A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

JULY 8, 1987

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Wednesday, July 8, 1987 at 1:30 p.m. in the Board of County Commissioner's Meetiny Room, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Thomas J. Windram, Chairman (not present); Glenn C. Burhans; Claude E. Smoak, Jr.; James R. Carson, Jr.; and C. A. "Lex" Deems. Others present were : Michael C. Willett, County Administrator: Katherine A. McDonald, County Administrator's Assistant: Donald W. Smalt, Budget Analyst; and Toni M. Austin, Deputy Clerk.

BUDGETS

Sheriff's Department

Noel E. Griffin, Jr., Sheriff, appeared before the Board to discuss his proposed 1987-88 budget request, totaling approximately eight million dollars. He stated that the request was for a 10% increase in salaries and new personnel. He stated that the new personnel would consist of ten uniform deputies.

Sheriff Griffin stated that Representative Everett Kelly had before the Legistlature a bill to allow sherift's offices to buy directly from pharmaceutical companies. He stated that the Lake County Sheriff's Department would now need an RN to supervise the medication. Sheriff Griffin stated that Everett Kelly has offered to he the designated pharmacist for the Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff Griffin stated that the request is for the following personnel: (1) investigator; (1) RN; (3) clerks; and (2) correctional officers.

It was noted that the retirement was not included in the budget figures, due to a possible increase in October.

Discussion occurred regarding the School Crossing Guard Budget, which is separate from the original Sheriff's budget.

Health and General Services

Mr. Lonnie Strickland, Director of Health and General Services, appeared before the Board to discuss the different areas of County health services.

At this time Mr. Strickland discussed his memorandum regarding the development of a County carding system plan for Lake County Social Services. He stated that the Northwest District had voted to work with this system.

Mr. Strickland discussed the Welfare Services budget, stating a need for a $25,000.00 increase in each line item, due to 97% of the present budget being utilized. He further stated that last year $3,000.00 had been allocated to the Temporary Living Center housing only one Lake County resident during that time, and this year a request, in the amount of $3,000.00, has been made by Rape Crisis, having served 157 Lake County residents, causing the change in the budget. It was noted that a request had also been received from the Sunrise Workshop for $10,000.00. Mr. Strickland also indicated a need to increase the amount of funds for pauper burials.

Mr. Strickland discussed the Veterans Office and stated that last year funds had been budgeted for computer equipment, which was not utilized. Therefore, the funds were being rebudgeted for the equipment.

Mr. Strickland discussed the $10,000.00 increase for the Medical Examiner, to an amount of $65,000.00. He discussed the problems with the original contract, regarding the responsibility of repair and maintenance.

Mr. Strickland discussed the request from Animal Control, for an increase in the line item, regarding buildings, so that the quarantine area can be reconstructed.

Mr. Strickland indicated a $35,000.00 increase, in the Mental Health budget, for the TASC program.

Mr. Michael C. Willett, County Administrator, stated that funds had been budgeted, for rent, for Welfare Services. Last year's costs had been shared with Section 8.

Mr. Strickland informed the Board of a new line item, Promotional Activities, under the Fairgrounds budget.

Mr. Strickland discussed the Mosquito Control and Aquatic Weed Control budgets and the request for two more inspectors.

Discussion occurred regarding the County adopting a policy regarding the spraying of blind mosquitoes.

Commr. Smoak made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Deems, to direct Mr. Strickland and his staff to inform the public that the County does not spray for blind mosquito control.

The motion was defeated.

Mr. Strickland stated that an overall increase of 10% had been requested in the Health Department budget.

Water Authority

Commr. Smoak suggested that Mr. Strickland review the contractual agreement the County has with Water Authority, which the County implemented sever.31 years ago, and present recommendations to the Board at a later date.

Planning, Building and Zoning, Pollution Control

Mr. Willett discussed the Planning, Building and Zoning, and Pollution Control budgets, which have increased $358,000.00. He informed the Board of the additional personnel being requested. He stated that the budgets have been prepared with a 5% increase in salaries, with a separate amount to upgrade salaries.

Fire Districts-Fire Departments

Discussion occurred regarding the proposed twelve budgets for the fire districts and the generated revenue.

Mr. Willett stated that he will be recommending to the Board that $150,000.00 be set aside for capital improvements in some of these fire districts, from the General Revenue Fund.

Libraries

Mr. Willett recommended to the Board that the Library participation with the cities be increased to $150,000.00, from $97,000.00, which will include the Library Coordinator's Budget.

At this time the Board postponed the next Budget Workshop until July 22, 1987, at 9:00 a.m., in order to allow time to receive the revenue figures, for discussion.

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.

GLENN C. BURHANS, VICE-CHAIRMAN

ATTEST:

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK

TMA/07-15-87