the funding involved with it. Sheriff Knupp stated that he would like to discuss the following with the Board and staff: the budget for the upcoming year; pending lawsuits; the individuals that maintain the facility; personnel; purchasing; bonding of individuals that work in the facility; reorganization structure; transition costs; and the contracts for food service, etc. Sheriff Knupp stated that he would be remissing his duties, if he did not accept the jail back from the Board, and to do his best to save the taxpayers money. He stated that he would rather wait to give the Board a better idea of a transition date, after discussing these issues with Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager.

Commr. Swartz stated that, if the Board accepts the recommendation, for budgetary purposes, the Board would be prepared to take whatever action it would need for this budget year.

Commr. Bailey stated that he would like to see the Sheriff have the jail back, because he believes the people want him to have it back, and it will help eliminate some of the past problems. He stated that he would support giving the facility back to the Sheriff.

Commr. Hanson stated that this is one of the options that she had requested to be explored, and she would support the idea of the facility going back to the Sheriff, but she feels that more facts and information are needed. She had previously presented options that she wanted explored at the budget workshop on July 12, 1993.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the jail costs are going to continue to escalate, and it will continue to be a controversial issue, and if the Board is going to have to deal with it, he would prefer to deal with it directly. He stated that he will vote against any motion to give the jail back to Sheriff Knupp. He further stated that the Sheriff should be a part of what is done in the jail, and he should continue to give his input, but that the Board should have direct control over the facility.

Commr. Hanson stated that the costs of all law enforcement, including corrections, should be a total amount, no matter who runs the facility.

Commr. Gerber stated that she is in favor of the recommendation of the idea of giving the jail back to the Sheriff, but she would like to see the Board workshop this first, because, if Commr. Cadwell was presented with all of the facts in regards to the operational control that the Board cannot provide, and should be provided as a matter of security, she feels there would be a lot of merit to the idea. She stated that she would be in favor of looking at the idea, but she would like to see the Board meet, after the Sheriff meets with Mr. Wahl regarding the costs, and with Mr. Borders, so that he can tell the Board some of the advantages, in terms of security, of having the Sheriff in charge of the jail.

Sheriff Knupp stated that the jail will always cost money, no matter who runs it, but if he can run it safer and more efficient, and the Board and the people of the community have that confidence in him, then he is before the Board today to say that he will run the jail for the Board of County Commissioners and the citizens of Lake County.

Commr. Swartz stated that, along with Commr. Bailey, he voted not to take the jail from the Sheriff, because he had confidence in the Sheriff that he could run the facility inexpensively and in a secure manner. He stated that he would like to see the Board move forward conceptually to have between now and Tuesday, the 21st of the month, to be able to have the Sheriff finalize, in working with our staff, what savings can be achieved beyond what the Board may be able to move forward with, so that a final decision actually would occur on Tuesday, September 21, 1993, and for this Board to look at all the issues that the Sheriff has raised and assure itself that this is the right move.

Commr. Bailey made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Gerber, for County staff to work with the Sheriff, over the course of the next three weeks, to analyze what other administrative, correctional positions, in other places within the jail that he might be able to bring some savings to bare, so that the Board can by September 21, 1993, incorporate those savings into the budget, even if administrative control does not change on October 1, 1993.

Under discussion, Commr. Hanson stated that the Board still needs to look at the total cost of law enforcement and corrections.

Clarification was made of the motion, which was for the Board to conceptually approve transfer of the jail to the Sheriff pending a review of the issues that the Sheriff has raised, along with any other issues, that are necessary for a final determination to be made at the hearing on September 21, 1993.

The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, with the motion being carried by a 4-1 vote. Commr. Cadwell vote "no".

Mr. Wahl directed the Board to Page v. of the revised memorandum, which indicated five additional items for consideration for the tentative budget. Mr. Wahl stated that the Board had requested additional discussion on the request from the Sheriff for 15 officers, 10 which would be used as a special response team to be used anywhere in the County, and the other five to be assigned to other than road patrol. Mr. Wahl stated that his original proposal was to fund ten officers as of October 1, 1993, and to consider and make a determination at mid-year for the additional five. He stated that he is continuing with this recommendation to the Board.

It was noted that the 15 positions for the Sheriff's Department was included in the proposed budget, with a millage rate of 5.3640.

Commr. Swartz discussed the request for the 15 deputies and, because this is a difficult budget year, he suggested that five deputies be budgeted this year; five deputies be funded at mid-year, if feasible; and five be funded in the next budget year, in order to start a corrective plan for the Sheriff's Department.

Discussion occurred regarding the decrease in the millage rate, if the Board approved five deputies. Mr. Wahl stated that each five deputies would cost approximately $175,000.00, which would reduce the budget approximately $87,500.00 by holding the second five deputies until mid-year. It was noted that the existing Contingency, as of August 30, 1993, is $780,656.00, and this year's budget reflects $576,000.00 in Contingency. Discussion occurred regarding how the millage rate will be affected by the reduction. Mr. Wahl stated that, in order to get to 10% over rollback, the existing budget would have to be reduced by approximately $650,000.00.

Commr. Hanson stated that she will still support the 10 deputies now and five deputies at mid-year, but that she has a problem with the Board waiting too late to begin cutting the budget. She stated that, at mid-year, the Board approved positions that she opposed without realizing where the Board would be at this time. She stated that the Board needs to be going through an on-going process with an efficiency study.

Commr. Bailey stated that he also opposed the positions that were approved at mid-year, and that he wants to continue to review any vacant positions, especially those that have been vacant for some time, and determine whether they are actually needed.

Commr. Hanson stated that she feels the Board can still provide the same services, if the Board looks at efficiency.

Commr. Cadwell expressed that it would be counter productive for the Board to cut staff in the Planning and Development Department.

Commr. Hanson stated that she feels staff is performing in the manner in which the Board has given direction, but that there needs to be a prioritization process.

Sheriff Knupp addressed the Board and stated that, through discussion with the Board and staff regarding manpower, and if it would help the County, he would be willing to accept ten (10) deputies on October 1, 1993, and five (5) deputies at mid-year. He discussed overtime monies being paid to seven deputies at the current time. He further discussed the Communications Division, the number of calls being made for service, and questionnaires being received from the citizens of the community. Sheriff Knupp stated that he would provide the Board with his morning report, which reflects the number of burglaries on a daily basis. He further stated that this is a 24 hour a day operation, and he can only provide the level of service that the Board allows him to provide. Sheriff Knupp discussed the request made of him during the previous years to hold the line on his budget. He informed the Board that he would place three (3) of the ten (10) deputies in the detective bureau, and assign seven (7) of the deputies to the road. Sheriff Knupp informed the Board that he is going to turn over to the Board this year approximately $125,000.00 of unused funds.

Discussion occurred regarding the requests that were not made by the Sheriff over the previous years, because of the instructions given to him by the Board. The Board emphasized that the Sheriff needed to come before them every year to make a request for whatever was needed in his department, so that the Board would be aware of his needs. Sheriff Knupp stated that the Board needs to look at prioritizing where the tax dollars are being spent.

Mr. T. Keith Hall, Tax Collector, appeared before the Board and stated his concern with the perception of the budget by the casual reader. Mr. Hall referred to Page ii and the following statement: "The balance of $1,341,541 is attributed to the Constitutional Officers." He stated that he has not asked the Board for any funding, and that, if there is an increase in the millage made by the Board, the commissions he receives to run his office will certainly increase. Mr. Hall stated that a better explanation of the budget needed to be presented to the public. He referred to Page 38 in the budget, and stated that the Tax Collector contributed over $777,000.00 to the Board in excess fees. He stated that the budget he sent to the Department of Revenue indicates a .8% increase, which amounts to $15,000.00, in Personnel Services.

Commr. Swartz discussed with Mr. Hall what a more reasonable estimated excess fee amount would be for the Board. Commr. Swartz suggested that staff revisit and modify the excess fee amount.

Mr. Ed Havill, Property Appraiser, appeared before the Board and stated that the corrections received from the Budget Office yesterday cleared part of the problems contained within the budget. He suggested that the Office of Budget be more conscious of the information being presented to the public, and how it will be perceived.

Discussion occurred regarding the request being made by the Sheriff for 15 deputies.

Commr. Cadwell made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Hanson, to approve to budget five (5) deputies beginning October 1, 1993; five (5) deputies at mid-year; and five (5) deputies in the following year.

Under discussion, Commr. Bailey stated that he would vote "no" on this motion, because the Sheriff is considering taking the jail back, and has compromised on taking ten (10) deputies now, and five (5) at mid-year. He feels the Board can still find the necessary cuts somewhere else within the budget.

Commr. Gerber stated that she supports the ten (10) deputies being budgeted now, and the five (5) deputies at mid-year. Therefore, she will vote against the motion.

Commr. Swartz discussed suggestions made by the Sheriff concerning his ability to cut some of the Corrections Officers in the jail, and stated that, if the Sheriff resumes control of the jail, and can find such savings within the pods, this would give the Board the ability to provide the Sheriff with more deputies at mid-year, which he did indicate to the Sheriff as being an option.

The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, with the motion being carried by a 3-2 vote. Commr. Gerber and Commr. Bailey voted "no".

EMPLOYEE'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM

Mr. Wahl discussed the employee's health insurance, and stated that the Board had established a $300.00 cap for employee per month as the insurance contribution. Mr. Wahl stated that, since that time, staff has received, but has not completed, the analysis of the proposals for the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). He informed the Board that there has been two questionnaires that have been distributed to employees. Mr. Wahl stated that the issues still involve costs that are uncontrollable and are going up, and providing a revenue source to fund those costs. He further stated that, before the final budget hearing, staff will be in a position to make a final recommendation to the Board.

Discussion occurred regarding the options that are being considered for insurance, all which include the PPO. Commr. Swartz questioned whether the dependent coverage can be offered with a base coverage, to allow those who want and can afford additional benefits (dental, long-term disability, etc.) to add them to their insurance.

Mr. Wahl explained that options will be presented to the employees, and can be purchased by the individual employee. It was noted that additional meetings are being scheduled with the employees, in order to provide them with as much information as possible regarding the insurance program, and the options being considered by the Board.

TRAVEL/PER DIEM

BOOKS, PUBLICATIONS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Mr. Wahl stated that he applied the rate of reduction approved by the Board, to Travel/Per Diem and Books, Publications, Subscriptions, and he has not received any feedback from staff, therefore, the figures are being entered into the budget.

Commr. Hanson referred to the lines items being reduced, and discussed the assistance that the Extension Service offers, in terms of educating the rural people.

Commr. Swartz stated that the Board has the ability to give the County Manager authority throughout the course of the year to review these items again. He directed the County Manager to look at areas that may need to be reallocated, which may include extra personnel salary through vacancies.

CORRECTIONS

Mr. Wahl informed the Board that Mr. Gary Borders, Operations Director, Department of Corrections, had responded to the Sheriff's letter of recommendations, which would provide a reduction in the budget by approximately $97,000.00. He stated that there are two additional sergeant positions that could be eliminated, but this can be brought back to the Board on September 21, 1993, after consulting with the Sheriff.

Commr. Swartz stated that he would like the Board to take action on the two vacant positions prior to the September 21, 1993, hearing. It was noted that staff would look at the additional software/computer system needed for the Department of Corrections, and one Corrections Officer and one Commissary Clerk, as opposed to two Commissary Clerks, and come back with a recommendation for the Board. It was clarified that staff will address the two sergeant positions from a budgetary standpoint, and the lieutenant and the cook positions.

BUILDING DIVISION - SOUTH LAKE ANNEX

Mr. Wahl stated that there is a current vacancy for the supervisor's position at the South Lake Annex. If all three positions were eliminated from the Annex, and the office was closed, the reduction would be in the amount of $119,000.00. This is not being recommended, but discussion has occurred regarding closing the office and leaving the supervisor's position vacant, and shifting the other two employees to the existing Building Department, which would allow for a reduction in the amount of $62,000.00. Mr. Wahl stated that there has been at least two other proposals, one coming from the Building Department as to the use of the $62,000.00 to improve services either in the Environmental Services Division, or within the Building Department. The existing contracts with the cities were reviewed, and there is not a contractual problem with the office being closed. Mr. Wahl stated that Mr. Greg Stubbs, Coordinator, One Stop Permitting, had contacted Groveland and Minneola regarding this issue.

Commr. Swartz stated that the Board needs to work with the cities in this area, to see if they can help cover some of the difference between the revenues and expenditures of operating the South Lake Annex. He stated that he did not feel the office could be closed at this point in time, and that the one vacant position needs to be eliminated, or reclassified. Commr. Swartz stated that a letter has been received from Mr. James Gregg, who chairs the Natural Resources Advisory Committee, that indicates the Committee will not be able to function, if in fact, the Environmental Specialist II position is eliminated. He suggested that the Board reclassify the Environmental Specialist II position, to the supervisor's position, to keep the office open this coming year with the idea that, in mid-year, if the Annex can be relocated to another building that the city may have available, the Board and staff can begin working toward other alternatives.

Mr. Wahl stated that by taking the action presented by Commr. Swartz, regarding the Environmental Specialist II, this would amount to a $25,189.00 reduction.

Mr. Stubbs appeared before the Board and explained that the supervisor's position at the Annex was also a building inspector for the South Lake area, as well as a plans examiner for those plans that came into that office for review and approval. Mr. Stubbs stated that it would significantly reduce the level of service that staff is providing today, if the position was eliminated. He further stated that, if the Board had approved to close the Annex office, staff was going to try and keep that position, because of the new requirements, as result of Hurricane Andrew. He stated that the Building Department does pay for itself, and he urged the Board to try and keep that position in that location, in order to utilize it in the South Lake inspection team. Mr. Stubbs explained the duties of the other two positions currently being held in the South Lake Annex, which included permitting for zoning clearances; voting registrations; and marriage licenses. He stated that he would like to have discussions with the Clerk, as well as the Supervisor of Elections, about working with staff in this regard.

Commr. Swartz stated that, if the Board can work something out with the Clerk where he will fund a sufficient amount, if there are three people in the Annex, one of which would be primarily funded by the Clerk's fee side, then the Board will still have enough additional revenue to get the Environmental Specialist II position into the budget numbers.

Ms. Jean Kaminski, Executive Director, Home Builders Association, appeared before the Board and stated that historically and consistently, the Building Division has turned in excess revenues. She stated that she is glad that the Board is not closing the South Lake Annex, and urged the Board not to cut the personnel in the Building Department.

RECESS & REASSEMBLY

At 10:43 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for 15 minutes.

PERSONNEL SUMMARY

Mr. Wahl discussed Pages 131-132, the Position Authorization Summary by Department, and stated that there were 20 positions that were previously reviewed and approved by the Board. Mr. Wahl stated that seven (7) of the 20 positions are funded out of the General Fund, as follows: Librarian II; (2) Licenses Practical Nurses; Planner III (One-Stop Permitting); Secretary II (Assessment Management); Budget Technician (Part-time to Full-time); and Maintenance Specialist II (Energy Management).

Mr. Wahl stated that staff will bring to the Board a list of the mid-year personnel changes. Mr. Wahl proceeded to discuss the List of Vacant Positions by Department/Division with the Board.

Mr. Wahl stated that he and Sheriff Knupp had recommended eliminating the Corrections Administrative Lieutenant. He further stated that the Corrections Sergeant position had not been filled, and a portion of the dollars had been used to fund a Corrections Officer. Mr. Wahl stated that another Corrections Sergeant position has recently become vacant, and he will be recommending that it be eliminated. It was noted that the Cook position has also been eliminated.

Discussion occurred regarding the vacant Deputy County Manager position, and the duties this individual will perform, if, in fact, the jail is returned to the Sheriff.

Commr. Cadwell stated that this position is important and is very much needed. He further stated that he sees this position evolving into more than what is being discussed now.

It was noted that the position of the Deputy County Manager would be considered again during the course of the meeting.

Discussion occurred regarding the Cable Television Coordinator position in Information Services. Mr. Wahl informed the Board that this position will depend on the final outcome of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) implementation of rule, and the County's discussions with the cities within the County, as to the intent. He stated that the position would be covered by the cable television franchise fees that are allowable under the FCC rate.

It was noted that any position eliminated from the list of vacancies will contribute a reduction in benefits, insurance, office equipment, etc.

Mr. Wahl reviewed and presented information on the following positions that are vacant:

the duties that would be performed by the Crew Leader III at the Fairgrounds;

the Animal Control Attendant I position needs to be filled in Animal Control;

the two Deputy Chief positions - one is frozen until the new budget year, and the other is being advertised;

interviews are currently being taken for the Personnel Manager position;

an offer has been made for the Environmental Programs Branch Supervisor;

the Water Resources Engineer position has been filled;

the Environmental Specialist II position is still vacant;

the Building and Zoning Supervisor position is the one at the South Lake Annex;

interviews are currently being taken for the Secretary II position in Special Services.

Mr. Bruce Thorburn, Emergency 9-1-1 Coordinator, appeared before the Board to discuss the Cable Television Coordinator position. Mr. Thorburn explained why the position has not been filled, and stated that the information regarding the FCC rules and standards is still unknown.

Mr. Wahl stated that the Cable Television Coordinator position can be taken out of the budget, with the understanding that the position will be funded entirely by cable franchise fees.

Mr. Thorburn explained that he felt it would be unwise to totally remove the position not knowing the impact that the County will have from the outside source telling the County that it will have to regulate.

Commr. Swartz suggested that, at a minimum, the Board could budget the position for one-half of the year, and review the position at mid-year leaving the money in the budget. He stated that the other alternative would be to remove the position, and address it at mid-year.

On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, the Board approved to strike the Cable Television Coordinator position, with the realization that between now and mid-year, the position may need to be reconsidered.

Mr. Wahl discussed the legal costs that had been established for the jail, and stated that the Board may want to defer action on this issue, because staff may be able to reduce, or modify, these costs.

Commr. Swartz suggested that the legal costs issue be placed on the table with other items for the staff and Board to discuss with the Sheriff.

Commr. Bailey discussed the vacant Deputy County Manager position, and the jail duties that will be eliminated from this position, and suggested that this position not be filled.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the Board is stressing the need for a high level of service, and this position can assist in doing this. He stated that the position should be left in the budget, and be filled immediately.

Commr. Gerber stated that she feels confident with the job performance of Mr. Bruce Thorburn, Emergency 9-1-1 Coordinator, and Ms. Kelly Soucy, Purchasing Manager. She stated that, if some time in the future, there is a need for additional assistance, the Board would not hesitate to employ this individual.

Commr. Hanson stated that the only way she would support the position would be, if this person were an efficiency expert, but without this, she did not feel the position could be justified.

Commr. Bailey made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Hanson, to eliminate the vacant Deputy County Manager position.

Under discussion, Commr. Swartz questioned whether the motion would be subject to the Sheriff assuming the responsibility of the jail. It was noted that this was the intention of Commr. Bailey's motion, and the second made by Commr. Hanson. Commr. Bailey stated that, if the Sheriff did not assume the responsibility, he would reconsider the position.

Commr. Swartz stated that, if the jail was going to remain under the Board, the position would be absolutely essential, but he did have trouble moving forward with this request now, in light of the action taken earlier by the Board, in regards to the jail. He suggested that the County Manager come back to the Board with a recommendation regarding the secretary that would have been placed with this position. He stated that he will support the motion now, but in the future when the funding is in a different state, the position will be addressed again.

The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, with the motion being carried by a 4-1 vote. Commr. Cadwell voted "no".

Commr. Hanson questioned placing a hold on the Environmental Programs Branch Supervisor and the Environmental Specialist II positions that are vacant in the Environmental Management Section.

Mr. Jim Barker, Director of Environmental Management, informed the Board that a formal offer has been made to an individual for the Environmental Programs Branch Supervisor position, and it has been accepted, and the Water Resources Engineer position has been filled. It was noted that the Environmental Specialist II position is still vacant.

Commr. Hanson discussed streamlining the process, and stated that she feels there are certain items that staff is requiring from the public that are not necessary. She further stated that one of the items would be the requirement of a boundary survey on lot splits. Commr. Hanson stated that she is not in favor of filling the vacant Environmental Specialist II position.

Commr. Hanson made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Bailey, not to approve filling the vacant Environmental Specialist II position.

Under discussion, Commr. Cadwell stated that he did not feel it would be productive to cut the personnel.

Commr. Swartz stated that, if the Board approves the motion, the Board will have negated the action taken earlier, which was to authorize the Environmental Specialist II position to staff, and he did not think that staff can do without this position. Commr. Swartz stated that he would like to see the Land Development Regulation (LDR) Committee address those requirements in the LDRs that would necessitate a change in the Comprehensive Plan, and then revise their resolution that created them, and ask them to go back through and clarify and simplify the language, in order to develop LDRs that will result in accomplishing the Board's goals. Commr. Swartz stated that he is in agreement with Commr. Cadwell that you cannot do this by eliminating the position. He further stated that he will not support the motion, but he will support the idea, to have the LDR Committee and staff to determine, and eliminate, those requirements that are not necessary, in order to accomplish the goals set by the County.

The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, with the motion failing by a vote of 3-2. Commrs. Cadwell, Gerber, and Swartz voted "no".

Discussion occurred regarding the vacant Mower Operator positions, with Commr. Swartz suggesting that staff look at these positions, but that these are not General Fund issues.

Commr. Bailey discussed the feelings that are being expressed by the public regarding the issue of taxes. He expressed an urgency that needs to be conveyed to staff to keep looking for areas in the budget than can be cut, and stated that the Board needs to encourage staff to do this. Commr. Bailey stated that there may be a need for another workshop before the final hearings.

Commr. Swartz stated that the staff has been responsive to the request made by the Board to reduce the budget, and that there is still a 1 1/2 million dollar difference between the proposed budget and where the Board wants the budget to be. He discussed the budget position that the County is currently in, whereby the additional revenues that have to be raised are for the jail. The rest of the government has been restrained, and cut back in different areas, and if the Board continues to look at the 1 1/2 million dollars, and make significant cuts to other departments sacrificing them to the jail, the level of service will be lowered to other people in those departments. He stated that, in the Planning Department, and in Environmental Management, the Board is going to reduce their ability to even perform at their current level. Commr. Swartz commended staff for working with the Board in lowering the budget.

Mr. Wahl explained that the General Fund, in total, is approximately 44 million dollars, which is made up of a variety of revenues. He stated that the Sheriff is not a revenue generating activity, nor is the jail, and that a portion of the Clerk of the Circuit Court is not fee driven, and is not a revenue generating activity. He explained that, if you total those three, it equals the ad valorem taxes.

Commr. Swartz stated that the fees from the Tax Collector will be readdressed, and between now and September 21, 1993, staff is going to work with the Sheriff on the issues discussed earlier. He stated that the Board will not get to five mills, unless the budget is cut another 1 1/2 million dollars.

Commr. Cadwell stated that he feels comfortable with the action that has been taken by the Board, and that this is a realistic budget.

Commr. Hanson stated that she knows where the Board needs to be regarding the budget, and she stands firm on the five mills.

Commr. Bailey stated that, between September 7, 1993, and September 21, 1993, the Board may need to consider an across the Board reduction to the budget.

Commr. Swartz clarified that an across the Board action would include the constitutional officers' budgets, as well as the Board's budget.

Commr. Bailey stated that he would not support the five deputies now, five deputies at mid-year, and five deputies the next budget year.

Commr. Swartz clarified that staff understands, if there are other areas that can be brought forward to the Board to assist in reducing the budget, it will be brought to the Board's attention, and staff will be putting together the proposed budget with the recommended changes today, in order to have the information ready for September 7, 1993. Staff will also be working with the Sheriff on the additional issues discussed regarding the Sheriff's Department and jail.

There being no further information to be brought to the Board, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.

G. RICHARD SWARTZ, JR., CHAIRMAN

ATTEST:

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK

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