A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

SEPTEMBER 10, 1985

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Tuesday, September 10, 1985, at 5:05 p.m. in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Roan, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Glenn C. Burhans, Chairman; James R. Carson, Jr.; Claude E. Smoak, Jr.; and C. A. "Lex" Deems. Commmr. Windram was not present for the meeting. Others present were: Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney; Michael C. Willett, County Administrator; Robert L. Wilson, Finance Director; Donald W. Smalt, Director of Administrative Services; William A. LeHeup, Budget Analyst; and Mary C. Grover, Secretary.

BUDGETS

Commr. Burhans announced to the audience that the advertised time had arrived for the public hearing to tentatively adopt the Lake County budget for the fiscal year 1985-86. It was noted that the proper proof of publication was on hand as it appeared in the September 1, 1985, and September 6, 1985, editions of The Orlando Sentinel, Lake Little Sentinel Commr. Burhans informed the audience of the following Federal Revenue Sharing figures:

A. Public Safety $1,465,500

B. Transportation 750,000

C. Fire Protection 30 000

Total $2,245,500

No one present wished to discuss the Federal Revenue Sharing figures with the Board.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively adopted the Federal Revenue Sharing for the fiscal year 1985-86 in the total amount of $2,245,500.

Commr. Burhans informed the audience that the required millage for the 1985-86 tentative budget for Lake County was 3.492 mills, which is a 14.5% increase over roll back. He stated that the required revenue was $8,009,079. He questioned if there were any comments from the audience.

Ms. Hildegard Sender, Leesburg, addressed the Board to discuss the proposed budget. She stated that she was opposed to the increase in property taxes. She also stated that insurance costs have increased so much that she has had to cancel several policies.

Commr. Carson explained to the audience the increase of the insurance costs for the County for 1985-86. He stated that the County is currently paying $95,876.00 in insurance costs, but that the insurance costs for 1985-86 would be $287,355.00. Mrs. Laurabelle Winter, West Crooked Lake, informed the Board that she was unemployed and was present to object to the increase in property taxes.

Mr. Hubert H. Hartman, Mt. Dora, addressed the Board and stated that his taxes had increased 47% over his 1980 taxes. He stated that he felt the Board should review the budget thoroughly, and see what services can be cut.

Mr. Warner Phillips, Alabama, addressed the Board and stated that he plans to retire in Lake County in January, but if the taxes continue to increase, then he will not be able to afford to live in Lake County. The Board informed him that since he is not a resident of Lake County, he is not entitled to the Homestead Exemption, which was one of the major reasons for an increase in taxes. Another reason pointed out for an increase in taxes was the increase in the assessment of the property.

MS. Sender stated that she owns houses for rental purposes. She stated that she did not understand how an assessment could be increased on a structure in need of repair. Commr. Carson explained that the Board did not have any control over assessments. He stated that she would have to talk with Mr. Havill, Property Appraiser, and if she still is not satisfied, she could then file a petition with the Property Appraisal Adjustment Board, which is scheduled to meet September 23, 1985, and September 24, 1985. He further pointed out that the Board does not have any control over the School Board taxes.

Ms. Sender also questioned if the County has a budget for the Chamber of Commerce. The Board informed Ms. Sender that there is not a budget for the Chamber of Commerce, but that they must generate their money from dues received and from the local municipalities in which they are located.

Mr. Dan Kurtz, Tavares, addressed the Board and questioned if the taxes have increased so much this year, what was the Board's projection for the increase in taxes for 1987 & 1988.

Commr. Smoak explained to the audience how the Homestead Exemption was originated.

Mr. Leonard Phillips, Mount Dora, addressed the Board and stated that he was not present to criticize the Board, but he was objecting to the inequity in assessments. He stated that he felt the proposed budget also has inequities.

Mr. Lawrence H. Matlock also addressed the Board to object to the increase in property taxes.

Mr. Hartman questioned if the Board was providing funding for the Economic Development Council. The Board stated that the request has 'been placed in the Contingency Account of the budget. Mr. Hartman stated that he felt that the business people should provide the financing for the Council.

Mr. Harold Matson, Mount Dora; Mr. Tom Constadine, Deltona; Ms. Ruth Smith, Leesburg; and Mr. Curtis Copeland also addressed the Board in opposition to the 1985-86 budget.

Countywide Budget

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively adopted the millage rate of 3.492 for the Countywide Budget for 1985-86. Northeast Hospital District No one present wished to discuss the proposed budget for the Northeast Hospital District.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively adopted the millage rate of 1.000 for the Northeast Hospital District, Northeast Ambulance District No one present wished to discuss the proposed budget for the Northeast Ambulance District.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively adopted the millage rate of 0.276 for the Northeast Ambulance District.

Northwest Ambulance District

No one present wished to discuss the proposed budget for the Northwest Ambulance District.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively adopted the millage rate of 0.345 for the Northwest Ambulance District.

Countywide Budget

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively adopted the 1985-86 Countywide Budget in the amount of $35,995,277.00.

Budgets - Fire Districts/Fire Departments

Commr. Burhans informed the audience that the approximate

income fra the fire structure fee would be $900,600.

Mr. David Wishneski, Eustis, addressed the Board to object to the fire structure fee.

Ms. Hildegard Sender also addressed the Board to discuss the proposed fire structure fee.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively adopted the fire structure Eee as follows:

A. Residential $35.00

B. Commercial 06 Sq. Ft. (1st 50,000)

C. Commercial 04 Sq. Ft. (Next 50,000)

D. Commercial 02 Sq. Ft. (Over 50,000)

Discussion occurred regarding the budgets for the six (6) individual Fire Districts. Mr. Willett, County Administrator, addressed the Board and stated that he recommended approval of the proposed budgets.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board tentatively adopted the 1985-86 budgets for the Fire Districts as follows:

1. Bassville Fire District $277,891.

2. Mt. Plymouth Fire District 85,530.

3. Pasco Fire District 241,680.

4.Northwest Fire District 358,451.

5.Paisley Fire District 24,482.

6. South Lake Fire District 126,020.

Commr. Burhans informed the Board that the final budget adoption hearing was scheduled for September 24, 1985, at 5:05 p.m. Mr. Phillips addressed the Board to discuss the ambulance districts. He stated that Waterman Medical Center charged patients additional monies if they were not members of the hospital. The Board directed Mr. Ford, County Attorney, to research the statement made by Mr. Phillips. Mr. Matlock also indicated that he received the same treatment from Waterman Medical Center.

BUDGETS/COURTS-JUDGES

Commr. Burhans informed the Board that a letter had been received from Chief Judge Aulls requesting that the following adjustments be made to the 1985-86 budget for Circuit and County Court Judges and Bailiffs as follows:

1. Bailiffs' salary account should be increased by $10,005 due to the fact that one bailiff's salary was omitted entirely and two bailiffs' salaries were understated.



2. The Equipment Account should be increased to a total of $6,000 due to the fact that Circuit Judge C. Welborn Daniel and County Judge Mark Hill have requested canputer typewriters to be purchased for their offices

in order to conform to the remainder of the judiciary.

On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request from Chief Judge Aulls to place the above items into the 1985-86 budget for Circuit and County Court Judges and Bailiffs.

APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS/COMMITTEES/PUBLIC HEALTH

Commr. Burhans informed the Board that he would like the Board to accept his resignation from the Board of Directors of the North Central Florida Health Planning Council, Inc. He recommended that Kathy Barnett, Insurance Coordinator, be appointed to replace him on the Council.

On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board accepted the resignation of Commissioner Burhans frcm the North Central Florida Health Planning Council,.Inc. and directed Mr. Ford, County Attorney, to prepare a Resolution of Appreciation to Commr. Burhans. The motion also included the appointment of Ms. Barnett to replace Commr. Burhans.

BUDGETS - Economic Development Council

Mr. Willett, County Administrator, questioned if the Board would like a presentation from the Economic Development Council to discuss their 1985-86 budget request. It was the feeling that discussion for the Economic Development Council should be heard at the next Board meeting scheduled for September 17, 1985.

Commr. Burhans expressed his appreciation to those who attended the meeting and again informed them of the final budget adoption meeting scheduled for September 24, 1985, at 5:05 p.m. There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6~40 p.m.

GLENN C. BURHANS, CHAIRMAN

ATTEST:

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK

mcg/3-17-85