July 18, 2002

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on July 18, 2002, at 9:05 a.m. in the Government Center Florida Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida. Present were: Chairman Truman Scarborough, Commissioners Randy O’Brien, Nancy Higgs, Susan Carlson, and Jackie Colon, County Manager Tom Jenkins, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

PERMISSION TO SEND LETTER, RE: DRAFT WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
ACT OF 2002

Virginia Barker, Environmental Management, stated yesterday she received notice that there is a Bill for consideration in the Senate which would be bad for the long-term future of Brevard County’s beach project; she drafted a letter for the Chairman’s signature to send to the Chair of the Energy and Public Works Subcommittee; and it is revising the Water Resources Development Act of 2002. She noted the Senate version it is considering would flip-flop the federal cost share, reducing such share to 35%; it does not look like it would affect the North and South Reaches, as they have been authorized by Congress; but if anything is done in the Mid-Reach or the project is expanded in any direction, it could affect the cost share; and there are several different provisions that could delay future renourishments or completing South Reach construction. She stated there is also a provision that says the federal government will not pay more than 50% of its share until the local sponsor has paid 100% of its share for the entire 50-year project; it would mean a lot more outlay for the County up-front before the federal government paid anything; and the issue could come up as early as today on the Senate floor. She requested authorization for the Chairman to sign the letter.

Commissioner Carlson inquired is there a House companion bill; with Ms. Barker responding negatively. Ms. Barker advised the House is working on the Water Resources Development Act, which comes up every two to four years; it is the authorization Bill for beach projects; she would expect the House Bill to look extremely different; but no one knows what will happen in conference.

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to authorize the Chairman to sign a letter to United States Senator James Jeffords advising of the Board’s opposition to certain provisions of the draft Water Resources Development Act of 2002 prepared by subcommittee staff for introduction to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Motion carried and ordered unanimously. (See page for Letter.)

ANNOUNCEMENT, RE: DISTRICT 5 TOWN MEETING

Commissioner Colon advised that her Office will hold a town meeting on Saturday, July 20, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. at the Greater Senior Center on Culver and Emerson Roads to discuss the intersection of Emerson and Minton Roads, and Palm Bay Road and the construction taking place there, which is needed; and requested the citizens attend the meeting to understand how it is going to affect them and the community. She noted a status report will also be given on Palm Bay Regional Park and the pool.

DISCUSSION, RE: SEWER REFURBISHING PROJECT IN MELBOURNE BEACH AND
INDIALANTIC

Commissioner Higgs stated the sewer refurbishing project in Melbourne Beach and Indialantic has still not been completed; the repaving that needs to be done now that the pipes are in the ground has started but is not completed; there have been a number of days when there has been sun, but crews have not been out; and requested the County Manager review the issue and see what options the County may have to get the project completed. She noted it is beyond her ability to understand why the County cannot get the projected finished; the Board needs to be fully aware of the incomplete nature of the project; and perhaps the County Manager can check with the County Attorney to see what tool he may have to get the project finished.

COMMENDATION, RE: GOVERNMENT CENTER LANDSCAPING

Chairman Scarborough expressed appreciation to County Administration; stated the landscaping around the Government Center is nice; the Board tries to impose certain standards on the private community; and it is nice for government buildings to show that they are a place the County is proud of as a community.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated County staff is being careful to pay attention to the Board’s Landscaping and Sign Ordinances so that the County is in compliance. Chairman Scarborough stated Brevard County does not want to be minimal, but creative; it is one of the more particular beautiful areas of the world; and the County wants to demonstrate it in all that it does.

PERMISSION TO SCHEDULE, RE: EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR MIORELLI ENGINEERING
V. BREVARD COUNTY CASE

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to authorize advertising and scheduling of an executive session on July 23, 2002, at 11:30 a.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, to discuss mediation and strategy related to litigation regarding the Miorelli Engineering v. Brevard County case. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

PERMISSION TO SCHEDULE, RE: EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR WITHROW V. BREVARD
COUNTY CASE

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to authorize advertising and scheduling of an executive session on July 23, 2002, at 11:30 a.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, to discuss strategy related to litigation regarding the Withrow v. Brevard County case. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

STATUS REPORT, RE: STRATEGIC PLANNING

Leigh Holt, Strategic Planning, stated at the May 9, 2002 Workshop, staff presented a proposed Strategic Plan based on the Board’s review of a collection of community plans from various organizations, including Brevard Tomorrow, and the strategic plans developed by each County Department; it included a projection of those goals that could be addressed with existing resources, which is highlighted in yellow; based on the Board’s input at the Workshop, staff added some goals, including Goal II.J., Water Resources, to manage water resources to ensure adequate drinking water supply for Brevard citizens; an objective was added under Goal IV.C., stating that the County would initiate amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to improve coordination with the School Board regarding school facility planning and growth; and Goal IV.F. was added to work with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to maintain the County’s low crime rate with the objective of increasing the number of road patrol deputies. She noted one of the Board’s requests has been that the strategic planning process be connected to the budget; the Strategic Plan was included in the budget book and noted the page number of the budget request that would support each of the proposed goals; on Tuesday, the Commissioners received, by fax, another document that included the budget information and a summary of their most recent comments compiled by staff; and the information has been distributed to the Department Directors. Ms. Holt stated responses to the Commissioners’ questions and concerns will be brought back to the Board prior to next week’s budget workshop; the one-page summary of goals has been submitted to the Board; the colored areas indicate those goals that are funded with existing resources, those that are partially funded, or goals that are fully funded in the proposed budget; and approximately two-thirds of the goals are fully or partially funded. She noted knowing that the resources are extremely tight this year, she is pleased that so many of the Board’s priorities are going to be addressed in the coming year’s budget.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated the County talks about strategic planning, which is a fairly abstract term; what is more important is what is strategic planning or why does the County do it; there are two major factors the County considers as it makes the investment in strategic planning; and the strategic planning process establishes for the Board and County staff what the priorities are and where the Board wants staff to invest the limited resources the County has. He noted by going through the process, staff identifies what the Board’s priorities are, what it should be trying to fund in the budget, and those things that are of a lower priority for spending of the resources; County government is a very diverse organization and it has a wide range of different functions and services that are provided; as part of the process, there are a number of long-range plans that are developed in each program area; and there is a need to take the long-range plans for the various programs and services, and consolidate them to have some coordination, which is the second outcome or benefit of what the strategic planning exercise has been. Mr. Jenkins reiterated that the strategic plan process includes prioritizing the County’s spending and trying to do a better job of coordinating the wide range of long-range plans that exist for each of the various County programs; stated it is a year-to-year process; staff has been doing it for several years; and each year as it progresses, it is doing a better job in terms of establishing the priorities and coordinating the various long-range plans. He noted that has been the primary impetus as to why the Board has wanted to pursue the issue of strategic planning.

Commissioner O’Brien stated on Goal II.J., Water Resources, to manage water resources to ensure adequate drinking water supply, he would not want the public to get the idea that Brevard County has a problem with water because it does not; and the County’s Water Board has done a fabulous job of linking all the water resources of Brevard County and projected out far in the future that it does not perceive any shortage of drinking water for quite a long time for the County.

Mr. Jenkins stated one of the reasons Brevard County does not have a water problem is due to the County handling the issue head on and working on it for a number of years; and it has been able to avoid some of the problems that other areas are experiencing since it is working in a long-range fashion.

Commissioner O’Brien requested Water Resources Director Richard Martens come before the Board in August 2002 and give a short dissertation on what the Water Board has done. Chairman Scarborough requested Commissioner Higgs advise the Board at that time what is happening regionally.

Commissioner Higgs stated Brevard County has been good in anticipating its needs; it cannot minimize the regional impacts of others; the County’s consumptive use permits could be impacted by the desires of interior and abutting counties to get additional water; and on next week’s agenda is discussion on the Water and Sewer District. She noted the Water Supply Board has requested an opportunity to review the information and discuss it; such Board wants additional time; and perhaps the appropriate time to bring up all the issues is when the ordinance comes back to the Board.

Commissioner Carlson expressed appreciation to staff for their hard work in the strategic planning process; stated it has made a lot of sense out of what the County has as a Capital Improvements Program in the budget and everything else; the dots can now be connected with the Strategic Plan; and it was critical. She noted the County has been working on it over the years she has been in office; the Plan is hopeful as far as what can be done for the community; the Board has gone through the SWOT analysis, looked at the issues, incorporated all of it into the Strategic Plan, and reviewed priorities; and it is a great way to look at the entire community, but it is only good based on how much it is used. She stated it is critical that the County use the Strategic Plan and identify where the budget issues fit into the Plan; and expressed appreciation to staff for a job well done.

Chairman Scarborough stated the document is not definitive at this time; and it is a superficial document that needs to be worked on further.

Commissioner Carlson stated the Board has received a lot of good input; and it needs to make the Plan stick. Chairman Scarborough stated the County needs to further define the issues; he is happy that it has gotten into the aging and juvenile issues; and there are specialized groups working on things.

Commissioner Higgs stated approximately four years ago the County started the benchmarking process with concrete data and numbers; and inquired at what point will the Board be getting that information.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated this is the time of year the Board receives that information; staff is working on it at this time; there are two types of measurements being used; one is an operational measurement that talks about the efficiency and productivity of County departments; and it is in the budget. He noted the other measurement is strategic that deals more with measuring the community; and County staff does that annually.

Commissioner Colon stated on Saturday she attended the Habitat for Humanity meeting in the area of U.S. 1 and Aurora Road, which is an area known for crime activity; Habitat for Humanity and the Faith Community Churches or Lake Washington Disciples have come together and built 25 homes within the area; and it was not a matter of increasing law enforcement, but the community saying they were going to give back and be involved.

Ms. Holt stated Goal I.F. Transit Services, Enhance citizen mobility by increasing bus service to County citizens, can be highlighted in blue as the Department has received a $190,000 grant to increase paratransit services.

Commissioner O’Brien stated the Transit Services Department started the bus trolley system along the beaches for the Port and almost to Patrick Air Force Base; and such system has been very successful.

Commissioner Carlson inquired how is the usage of the system going to be tracked. Mr. Jenkins responded it is presently being tracked; the fixed route bus use is rising dramatically; and in the first quarter it was up 25% and 50% in the second quarter. Commissioner Higgs stated the program that was instituted this summer with the library cards and the young people who get free rides has been very successful as well.

The Board acknowledged Ms. Holt’s presentation on the Strategic Plan Goals, Objectives, Budget Requests, Priorities, Commissioners’ comments, and the Strategic Plan Chart for 2002-2003.

DISCUSSION, RE: BUDGET OVERVIEW

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated the preliminary operating budget as submitted totals $732,053,202, which represents a 5.51% decrease from the FY 2000-2001 amended budget and a .68% decrease over the adopted budget from October 1, 2001; in the past four out of five years, excluding voter-approved property tax increases, the Board has successfully reduced each year the property tax millage rate levied by it the previous year; however, due to a number of sizeable built-in cost increases, prior funding commitments, and a number of other revenue reductions, the millage rate has been increased by 3% from the current year’s millage rate; and the millage calculation includes the voter-approved 1998 firefighters and 2001 parks and recreation millage rate increases for the operations and maintenance portions of the referendums. He noted the ad valorem property tax funded budgets have presented the biggest challenge to the County this year; he has not been able to fund many of the requested service enhancements in the budgets; there have been a number of factors which have impacted the preliminary operating budget; and a grant match has been added to include 10 additional Sheriff’s deputies for road patrol. Mr. Jenkins stated if the County were to fund such deputies entirely, the cost would be considerably higher; but providing the grant match for the first year is $889,863; the County is phasing in five deputies on October 1, 2002 and five more during the middle of next year; there has been a 70% cost increase in the Jail Medical Services Contract; and the program is mandated and the County does not have an option. He noted the increase is not reflective that the County is being gouged with the new Contract; the Sheriff’s Office went out to bid and the Contract was negotiated; what it represents is that the County was getting an extraordinary deal prior to the current year; and it is being forced to absorb the significant increase. He stated during the current year, which also affects next year, the Board has added eight additional Sheriff’s deputies at the request of the Sheriff to conduct homeland security investigations; federal and State government are placing an increased burden on local law enforcement to investigate security matters dealing with homeland security; the Board has authorized three additional Sheriff’s deputies to serve on the bomb squad during the current year, which also carries forward to next year; and the County has also funded a match for a grant application for a Sheriff’s Emergency Command Center vehicle, which the Board recently authorized. Mr. Jenkins noted the County has also provided the grant match for new and expanded crime lab equipment, which the Board recently authorized; as recommended by the Commission on Elderly Affairs, the County has included $50,000 for continuum of care for the elderly; the Juvenile Together in Partnership, which is a juvenile delinquency prevention program, recommended the County provide additional funding for mini-grants to local agencies; and the County has provided $50,000. He stated recently the Board authorized a grant application for a homeless shelter; the County has provided the grant match for it; it also had to provide funding for the opening of the new Melbourne Beach Library at $263,000; the Suntree/Viera Library is moving into a permanent building; and there is going to be a cost increase associated with it. He noted the County is expanding the Port St. John Library; there is also a cost increase to do it; from an accounting standpoint, the County has been required, based on the auditor’s recommendations, to redistribute how it charges internally for Information Systems’ charges to be more equitable; it had a $452,000 impact on the General Fund budget; and in order to insure that the employee’s health insurance is correctly funded so that the County does not encounter deficits, it had to increase the Board’s contribution per employee by 12%. Mr. Jenkins stated the County is also asking employees to assume a 12% increase in their contribution to the employee health insurance for their dependent coverage; the cost to the General Fund is approximately $1.3 million; the County is also providing employee salary increases in December at a 2% cost of living rate with up to a 1% merit increase; and the cost impact to the General Fund is in excess of $2.3 million. He noted staff recommended providing additional salary increases to help retain certified Sheriff’s deputies, corrections officers, firefighters, firemedics, fire emergency medical technicians, and dispatchers; Brevard County is competing with other jurisdictions for trained certified people in all of those categories; and it is imperative that the County retain its experienced qualified professional staff. He noted the County had increases in property insurance of approximately $500,000 per year in the General Fund; it has not had a bad history when it comes to property insurance claims, but the Florida market is dictating a dramatic increase in property insurance; and the County has asked the Florida Association of Counties, through its Insurance Trust Program, to investigate whether or not it can provide property insurance at a more cost-effective rate than what the County is currently having to pay through a pooled self-insurance program.

Commissioner O’Brien stated the increase is $433,935, but it does not give the whole number of what the insurance costs are. Mr. Jenkins noted staff will provide that information to the Board; the County has fairly significant deductibles already built into the insurance rate; it is going to have to absorb the first “x” number of dollars of loss; the biggest risk the County is taking is if it has a catastrophic event where it might lose $200 or $300 million worth of facilities; and there is an increase in the debt service payments for the Harry T. and Harriet V. Moore Justice Center. He stated the County is building a new service building for the south area to provide high volume services; there have been some issues that have significantly affected the current and projected revenues, including Parks and Recreation golf courses, Law Library, and discontinuation of a Solid Waste payment to the General Fund; the Clerk’s projections for court fines and revenues are significantly below what County staff would anticipate; and the Board previously directed staff to increase permit fees to try to reduce the General Fund subsidy of the development review process. Mr. Jenkins stated staff has continued that initiative; the budget contains a component of accountability and measurement, which is an integral part of the performance-based budgeting program that is used; operational level performance measures, which quantify the efficiency and effectiveness of County programs, are listed for each program in the budget; there are strategic level measurements which are long-term in scope and measure overall quality of life in the community; and an annual assessment of those measurements is issued each year. He suggested the Board go through each of the agencies; stated if there are any significant changes that stand out, staff will discuss those with the Board; and staff will highlight major issues and not repeat what is already in the budget document.

Chairman Scarborough suggested the Board review revenues first; stated in the Fall, he was uncomfortable about what was going to happen this year; however, he is extremely pleased; the County may not have the best of budgets, but after the September 11th event, people thought government was going to close down in Florida; and Brevard County is on course. Mr. Jenkins stated staff advised the Board that it would continue to monitor the situation closely, and if the events began to unfold as the State was predicting, it would come back to the Board; and the County was correct in not wanting to overreact.

Budget Director Dennis Rogero stated some of the reductions staff is projecting are in the golf course revenues; it is a combination of revenue that is not anticipated to be returned to the General Fund in the current year; the preliminary budget before the Board has a millage increase of 3% over the current aggregate operating millage; it will generate just over $8 million in revenue associated with the increase in valuation; and for the General Fund it is approximately $7 million. He noted the $8 million is what the entire County recognizes from the various taxing districts.

Mr. Jenkins inquired what deductions does the County have in the other revenues in the General Fund. Mr. Rogero responded there is approximately $5 million in reduced revenue in the General Fund. Chairman Scarborough stated he wants the information to be clear to the community; and requested staff provide pie charts next week showing revenue sources and increases and decreases within the different segments of the pie, including where the County is doing well and where it has been hurt. Mr. Rogero stated staff will provide a visual representation for the Board.

DISCUSSION, RE: BUDGET PRESENTATIONS

Court Operations

Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten stated the first section is Court Operations on Page JB-1; the first program is Judicial Branch Administration; and he is not sure if the Chief Judge wants to discuss the issue at 1:00 p.m. Chairman Scarborough suggested the item be discussed at the time certain.

County Departments

Agriculture and Extension Services Office

Mr. Whitten stated the first County Department is Agriculture and Extension Services Office which begins on Page AG-1; and there are no significant changes in the budget.

Chairman Scarborough stated the Board was discussing the Historical Commission and it coming into a department; and inquired is it part of this budget.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated the Historical Commission budget was relatively small and was in the Agriculture and Extension Services Office’s budget; however, it has been removed and is being moved over to Assistant County Manager Don Lusk’s group; staff found another position to move over there; and it has been accomplished.

Commissioner O’Brien stated it appears that the operating expenses have increased by $30,000 or approximately 15%; and inquired what are such expenses.

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised operating expenses can range from pens and paper to electricity charges; and in this particular case, it also includes charges for Information Systems services. Commissioner O’Brien inquired was such Office being charged for those services before. Mr. Jenkins stated staff had to do a reconfiguration as to how to charge for the services; it was based on an audit review; the auditor indicated the County needed to redistribute how it was assessing each user of the system; the new methodology of the assessment would be a more accurate description of how the Office is utilizing the system; so it is paying its fair share. He noted Information Systems operates as an internal service fund where the users of the data processing and networking pay their fair share; the auditors reviewed how the County charges each County agency for those services; and they recommended staff do a reconfiguration. He noted the General Fund is now picking up a greater portion of the Information System costs that are used by all the Departments; the Board will see it throughout the budget where the General Fund agencies, based on their utilization and impact on the system, are now required to pay a greater portion; and if the County is going to be true in terms of an accounting system, it does not have much choice but to do that. Commissioner O’Brien stated $30,000 a year for Communications Systems is for computers. Mr. Whitten responded it includes computers, the network, the financial information system, and charges for support when the systems go down. Mr. Jenkins inquired does Communications include telephones; with Mr. Whitten responding affirmatively. Mr. Whitten advised the computers, software and hardware, and SAP system are folded under the Information Systems charge. Mr. Rogero stated the $30,000 increase is not solely confined to Information Systems services charges; and it also includes some general liability increases and insurance. Mr. Jenkins stated there are 16 employees work in the Agriculture and Extension Services Office; and they do data dissemination and are a technical resource to the public. Commissioner O’Brien requested staff provide a breakdown on the budget, not only for such Office, but a cross-section; stated he is finding the cost of Communications to be excessive; he is sure there are other items included in the $30,000; but $30,000 is a lot of money to be spending in operating expenses. Mr. Jenkins noted there are other agencies getting deductions; with Commissioner O’Brien responding he understands that and is trying to get a handle on a real number. Mr. Jenkins stated staff will provide a report to the Board on what items are included.

Information/Communications Systems Director Gino Butto stated staff has the requested information broken down and will provide it to the Board. Commissioner O’Brien noted if the Board can find a way to start cost cutting and get costs under control, it may also find a way to reduce its budget and not have to increase taxes. Mr. Jenkins stated the County has a number of software SAP enhancements that it is not currently able to fund; it has the potential for being more effective and efficient in the future if it can enhance some of its software; staff will provide more detailed information to the Board on where the funds go; some of the high-tech software that is used today requires the more powerful computers; and the older slower computers are not powerful enough to handle the new generation software.

Animal Services and Enforcement Department

Mr. Rogero stated there have been no significant changes in the Animal Services and Enforcement Department.

Commissioner Higgs stated on Page AS-7 under Requested Budget Revenues, the charges for services was $543,933; the preliminary budget is $443,425; and inquired why staff does not believe that the Department could generate the additional $100,000 in charges for services and what does it represent. Mr. Rogero responded staff was basing it on a historical analysis of what the Department has taken in, not only to date in the current year, but in the previous years; after discussing the issue with the Department, it agrees that its initial revenue projection is high; in order to realistically represent what staff believes the Department will bring in, the

Budget staff reduced the amount; otherwise, one falls in the trap of inflating the revenue and at the end of the year, the General Fund has to take a hit.

Animal Services and Enforcement Interim Director Craig Engelson stated what Mr. Rogero indicated is correct; staff looked at what it has been able to generate in revenues; even though the Department is looking for more realistic ways to generate revenue through adoptions now that there is the South Animal Care Center, staff did not have good enough numbers to see where it was going to be since it has only been six months; and it is not going to get the fines and fees that it originally projected it was going to get. He noted this year staff is showing what it can realistically generate.

Commissioner Higgs inquired what does charges for services include; with Mr. Engelson responding animal transport, bite investigation, adoption, and impoundment fees. Mr. Engelson noted most of them are charged at the animal care and adoption centers. Commissioner Higgs inquired even though the Department is now operating the Center, is the .64% all the increase staff believes there will be in that period; with Mr. Engelson responding affirmatively. Mr. Engelson stated originally staff thought it could adopt “x” number of animals, but it has not gotten to that point; it needs to come up with better ways to do adoptions to get the fees; a lot of animals are being brought in; but the adoptions need to be increased to get the revenues where they need to be. He noted the County will get there, but this year staff did not feel it could come close to what it estimated in previous years.

Chairman Scarborough stated if the Department generates the revenues, it will have more revenues, which will appear at the mid-year budget adjustment; the County can compensate in other ways; and it is not losing revenues, but being conservative in the budget estimates. Commissioner Higgs noted the County is also predicating the millage rate based on the revenues; she wants to be sure staff does not over estimate or under estimate as well; and if the County does not set high enough expectations, it does not get there either.

Mr. Jenkins stated if the charges for services are less, it could mean that the problems are less. Commissioner Higgs noted it is probably unrealistic in this particular area to expect to have less animals in. Commissioner Carlson stated it would be nice to know that something the County is doing is being affective and is going to lower the cost and the service; and she would like to see the estimate as accurate as possible. Mr. Jenkins noted the County does a lot of education now in animal services that it did not do five years ago; the Department has a vigorous public information/education program and tries to do a lot of preventive work so there are not problems; it is not going to cure the problems; however, it may have a positive impact. Commissioner Carlson noted it would be nice to see the benefit of some of things that the County provides in terms of education, etc. Commissioner Colon stated the animals are still coming in; she has met with Don Lusk and Mr. Engelson to discuss expectations of the Center; and she is pleased with some of the things the Department will be doing concerning adoption of the animals. Commissioner Higgs requested a breakdown of what the charges for services are and the delivery of such services so that the Board has an idea of what the Department is expecting to do and what the Board is expecting to see in terms of results.

Commissioner O’Brien stated three years ago the County took over the North Animal Care and Adoption Center; the day before it took over the Center, the County had a Contract with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA); and inquired how much was the County paying the SPCA to run the animal shelter. Mr. Engelson responded approximately $52,000. Commissioner O’Brien inquired how much did the County spend last year running the Center; with Mr. Engelson responding staff will have to break down the programs to obtain the appropriate figure.

Chairman Scarborough stated if the County did not continue the North Brevard Animal Shelter it could have transported the animals; it would have impacted a number of County employees, increased the number of facilities elsewhere, and could have impacted the County’s budget; there are other ways to do it; but if an animal needs to be transported, the question is where to take it. Commissioner O’Brien noted if the County spent the money now to repair the facility it may be able to go back and make a new contract with the SPCA to run it and reduce the County’s cost to operate it. Chairman Scarborough stated it would surprise him if the SPCA would have any interest in coming back, regardless of the shape of the facility. Mr. Jenkins noted the County still works closely with the volunteers; the SPCA’s emphasis is on adoption and things of that nature; the SPCA chose not to run the kind of facility the County runs; and it focuses its resources on an adoption center primarily. Mr. Engelson stated the SPCA wanted to get away from the bite animals, cruelty animals, and strays, and focus solely on adopting animals and doing what it felt was its real need in the community; and it has a nice facility now where it does adoptions, spay and neuter, etc. Commissioner O’Brien stated the County may want to return back to the table with the SPCA; it may have enough volunteers that would want to take care of the strays and sick animals; and it might cost considerably less. Chairman Scarborough noted there is no problem in giving the SPCA a call to see if it wants to come to the table; it would surprise him if the SPCA was interested; but unless someone asks the question, they certainly do not know the answer. Commissioner O’Brien stated Ms. Gunde has retired and the Humane Society has a new board; it looked at a new direction it wants to take; the County took over the south facility as there were too many problems with the Society at that time; and those circumstances have changed. He noted the County may want to go back to the table with the Society’s new board and ask it if it would be interested in taking over the facility if the County repairs it; and the County could rent the facility to the Society at $1.00 per year if it runs the facility at $52,000 a year. Commissioner Higgs stated the Board went through a painful discussion less than six months ago on the subject; she does not believe it would be wise to make that kind of flip right now; the County went through the process and has only been handling the Center for six months; it needs some history and at least another couple of years before it considers changing its position; and she is not ready to revisit that decision at this time.

Board of County Commissioners

Mr. Jenkins stated there are no significant changes to the Board of County Commissioners’ budget.

Budget Office

Mr. Rogero advised there are no significant changes to the Budget Office’s budget.

Central Services Office

Mr. Whitten advised there are no significant changes to the Central Services Office’s budget.

Chairman Scarborough inquired does the County have any open positions that are being forced by budgetary concerns rather than hiring concerns; with Mr. Jenkins responding not that he is aware of. Chairman Scarborough stated if there are any such positions he would like to know about it. Mr. Jenkins noted if it is occurring, it is based on an individual director’s discretion. Chairman Scarborough noted it may be due to not finding the right individual and he does not have a problem with that.

County Attorney

County Attorney Scott Knox advised there are no significant changes in his Office’s budget.

Chairman Scarborough stated Commissioner Higgs had raised the issue of bringing in outside counsel on a pre-arranged agreement; and inquired does Attorney Knox see utilizing outside counsel as more of a component part of his operations. Attorney Knox responded the Board may want to use outside counsel as part of the County’s litigation strategy, but not necessarily for the day-to-day issues. Chairman Scarborough inquired to what extent is the County using its in-house counsel for litigation today; with Attorney Knox responding approximately 50% of the work is litigation with the in-house staff.

County Manager

Mr. Jenkins advised there are no significant changes in his Office’s budget.

Economic and Financial Programs

Mr. Jenkins advised there are no significant changes in the Economic and Financial Programs’ budget.

Emergency Management Office

Mr. Jenkins stated staff is proposing to transfer a position to the Historical Commission.

Commissioner Higgs inquired what position and what services are being lost in the Emergency Management Office for the transfer of that position. Mr. Jenkins advised that Robert Lay indicated to him that his existing positions will assume that workload; and he has proposed to Mr. Lay that during an actual event if he needed to use that person’s services, that person would be available to be used.

Commissioner Carlson inquired is the position clerical or managerial; with Mr. Jenkins responding it is a professional position.

Facilities Department

Mr. Whitten stated Facilities Department’s budget decreased due to completion of a number of capital projects in the current fiscal year.

Mr. Jenkins stated there has been a slight reshuffling of people internally which has affected some charges, but has not affected the net bottom line; and there are no other major changes in the Department’s budget.

Commissioner Higgs stated under performance measures and cost per square foot, staff is estimating an increase of 37 cents per square foot on Page FD-6; and inquired why such estimation in the two years with regard to maintenance structures. Mr. Whitten responded it is associated with the increase in square footage and the number of additional properties that are on line now.

A representative of Facilities Department advised there were contractual increases in some of the maintenance items. Commissioner Higgs inquired if it is the maintenance contracts or major maintenance; with the representative responding janitorial, pest control, and lawn contracts. She noted those items within the maintenance budget divided by the square footage for those particular types of buildings provided the increase.

General Government Operations

Mr. Rogero advised General Government Operations is a program identified by staff to account for all the funding that comes into the General Fund so that it can be distributed to other agencies, to track long-term debt associated with the General Fund, and to recognize the revenues from the ad valorem tax and intergovernmental revenues from the State, such as State revenue sharing, local half-cent sales tax, etc. He stated in the preliminary budget, this particular section has some significant changes; the first and most obvious reason is the ad valorem tax, the aggregate operating millage increase of 3%; and it is referenced in the tax revenue line item. He noted additionally, there is an increase in the general government long-term debt, the bulk of which was a programmed increase based on a debt repayment schedule; some of the initial forecasts for State shared revenue were coming in very bleak; the County is projecting an increase in State shared revenue and the local half-cent sales tax of approximately $2.5 million; and it will be projected in this particular section.

Mr. Rogero stated because it acts as a pass-through fund for many other agencies, the criteria and actions affecting other agencies will affect this program first.

Historical Commission

Mr. Jenkins reiterated the County is moving a position; the justification for moving the position is that Comprehensive Plan Policies 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, and 3.4 provide work assignment for a preservation agent; staff is needed to collect, arrange, record, and preserve historical material and data, obtain and preserve narratives of early pioneers, promote historical markers project and coordinate heritage activities with the Cultural Alliance and Tourist Development Council; there are significant amounts of historical artifacts and records that can be collected, arranged, and possibly displayed; cultural and heritage activities can be expanded; and the productivity of the Historical Commission can be greatly enhanced. He stated the Historical Commission is a group of dedicated, interested people; their outcomes are being greatly minimized as they have not had a staff resource; there is a real need, particularly since staff wants to comply with the Policies, to look internally to provide a staff position without asking for new dollars; and this budget proposes to do that.

Commissioner Higgs inquired will staff investigate the Tourist Development Commission dollars that could be used to fund the position and activities as opposed to General Fund dollars; with Mr. Jenkins responding staff will look at a portion of those dollars to be used. Chairman Scarborough stated the other coordination needs to be with the School Board and Brevard Community College; as the County comes across the information, it needs to be shared as an educational resource as well; it may or may not receive contributions; but if it does not have the lobbying of these different parts of the community, the County is losing the resource. Commissioner Higgs noted there should be grant funds available to offset the costs. Mr. Jenkins stated there may be tremendous potential for grants if the County has someone assigned to pursue them; and it could be one of the other outcomes. Commissioner Higgs noted the goal should be to shift the revenue stream from General Fund this year to grant funding it in the next couple of years so that the person is generating funds to fund the position. Chairman Scarborough stated when talking about eco-tourism, it is tying in cultural and historic at the same time to bring in the TDC and education component; perhaps the person could assist in designing TDC’s website and get the County’s materials into the classrooms; the County needs to get the key people together outside of the County to define the full job description; and there are some real opportunities.

Commissioner Carlson stated the County needs to get an overview; the Brevard History Museum is supposed to be the County’s appointed receptacle for artifacts; the Museum works with the Historical Commission; and she does not know the property ownership of the Museum, but it would be nice to have a report on where the dollars go. Mr. Jenkins noted there are not a lot of dollars involved; the Historical Commission was receiving a small amount of money for very minor miscellaneous expenses; in the past the Board loaned it money, which was repaid, to print historical books; and the Historical Commission has accumulated rooms of artifacts above and beyond what is in the Museum. Chairman Scarborough stated there are many component parts; all interested parties need to be brought together; Parks and Recreation and Library Services Departments need to also be involved; and perhaps grant dollars can be obtained.

Commissioner Carlson stated the Williams house recently received a $300,000 plus grant; the ability to write the grants is out there; it is done by volunteers who really care about historical issues in the County; and it will help to get all concerned parties together. Chairman Scarborough stated last year Mr. Jenkins defined some new things the County was doing; this is one of the bullets he would like to see it doing as new and innovative ideas from the budget; and the innovation occurring is going to set the County on a new course. Mr. Jenkins stated the fact that the County is doing this with existing resources speaks well.

Commissioner O’Brien stated he would like to see on-loan permanent displays created for public buildings; on Merritt Island, the County has been collecting historical artifacts from Sea Ray Boats, Boeing, Lockheed, and Kennedy Space Center and mounting them along the walls; and here is an opportunity to put artifacts on public display throughout all government buildings in Brevard County on a permanent basis. He noted historical photographs or signed papers would be interesting and educational for the public.

Housing and Human Services Department

Housing and Human Services Director Gay Williams stated the program changes and requests that have been made for her Department include the enhanced Continuum of Care Services for the Elderly; it was partially funded with $50,000 and would go for the shared cost program; it would target the seniors; and the County is not eligible for the services provided through Medicaid, which would target those at risk for nursing home placement. She noted the education coordination position would be in the Country Acres program; the position is needed to meet the accreditations standards and be in compliance with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Contract; and it would require a position that would enhance the educational services provided to the at-risk children and youth at Country Acres.

Mr. Jenkins stated staff is proposing to fund the position through a federal grant; the County is not funding it locally; the education staff person is being mandated by the State; but the Continuum of Care Services for the Elderly will be funded locally.

Commissioner O’Brien inquired in the future if the grant is not available, is it possible to take the educational coordinator and give them double duty; with Mr. Jenkins responding affirmatively. Mr. Jenkins noted that is what he originally proposed, but staff came up with a federal grant as an alternative. Commissioner O’Brien inquired is the fifth person necessary; with Ms. Williams responding affirmatively. Ms. Williams stated one of the requirements for that person is to be a certified teacher; and her Department does not have a certified teacher on staff. Commissioner O’Brien noted if the County gets a certified teacher on staff, they could take the place of one of the persons on staff. Ms. Williams noted the individual could possibly share some duties; the contract and the license require the duties to be associated with what the individual does; the staffing requirements in Country Acres are balanced by licensor also; so many staff must be present and accounted for to provide the direct care to the children at all times, depending on how many children there are at the facility; and Country Acres is bedded for 24 children. Commissioner O’Brien inquired is the educational coordinator full-time; with Ms. Williams responding affirmatively. Ms. Williams noted the County provides educational requirements during the summertime also; and it continues to work with the children throughout the year, along with the School Board, which has part of the funding.

Commissioner Higgs stated the Board expressed its support for being involved with the DCF Contract that may become local; and requested staff provide an update on what may be happening with the negotiations. Ms. Williams noted staff is still waiting to see if the County was selected; and it should have some information by the end of this week.

Mr. Jenkins advised the other program change that is funded is the mini grants. Ms. Williams noted that came out of the Together in Partnership (TIP) process, which identified funding for additional programs to enhance or find new and innovative programs that may be identified to meet some of the needs in the community.

Commissioner O’Brien stated he has approximately six or seven structures in his District that must be torn down; he has been trying for eight years to get it done; and inquired if staff can find the funding shortly through a grant or some other methodology to accomplish the task. He inquired unless he can get rid of some of the empty houses that kids are doing drugs in, how is he going to reduce crime on Merritt Island and other parts of his District; stated Angel City has two structures that need to be torn down as well; and nothing has been done to handle the problem. Commissioner Higgs inquired can the Board go through an initiative in terms of foreclosure on the structures.

Chairman Scarborough requested staff provide a report to the Board on July 30, 2002 concerning the issue; stated the one thing he hears from communities impacted by this is for the County to get rid of the structures; and it is a dynamic situation.

Commissioner Higgs inquired on the community-based care initiative, has staff set aside any funding in the budget that the County may bring to the table; with Ms. Williams responding negatively. Commissioner Higgs inquired is the $50,000 that is set aside for the mini grants and TIP matched with other funding and when does staff plan to award those dollars. Ms. Williams responded the $50,000 is not matched with other dollars; no Request for Proposals have gone out; so the funds are still there and available as programs come to staff’s attention; and as soon as staff knows about the initiative, then the partners will get back together to begin brainstorming as to other outside resources that may be relied upon in order to move forward. Commissioner Higgs inquired what is the date that the initiative would start to be an operational drain on everyone’s resources; with Ms. Williams responding it would not be in this funding cycle. Ms. Williams stated the County would go through a second phase; there are months of planning; and it may be another nine or ten months.

Chairman Scarborough stated the Council on Aging submitted a report to the Board; the statistics from 1990 to 2000 showed an increase of persons over age 85 of 100% in Brevard County and over age 65 of 80%; in the seven counties in MyRegion, no county is anything close to the percentage increases within those age segments; and Brevard County has a special situation. He noted the County needs to identify the problems and be prepared for them before they occur; and requested staff bring back the issue of aging so the County makes sure it is totally integrated in its Strategic Plan and budget. Commissioner O’Brien stated some of the municipalities are also recognizing the problems; and the City of Cape Canaveral is looking at being a partner with City of Cocoa Beach, Health First, and the County for a community center to include senior citizens and multi-generation groups. Chairman Scarborough stated he was told that if elderly people read books they have less inclination for Alzheimer’s; the libraries have a need to serve these individuals so their minds stay active; reiterated the County needs to identify the problems and bring resources from all its departments, including State agencies; and if it does not do something, it is throwing more dollars at the problem and getting less results.

Ms. Williams stated the last program change is for the Children’s Advocacy Center; the County’s oversight of the program would add value to the Center’s ability to serve more children and do it more effectively; and the Center currently houses the Sheriff’s and State Attorney’s Offices, DCF, and the Children Protection Team. Mr. Jenkins stated staff had to withdraw any funding for the program based on some of the other issues it had to contend with; but it will keep the item in abeyance as things evolve. Commissioner Higgs inquired how much funding is needed; with Ms. Williams responding $91,000. Mr. Jenkins stated staff also funded the grant match for the homeless grant. He noted he responded to Commissioner O’Brien’s last request on the housing issue; Assistant County Manager Don Lusk has been meeting with all of the players internally within County government to develop a strategy; and he will have Mr. Lusk prepare a status report for the Board at its next meeting.

Commissioner Colon stated a meeting is being set up this month with Congressman Weldon’s Office and Representative Mitch Needelman concerning the Children’s Advocacy Center and partnerships; and everyone needs to keep their fingers crossed for such partnerships. Mr. Jenkins noted the Center would like to be part of County government for the support it can receive; it is a government function; and if there is a potential to get additional funding from another source, it would be more preferable. Commissioner Colon noted she will provide a status report to the Board on how the meeting goes.

The meeting recessed at 10:40 a.m. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m.

Human Resources Office

Human Resources Director Frank Abbate stated the major program changes in the Human Resources Office fall on the Employee Benefits and Risk Management side; there were decreases in several lines of insurance, including general liability; the County is now with the FAC Program; and there have been decreases in the auto liability and workers’ compensation rates. He noted there has been a significant increase in the property insurance rate; the County is facing what all other jurisdictions in Florida are facing in terms of the property market; it was close to almost not having any carriers provide it coverage; and an emergency meeting was held to get coverage before the other coverage expired. He stated staff has been told by the broker that the market is still extremely tight and the County should anticipate increases in the area of 40%; it is not a reflection of the County and its experience; property insurance is an area where the County does not typically make recoveries on the premium it spent; but the nature of the market and the reinsurance that needs to be purchased is such that it is going to see those kinds of increases because it is a coastal community and it will be insuring over $400 million worth of property. Mr. Abbate noted in order to keep those costs down as much as possible, the County is assuming more of the liability in terms of higher deductibles; it tries to have a level of reserve which is $2.5 million for the different lines of coverage to help with any kind of catastrophic events that may occur; the County is still seeing an area where it is going to be paying $1.7 million potentially for property insurance, as well as flood insurance and other related lines of $500,000; so there is approximately $2.2 million worth of coverage. He stated an issue was raised as to whether the County should look at going self-insured instead of spending $2.2 million a year; it is a good item to look at and is one that staff has explored carefully; there are a couple of concerns, including Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and reimbursements; and certain standards have to be met with FEMA for it to provide reimbursement, such as demonstrating a prudent attempt at adequate coverage, which the County has always done. Mr. Abbate noted if the County ends up going self-insured, FEMA will not reimburse it for self-insured dollars and only for deductibles; those are things it needs to be careful and sensitive to; it is better off getting higher deductibles with the insurance where FEMA is going to reimburse the County for it; however, it does not mean that it should not still explore that kind of concept. He stated Brevard County initiated discussions with the FAC Program and said it was paying exorbitant amounts of property insurance, but not recovering money; it inquired why it could not get the money into a pool with other counties throughout Florida through the FAC; FAC recently went to its underwriters; the County provided information about its account and history, and strongly encouraged FAC to review developing such a pool; and staff is working diligently with FAC in that effort.

Chairman Scarborough inquired does staff determine the deductibles and how much is needed in reserves or does it go to outside consultant. Mr. Abbate responded staff is involved with a broker who assists it in conducting an assessment; currently there is $150 million of coverage for $400 million worth of property; and the broker is using sophisticated models that previously were only available to underwriters.

Commissioner O’Brien inquired did the County look at the problems that Homestead faced, what kind of insurance it had at the time, and how it recovered; would it be feasible for Brevard County to set up a quasi-governmental corporation and become self-insured; and would it change the rules. Mr. Abbate responded he is not familiar with that aspect, and staff will look into the issue.

Commissioner Higgs stated sharing the risk in the short term in a pool with FAC is probably in the County’s best interest; and she is on the FAC Board to try to further the County’s interest in regard to various issues. Commissioner O’Brien stated if the Board was able to get the cities in the County to join it in a quasi-governmental corporation, every town and city in the County would be self-insured via the corporation that is owned jointly.

Commissioner Higgs noted if it is localized, it is going to have the same potential claims; and a bigger area like the State of Florida would share the pool. Commissioner O’Brien stated if the County is paying millions of dollars for liability insurance, so are the cities in Brevard County.

Mr. Abbate stated the next area is employee benefits for the Group Health Insurance Program, which is the other major increase; relative to what many other employers are experiencing on a percentage basis, the County has something that is fairly reasonable from a comparison standpoint; every year the Program has increased; and it is now a 12% increase or $25 million. He stated staff has continued its efforts to try to keep the costs in line as best it can; it closely monitors on a monthly basis with each of the three health plans it is involved with; the numbers the County has seen so far this year have been in line with what was projected; and it is not near the numbers for reserves it is required by the State to have for next year of $6 million and $20 million to $25 million contingency that a self-insurance plan needs to have. He noted in the long-term every year the County is continuing to gain; it is projecting to be $4.7 million at the end of this year; with proposed increases in this year’s budget, staff is hoping to make another gain toward the reserve level that the State expects the County to have; and if the Board approves the increase, the fund will continue to move in the right direction.

Commissioner O’Brien inquired is the increase being driven by the industry that services County employees or increased claims by employees; with Mr. Abbate responding it is increased costs based on a combination of medical and prescription. Mr. Abbate noted the County’s plan is growing due to the number of participants by approximately 2%; however, the costs are increases in the medical claims that individuals are filing. Commissioner Higgs inquired is it an increase in the cost of the claims or are the claims histories increasing per person. Mr. Abbate responded the per member per month costs are increasing; the County is still spending 110% of Medicare in most of the costs; Medicare reimbursable amounts are increasing; and hospital costs are also increasing. Commissioner Higgs noted the claims are not increasing per person; with Mr. Abbate responding that is correct, and it is the cost of the claims that are increasing. Commissioner Higgs stated the County is doing what it can to control the number of claims it has to help people take care of preventative health issues so that its claims history is not worse than it has been. Commissioner O’Brien noted when the County negotiated the Brevard Partnership, it also negotiated the costs for medical care; Health First is going to give the County a 42% discount across-the-board; and inquired is it now saying it is going to give the same discount, but the costs have increased by 10%. Mr. Abbate responded on the Contracts where there is a percentage off of costs, those costs have increased in the last three years; the County is going to be in a position this coming year to start renegotiating some of the Contracts; staff has had the opportunity to gain a wealth of information in terms of the relative costs of the different plans; there are going to be additional players in the market in different areas of the County; and hopefully it will be able to use some of it as leverage in terms of doing renegotiation of the rates next year. Commissioner O’Brien inquired is the County in a debt spiral type of group; with Mr. Abbate responding he does not know of an employer that is not in that situation when it comes to group health insurance today. Mr. Abbate stated in looking at the medical trend of inflation rates that all employers across-the-board are experiencing, it cannot be sustained in the long-term. Commissioner O’Brien noted at this rate, the County’s cost for health insurance will increase by 100% within seven years; with Mr. Abbate responding affirmatively.

Mr. Abbate stated the County has 8,500 employee member lives that are covered; it is going to spend $25 million this year and $28 million next year; the School Board has 11,000 employee member lives; and it is looking at close to $60 million next year. Commissioner O’Brien inquired could the County negotiate with its vendors to lower the costs; with Mr. Abbate responding staff has tried negotiating and the County has one of the best negotiated deals that is available. Mr. Abbate stated staff is looking at other options and other carriers; but there is a limited market in terms of the vendors in the community who provide group health insurance.

Commissioner Carlson stated it is amazing that the County and School Board spent $80 million on medical insurance; it is too bad the County cannot work with the School Board further; it tried to see if the School Board would have the same coverage as the County; perhaps there could be a benefit in having a larger number of individuals covered; but the School Board cannot afford to do it. Mr. Abbate advised the School Board has the same coverage, but it does not pay in as much for its employees; however, it is working on that issue.

Chairman Scarborough stated Florida has the lowest level of employer coverage health; Central Florida is the lowest in Florida; he would like to see how the County compares with other counties in the region; and inquired how is the whole medical issue evolving in Central Florida, is it falling part, will it be totally unfunded, and how will the people who have adequate coverage play against the realm that is in a deterioration mode. He noted some of the issues that have been discussed are frightening. Mr. Abbate stated staff has done an analysis of how the group health insurance program fairs and the Board’s contribution compared to other employers; and he will provide that information to the Board. Mr. Jenkins noted what Chairman Scarborough is asking is how is what is happening in the health care system going to impact Brevard County; and advised the County is attempting to pay its way, but there are other negative factors that are affecting health care costs and the health care system. Mr. Abbate stated the County is participating with the Central Florida Healthcare Coalition and is a member; it is involved with Disney, Universal Studios, and all the major employers; and that is where the focus is. Chairman Scarborough noted Central Florida likes the tourism and would like the world recognition; and inquired is there adequate health care, sustainable wages, and a whole litany of things that are negatively impacting the region. He stated Brevard County is not witnessing it; but when looking to the greater community, it is going to impact the County; and it may want to become more isolationist to preserve its own so it does not fall apart.

Commissioner O’Brien stated the County may want to look at Indian River County; it does not have the same hospital care as Brevard County; he presumes the residents of Indian River County are going to Holmes Regional Medical Center for heart care, cancer, and other diseases; and inquired would it be feasible for Mr. Abbate to contact Indian River County to see if it would be interested in joining Brevard County in the Brevard Partnership.

Mr. Jenkins noted the configuration of Brevard County is unique in that it has to provide three different regional plans--north, central and south; while the people in Indian River County might come to Holmes Regional Medical Center for a heart operation, the doctors they are going to see for most of their health care are going to be in Indian River County; if Brevard County had one central square County where it could go to one system, it could probably negotiate a better rate; but it has a split program. He stated the County has a unique problem and cannot concentrate on one vendor; it has to have multiple vendors in order to regional serve the disbursed employee base; and the School Board has the same problem. Commissioner O’Brien noted he is glad that Brevard County has good health care for its employees and teachers. Mr. Jenkins stated the Board has adequately funded its employee health insurance program so the County is not in a deficit situation; it has not had a crisis; and each year it has made sure it has funded the program.

Information/Communications Systems Department

Mr. Jenkins stated there are a number of Systems Application Programs (SAP) improvements in the budget; while the County is not able to fund them at this time, it is something that needs to be considered; if it is going to realize the full utilization of the financial management system, there are some things that need to be done; and as the technology and software changes, the County needs to upgrade its ability to transmit data, etc. He noted there are some significant unfunded items that would be equivalent to several million dollars; the Board cannot realistically fund them today; but staff will continue discussing the issues and bring them to the Board.

Chairman Scarborough stated the Audit Committee has strongly recommended that the Board further implement SAP; it is not just for time savings, but vital controls of financial accountability; and what Gino Butto’s Department is not getting, the Board does not want to ignore as it is important. Mr. Jenkins noted it is a critical need and staff will look to address it in a different way.

Commissioner O’Brien stated if the County has centralized everything in Viera, it would be out of luck if there was a tornado or disaster; and he hopes the systems are in all three regions of the County.

Information/Communications Systems Director Gino Butto advised the County has such systems in the north, central, and south areas; the Board funded a fail-safe system, which staff recently implemented; and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Brevard County Government Center North facilities act as a backup where software could be loaded if needed. He noted the network side is an area that needs to be concentrated on with upgrading so if there is a major failure, the County is not impacting everybody at the same time; two-thirds of County can still operate, even though one particular zone is waiting to be restored; and those are the types of things staff is looking for that are currently unfunded, but can help in that area. Commissioner Carlson noted the County can basically run the operations of the County through the EOC; with Mr. Butto responding that is correct. Mr. Jenkins advised the County expanded the EOC in the last several years to get the recovery capabilities; and staff used to have to leave the EOC and go to the Agriculture and Extension Center to recover the information.

Commissioner Higgs inquired is the Clerk’s Finance function and paying of bills also at the EOC in a recovery situation. Mr. Butto responded the Board’s functions that the Clerk supports are included; Clerk’s Finance to the Board runs on the same system; but as far as the rest of the Clerk’s operations, he does not know enough about those areas.

Mr. Jenkins stated the State of Florida judicial system is not part of the County’s system.

Commissioner Colon inquired what is the cost for software licenses. Mr. Butto responded it depends on the application; and in general, the cost per user would be approximately $1,500. Commissioner Colon stated the cost adds up per user; and the software licenses are very expensive. Mr. Butto noted staff is going to come back to the Board with a report on it; the licenses are a big reason why staff redid all the charges to the different agencies; such charges have shifted dramatically from four or five years ago; the way users were being charged was no longer indicative of the way they were using systems anymore and the way the County was being charged for those systems due to the licenses more than anything else; staff worked with the auditors to come up with the new scheme for user charges; and it is going to position the County to be able to be more accountable on each of the agencies.

Commissioner O’Brien stated staff may want to evaluate the entire system to see how many licenses the County is paying for that may be unnecessary, as a lot of its employees may not need access to certain files. Mr. Butto noted the information is included in a report; and staff went through an elaborate exercise to come up with the breakdown. Commissioner O’Brien stated the problem the Clerk of Courts had two years ago was that he did not have the key to the program; and he is hoping that with some of the County’s programs it gets the key. Mr. Butto responded the County does not operate anything without a licensed key.

Law Library

Mr. Jenkins stated he has been advised by the Budget Office that most years the County ends up having to supplement what the Law Library generates in revenues; staff is projecting it to be approximately $139,000; the Board has a Contract with the Law Library to do that; and unless it changes the Contract, it is obligated to do same.

Commissioner O’Brien inquired what were the revenues last year; with Mr. Rogero responding approximately $75,000 or $80,000. Commissioner O’Brien stated it seems like the Law Libraries are becoming extraordinarily expensive compared to the budget four years ago; and it is due to the usage decrease. He noted if the usage has decreased that much, the County may want to consider closing one of the two libraries.

Mr. Jenkins stated one of the impacts the law libraries have experienced is that they now have electronic things as well as the printed versions; there have been some cost impacts by having both electronic products available on line, as well as printed versions; there is also limited historical material available on line, which necessitates having some of the printed documents; and many of the legal materials are proprietary and not available free on the Internet. He noted public patrons accounted for 52% of the Law Library attendance and 56% of the reference inquiries; so the public uses the Law Library, which is separate from the County Library System; and at least 50% of the utilization is by the general public.

Chairman Scarborough inquired if the Law Library is publicly utilized, does it have the correct hours for the public to access; stated if somebody can only come there on a weekend, perhaps the Library needs to be made available when the public can access it; when the County shifted it to this concept, it had some concern whether the public could access the Library; and it appears that the public still has an interest in it. He noted he does not mind having a library that the public is utilizing if the County is using General Funds; but if it has over half of the public utilizing it and there are unfriendly hours for the public, he has a problem with it; he would like further information on how the County moves with not only percentages, but actual numbers over the number of years; and perhaps staff could start a survey on whether individuals would use the Library more if it was open after hours, on weekends in the morning, etc. He stated the people who go to the Law Library are unable to obtain legal assistance or they want to get involved on their own a little bit more; and the County wants to make sure that is available.

Mr. Jenkins stated one of the things the County did a couple of years ago was add Law Library printed materials strategically located at regional libraries operated by the County; and it can try to find out how many people are using it.

Chairman Scarborough inquired does a person who has never accessed a law library before need staff’s professional guidance and are the volumes being kept up to date in the regular public libraries; and stated it is a public library as opposed to a lawyer’s library. Mr. Jenkins noted staff will provide the information to the Board.

Commissioner O’Brien stated 52% is a great number; and inquired how many people is that. He noted if the County finds that it is spending $137,000 on 100 people, it is spending $1,370 per person; and it is getting expensive to do that, especially when individuals can go on-line. Chairman Scarborough stated he is still interested in getting more answers; and requested staff provide a report to the Board.

Legislative Delegation Coordinator

Mr. Jenkins stated there are no significant program changes in the Legislative Delegation Coordinator’s budget.

Chairman Scarborough stated the County needs to create a regional agenda in Tallahassee and Washington; perhaps it needs to shift Carol Laymance’s function over and work in a collaborative effort on an enhanced concept; the County does not want a singular county to be laying down a legislative agenda; and if Brevard County does not make the initiative, it can be taken from it. Commissioner Carlson stated the Board needs to know what Ms. Laymance is doing presently as she may be talking across those lines already. Mr. Jenkins noted he will check into it.

Library Services Department

Mr. Jenkins stated there are a number of major funded program enhancements in the Library Services Department.

Frank Vestal, Library Services Department, stated the major impacts to the Department’s budget and enhancements to services for next year will be the three new libraries that will be coming on-line late this fiscal year or early next fiscal year; such libraries will be in Suntree/Viera, Melbourne Beach, and Port St. John; and there is also the equalization of funding to Merritt Island Library.

Mr. Jenkins stated in addition to buying the media for the new libraries, staff has also sustained its normal $2 million in media acquisition; Page LS-6 is a summary of the funded program enhancements; and libraries continue to do an outstanding job of managing a huge system with minimal resources.

Mosquito Control Department

Mr. Jenkins advised there are no major program changes in the Mosquito Control Department’s budget.

Commissioner O’Brien stated last year the helicopters were purchased for such Department. Mr. Jenkins noted staff hopes in the future to be able to buy some additional helicopters, but they are not funded yet in this year’s budget. Commissioner O’Brien noted with regard to the bird in Rockledge that has the West Nile virus, staff needs to make sure that the public is aware that the County is trying its best to keep such virus under control; last year there were problems with enormous swarms of mosquitoes in various parts of Brevard County; and the season is here. Mr. Jenkins stated staff is flying the helicopters presently and spraying for mosquitoes. Chairman Scarborough requested Mr. Jenkins advise the Board when the new helicopter ordered by the County from Texas is in operation. Mr. Jenkins stated the Board significantly increased the number of trucks and sprayers on the road this current year; it is continuing that next year; and the Department is using Space Coast Government television and other educational means to help the public prevent the growth of mosquitoes.

Natural Resources Management Office

Natural Resources Management Director Conrad White stated the revenues show some increases and decreases, which are a reflection of the number of grants coming into the Office; a number of grants have been completed this year; so the revenues will show a drastic drop; and the State has taken over another program in the Remediation and Compliance Section. He noted the State is now paying for the services from Tallahassee rather than the County paying for them; in the past, the County would serve as a conduit for monies to pay for contractors to clean up sites; it was more than $500,000; and the State is now dispersing those funds from Tallahassee, which shows up as a significant decrease in revenues.

He noted in the Environmental Permitting and Review Section, staff is going to be asking for an increase in permit fees as well as one additional fee that will help fund an additional position in such Section to take care of the landscaping and land clearing activities throughout the County; Reba Floyd is taking care of the permit functions, but is nearing retirement; so staff is needed to cover those types of permits adequately. Mr. Conrad stated there are no increases in operating expenses, other than the increase in permit fees to cover the new position.

Mr. Jenkins noted Ms. Floyd works whatever it takes to get the job done; there needs to be a transition period as Ms. Floyd has a tremendous amount of historical experience and knowledge that needs to be conveyed; in order to effectively enforce the new Ordinance as well as the existing one, staff needs to basically take the County and split it in half in terms of work load and have a north person and a south person to do the work; and the County is paying for it out of the fee increases.

Chairman Scarborough stated the Department requested 13 positions that were not funded; and requested Mr. White explain what he would have done with such positions. Mr. White responded the positions are connected with the unfunded program changes that he brought to the Board in the past; there are a number of programs staff believes are important to the County to fulfill the Board’s goals, as well as the goals of the Brevard Tomorrow Program; in the Conservation of Significant Ecological Areas, staff is requesting two people to fulfill that; and the legislative intent for the ordinance is coming to the Board on August 27, 2002. He noted staff will be scheduling meetings with the Commissioners to discuss the impacts of the program; the Non-native Noxious Invasive Plant Program would include eight additional people; only one of those positions would be targeted for the Department; and the rest of the positions would go to Road and Bridge to carry out the Program. Mr. White stated there is one other program change for an environmental lands manager; the Board’s Policy adopted in 1999 was that Brevard County lands would be managed in their natural state, if possible; and the County needs an individual to work with the other departments to see that those plans are carried out.

Commissioner O’Brien stated the Department’s budget for compensation and benefits has increased by 13%; and requested Mr. White explain. Mr. White advised the increase is due to two people who came into the Department this year, and the one individual for the Landscaping and Land Clearing Ordinance.

Commissioner Higgs noted on the management of invasive species on County-owned land, the State has used contractual labor rather than its employees; and inquired if Mr. White compared the two ways of doing it in terms of costs. Mr. White responded the County has worked with the State Office of Exotic Plant Control in the past; it has received grants and approximately $350,000 to control exotic plants in Kings Park on Merritt Island; those monies are targeted for conservation lands; and it is his understanding that the Office is trying to work toward freeing up some of those funds for other public lands.

Mr. Jenkins stated Mr. White has not been assigned the responsibility of each individual department; Commissioner Higgs’ suggestion is a good one and is something the County needs to consider as each department comes up with its own plan; Mr. White has developed a draft administrative order which spells out criteria, standards, directions, etc. to give to each iindividual department to have some consistency; and he has issued it to some department directors in the County to get their feedback. He noted everybody except Parks and Recreation Department has concluded their review; as soon as he hears from Charles Nelson’s Department, he will be issuing the administrative order; many of the departments will probably have to do the work with in-house resources as they have people budgeted; but in some situations, it may be more cost effective to contract the work out; and he will remind the departments of that and list it as an alternative in the administrative order as an option to be considered.

Commissioner Colon inquired if Cheryl Dunn is under Mr. White’s Office; with Mr. Jenkins responding Ms. Dunn is under the State of Florida’s Public Health Unit. Commissioner Colon stated an employee’s husband of Ms. Dunn’s department had a heart attack; and inquired if the County family is aware of the situation. Mr. Jenkins responded Ms. Dunn or an employee of Environmental Health Department has sent an e-mail of general circulation within the County making all employees aware of the situation and where they can provide contributions.

Parks and Recreation Department

Parks and Recreation Director Charles Nelson stated his Department’s budget is dynamic now due to the impact of the referendum; the basic budget has not changed significantly, with the exception of those costs associated with benefit increases and some minor insurance increases; there have been increases related to the referendum; and the Department is in the process of constructing, operating, and maintaining park facilities, which is built into the budget currently and will continue as the parks begin to come on-line. He noted the referendum projects are being funded by the special taxing sources that are available to the County through the referendum, as well as through the municipal service taxing units; it is a good thing for the community as it insures the ongoing maintenance; in the golf area, staff has reviewed the revenue projections and come up with a more conservative and achievable number in terms of the round counts; in terms of general revenues for the County, the September 11, 2001 event did not have the impact that was anticipated; but in terms of golf, it did as people stopped playing and golf numbers decreased dramatically. Mr. Nelson stated the Department was fortunate in that it had a fee increase the previous year; it is seeing golf rebound, but there have been approximately six or eight weeks of rain; June has been a particularly tough month on golf rounds, but it is not a high historic month either; and staff is looking at making restructuring changes to minimize expenditures to the extent it can. He noted much of the expenditure side is contractual, including the IGM Contract for maintenance; staff is limited in what it can do in terms of operating expenses; that leaves the Department with just the pro shop and administrative side; and it is looking at how it can do administration in a different format. He stated staff is also looking at the impact of its marketing efforts over the last several years; the out-of-state and out-of-area marketing has not been as successful; people are not going to haul their golf clubs to play a municipal golf course; and they will go to a resort or those types of areas. Mr. Nelson stated the County gets some golfers from the community, but they typically are snowbirds; the Habitat Golf Course has been struggling the most; the Savannahs Golf Course is continuing to improve; Spessard Holland Golf Course, after renovations, has come back up to where it was; and it is picking up new golfers.

He noted Habitat Golf Course is in a tough market as there is a lot of competition in that part of the County; the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program is projecting to add some positions, which would give additional public access to the sites; it will also improve the County’s ability to manage such sites and address the exotic plants; and the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary will be opened this year. Mr. Nelson stated the Board approved concept changes in terms of moving forward with some of the field station concepts of some of the sites; staff is currently in negotiations on the Barrier Island contract; and those things are moving forward in a positive manner.

Mr. Jenkins noted staff is continuing to implement the referendum issue and cut operational costs. Mr. Nelson advised staff has picked up a lot of smaller projects, such as playgrounds and those kinds of things that were simple to do; a lot of the other projects needed to go through the community process; but all the projects are moving forward; and the majority of the plans have now been approved by the citizen committees and the County is ready to go to bid on a great number of the plans. He noted the County will see a lot of construction activity in the next 18 months; staff is gearing up on the expenditure side; and on Merritt Island, existing facilities are going to be renovated.

Mr. Jenkins inquired has there been an impact in North Brevard on the operating expenditures due to referendum; with Mr. Nelson responding affirmatively. Mr. Nelson advised the operating expenditures in North Brevard are handled by the District 1 MSTU; it was a result of the Port St. John/Canaveral Groves referendum being handled also by the MSTU; so it would not have been fair or appropriate to have assigned that to the Special District; and there is an increase in terms of North Brevard to the operating expenditures and an increase in the MSTU that is proposed as part of this year’s budget. He stated all the expenditure increases, with the exception of benefits, are driven by referendum at this point.

Commissioner Carlson stated there is a lot of unfunded staffing for all the parks being put on line; and inquired how does the County deal with the staffing issues. Mr. Nelson noted there is not any unfunded staffing for the referendum projects; there were some positions that were an outgrowth of the strategic planning process that are unfunded; there may have been some additional changes within the areas that were not a result; and anything that was associated with the direct maintenance of a facility has been addressed. He stated strategic planning did not get funded and some incidental positions were not funded; and staff is taking care of those facilities.

Mr. Jenkins stated staff will look again at the strategic plan issues next year as the County can afford it.

Chairman Scarborough noted Mr. Nelson has done a fantastic job in District 1; Mr. Jenkins reported that Lobbyist Guy Spearman has come back with some positive comments on the spoil islands; there are new concepts that Mr. Jenkins has come forward with concerning taking Kay Burke’s budget and putting it in Mr. Nelson’s budget, and how it becomes more of a component part of libraries and culture; and individuals have done a fantastic job with the Enchanted Forest.

Mr. Nelson stated Brevard County is a great place to be; the Comprehensive Program that the Board and citizens have approved is remarkable; and it speaks well of the citizens, as well as the Board.

Commissioner O’Brien stated a lot of people are asking questions about the referendum that was passed for parks and recreation improvements; other individuals are calling his Office indicating that certain things the County is doing were not on the referendum; and inquired how is staff handling the situation.

Mr. Nelson stated staff indicated to the Board before the referendum was voted on that the projects still needed a final review process; that is why the citizen committees were set up to make sure that the needs were being addressed and that staff did not do something bureaucratic; the specific circumstance on Merritt Island is a case where at Tropical Elementary School where South Merritt Island Little League currently plays, the County was going to renovate the fields; and the School is building a permanent structure which is going to take one of those fields, so he cannot do something he said he was going to do in the referendum. He noted staff is trying to address how to meet that community need; the neighbors have said they do not want the particular park changed; but he is also faced with what to do with 180 kids; so the County is trying to come up with reasonable solutions. Mr. Nelson stated staff had extra public meetings and notifications trying to get the message out; it will not come before the Board until there is some level of community consensus or total inability to come to consensus; the need and the problem are still there; and staff is trying its best to get through it. He noted the County is not arbitrarily changing things; it is looking at what was proposed for the referendum and seeing if it can be done and done better; staff proposed to buy 80 acres on Merritt Island; and it was able to buy 112 acres. He stated it has been an interesting process; staff will continue to work with the community; he apologizes for the telephone calls; and staff has tried to deal with the issue in a very professional manner. He noted for the most part, it is an emotional issue; the County has a good program and a nice community; and it needs to work through he issues.

Commissioner O’Brien stated The Savannahs and Spessard Holland Golf Courses are doing relatively good; The Habitat Golf Course is suffering a loss due to competition; and inquired is there any way to turn that around. Mr. Nelson responded several years ago the County looked at whether it could divest itself of the golf courses; the answer that came back was no; even if the County contracted out the operation and maintenance, a contractor coming in is going to look at the numbers and realize that he or she cannot make enough money off of it; and the County would end up subsidizing. He noted it is in the same position that there is no quick fix to it; the strength of the golf courses needs to be in the youth program areas; they are doing a much better job; and The Savannahs is doing a very good job, which has been reflected in its numbers. Mr. Nelson stated The Habitat Golf Course is far out and hard to get kids to; and the County has not been able to come up with a way of divesting itself of such Course or to transfer the operation to someone else that does not impact Brevard County. Mr. Jenkins noted there are a number of golf courses in that area; the competition has been pretty stiff; when the debt service gets paid off, the golf courses will be profitable; and the reason Spessard Holland Golf Course has been profitable is due to it having less debt service. Mr. Nelson stated the golf courses are still in good shape; the County is very competitive in the market; and it is just a tough market right now. Mr. Jenkins noted the County provides an affordable golf opportunity for people with limited income, particularly in the winter months; some of the private golf courses get more expensive during such months; and those courses were not there and public when the County built the Habitat. Mr. Nelson stated when the Board made the decision to build the Habitat and The Savannahs Golf Courses, there were six fewer golf courses competing; the decision was made based on the need at that time; but the problem is that everybody jumped in at the same time and constructed the additional golf courses; and they are all suffering. He noted there are some good golf courses out there and they are all underplayed.

Commissioner Higgs inquired has staff looked at refinancing the debt service at Habitat Golf Course. Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten responded it was in the last bond refinancing. Mr. Nelson stated such bonds have been refinanced as frequently as they can be by bond covenants; and commended Mr. Whitten’s operation for doing that as it has helped in reducing the payments several years now.

Commissioner O’Brien inquired if the County takes the cost of the bond payment per year, the cost of maintenance of the golf course plus administration, and the amount of play as income, does the County’s cost to operate the golf course far exceed the income. Mr. Nelson responded in looking at the revenue being generated by the play, it offsets the operations of the golf course; what it does not do is provide sufficient funds to offset the debt retirement; in adding the total debt retirement it is approximately $900,000; and it is at a break even between the amount of money the General Fund is contributing. Commissioner O’Brien noted the County owes approximately $900,000; with Mr. Jenkins responding that amount is per year. Commissioner O’Brien inquired financially would it be worth it to rent the golf course to a private company for $1.00 per year as the County keeps on paying off the debt anyhow. Mr. Jenkins noted the County would gain nothing; the loss is basically the debt service; if the County leased the golf course for $1.00, it would still have to pay the debt service; and it is still going to have to subsidize it to the same extent. He stated there are two risks involved; a private company could let the golf course deteriorate and the County would have to take it over; the County is still offering affordable golf for the working person; and the private sector may want to raise the rates in order to make the golf course more profitable. Mr. Nelson stated approximately three years ago, the amount of funding being contributed by the General Fund had decreased to approximately $250,000; the County was real close to being at the break even point; a couple of new golf courses opened and there were some hurricanes; but staff is going to continue to work toward getting Habitat Golf Course back to where it is less than what the County is currently paying. He noted staff believes it can do that; however, there have been some unusual circumstances that have had an impact.

Mr. Jenkins stated some of the best customers at the golf courses are senior citizens; the County provides an affordable golfing opportunity for the seniors, just as it provides softball, baseball, or boat ramps for other people; it is a recreational amenity that the County provides in many cases to its senior citizens; and it is much more affordable than what they can get at a private golf course.

Commissioner O’Brien stated the cost of approximately $900,000 a year starts becoming extremely expensive affordable golf for senior citizens at Valkaria; and there are other golf courses the County owns that they can go to. Mr. Jenkins noted the County cannot get out of Valkaria and is stuck with that debt; and staff has examined it from every angle. Commissioner O’Brien inquired how much does the County still owe on the golf course; with Mr. Whitten responding the bond retires in approximately the year 2013.

The meeting recessed at 12:20 p.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.

Judicial Branch Administration

Court Administrator Mark Van Bever stated he provided information to the Board showing different ways the Judicial Branch has been able to generate revenue for the Board; and Page JB-3 shows the three budgets added together which have increased by .95%. He stated Page JB-6 includes a program change that was funded for a Victims of Crime position, which is critical for the abused and neglected children of Brevard County; the position provides a fast response to a family when a dependency case is filed in order to look at the situation and make a recommendation to the court; and Judge Bruce Jacobus is going to talk to the Board about the other two program changes that are unfunded at the bottom of Page JB-6.

Judge Jacobus advised there are two unfunded changes being requested; the first request is an Administrative Assistant II position; assistance is needed in the human resources area as there is only one person handling it presently; and the requested position would also be a fill-in judicial assistant. He noted almost every day, a judicial assistant is either on vacation or sick; it is very difficult to fill those positions with a temporary person; being a judicial assistant is a hard job; and he could not do it. He stated the Judicial Branch would like to have someone on staff to handle those duties on a regular basis and know what needs to be done for each judge; and some people are working to the maximum. He noted the other change is to the Operating Fund, which is nothing more than a 3% increase based on the cost of goods; and it is exactly as before, plus the 3%.

Commissioner O’Brien inquired did the Board approve two positions last year for the Judicial Branch; with Judge Jacobus responding the Board approved one Court Evaluator and a person who administers the Pay or Appear Program. Judge Jacobus advised the Judicial Branch pays for the Pay or Appear Program position itself. Mr. Jenkins stated in return for that, the Judicial Branch gave the County a collection docket.

Clerk of Courts

Clerk of Courts Scott Ellis stated he provided the Board with a memorandum earlier today; late last Friday he received a letter from Mr. Jenkins on traffic ticket and court revenue; and his staff assembled the numbers.

Mr. Jenkins suggested the Budget Office staff meet with Mr. Ellis and/or his staff to go through the numbers to see if they can be reconciled. Mr. Ellis stated he has the real numbers; the revenue has not changed; the initial memorandum from Friday indicated there is a $1.4 million shortfall in revenue; and that is not the case. He noted the revenue is consistent with the last four or five years; one thing that was discussed during last year’s budget was about having a one-time windfall and not budgeting the money; his Office is still trying to work out with D&B to get the licenses suspended; there is the other issue with the collection agency, which was recently started with ACS, which is the old Lockheed Company; and files are being transferred back and forth with it. He stated the traffic ticket revenue is not dried up and not $1.4 million unaccounted for.

Mr. Jenkins stated the Board is primarily focusing today on significant program changes in the budget, if Mr. Ellis wants to address them. Mr. Ellis noted he is present concerning Mr. Jenkins’ letter from Friday, which was revenue shortfall. Mr. Jenkins inquired if there are any other program changes; with Mr. Ellis responding his budget does not come up until next Thursday. Mr. Jenkins noted the Board is trying to go through the budgets today; with Mr. Ellis responding his Office is scheduled for the budget discussion next Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Ellis inquired if Mr. Jenkins is saying that the Clerk is not scheduled now for next week; with Mr. Jenkins responding if the Board can handle the issue today, it can avoid next Thursday’s discussion on the budget. Mr. Ellis stated he needs to pick up all the budget information in Titusville if that is the case.

Chairman Scarborough noted the Board had an issue come up with the Property Appraiser’s budget; so there are going to be issues that need to be discussed next Thursday. Mr. Ellis stated if he knew the Board was going to be discussing his budget today, he would have brought everything with him. Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten noted the Sheriff and Property Appraiser were also anticipating that their budgets would be discussed next Thursday as well.

Commissioner O’Brien stated the memorandum from the County Manager says that actual collections are being reported by the Clerk’s Office at approximately $4.223 million; they are budgeted at $5.36 million; the budget was predicated on historical data from 1998 with modest inflationary increases; and the County is not aware of any major decline in court activity to affect the courts to receive a significant increase in case loads, therefore, should there be an increase in the amount of funds collected. Mr. Ellis noted on the sheet that has Budgeted for Fine and Forfeiture Fund, it has increased from a $3.7 million budget to a $5.4 million budget; that is not a 2% or 3% increase per year based on modest inflationary values; it was increased 35% last year; and it is not set by his Office. He stated one sheet has the budget, which is done by the County side; actual is the amount of money that has been brought in; the budgeted amount, which is set by County staff, increased significantly last year; and the budget was increased for court and fine revenue by approximately $1.3 million.

Commissioner Higgs noted Mr. Ellis is saying that it was overestimated in terms of revenue; with Mr. Ellis responding yes, but it was not overestimated by his Office. Mr. Ellis stated the memorandum he received Friday speaks as if there is a $1.4 million under-collection; and he does not understand why.

Mr. Jenkins stated the Board can get into a two-hour debate with Mr. Ellis today or it can have County staff meet with Mr. Ellis’ staff; and what was given to Mr. Ellis was based on information the County received previously. Mr. Ellis noted the County did not receive the information from his Office; he has the minutes from the workshop; and this happens on a regular basis. Mr. Jenkins stated he is happy to have the Budget Office staff meet with Mr. Ellis’ staff to work with the numbers. Chairman Scarborough stated that may be the best way to do it since there will be another workshop next Thursday.

Mr. Ellis advised the traffic ticket revenues have not dried up. Commissioner O’Brien stated Mr. Jenkins’ memorandum indicated that the revenues should have increased; the court caseloads have increased, so there should not be a decline in revenue; and inquired is there a decline in revenue. Mr. Ellis responded there is not a decline in revenue; but there is not the increase that evidently was anticipated. Commissioner O’Brien inquired is there an increase. Mr. Ellis responded in looking at FY 2000-2001, it needs to be treated more as an average; a lot of money that came into the Office in FY 2000 did not get posted until FY 2001, which is why there is a large decrease in 2000 for actuals; and it increases in 2001. Commissioner Higgs noted in 2002, the actuals are $5.4 million; with Mr. Ellis responding no, the actuals are $4.4 million. Commissioner O’Brien stated the County’s numbers look like they have been consistent in FY’s 1998-1999 and 2001-2002. Mr. Ellis noted 2000-2001 were messed up as the money was posted. Commissioner O’Brien stated there is no dramatic increase; with Mr. Ellis responding his Office anticipates there being an increase when doing the suspensions and going to the collection agency. Mr. Ellis noted as he cautioned last year, that should not be budgeted; it is a one-time windfall when the money comes in; it should not be budgeted; and his Office did not project that it was going to collect $5.4 million. Commissioner Higgs noted that was the number in the budget; with Mr. Ellis reiterating that number did not come from his Office.

Commissioner O’Brien stated in 1998, traffic fines were at $791,000; and in 2001, the fines doubled to $1.9 million. Mr. Ellis noted that is what the County budgeted for that; and the page that says actuals is the money coming in. Commissioner Higgs inquired is that year-to-date on actuals; with Mr. Ellis responding FY 2002 is projected, it is a little over nine months into it, so the projection is pretty accurate. Commissioner O’Brien stated in 1998, traffic fines were $1.3 million and in 2002, such fines are $1.3 million according to actuals; and in four years traffic fines have not increased. Mr. Ellis responded the fines will increase; the $115,000 in 1998 was drivers’ licenses reinstatements; in 2002, it is only $4,000; and that is because the suspensions have not been done. He noted to get a license reinstated, one has to pay $25.00 for the reinstatement and the tickets that he or she owes; when the licenses get suspended, the County sees the one-time windfall money come in; and reiterated it is not something to budget. Commissioner O’Brien noted if in 1998, there were $1.3 million in traffic fines and $1.3 million in traffic fines in 2002, one would think that more traffic tickets would have been issued; with Mr. Ellis responding they were, but not collected. Mr. Ellis noted until the suspensions get started, a lot of people will not pay their ticket until they receive the letter in the mail from Department of Motor Vehicles saying their license will be suspended if they do not pay their ticket. Commissioner Higgs inquired what is the status on it. Mr. Ellis responded there is another test file up to Department of Motor Vehicles, and it has to be done within the month.

Commissioner Higgs inquired what period of time will the suspensions cover; with Mr. Ellis responding it covers from December 1999 forward. Commissioner Higgs stated it is a significant number. Mr. Ellis noted the Clerk’s Office did 60,000 letters and probably 40,000 unpaid, so it will be fairly significant. Commissioner O’Brien inquired what is the average cost per fine; with Mr. Ellis responding approximately $100.00 as seat belt tickets are $63.00 and speeding tickets are approximately $130.00. Commissioner Higgs noted the suspensions will be much bigger. Mr. Ellis stated the reinstatement fee will be $25.00; and the County only gets a portion of that. Chairman Scarborough inquired how much does the County receive; with Mr. Ellis responding his Office estimated $700,000 or $800,000 if it collects on all of the letters.

Commissioner Higgs inquired why did the actuals decrease dramatically in traffic fines in 2002. Mr. Ellis responded when the new computer system was put in, the money could not be posted; the first six months of the year were done with hand receipts; and the fines ended up being posted in 2001. Commissioner Higgs stated 2001 is lower than 1998 or 1999. Mr. Ellis noted 2001 has part of 2000 in it; it should be lower without the suspensions; the only reason it increased in 2002 is because his Office sent out 60,000 letters saying if the person did not pay the fine, this is what is coming; and some responses have been received. He stated there are still approximately 30,000 or 40,000 people who have not responded to the letters; and the driver’s license suspension is a big hammer for a number of people who will not pay otherwise. Commissioner Higgs noted for those individuals who will not pay and the licenses are suspended, it becomes a different violation if they are caught driving. Mr. Ellis stated there is a fee to reinstate the license; part of the reason the money comes in is not the reinstatement fee, but that the individual clears the tickets up to be reinstated; and that is where the real revenue comes from.

Commissioner Higgs inquired is Mr. Jenkins going to resolve his memorandum and Mr. Ellis’ letter and update the Board. Mr. Jenkins responded the Budget Office compiled the original letter; such Office is going to meet with Mr. Ellis and his staff; the Clerk’s Office apparently has different numbers than what the County had originally; and staff will work through it.

Permitting and Enforcement

Permitting and Enforcement Director Ed Washburn stated there are no major program changes in the Permitting and Enforcement Department, other than following the Board’s previous direction to try to bring the fee structure in line with the County’s cost to individuals.

Commissioner Higgs stated the Department has requested a budget of $4 million, which represents a 19% increase; and inquired is it realistic. Mr. Washburn responded affirmatively and stated staff was conservative on its estimates for building permits, as well as site plan and subdivision reviews. Mr. Jenkins noted it is with the fee increases.

Commissioner O’Brien stated a few years ago the Board inquired about the collection of Code Enforcement fines; there was a severe problem as such fines were not being collected; and inquired has the situation changed.

Mr. Washburn stated a new firm was established to collect the fees throughout the County; and the Department believes it will be more successful than in the past. Commissioner O’Brien requested a report on the outstanding fines for Code Enforcement.

Planning and Zoning Office

Planning and Zoning Director Mel Scott advised there are no significant program changes in the Planning and Zoning Office.

Public Safety Department

Public Safety Director Jack Parker stated last year staff requested a five-year ambulance addition plan where the County would add one new ambulance to the system each year for five years; the Board supported it last year and the ambulance was added this year; and staff is requesting the second ambulance. He noted if approved by the Board, it will require an increase to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rate of $2.78; the recommendation would be to locate the ambulance in an area that benefits East Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, and Snug Harbor; staff has a concern for the response times, especially in the South Cocoa Beach area; and the Board has received letters from some people living in those areas, who do not underestimate the need for additional service. He stated there is about a 13-mile stretch between ambulances that serve the area, six and one half miles to the south is Sea Park north of Satellite Beach, and six and one half miles north is Cape Canaveral; it gives about a 13-minute response time into the area; the County is currently working with the City of Cocoa Beach to see if it is possible to put the ambulance in an annex that is across the street from the City Hall; and it would be a good location for the County. Mr. Parker stated staff would like to be somewhere between that location and south to about 24th Street; and the County will be working with the City Manager.

Mr. Jenkins stated the ambulance is not only to take care of Snug Harbor; it is also predicated on the volume the County is currently experiencing on the beachside in its entirety. Mr. Parker noted the County has a large call volume, especially in the Cocoa Beach area; it would be a system wide ambulance that would benefit not only the South Beaches, the south Cocoa Beach area and Cocoa Beach, but also East Merritt Island; and it would also serve as a backup into the Cape Canaveral and Port areas as well.

Commissioner O’Brien stated from Ron Jon’s Surf Shop and almost to Holiday Inn is a Level F road; the ambulance has to respond from Cape Canaveral; the station is close to the Port; and the ambulance has to go all the way down A1A to S.R. 520. He noted there is extremely heavy traffic to get through that and out the other end to get into Cocoa Beach for an Advanced Life Support (ALS) response, and then transport to Cape Canaveral or Holmes Regional Medical Center; it is a critical situation; and Cocoa Beach is a reflection of an aging community. He stated there are a lot more problems there; getting an ambulance within that area is critical to saving lives; and the Cape Canaveral volunteers have announced that they want to move the station closer to the Port.

Commissioner Higgs stated the Board chose to relieve the Port occupants of some of the ad valorem, and inquired does it include the EMS assessment; with Mr. Parker responding negatively. Mr. Parker stated last year when the Board debated the issue, there was some discussion about charging the Port and some of the similar entities; the County is in the process of charging the EMS rates for this particular year; there were some questions on the legality and the County’s authority to do that; and although there was Board discussion, there was not a motion. He noted the County Attorney is reviewing it to see if it is a legal process; and if it is, staff will bring the item back in a formal request. Commissioner Higgs stated the County is servicing the area as opposed to some of the other contractual relationships it has with other law enforcement/public safety entities; with Mr. Parker responding affirmatively. Mr. Parker stated the County is the primary and only service area for EMS transport.

Mr. Jenkins stated if the County gets stretched on the beachside, that means it has to either pull another ambulance off of the mainland or have one come from the South Beaches; and there are indirect benefits to other areas that the County is not pulling the ambulances out of their normal zone. Mr. Parker stated Engine 62 in Sea Park has to travel north, which sometimes causes Chief Bill Farmer to move ambulances up north; and it stretches the beach resources. He noted although the proposal will fix and impact the majority of fire rescue type calls in the south Cocoa Beach area, there is still a fire concern there as the fire engines still have the same type of response into the area; the County is working with Cocoa Beach to see if it is possible to have it respond; but if not, one of the contingencies staff may bring before the Board is to buy a special ambulance that has some capability for fire suppression; and there would be two firefighters/paramedics on an ambulance that also has a place for bunker gear and water or fire fighting foam. He stated it would be a great relief to the people living south of Cocoa Beach that there is some immediate rescue capability in the event there is a structure fire. Mr. Parker stated all the municipal fire chiefs and the Fire Chiefs Association have asked for an increase of 10% to the first responder funding this year; it equates to $143,000; if it is approved by the Board, it would require an increase to the EMS Countywide rate of 68 cents per year per home; and the issue would be discussed in a future public hearing if the Board believes it is a prudent request. He noted there is a fire engine in Micco that has one firefighter assigned to it and there is a rescue vehicle with two firefighters/paramedics assigned to it; his Office has received a large amount of telephone calls from various people living in the area requesting the County to upgrade the engine to three persons per engine like every other engine in the County; the reason the engine only has one firefighter is because it is a shared resource; and the two people on the rescue vehicle and one firefighter on the engine in the past have had the ability to work together. Mr. Parker stated in the last several years there has been a trend with the number of calls to include structure fires in the area, which has made the staff in that area very uneasy about the staffing relationship; it would rather see it staffed like every other station in the County, where the engine is fully staffed with three firefighters 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and fully staffed with two firefighters/paramedics on the ambulance seven days a week, 24 hours a day; and in order to do that, it is not a matter of increasing the MSTU and giving Micco more MSTU dollars. He noted the County does a transfer of $250,000 from the MSTU into the Micco EMS area to supplement the EMS budget and make it whole; the people in the EMS budget do both fire and EMS; if the County stopped the transfer, the money would be enough to fund six firefighter/EMT’s and place them on the fire engines to insure the three-person staffing every day on such engines.

Mr. Parker stated the challenge is that the County would have to generate $250,000 for the Micco EMS assessment area to take the place of the lost revenue from the MSTU; there are two ways to do that; the County could abolish the Micco EMS assessment rate, have Micco come into the County assessment rate, charge it the County rate that everybody else is paying, which is approximately $11.00 lower, and bill individuals for service in the event they need to be transported, like the County does everywhere else. Mr. Parker noted the other option is to infuse $41.00 into the rate, bringing the rate to $96.07 per home per year to make up for the $250,000 shortfall; he had discussions with people in Micco and such discussions are still ongoing; he talked to the Chief of the Micco Volunteers; and it was expressed to him by the Micco Volunteers’ Chief that the option of joining the Countywide EMS rate and going with billing is the best option. He stated it does not represent everybody’s point of view; there are concerns about billing in that area; Micco has extensive users of the system; and the bills could be high. He noted most people in Micco have insurance, Medicare, or both; and the overwhelming majority of individuals would have the bills paid if they were part of the system. He stated there is also some confusion in Micco; one gentleman was transported from an area outside of Micco; he was under the impression that since he was a Micco resident he should have free ambulance transport; but if the transport occurs in Micco, that is where the free transport comes in as the rates are higher. Mr. Parker stated anybody who is traveling through Micco that gets into a situation, including visitors and tourists, gets free transport; so there are some portions of the system that people complain are not fair. He noted with the Board’s permission, staff would advertise an ordinance and rate resolution for a public hearing on August 27, 2002 to take into account all the items he mentioned.

Commissioner Higgs stated the County needs to enhance the service level as Mr. Parker has suggested; the community is talking about what way to go about doing it; there seems to be preliminary support for wrapping it into the system; and she supports enhancing the service one way or the other.

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to direct staff to advertise a public hearing on August 27, 2002 to consider an ordinance and rate resolution for the upgrade of fire engines to three persons per engine in the Micco area, including both options in the notice of intent for flexibility purposes.

Commissioner O’Brien suggested the notice of intent be worded for flexibility to amend the draft ordinance and not limit the scope as there may be certain combinations that the Board may want to explore.

Chairman Scarborough called for a vote on the motion. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Mr. Jenkins stated the County began this year with an expanded mental health treatment component forensic; it had an impact on the current year’s budget and has an impact on next year’s budget; the County used a one-time funding source this year to pay for it; so it has to pay for it again next year.

Public Works Department

Public Works Finance Manager Greg Pelham advised there are no significant program changes in the Public Works Department’s budget this year; and there are a couple of unfunded items, including the infrastructure management system.

Transportation Engineering Director John Denninghoff stated the infrastructure management system is the program where the County both inventories and assesses the condition, and forecasts the needs for maintenance of roadways.

Mr. Jenkins noted the Board has previously endorsed the concept; he has asked the Department to define a scope of services and cost for the project; he is still waiting on it; and it is something the Board wants to consider funding. He stated as soon as staff has a defined scope, knows what it is buying, and how much it is going to cost, it will bring the item back to the Board; the County will have to look for alternative funding sources to pay for it; it will be a good investment as it will save the County money in the long run; but more detail is needed to go forward.

Commissioner Colon stated the collections of Local Option Gas Tax (LOGT) have been steady; and inquired about the transfer from the General Fund to Road and Bridge to pay for operations. She noted from 1995 to 1996 it increases; she was uncomfortable about it last year; and it does not make sense to her that the transfer is going from the General Fund to pay for operations for Road and Bridge. Mr. Pelham responded the Road and Bridge Department has been off of General Fund support since FY 1999. Mr. Jenkins stated the Department receives such support in Traffic Engineering, Engineering, Surveying, and a number of other functions in the Department. Commissioner Colon inquired about the LOGT which is supposed to be going for projects. Mr. Jenkins responded the LOGT can be used for both; a number of cities in Brevard County also use gas tax dollars to operate their maintenance of roads; the County is not the only government entity using gas tax to maintain roads; and it is fairly widespread throughout the County and perhaps other counties in Florida. He noted Brevard County has primarily put Road and Bridge on gas tax in order not to have to increase property tax; but it is also increasing the General Fund contribution to some of the engineering components of the Public Works Department; so it is hitting both sources of funding. Commissioner Colon inquired does it include salaries; with Mr. Jenkins responding yes, salaries, materials, equipment, etc. Commissioner Colon inquired what happens when the money ends; with Mr. Jenkins responding the County will have to replace it with something, which will be the Board’s decision as to how it wants to do it. Mr. Jenkins stated Commissioner Colon’s point is well taken; the County is consuming the gas tax; unless there is an increase in the gas tax revenues, the County is going to have a situation the Board will have to address; and the gas tax goes for a number of different things in the transportation area. He noted the Board has the choice of choosing amongst the areas it is currently spending it, looking at other gas tax, such as the 9th-cent gas tax for Road and Bridge, or looking at replacing the gas tax with General Fund money at some future point.

Commissioner Higgs stated the Local Option Gas Tax is still paying the debt service payment on a number of projects; with Mr. Jenkins responding that is correct.

Mr. Jenkins noted the County is using Constitutional Gas Tax to build roads as well.

Mr. Pelham stated the County has retired the debt that was pledged to be used with the LOGT; so the LOGT is not being used for debt service any more. Commissioner Higgs stated the County used its LOGT exclusively in the preliminary years for the construction of projects; and it was only in 1999 that it shifted. Mr. Pelham noted the majority of it in earlier years was used for projects; there was some that was used for other operations, such as SCAT and Traffic Engineering; and in 1999, the emphasis shifted to using the money to fund the maintenance of roads and drainage structures. Mr. Jenkins stated it is still being spent on SCAT and a number of things; there are a number of areas that the money is being spent on that the Board could choose from if it wanted to; he read recently where some other counties in Florida are beginning to question the amount of gas tax being collected as there is that assumption that there should be more increase than what is being seen in gas tax; and it remains to be seen whether or not the Florida Association of Counties or some entity decides to ask the State of Florida who collects, accounts for, and distributes the gas tax to review it to see why it is not growing more than it is as the consumption of fuel is not declining.

Commissioner Higgs inquired if the County needs to audit the gas tax revenue. Mr. Jenkins responded it would be an expensive proposition, but there are some counties that are asking that question.

Commissioner O’Brien stated corporations bring alcohol, cigarettes, food, and fuel to the cruise ships at the Port; and inquired do they pay sales tax on it. He noted they do not pay such tax in Brevard County because the trucks come out of Orlando; and inquired is the sales tax being recorded in Orange County where the trucks come from rather than at the source of sale, which may be in Brevard County. Commissioner Higgs stated the sales tax is the point of sale. Commissioner O’Brien requested staff research the issue.

Commissioner Higgs noted the first segment of Malabar Road was paid for by LOGT and the second segment was from the Constitutional Gas Tax. Mr. Denninghoff responded the first segment was from LOGT; the second phase started primarily out of LOGT; and when the County bonded the Constitutional funds, it shifted that into the Constitutional funds. Mr. Jenkins noted the County had a number of major projects done from the LOGT.

Commissioner O’Brien expressed appreciation to Messrs. Denninghoff and Thompson, and the Public Works Department staff for working the dredging project on Merritt Island; stated a lot of hard work was involved; and everyone did a great job.

State Attorney

Patty Greene, representing the State Attorney’s Office, advised there are no significant program changes to the State Attorney’s budget.

Mr. Jenkins stated State Attorney Norm Wolfinger is interested in the Children’s Advocacy Center, which has already been discussed.

Commissioner O’Brien stated the Board needs to take a serious look at the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) and perhaps not funding it; its success has become questionable; there are some serious questions being asked about what really transpires; and the Cities of Palm Bay and Melbourne are not participating financially with the County.

Chairman Scarborough noted the Board can discuss the issue; however, the appropriate people need to be present at that time.

Mr. Jenkins stated the JAC can be put on next Thursday’s agenda with the report attached; and the appropriate individuals will be present to speak on the issues.

Regional Stormwater Utility Department

Administration/Finance Director Jim Helmer stated there are no significant program changes to the Regional Stormwater Utility Department’s budget.

Solid Waste Management Department

Solid Waste Management Director Euripides Rodriguez stated the only major changes include two additional employees; and one individual would help in Landfill Gas, which will be completely offset by future revenues expected to be received from the sale of landfill gas.

Space Coast Government Television

Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten stated there are no significant changes to the Space Coast Government Television’s budget.

Tourism Development Office

Mr. Jenkins stated there are no significant changes to the Tourism Development Office’s budget; and such Office reduced some of its administrative spending based on the current market.

Transit Services Department

Transit Services Director Jim Liesenfelt stated the fixed route ridership increased approximately 25% in the first quarter of the calendar year; this past quarter it increased approximately 50%; unfortunately, nationwide the overall transit ridership is –2%; and of the summer ridership, staff is estimating approximately 20% of the 50% increase are the kids showing their library cards and riding for free. He advised there are no major changes in the Department’s budget.

Commissioner Carlson inquired is the 50% based on the library program; with Mr. Liesenfelt responding approximately one-half of it is. Mr. Liesenfelt stated the County was running 25% before the kids got out of school. Commissioner Carlson inquired where is the 25% coming from; with Mr. Liesenfelt responding a lot of it is entry level workers. Mr. Liesenfelt stated the Board asked for some numbers on expanding the routes later in the evening; one sheet in the budget book includes expanding the fixed routes to 9:00 p.m.; the cost is approximately $360,000 a year; and a State program will fund one-half of the cost for the first two years. He noted it is the same program the County used to fund the expanded trolley service; also included is a proposal for Saturday services, which would cost approximately $220,000 a year; and the County can apply for the same State program, which will pay one-half of the cost for the first two years.

Commissioner O’Brien requested staff provide the numbers on having the trolley operated until at least midnight on weekends, from the Port through Cocoa Beach. Mr. Liesenfelt stated staff can provide the information to the Board in a few days.

Transportation Planning/MPO Office

Mr. Jenkins stated there are no major changes to the Transportation Planning/MPO Office’s budget; and same is not funded with local tax dollars.

Valkaria Airport

Mr. Jenkins advised there are no program changes in the Valkaria Airport’s budget.

Water Resources Department

Water Resources Director Richard Martens advised there are no major program changes in the Water Resources Department’s budget.

Chairman Scarborough stated the budget looks good, after all the fears of September 11, 2001; staff has done a good job on the budget; and expressed appreciation to Mr. Jenkins and staff for their cooperation in trying to make the budget work.

Commissioner O’Brien stated in looking at the budget and the 3% increase in taxes to the public, last year there was also a dramatic tax increase as well; and requested staff come back to the Board and help it find ways to not create a tax increase whatsoever. He noted it may entail some cost cutting, a short-term hiring freeze, and other methodologies; he has not heard anyone mention how the County can cut the budget; and if it cuts the budget 2% across-the-board, a 3% increase would not be required.

Mr. Jenkins stated he would strongly recommend that if the Board is going to reduce the budget, that it identify those programs and services it no longer wishes to provide; if the Board makes arbitrary cuts across the existing budget and it does not reduce the service delivery, it is reducing its cash forward at the end of the year, which reduces the reserve account; if the Board continues with the same level of commitment that it currently has and does not make a reduction in that commitment, it is going to spend a higher percentage of the smaller pot of money; and the County ends up shrinking the money it has left over at the end of the year, which goes into the reserve account it tries to carry forward from year to year. He noted if the Board wants to reduce this budget, it needs to decide what programs and services the County currently provides that it no longer wants to provide.

Commissioner O’Brien stated the Board could spread out the need for expansion of the services and not cut out the services; a department may want five new employees; and the Board could approve half of those positions this year and half next year. He noted the reserve fund five years ago was set at 10%; it is now up to approximately 14%; and the County could cut it back by 4% down to 10%. Mr. Jenkins stated the County has not added those kinds of positions anywhere other than 10 positions for the Sheriff’s Office next year and some positions this year; and the reserve is going the other way and not up. Commissioner Higgs inquired is the 14% a real number; with Mr. Jenkins responding negatively. Mr. Jenkins inquired what is the policy amount; with Mr. Whitten responding the policy indicates the fund balance have a goal of 10%. Mr. Whitten stated the reserve for the preliminary budget is projected at 5%. Mr. Jenkins stated what the County encountered in next year’s budget is that there is an increase in ad valorem tax revenues in several areas, but there are declines in significant revenues in other areas; one of those is cash forward as the County did not get a mid-year boost as it normally does; therefore, it did not recover the $2 million to $3 million; and it has less money left over. He noted the ad valorem revenues may be increased to some degree, but there are other revenue issues that are affecting that and offsetting it, including some expansions in programs and services as well. Commissioner O’Brien stated the County may want to enter into negotiations with the Sheriff’s Office concerning the requested positions; and perhaps approve five positions this year and five positions next year. Mr. Jenkins stated the Sheriff requested 20 positions; in the proposed budget, the County gave the Sheriff five positions in October and five positions in March; and staff has already made some significant adjustments. Commissioner O’Brien stated during the year the Board approved six school resource officers for grammar schools; with Mr. Jenkins responding such officers were funded through a grant with a match. Commissioner O’Brien stated the Board also approved two positions for auto anti-theft and four positions for the second bomb squad.

Chairman Scarborough stated as the Board has not increased taxes, it has done things that have adversely affected programs; Commissioner Colon’s comments dealing with the LOGT are a good example; the County had the General Revenue Fund freed up as it ceased to do the operation and maintenance for Road and Bridge and paid for it with the LOGT; and it hurt the construction. He noted sometimes the Board does these things so there is not a tax increase; but the problem is not that year and occurs years later in the road building program; the Board needs to ask, not only this year, but what is the cost to the community in subsequent years; and Brevard County is never just a one-year County.

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.

ATTEST:
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TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH, CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

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SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK

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