A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF
SEPTEMBER
4, 2007
The
Lake County Board of
INVOCATION
AND PLEDGE
Reverend
Karen Burris, from the
AGENDA
UPDATE
Ms.
Cindy Hall, County Manager, informed the Board that Tab 21, a presentation on
the Supervisor of Elections’ new voting system, was being pulled until a later
date, due to the fact that it was not yet ready for a demonstration; and that
she was postponing Tab 26, a request from Public Works for approval of an
agreement with The Landings at Lake Harris, LLC, regarding construction of a
new road from CR 448 south, to serve the Lake Harris Groves development within
the City of Tavares, until the Board Meeting scheduled for October 2, 2007.
MINUTE
APPROVAL
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the Minutes of
August 7, 2007 (Regular Meeting), as presented; and the Minutes of August 14,
2007 (Regular Meeting), as presented.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:
List
of Warrants
Request
to acknowledge receipt of list of warrants paid prior to this meeting, pursuant to
Chapter 136.06 (1) of the Florida Statutes, which shall be incorporated into
the Minutes as attached Exhibit A and filed in the Board Support Division of
the Clerk's Office.
Monthly
Distribution of Revenue Traffic/Criminal Cases
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Monthly Distribution of Revenue Traffic/Criminal
Cases for the month ending July 31, 2007, in the amount of $191,383.41. Same period, last year: $165,639.91.
Notice Before the
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Notice Before the Public Service Commission – In re:
Application for increase in water and wastewater rates in Alachua, Brevard,
Highlands, Lake, Lee,
Docket
No. 060368-WS, Order No. PSC-07-0638-PCO-WS, Issued August 6, 2007.
Order
Granting In Part and Denying In Part Aqua Utilities Florida Inc.’s Motion For
Extension Of Time To File Response To Joint Motion To Dismiss And Request For
Expedited Ruling.
Annual Financial Audit Report for
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2006 for Estates at
Cherry Lake Community Development
District
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Annual Financial Audit Report for the Fiscal Year
Ended September 30, 2006, for the Estates at Cherry Lake Community Development
District, pursuant to Section 11.45 and Section 189.418, Florida Statutes.
Unclaimed
Excess Proceeds for Tax Deeds
Request
to acknowledge receipt of unclaimed excess proceeds for tax deeds totaling
$84,758.88.
Ordinances
from Town of
Request to
acknowledge receipt of Ordinances from the Town of Lady Lake, as follows:
Ordinance
No. 2007-13, voluntarily annexing property, being approximately 5.60 acres of
land owned by Helen Henry, located at 40248 County Road 25, into the corporate
limits of the Town of Lady Lake.
Ordinance No.
2007-14, pertaining to comprehensive planning in the Town of Lady Lake,
amending Town of Lady Lake Ordinance No. 81-8-(83), which established the Town
of Lady Lake Comprehensive Plan, providing for a small scale Future Land Use
Map amendment.
Ordinance
No. 2007-15, redesignating zoning classification for certain property owned by
Helen Henry, located within the town limits of the Town of Lady Lake, rezoning
subject property located on County Road 25 from Lake County Ranchette to Lady
Lake Planned Commercial (CP).
Ordinance
No. 2007-22, providing for local implementation of the water conservation rule
for landscape irrigation of the St. Johns River Water Management District;
providing definitions, landscape irrigation schedule, exceptions to the schedule,
variances from the specific day of the week limitations, enforcement of the
Ordinance, and penalties for violation of the Ordinance.
Resolution
from Estates at Cherry Lake Community Development District Regarding
Meetings
of Board of Supervisors
Request to
acknowledge receipt of Resolution No. 2007-17, from Estates at Cherry Lake
Community Development District, designating dates, times, and locations for the
regular meetings of the Board of Supervisors for the Estates at Cherry Lake
Community Development District for Fiscal Year 2007/2008, in accordance with
Section 189.417(1), Florida Statues.
Notice
Before the
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Notice Before the Florida Public Service Commission –
In re: Application for increase in water and wastewater rates in Alachua,
Brevard, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Marion, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Polk, Putnam,
Seminole, Sumter, Volusia, and Washington Counties, by Aqua Utilities Florida,
Inc.; Docket No. 060368-WS; Order No. PSC-07-0656-PCO-WS; Issued: August 14,
2007.
Meeting
Notice from Southwest Florida Water Management District
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Meeting Notice – Agenda for Southwest Florida Water
Management District Governing Board Meeting for August 28, 2007, to be held at
9:00 a.m., at the Brooksville Headquarters, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville,
Florida; and Approved Minutes of the Meeting of the Governing Board, held on
June 26, 2007.
Lake
of
Budget Hearings
Request to
acknowledge receipt of copy of Lake County Water Authority Draft Tentative
Budget for 2007/2008; and Notice of Budget Hearings, as follows:
Tentative
Budget Hearing, at 5:05 p.m., September 12, 2007, BCC Chambers
Final Budget
Hearing, at 5:05 p.m., September 26, 2007, BCC Chambers
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the following requests:
Budget
Request for
approval of Budget Change Requests and Unanticipated Revenue Resolution, as
follows:
1. Budget Transfer – Affordable Housing Assistance Fund, Department of Community Services. Transfer $37,440 from Operating Supplies to
Regular Salaries. On July 10, 2007, the Board of County Commissioners approved the receipt of $5 million in grant funding for the Tornado
Disaster Assistance Program. Community Services is requesting three temporary positions (not to exceed six months’ duration) to assist with
preparing income eligibility determinations for Tornado Housing Assistance Program clients. The total cost for three positions is $37,440. The
positions will be 30 hours per week. Funds available in the Operating Supplies account.
2.
Parks
Capital Projects Fund:
To: Improvements Other Than Buildings $5,601,684
From: Improvements Other Than Buildings $5,601,684
Park Impact Fee Trust Fund – North District:
To: Improvements
Other Than Buildings $ 298,316
From: Improvements Other Than Buildings $ 298,316
Total $5,900,000
Unincorporated
MSTU – Parks Fund:
To: Improvements Other Than Buildings $ 29,777
From: Machinery and Equipment $ 29,777
Total Transfer: $5,929,777
Budget Transfer – Parks Capital Projects Fund and Park Impact Fee Trust Fund – North District, Department of Public Works. Transfer
approved budget for
tracking revenues and expenditures.
Budget Transfer –
Unincorporated MSTU - Parks, Department of Public Works. Transfer $29,777 into the
project, to pay for Road
Impact Fees associated with the
Equipment from cost savings from purchases.
3. Capital
Substitution –
tractor trailer trucks) in Machinery and Equipment, for CRC FI-0737 (one new tractor trailer truck). Due to unexpected delays, the used trucks
are no longer available. A capital substitution must now be processed to purchase one new tractor trailer truck for $100,000. Funds available in
the Machinery and Equipment account.
4. Budget Transfer – General Fund, Constitutional Offices/Sheriff. Transfer $200,000 from Contingency – Sheriff to Transfer – Law Enforcement
Salaries. The Sheriff has requested to move budgeted Contingency funds into Law Enforcement Salaries. Funds available in Contingency.
Resolution No. 2007-125, to amend the General Fund, in order to receive unanticipated revenue for Fiscal Year 2006/2007, in the amount of
$214, deposited into Hazardous Analysis Update Contract, and provide appropriations for the disbursement for Office Supplies, to support
county hazardous materials emergency planning and response capabilities.
Community Services
Request for approval for the Board to amend the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) so as to increase the SHIP maximum awards for home repair to $60,000, with a $5,000 contingency and $3,000 available for relocation expenses, and for home replacement to $150,000, plus a $5,000 contingency and $3,000 available for relocation expenses; to extend home repair/replacement assistance to moderate income households; and to specify housing assistance available to extremely low income households. The maximum award increases will apply to both the Home Repair/Replacement and Disaster strategies and will be retroactive to July 1, 2007.
Employee Services
Request for approval to renew
Environmental Services
Request for approval of (1) Amendment 1: (a) amending the Anthropod Control FY 2006/07 Certified Budget, due to unanticipated revenue from vehicle and surplus equipment sales, and (b) transferring $2,012 from Travel and Per Diem, $60 from Books, Dues and Pubs, and $4,296 from Capital Outlay, in order to purchase more chemicals for adulticiding; and (2) Resolution No. 2007-126, recognizing unanticipated revenue from vehicle and surplus equipment sales.
Request for approval of Annual Certified Budgets for Arthropod Control for FY 2007/08.
Information Technology
Request for approval of Annual
Maintenance and Support Contract for Environmental Research Systems Institute,
Procurement
Request
for approval to proceed under existing Contract No. 07-0604 with Oglesby
Construction, Inc., for the procurement
of services and product, to provide countywide traffic striping and markings.
It has been determined by Public Works that several roads require the striping
and markings.
Request
for approval to award and execute the contract with Inwood Consulting
Engineers, Inc., to provide stormwater engineering services for the Royal
Trails Flood Study, in the amount of $394,100.
Request
for approval to authorize and execute Master Price Agreement Addendum No. S1523
with Sprint Solutions, Inc.
Public
Works
Request
for authorization to accept the final plat for Royal Equestrian Ranch Club and
all areas dedicated to the public, as shown on the Royal Equestrian Ranch Club
final plat; accept a letter of credit for performance, in the amount of
$145,000.00; and execute a Developer’s Agreement for Construction of
Improvements between
Request
for authorization to accept the final plat for East View Estates and all areas dedicated
to the public, as shown on the East View Estates plat; accept a check, in the
amount of $14,802.65; execute a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of
Improvements between Lake County and East View Holdings LLC; and execute
Resolution No. 2007-127, accepting
the following road into the County Road Maintenance System: Highcrest View
(CR7611B). East View Estates consists of
8 lots and is located in Section 14, Township 18 South, Range 24 East -
Commission District 5.
Request
for authorization to accept the final plat for Barrington Estates Phase 1 and
all areas dedicated to the public, as shown on the Barrington Estates Phase 1
final plat; accept a letter of credit for performance, in the amount of
$819,862.19; and execute a Developer’s Agreement for Construction of
Improvements between Lake County and Barrington Estates Property Holdings,
LLC. Barrington Estates Phase 1 consists
of 118 lots and is located in Section 10, Township 23 South, Range 25 East -
Commission District 2.
Request
for authorization to release a performance bond, in the amount of
$2,319,186.32; accept a maintenance bond, in the amount of $199,965.42; execute
a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements between Lake County and
TOUSA Homes, Inc., for Lo Land Assets, LP; accept a maintenance bond, in the
amount of $247,995.80; execute a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of
Improvements between Lake County and Rose Isle Development, LLC and Greater
Lakes/Sawgrass Bay Community Development District; and execute Resolution No.
2007-128, accepting the following
roads into the County Road Maintenance System: Superior Boulevard 'Part'
(CR0357), Placid Place (CR0357A), Starlite Street (CR0357D), Olympia Court
(CR0357E), Erie Street (CR0357F), St. Clair Street (CR0357G), Tahoe Circle
(CR0357H), and Blue Mesa Court (CR0357I).
Greater Lakes Phase 1 consists of 153 lots and is located in Section 10,
Township 24 South, Range 26 East - Commission District 2.
Request
for authorization to accept the final plat for
Request
for authorization to accept the final plat for St. James Place and all areas
dedicated to the public, as shown on the St. James Place final plat; accept a
performance bond, in the amount of $7,757,514.00; and execute a Developer’s
Agreement for Construction of Improvements between Lake County and Presco
Associates, LLC.
Request
for authorization to accept the final plat for Saddle Hill and all areas
dedicated to the public, as shown on the Saddle Hill final plat; accept a
performance bond, in the amount of $353,705.00; and execute a Developer’s
Agreement for Construction of Improvements between Lake County and Joyce F.
Buchanan, As Trustee. Saddle Hill
consists of 30 lots and is located in Section 34, Township 18 South, Range 24
East - Commission District 1.
Request
for authorization to accept the final plat for
Commission District 5.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the following requests:
Ordinance Amending Sections 9-13 and
9-16 of the Lake
Request from
EMPLOYEE
AWARDS
The
Chairman presented the following Employee Awards, with Ms. Kasie McAdams,
Employee Services Manager, commenting about each employee’s
service to
the County:
Presentation
of Award to Employee with Five Years of Service
Rebecca
McCall, Library Assistant
Community
Services/Library Services/Astor Library
Presentation of Award to Employee
with Ten Years of Service
Mary
Seiter, Animal Control Officer
Public
Safety/Animal Services (Not Present)
Presentation of Award to
Employees with Fifteen Years of Service
Kay
Padgett, Office Associate IV
Employee
Services (Not Present)
Fred
Schneider, Engineering Director
Public
Works/Engineering
Presentation of Award to Employee
with Twenty Years of Service
Marlin
Stewart, Equipment Operator III
Public
Works/Road Operations/Maintenance Area I
Employee of the Quarter
Rob
Richardson, Radio Systems Coordinator
Public
Safety, Emergency Management
Retirement
Tommy
Leathers
Growth
Management, Code Enforcement (Not Present)
BUDGET
RESOLUTIONS
PROVIDING FOR CERTIFICATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLLS
Ms.
Regina Frazier, Budget Director, addressed the Board stating that this request
was for approval of the annual Resolutions certifying the assessment rolls for
the County’s six Municipal Service Benefit Units (MSBUs).
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Budget for approval and
authorization for the Chairman to sign Resolution No. 2007-129, providing for
certification of the assessment roll for Greater Hills Municipal Service
Benefit Unit; Resolution No. 2007-130, for Greater Groves Municipal Service
Benefit Unit; Resolution No. 2007-131, for Greater Pines Subdivision;
Resolution No. 2007-132, for Picciola Island Subdivision; Resolution No.
2007-133, for Valencia Terrace Subdivision; and Resolution No. 2007-134, for
Village Green Subdivision; providing for certified copies; providing for
adoption of the Resolutions; and providing for an effective date.
ECONOMIC
GROWTH AND REDEVELOPMENT
JOBS
GROWTH INVESTMENT TRUST FUND AWARD
Ms.
Dottie Keedy, Economic Growth and Redevelopment Director, addressed the Board
stating that this request pertained to an application from G & T Conveyor
Company, Inc., the County’s largest manufacturing company, for a Jobs Growth
Investment Trust Fund award. She stated
that they are creating 21 new positions that meet the criteria of paying at
least 115% of the average annual wage for the County, with the total award
being in the amount of $66,500.00. She
stated that the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) reviewed the request and
recommended approval.
On
a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Economic Growth and
Redevelopment for approval of a Jobs Growth Investment (JGI) Trust Fund award
to G & T Conveyor Company, Inc., in the amount of $66,500.00, for the
creation of 21 qualifying positions, paying at least 115% of the Average Annual
Hourly Wage for Lake County, or at least $16.80 per hour for Manufacturing Companies
- Commission District 3.
GROWTH
MANAGEMENT
REFUND
OF EDUCATION IMPACT FEES
Ms.
Angie Thompson, Impact Fee Coordinator, Growth Management, addressed the Board
stating that this request was for approval to refund education impact fees that
were paid by an applicant who was exempt, but did not receive the exemption
until after his building permit was issued.
On
a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Growth Management for approval
of a refund of education impact fees paid by an applicant who was issued the
exemption after the fees were paid - Commission District 2.
GROWTH
MANAGEMENT
RESOLUTION
SUPPORTING DESIGNATION OF SR 40 AS SCENIC BYWAY
Mr.
Brian Sheahan, Acting Director of Planning and Community Design, Growth
Management, addressed the Board stating that this request was for approval of a
Resolution to support the designation of SR 40 as a
Mr.
Glenn Burns, representing the Florida Scenic Byway Corridor Advisory Group,
addressed the Board stating that the group was asking for three different
things, being: (1) approval of a Resolution of support; (2) a signature from a
county representative on the Corridor Management Entity Agreement (CME); and
(3) a designated representative from the County to attend the meetings.
It
was noted that Commr. Stewart would serve on said committee, representing the
Board of County Commissioners.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Growth Management for approval
of Resolution No. 2007-135, supporting the designation of SR 40 as a Florida
Scenic Highway and National Scenic Byway, including associated loop and spur
roads - Commission District 5; authorized signature from the Chairman on the
Corridor Management Entity (CME) designation application; and the appointment of
Commr. Stewart, to attend the meetings, representing the Board of County
Commissioners.
OTHER
BUSINESS
APPOINTMENT/REAPPOINTMENTS
TO PUBLIC LAND ACQUISITION
ADVISORY
COUNCIL (PLAAC)
On
a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board appointed the following individuals to upcoming vacant
positions on the Public Land Acquisition Advisory Council (PLAAC), to serve
three-year terms, beginning October 1, 2007:
Members
Familiar with
Ms.
Judy Smathers (Reappointed)
Mr.
Bernie Yokel (Reappointed)
Mr.
Scott Taylor (Appointed – Replacing Ms. Nadine Foley)
Members
Representing the Business Community
Mr.
Jim Miller (Reappointed)
REPORTS
–
ORDINANCE
CREATING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE IV, ENTITLED “LOBBYING”
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
On
a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for
approval to advertise the proposed Ordinance creating Chapter 2, Article IV,
entitled “Lobbying”.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER STIVENDER – DISTRICT 3
PERSONAL
ANNOUNCEMENT
Commr.
Stivender announced the birth of her newest grandchild, Adam, who was born in
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER STIVENDER – DISTRICT 3
WOODLEA
HOUSE FIRE
Commr.
Stivender asked the Board to keep the City of
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER STEWART – DISTRICT 4
EARLY
COALITION’S VOLUNTARY PRE-K PROGRAM
Commr.
Stewart informed the Board that on September 1, 2007, she attended the 2nd
birthday party for the Early Coalition’s Voluntary Pre-K Program. She noted that the program is a wonderful
educational opportunity for children and it was well attended by the children
and their families.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER CADWELL – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 5
INQUIRY
ABOUT STEGALL PROPERTY
Commr.
Cadwell questioned whether the Board would be interested in once again
approaching Ms. Emogene Stegall, Lake County Supervisor of Elections, to see if
she and her husband would be interested in selling their property, which is
located in the center of the downtown Tavares campus expansion project.
It
was noted that Commr. Cadwell, as Chairman of the Board of County
Commissioners, would approach Ms. Stegall and her husband about the matter.
CITIZEN
QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
Mr.
Roy Hunter, representing the Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce, addressed the
Board stating that he was a member of the Lake County Library Advisory Board
and that he was concerned about the Board’s recent vote to not acquire new DVDs
for the County’s branch libraries, noting that, if an individual checks out a
book from a library, usually only one person will read that book; however, if
that individual were to check out a DVD, usually the entire family will watch
it, which will bring them closer together.
He stated that, with regard to the expense involved, if DVDs are not
available in the branch libraries, the residents in those areas will go to the
nearest library to acquire them and the County will be billed by those
municipalities for the residents that utilize their libraries, so the County
will not have saved any money in the long run - it will be a wash. He stated that, with regard to the issue of transportation,
the northeast Lake County area has been fighting for a long time to get bus
transportation and, even though an average of only six people have been riding
the bus so far, asked that the Board give their area another chance.
RECESS
AND REASSEMBLY
At
9:30 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess until 5:05 p.m.,
for the Public Hearing on the proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2008.
PUBLIC
HEARING
ADOPTION
OF TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008
Ms.
Cindy Hall,
Ms. Regina Frazier, Budget Director, addressed the Board and gave a brief slide presentation about the County’s budget, noting that the total Fiscal Year 2008 proposed countywide budget is $567 million and, of that, the current Revenues equate to approximately $250 million, as compared to Fiscal Year 2007, which had Revenues of $246.5 million. She stated that the $3.5 million increase in Revenues is 1.4%. She then reviewed a breakdown of the 47 funds within the County and discussed information pertaining to some of the other types of Revenue sources. She reviewed the Expenditure side of the budget, as well, breaking it down by the major categories and explaining some of the changes that were made. She discussed the County’s property taxes and the fact that the County met all of the State mandates, in fact, noted that it actually exceeded it, with regard to the Countywide rate. She indicated that there are fliers available that contain frequently asked questions and illustrate how much of the tax bill is Lake County’s, versus other entities, and thanked her staff for all their hard work during this budget cycle, noting that it was very challenging for them, due to lots of last minute changes.
Ms. Marilyn Bainter, a member of the Golden Triangle Republican Women’s Network, addressed the Board stating that their committee has been reviewing the County’s budget for several weeks and that she had some concerns about the budget, at which time she read a detailed statement outlining her concerns into the record.
Mr. Rick Roberts, a resident of south
Ms. Susan Gooch, President of the Friends of the
Horticultural Learning Center (Discovery Gardens), addressed the Board stating
that her group has spent the last five years raising money to build a building
in the Discovery Gardens that is air conditioned and has bathroom facilities,
so that they can expand their children’s programs, and have been able to raise
approximately $123,000 to date towards that effort. She stated that the Board was kind enough to
give them “seed” money to get them started on the project and, since that time,
they have had tremendous support for what they are trying to do. She stated that they feel the
Mr. Jeff Quesenberry, a new resident in the County, addressed the Board stating that he came from the south Miami area, where he lived for many years, and was shocked to find the people in this area so friendly and nice, however, noted that one of the deciding factors of him moving here was understanding what he could afford, budget wise. He stated that his taxes are going to double what they were one year ago and feels that the higher taxes may stop a lot of people from moving to this area, because the taxes are going to be so high that they will not be able to afford to live here.
Ms. Evelyn Lucas, a member of the Golden Triangle Republican Women’s Network, addressed the Board stating that she was concerned about various memberships for the County and some of its staff, which she reviewed with the Board, noting that she was at a hearing on August 28, 2007, where it was proposed that 10% of the memberships be cut, but that she does not feel that is adequate. She then reviewed various areas of the budget that she felt was duplication and could be cut, saving the County a large amount of money.
Ms. Catherine Earhart, a former school administrator and member of the Golden Triangle Republican Women’s Network, addressed the Board stating that there were some statistics in the budget that alarmed her. She stated that many of the Board members were not on the Board in previous years, but that they now hold those seats and it is their responsibility to deal with the problems that currently exist. She stated that one area that concerned her is the enormous debt that the County has taken on, which is approximately $180 million, however, noted that, when one looks at the amount of Revenues that the County receives, it puzzles her as to how the County could encumber so much debt. She asked the Board to look at it and ask themselves whether they would be taking on such an enormous amount of debt, if it involved their families. She stated that she understands that the County’s budget increased 74% in the last three years, but the population only increased 15%, so there was an enormous amount of spending at the same time that a huge debt was being approved. She stated that another finding that concerned her was the fact that there has been a 161% increase in total county taxes levied during the last five years – the fourth highest in 66 counties. She stated that the County has established a reputation for being a county that knows how to borrow and spend money, which is something that concerns her group, as citizens of the County. She encouraged the Board to cut beyond what they have already cut, noting that, when her group studied the budget, they found what they thought were redundancies in services, as well as programs that were not effective. She stated that the Board is going to have to make some hard decisions.
Ms. Dallas Thompson, a resident of
Ms. Barbara Stam, a resident of
There being no further individuals who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Commr. Cadwell informed those present that, because of the rising costs of housing, the County had a good income coming in, but it was behind in a lot of areas and had to do a lot of catch-up. He stated that most of the items brought up at this meeting, with regard to cuts, have been brought up at prior Board Meetings and have already been discussed.
Discussion occurred regarding budget concerns that each of the Commissioners have; the fact that, on January 29, 2008, the voters are going to be asked to make a choice regarding the Super Homestead Exemption and they are not going to know the full implication of that choice, which could affect them for years to come, so there needs to be some way to inform them before January, so that they understand what is happening and how it relates to them; the fact that some of the Commissioners feel there has not been good communication between the County and the general public about the budget; the fact that there is a basic mistrust of government; the fact that some Commissioners feel the citizens are owed an explanation as to why their taxes are not going down and the County has an obligation to give it to them; and the fact that the Board needs to have a workshop with the School Board and the cities regarding the issue of parks and recreational facilities.
Commr. Stivender stated that she felt, since everybody else was being asked to cut their budgets, the Constitutional Officers should do the same thing.
Sheriff Gary Borders addressed the Board stating that his department cut $822,000 from their budget, at which time he discussed the issue of School Resource Officers, noting that it involves an agreement between the Board of County Commissioners and the School Board. He stated that they pay $25,000 per deputy and the County picks up the rest of the costs involved. He stated that it was indicated that he was asking for 25 additional deputies, however, pointed out the fact that that was not correct. He stated that only 16 of those positions were for deputies - the rest were for support personnel. He stated that he has communicated with a couple of Police Chiefs from some of the larger cities in the County about them taking over some of the schools in their cities, noting that the Sheriff’s Department currently handles every middle and high school in the County. He stated that, if that occurs over the next year, the Board will see a reduction in the number of deputies needed as School Resource Officers.
Commr. Renick stated that she felt it would be hard for the Board to find fault with the Tax Collector or the Property Appraiser’s budgets, noting that she feels they run a pretty tight ship.
Ms. Cindy Hall,
Mr. Sandy Minkoff,
Commr. Cadwell stated that he did not feel the Board would be making any amendments to the budget at this time - that they would just clarify any questions there might be and then set a time for the meeting of September 11, 2007, to clear up any concerns, before the final budget hearing to be held September 18, 2007.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried, by a 4-1 vote, the Board approved the tentative millage rate for the Lake County Countywide Levy at 4.7410 mills.
Commr. Stivender voted “No”.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Lake County MSTU for Stormwater, Parks and Roads Levy at 0.4984 mills.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Lake County MSTU for Ambulance and Emergency Services Levy at 0.4651 mills.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Lake County Voter Approved Debt Levy at 0.2000 mills.
On a motion by Commr. Stewart, seconded by Commr. Renick and carried, by a 4-1 vote, the Board approved a tentative budget of $567,171, 964 for the County.
Commr. Stivender voted “No”.
At this time, Commr. Cadwell announced that the public
hearing to finalize the budget and adopt the millage rates will be held on
September 18, 2007, at 5:05 p.m., in the County Commission Chambers,
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
____________________________________
WELTON
G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
__________________________
JAMES C. WATKINS,
CLERK