A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

JUNE 16, 1983

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in Special Session for a budget workshop on Thursday, June 16, 1983, at 1:3O p.m. in the Board of County Commissioners Meeting Room, Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Thomas J. Windram, Chairman; James R. Carson, Jr.; Claude E. Smoak, Jr.; and C. A. "Lex" Deems. Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Donald W. Smalt, Administrative Services Director; Robert L. Wilson, Finance Director; Bill LeHeup, Senior Clerk; and Cathy B. Roy, Secretary.

BUDGETS

The following proposed budgets (without salaries included)

were discussed with the tentative results:

CLERK

Mr. James C. Watkins, Clerk, addressed the Board to discuss his 1983-84 budget requests. Mr. Watkins requested that the Board consider a 10% salary increase be allowed for Clerk's employees based on studies done by his office on salaries in surrounding Counties and Lake County for similiar positions. Mr. Watkins informed the Board that the overall Clerk's budget request reflected an 8% increase, which included the 10% requested increase in salaries.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the Clerk's overall operating budget in the amount of $251,238, excluding salaries.

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

Emogene Stegall, Supervisor of Elections, addressed the Board to discuss her 1983-84 budget requests. Mrs. Stegall stated that the increase in the equipment portion was to purchase an IBM System 6, word processor.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the 1983-84 211 budget request of the Supervisor of Elections in the amount of $243,502.

WELFARE ADMINISTRATION/WELFARE SERVICES & SECTION 8

Myra Smith, Director of Welfare, addressed the Board to discuss her 1983-84 budget requests.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the Welfare Administration Budget in the amount of $5,590, excluding salaries.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board amended the Welfare Services 1983- 84 budget to tentatively allocate $100,000 to Medicaid-Hospitals and $220,000 to Medicaid-Nursing Homes, for a tentative approval of $457,700.

On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the Section 8 Budget in the amount of $338,589, excluding salaries.

Considerable discussion occurred regarding the funding of hospital bills for the indigent under the welfare budget when each of the hospitals has a taxing district for indigent health care costs. The Board suggested that a meeting be held with each of the hospitals and respective taxing districts regarding the on-going problems with no obstetric care for the indigent in some districts and the possibility of the taxiny district taking the fiscal responsibility even though the services aren't provided.

ANIMAL CONTROL

Frankie Thorp, Director, addressed the Board to discuss the 1983-84 budget requests.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the 1983-84 budget requests for Animal Control, as submitted, in the amount of $35,685, not including salaries.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Lonnie Strickland addressed the Board regarding the 1983-84 budget requests for Emergency Communications. Discussion occurred regarding the fact that a figure for insurance was not available in that it did not fit under any presently written policy. Mr. Smalt stated that Lloyds of London had been contacted and would be supplying information as to whether a policy could be written and the cost of such a policy.

Considerable discussion occurred regarding the liability of the County and costs regarding this new program. The Board directed Mr. Strickland to meet with the Administrators of the Lake County Hospitals regarding the emergency communications.

Action regarding this budget was postponed until Commr. Burhans could be present for the discussion.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board authorized Mr. Strickland to do whatever was necessary to keep the warranties on the equipment in this new building in force as far as maintenance of the equipment.

AGRICULTURAL CENTER

Dr. Earl Kelly was present to discuss his 1983-84 budget requests with the Board.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the Agicultural Center budget in the amount of $49,764, with the stipulation that Dr. Kelly check with the Planning Department regarding video equipment for use by the Agricultural Center rather than purchasing new equipment, if possible.

MEDICAL EXAMINER

Dr. Schutze addressed the Board regarding the 1983-84 budget requests.

Discussion occurred regarding the fact that leases to the newly constructed Medical Examiner and Ambulance Facility were being negotiated and other equipment costs were not included in the budget at the present time. It was discussed and agreed that Dr. Schutze would continue billing the other Counties in the Fifth District for use of facilities.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the Medical Examiner Budget for 1983-84, subject to amendments for new items.

SOIL CONSERVATION

Mr. Charlie Russ addressed the Board regarding the request for additional utilities and the operational costs in that there is a modular building presently in Tallahassee which the Soil Conservation Service is trying to obtain. Mr. Russ stated he had spoken with the Building Department and Public Works Department who had no immediate objection subject to the plans being worked out if the building became available. Mr. Russ also stated that an additional person would be assigned to the Soil Conservation Office as well as a new piece of equipment to be based in Lake County. Mr. Russ explained the equipment and stated that all funding would be State or Federal.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the budget for the Soil Conservation Service, excluding salaries, in the amount of $8,650.

COUNTY JUDGES

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively approved the 1983-84 budget request for the County Judge, excluding $1,976 equipment purchase which the Board requested be referred to Judge Aulls, Chief Circuit Judge, for his recommendation.

COMMISSIONERS

At this time Commr. Windram turned the Chairmanship to Vice

Chairman Deems.

COUNTY PROBATION

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board tentatively approved the 1983-84 budget request for the County Probation Office, excluding salaries..Commr . Windram was not present for the vote.

There being no further business to be brought before the Board the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

THOMAS J. WINDRAM, CHAIRMAN

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK

CBR/6/20/83