A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS



SEPTEMBER 7, 1989



The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Thursday, September 7, 1989, at 1:00 p.m., in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: C. W. "Chick" Gregg, Chairman: Don Bailey: Richard Swartz; Thomas J. Windram; and Michael J. Bakich. Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Robert K. McKee, Chief Deputy Clerk: Al Thelen, County Manager; Ava Kronz, Assistant to the County Manager: Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney: James C. Schuster, Finance Director; Donald Smalt, Budget Analyst; and Sandra Carter, Deputy Clerk.

BUDGETS

Commr. Gregg gave opening remarks, as well as the County Manager, stating that this meeting would be a continuation of the Budget Meeting held September 5, 1989, at 5:05 p.m., in order for the Board to discuss cuts in the budget and establish new tentative millage rates and percentage increases over last year's rollback millage.

Mr. Al Thelen, County Manager, stated that he had had some inquiries as it relates to the process in getting where the Board was with the Budget Meeting on September 5th, therefore, he had conferred with the County Attorney's Office, the State Department of Revenue's Office, as well as Mr. James Watkins, Clerk, and they were of the opinion that the continuance of the hearing to this date, from the meeting of September 5th, is in order. He stated, however, that there were certain actions that needed to be taken at this meeting.

Mr. Chris Ford, County Attorney, informed the Board that, under Section 2 of the Florida Statutes, it states that said hearings shall be held after 5:00 p.m. He also stated that he had discussion with the Department of Revenue and that they were in total agreement that the hearings have to be held after 5:00 p.m. He stated that, due to the fact that the first hearing was held after 5:00 p.m., the Board is taking a risk having the second hearing at 1:00 p.m., rather than after 5:00 p.m., therefore, he would recommend that the Board recess this meeting until 5:05 p.m.

Upon being questioned as to whether the Board could hold any type of discussion at this time, the County Attorney stated that, being some of the public that was present at the September 5, 1989, budget session was present this date, the Board could hear those individuals that want to have public input (for their convenience), in case they did not want to come back for the 5:05 p.m. meeting.

Mr. Ford stated that the spokesperson for the Department of Revenue stated that she feels the Board needs to readvertise the meeting, and wait two to five days, to have an actual publicized meeting, however, he does not agree with that, in reading the Florida Statutes.

At this time, Mr. James Watkins, Clerk, questioned whether, if, in fact, the Board does take public input at this time and postpone final action until after 5:05 p.m. this date, there would be any reason why the Board, in a workshop type session, could not discuss the budget, in general, and discuss any suggested changes, so that they might be prepared this evening, at 5:05 p.m., to officially take those actions, to which he was told that there would not be any problem with doing so.

Mr. Ford stated that the Board might want to go over each item, at the 5:05 p.m. meeting, in summary form, and allow the public to give input, if they so chose.

At this time, a motion was made by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, to adjourn, and continue discussion of the budget at 5:05 p.m., this date, at which time the Board would receive public input.

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK

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