MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

September 18, 2007

 

 

 

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on September 18, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. in the Government Center Florida Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida.  Present were: Chairperson Jackie Colon, Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Chuck Nelson, Helen Voltz, and Mary Bolin, County Manager Peggy Busacca, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

 

 

Chairperson Colon read aloud a resolution recognizing the Coming Together for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Committee.

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt a Resolution recognizing The Coming Together for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Committee and encouraging all Brevard County citizens to participate in this worthwhile community event benefiting children.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Carmen Morero stated this program, which her husband started, and Mr. Cortes, along with many others in the community, has gotten closer to her heart when she received a sponsorship from a friend; her daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia in December; and the program has gotten even closer to her whole family.  She advised if everybody comes together it will speak for the future of the children.

 

Tony Cortes stated on behalf of The Coming Together for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, he would like to thank the Board for the opportunity to share their vision of a successful event the group would like to see annually.  He stated St. Jude Children’s Hospital conducts a noble cause; it is amazing what is done in Memphis, Tennessee; the doors are never closed to any child; and it is not a matter of who has healthcare.  He commented on keeping children healthy so they can become healthy adults; and invited the Board to join the group Saturday at Wickham Park for a Fish Fry and Walk-a-Thon.  Chairperson Colon inquired of the hours of the event; with Mr. Cortes responding the event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; the event will be kicked off with a walk to Wickham Park Pavilion; there will be a fish fry as well as many other activities for the children; and Commissioner Bolin will speak at 3:30 p.m. 

 

 

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated the Board has had workshops on the space industry and the workforce issues.  He noted last Friday there was a workshop in which State and federal leaders talked about having an agenda directive to the legislative folks; it is a complex web of multiple issues from commercial launches to the concepts of what happens in the gap; and then the training issues.  He noted when the Apollo Program ended people did not have the capacity to go onto the Internet and work elsewhere; today, there is the capacity of possibly training people in the community to do work for companies in California while remaining in Brevard County; and there are always new ideas he hopes will continue. 

 

Commissioner Voltz stated she would like to thank Legislative Delegation Coordinator Leigh Holt, as she understands she put the workshop together; Ms. Holt has been doing a wonderful job during the space initiative; and she needs to be commended for her job as she puts in countless hours for the benefit of the Board and the community. 

 

Chairperson Colon stated she was impressed by the many different people who attended the workshop; it is not just a Brevard County issue; and that was made clear at the workshop.  She noted the summit was videotaped and should be airing soon so the public can see the progress being made.  She stated she would like to send a letter to BCC for allowing the summit to be held at the Solar Center; and the Board also needs to recognize Ms. Holt, as she did a tremendous job. 

 

 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated it was interesting to get different perspectives at the Summit, particularly from Congressman Tom Feeney regarding what works in Washington D.C. and what works locally; and the Board was told Washington D.C. is concerned with National Defense and those types of issues.  Commissioner Scarborough stated it would be nice to offer Congressman Dave Weldon and Congressman Feeney an invitation, on separate occasions, to come to Brevard County; some of their thoughts are profound; and they are not being shared with the community to the extent they need to be because what is happening is more than a loss of jobs in Brevard County, as it is also a loss of the Country’s capacity to be an international leader.  Chairperson Colon stated she will send an invitation to both the County’s U.S. Senators and Congressmen; she agrees the Board needs to hear from them so they can share with the community the things they have been working on; and in Brevard County the main priority is jobs; but the national level wants to hear about security and defense. 

 

 

 

Chairperson Colon stated on Friday, the official sign went up on S.R. 192 for the late Senator Howard Futch, whom the Board loved dearly; and prayers go out to Mrs. Futch who was under the weather.  She noted Senator Futch worked very hard making sure S.R. 192 was going to be road safe to drive on; many from the area know that is one road no one wants to drive to Kissimmee; and Friday was a very special day in Brevard County.

 

 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated on Saturday she had the privilege to attend her Aide’s, Dave Dingley, son’s wedding; and it was a happy event. 

 

 

 

Commissioner Bolin noted on Sunday she and her husband attended the symphony at the King Center for the Children’s Concert; and it was wonderful to see that parents came to the symphony versus doing other activities.

 

 

REPORT, RE:  SENATOR FUTCH SIGN ON S.R. 192 (CONTINUED)

 

Commissioner Bolin stated she remembers a statement made by Representative Howard Futch in regards to finishing S.R. 192; at the time, Representative Futch was working with the Florida Department of Transportation and there was a problem with a bridge over a canal; and Representative Futch said to them, “You have two options, either we can make the bridge higher, or lower the water.  Take your pick.”; and that was Howard Futch.

 

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 aggregate tentative rate of 5.4472 mills is 9.81 percent below the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 aggregate rolled back rate of 6.0397 mills.

 

 

 

Richard Cohen stated it is the duty of the Property Appraiser to determine that properties are appraised correctly, fairly, and accurately; he lives in a beach front condo in South Cocoa Beach on the second floor; the condo is residential on floors two through eight; and three years ago his property was assessed based on four sales in his center section.  He advised all of the condos are the same size; where the price differential should have been around $8,000, that year, it was $1,100; and he is on the second floor, which means he gets hurt the most.  He stated that cost him $364.00 extra for 2004; and since he was not homesteaded he got locked in at that figure; and it hurts him that much every year.  He stated his appraised value went up $77,370 versus $25,000 for the fifth floor, which is the middle floor; neither were homesteaded; and inquired why they were so different.  He stated after Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, he was overwhelmed with fixing things and did not file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board; he felt it could be straightened out with a face-to-face meeting with the Property Appraiser; the Property Appraiser’s Office would never meet with him; he eventually called the Supervisor who understood the problem; and months later he found out they would not change things. 

 

He stated he spent 20 days, one and a half hours a day, two or three days a week moving 20-plus cubic yards of sand back to the beach; it was thousands of dollars worth of sand without shells; he felt that was more important and had to be done since the County was not doing it; and the County has hurt itself since he stopped doing volunteer work because of how unfairly he was treated by the County.  He stated last year he was told by a new appraiser he would speak to him in person if he signed a petition and paid $15.00; that is what has to be done in order to speak to someone; he paid it and the Property Appraiser did not speak to him; the Value Adjustment Board would not consider 2004, only 2006; but 2004 is what locked him; and he has been homesteaded since then.  He stated the Board never did step one, which is a face-to-face discussion with the appraiser; the Property Appraiser’s Office will not admit or correct a mistake; the 2004 appraisal lacked fairness and was discriminatory; and the County is supposed to be working for the citizens, not stealing from them.

 

 

 

Michael Simkin stated he is here to complain; but the Board would have had to have done a sterling job over the years, otherwise the County would not have had the great local economy with the vibrant industries and businesses in the last few years; but the Board is killing the goose that lays the golden egg.  He inquired how does it happen that this great oceanside community, with all of its businesses, has to have this dramatic increase in local government spending; stated there are thousands of seniors who have lived in Brevard County for years, pay taxes, put no demand on the schools, and are not here half a year; there were 1,000 people moving here per-month during the good years; and they are paying taxes and adding to the local revenue; but that is not enough for the County Commission.  He noted the Board finally increased the impact fees on new construction; and that brings in new revenue; but it is not enough for the Board.  He stated he is looking at a three to four-fold increase in his taxes; and if the Board thinks it is the same in the rest of the country, it is wrong.  He stated the Board is not giving the citizens any relief on anything; he could tell the Board stories; and he does not know who it is listening to, but it is not listening to the people who foot the bill in Brevard County; and the Board is listening to Unions, local government, special interests, and to the socialist Florida TODAY newspaper with its daily rant about how the local services need to be protected.  He stated he is from Europe and he knows what socialism is; he came to the United States to get away from it; but little by little that is what is happening locally and nationally.  He stated there are always needs in society and government needs to take care of some of them; but it cannot take care of all of them no matter how rich the society.  He noted the Board is spending too much money; the taxes have to go down; and there will not be any relief to speak of in the January referendum or from the tax assessor.  He stated the Board is a fiscally irresponsible body in a fiscally conservative electorate; the nation is great because of individual responsibility and taking care of individual needs; and any government is not going to help in the future.  He stated in today’s paper is a story on a family and their hardship for meeting their monthly mortgage and tax payments; the woman described it as a crash and burn; some of the local businesses are talking about a mini-recession; and the citizens need tax relief now.

 

 

 

Bob Farr distributed a handout to the Board, but not the Clerk.  He stated two weeks ago he was before the Board with some testimonial regarding HBCA’s Builder Care Program; and in the less than two years it has been under Contract with the County, it has leveraged almost three times what the budget was.  He stated  the Program may be cut out of the budget; since he took over in June with the Country Acres shelter in Titusville, the house has been completely renovated; and all of it was accomplished with the help of the HBCA members who have donated time, money and materials.  He stated considering the real estate economy, the HBCA is a huge contribution to the economy; and he asked the Board to please honor the last year of the Program’s Contract. 

 

 

 

Gary Johnson stated he knows he cannot say anything that will change this year’s budget, as it is already cast in stone; however, as the Board does next year’s budget he hopes it will take his following comments into consideration.  He advised he has owned his four-plex in Cocoa Beach for 21 years; somehow, Brevard County managed to regress with moderate increases in his property taxes for 17 years, until 2004 when the housing bubble occurred; and the Board took advantage of the potential increased revenues, which the Board referred to as windfall, to increase County spending unconscionably and irresponsibly as if it had won the lottery.  He stated there is no justification; it does not cost significantly more to operate a County government just because home prices have suddenly increased; and the Board started spending on wants rather than needs beyond what the taxpayer can afford.  He stated his property taxes are now 100 percent more than they were four years ago; this is unconscionable; there can be no justification for this; and his renters are paying $120.00 per month, 17 percent of their rent, for property tax.  He stated the Board claims to have a problem finding low income housing; there are plenty of vacancies out there; and the Board does not need to spend more taxpayers’ money to build more.  He noted last year the Board developed a budget that was far in excess of what was needed, or that non-homesteaded property owners could afford; homesteaded property owners are protected by Save Our Homes; but non-homesteaders are not; and every penny the Board spends over a three percent increase is on the back of the non-homesteaders.  He stated it is unjustified and irresponsible; the Board has spent in excess to the extent it was necessary for the State Legislature to mandate a reduction; now the Board waits for further legislation to tell it to reduce further; and inquired why the Board does not have the backbone to act responsibly and reduce as necessary on its own accord.  He advised property values are decreasing and the thriving economy once had is going down the tubes; soon the Space Center will be reducing staff; the Board needs to learn to live on a reduced budget; and anybody can manage with an unlimited budget as the Board has been doing.  He stated it takes skill and courage to manage a conservative budget as the taxpayers expect; and inquired if the Board is up to the challenge.  He stated it seems while the Board was forced to cut other budgets, it recognized no obligation to do so themselves; but in fact, increased its own budget four percent; and that is the kind of attitude that has to change.

 

 

Lelia Benton stated eleven months ago she buried her fiancé whom she had been with for 27 years; and she received a tax increase of $9,000 because they were not married.  She advised she spent over $9,000 on the funeral in Miami; she is 83-years old and she needs her money to live and pay somebody to take care of her; and what the Board is doing is sinking people in the street.  She stated she has proof that she lived in the house for 27 years; and the tax is killing her.

 

Chairperson Colon stated Ms. Benton lost her homestead because her home was protected by her fiancé; and  the  homestead was lost after he passed away.  She stated she would have someone look at Ms. Benton’s case; and she is sorry for the loss of her fiancé.

 

 

 

Janis Walters stated she is present to talk about the Valkaria Airport budget; and there are several issues she cannot get proper explanations for and they bother her.  She stated she has a six-page budget report the Valkaria Airport Advisory Board is going to look at for the first time tonight; in the report, actual hangar occupancy for 2005-2006 is represented as 27 hangars, each generating $175.00 per month, or $2,100 per year; and that is accurate.  She advised the projections for the past year and next year show 47 hangars, each generating $305.00 per month, or $3,655 per year; according to public records the T-hangar lease amount is still $175.00; the Trends and Issues Summary indicates that 20 hangars will be completed in 2007-2008 with a grant from FDOT; however, there is no indication in the report as to when the hangars will be ready for occupancy.  She stated the 20 hangars have not been built, nor will they be built in the next few weeks, and they are generating zero dollars at this point.  She stated that brings her to the Capital Projects; the first paragraph of the budget analysis states that grant revenues for expansion projects decrease in 2007-2008; the revised budget for 2007-2008 has no grant revenue and only $9,000 for capital expenditures; the hangar building is supposed to cost approximately $800,000; $640,000 from FDOT and $160,000 local; and inquired how can the Airport build an $800,000 project with $9,000.  She inquired if there should be something in the budget for the hangar grant and the $160,000 that has to be borrowed through the Commercial Paper Program.  She noted with Operating Reserves, in 2005-2006 the Airport had almost $83,000 in operating reserves; in 2006-2007 the entire reserve amount disappeared from the budget; and inquired what happened to the reserves.  She stated she does not buy the explanation staff gave her that enterprise funds can do their accounting differently; reserves should be even more significant to an enterprise fund that has to pay its own way; GAAP and GASB have specific guidelines with an aim to present an accurate financial picture; and inquired if they are being followed for the Airport budget.  She stated with compensation and benefits, in 2006-2007 the Airport budgeted for two full-time and two part-time employees, which is the full-time equivalent to 2.5 employees; the budget total was $128,900; that was up 36 percent over 2005-2006; and to her it is a ridiculous amount of man power for the Airport.  She noted in 2007-2008 the Airport has supposedly budgeted for two full-time and one part-time employee, which is the equivalent of 2.25 full-time employees, yet the cost is up another 10 percent to $141,300; and inquired what is the normal annual pay increase for County employees.  She stated information from Human Resources indicates that if the three highest paid employees, at a projected equivalent of 2.25 to 2.50 full-time employees, all got a five percent raise tomorrow, the 2007-2008 should be about $125,000 to $130,000; and the proposed $141,000 indicates to her that all four employees are going to remain.  She inquired what accounts for the wide fluctuation in the charges for services on the past three budgets; stated there have been no downward changes in land lease rates, hangars, or tie-down rental rates, et cetera; fuel flowage and number of tie-downs have allegedly increased; and inquired why is the expected revenue so much lower now than in 2005-2006.  She stated in 2005-2006 the budgeted revenue was above $252,000 and the actual was above $266,000; and that is $14,000 over budgeted projections.  She advised in 2006-2007 the revenue was up $227,000, which is $25,000 below the prior year’s budget and $39,000 below the actual.  She stated for this year, the budget projection is for $235,000, which is $28,000 below this year’s current.  She stated the Valkaria Airport Advisory Board used to get a detailed breakdown of how each amount was calculated in order to have a clear idea where the money comes from and how it is used; that has not been done for the past two years; and for all anybody knows the budget is random numbers because they certainly do not conform to the written summary or past performance.

 

 

 

Curt Lorenc stated he agrees with some of the previous speakers; and he believes the Board is spending too much.  He stated two weeks ago the Board approved the spending of $10 million on Valkaria Airport; there were some real issues with that, that were brought out; the financials on the master plan were done by the Chairman of the Valkaria Airport Advisory Board; and he thinks they were over optimistic.  He stated there was one Commissioner he gives a lot of credit to who challenged those numbers and found the County would be going a quarter-million dollars in the hole every year with the over optimistic type of accounting.  He stated he also thinks there is an ethics issue; the Board should have declared a voting conflict; and he does not think that was done.  He advised one needs a CPA license to do public accounting; that accounting is now in the public record and will be referred to; and if that is to be done, one needs to have the proper licenses.  He stated there have been issues with the contractor; and the DBPR has issued a cease and desist order on some of the work that it has done.  He stated people are telling the Board tonight that it needs to be responsible in the way it spends taxpayers’ money; after the Board’s final budget meeting is the Valkaria Airport Advisory Board budget meeting; and they should have heard the budget months earlier.  He stated he agrees with Ms. Walters that there is a lot of funny accounting in the Airport budget; it has been that way for two years; and he thinks it should be pulled so there can be a full audit.  

 

 

 

Chairperson Colon noted many of the speakers’ concerns were about the Property Appraiser’s Office; the speakers are concerned about what their homes are appraised for; and the Board heard the same concerns last year as well. 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca stated it is the Property Appraiser’s duty to determine the valuation of property; he does so based on a calculation and a formula that is laid out in Statute; and he has some flexibility; but it is limited by the requirement of the Statute.  She advised the County Commission establishes the multiplier; in this case, the proposed multiplier has gone down for the fifth year in a row; it is now 9.8 percent lower than the multiplier that was done last year; and this is a case where there are two different entities working under two separate regulations to come up with the amount of money that each individual pays in taxes.

 

Chairperson Colon stated the community also wants to know how the Board of County Commissioners tightened its budget; with Ms. Busacca responding there were a total of 82 positions eliminated.  She noted in Agriculture and Extension Services the 4-H Marketing Agent and Horticultural Technician were eliminated; in Animal Services and Enforcement, an animal transport vehicle was eliminated, the Community Service Program was eliminated, and operating supplies, overtime, and travel were all reduced; in  the  Budget  Office  the  FEMA  Coordinator  was   eliminated  and  a  computer  was eliminated; in Central Services, a Fleet Heavy Equipment Mechanic position was eliminated, and a purchasing agent was reduced to part-time; and in addition, there was a savings based on a new lease contract for copiers and faxes.  She stated the Clerk to the Board had a reduction of four percent in the Judicial Support Program; the County Attorney’s Office eliminated two positions; Emergency Management eliminated the Resource Coordinator, vehicle replacement and grant funding for background checks; in Fire Service, the Replacement Program for new engines was reduced by 50 percent; the Historical Commission reduced supplies and eliminated travel; in Housing and Human Services, the Emergency Assistance Program eliminated three positions, CBO funding was reduced ten percent, the Builder’s Care Program was eliminated; guardianship services were eliminated; in Human Resources the Records Supervisor position was eliminated, as were two long-term light duty positions; Information Technology eliminated eight positions; Judicial Support included elimination of the Family Court Resource; and the Law Library reduced the General Fund transfer by $53,000.  She advised Library Services reduced the Library Media Budget for library construction project, the literacy position and program, the Automatically Yours Reserve Program, book bags, and travel; Mosquito Control eliminated funding from impoundment purchases and a part-time office assistant;  in Natural Resources, critical habitat species biologist was eliminated; the merger with Stormwater produced the elimination of the Director position; TDC funding was increased for beach management; in addition to that, there was funding to LEAD Brevard, 211 Brevard, and the UCF Medical School; and Cultural Alliance funding was eliminated, as well as the reduction to Myregion and the elimination of the beach renourishment funding for the Mid-Reach.  She noted Parks and Recreation reduced field and facility maintenance, reduced community center and parks nature hours, EEL’s center hours, administrative support to County-wide position, and the elimination of pre-school programs at six schools, and staff at dog parks; in Permitting and Enforcement there was an increase from Solid Waste based on the number of Code Enforcement cases, and there was also the elimination of a Special Projects Coordinator position; Planning and Zoning eliminated the Special Projects Coordinator IV, the Executive Secretary, mileage payments to the LPA and Board of Adjustment members, and citizen resource groups were eliminated; in Road and Bridge there was a reduction of administrative staff, services were reduced in roadway operations  in  all  MSTU’s,  the  speed   hump   program   was   eliminated  Countywide, landscape operations included the elimination of two maintenance workers; and in Transportation Engineering there was a reduced allocation for the relocation of the traffic operations building from Merritt Island to a mainland location, traffic signal rehabilitation was extended from 10 years to 20 years, the Older Road User Program was eliminated, and a surveyor assistant position was eliminated.

 

Chairperson Colon stated another concern of the community is what effect the referendum will have if it is passed in January 2008; the Board does not want to put its guard down; and the Board has had some meetings discussing some of the suggestions of the scope of service that was discussed in regards to the auditors.  Ms. Busacca stated the Board has asked specifically for an audit of the Fire Rescue Budget; in addition to that, a scope of services for the next audit after that to be looked at; and the information should be coming to the Board in the next several weeks.  Chairperson Colon inquired if the auditors will be meeting individually with each Commissioner or are they giving a presentation to the Board; stated the Board wants to be clear, and owes it to the citizens,  to be as  transparent  as possible; and with this Budget the Board wanted to be able to identify every single penny.  She stated the departments the Board wants to audit first are the biggest departments, which are Fire Rescue and Parks and Recreation; and then work down to the smaller departments.  She advised the entire State of Florida is going through the same thing, and it is not just Brevard County. 

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated it hurts to see someone who is 83 years of age without an income; the problem is, if the Board were to reduce Ms. Benton’s property taxes from $9,000 to $1,000, it would have to reduce everybody’s by 90 percent; and that would mean the Board would operate with a 90 percent reduction rather than a nine percent reduction.  He stated he does not think anybody wants to see the Board eliminate fire and police; the tragedy is the Board can only touch a certain portion; and he thinks the Legislature is struggling with a system that is flawed.  He stated he read an article in the Florida TODAY that indicated people with Save Our Homes may see an increase because the three percent is if one is below; and what you have is the market price going down, but the assessed value actually went up because there was gap developing over a number of years.  He stated he would like to thank staff and the Board because the staff and the Board have struggled to make the cuts where people would not see them and at the same time not put the County in financial risk.  He advised School Boards throughout the State are now on credit watch; there are issues that may proceed to the U.S. Supreme Court on Save Our Homes that could impact the credit of Florida; and he thinks the Board will see other counties and municipalities in the State not act responsibly.  He advised the Board did what it could in the limited amount of time it had; the Board sometimes met three times a week to discuss the budget; and he appreciates what staff has done.

 

Chairperson Colon stated a lot of people do not know whose jurisdiction the cuts came from; someone could watch the meeting and be angry with the Board of County Commissioners; but the Board does not have anything to do with that.  She stated the Board started asking the State the question of jurisdiction when it started seeing that the homes were going up drastically; and a home that was appraised at $150,000 is going up to $225,000 for the same exact home.  She stated the Board did not raise the millage, but the citizens see the tax going up and they blame their elected officials because  they  think the  Board appraised their  home at a higher level.  She advised the people who are not protected by Homestead  are the ones who are paying the bulk; some peoples’ taxes have gone up; and that is not what Tallahassee said.  She noted the Board met up to three times a week to do what the State told it to do; the citizens demanded cuts in the budget; and the Board did that.  She stated the level of service to the community is not going to be the same; half of the positions that were eliminated were vacant; and now those departments will not get the relief.  She advised citizens need to do their homework before January 29, 2008; people need to call their State Legislators, as they are the only ones who can explain; and she would warn citizens to be careful, as some savings are there, but the protection of Save Our Homes will no longer be there.  She stated the Board is not finished by any means; and it is about to begin next year’s budget.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated County Attorney Scott Knox mentioned earlier about the assessed values going up; she knows there is an issue with Save Our Homes; the Property Appraiser can increase the taxes by three percent; and inquired if he has to do that if the market price is going down.  Attorney Knox stated he has to raise it to the fair market  value,  unless  it is  restricted  by  Save Our Homes, so he  has to go up to three percent because it is not close to market value.  Attorney Knox stated if a home drops below the assessed value, the Property Appraiser does not have to go up to three percent.  Chairperson Colon stated that is the question being asked by the community; the market is going down and people want to know why their homes are not being re-appraised.  She commented on her parents’ taxes going up on their home in Palm Bay. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated he does not know what is happening with the assessment process; but clearly there is something that is just not right.  He stated he saved $30.00 on his taxes; and he would have saved more, but the School Board’s required local effort went up because the State Legislature did not drop it.  He noted the Legislature had the opportunity to lower the millage, but it did not do that; and when people look at their tax bill and see who went up, it was the School Board.  He stated the School Board did not have a choice, as it does not get State matching money if it does not collect money.  He stated the Board had a choice as a Commission and he thinks it did the right thing; the Sheriff was funded $7.2 million for operating the mental health facility and the additional tent; and the Board would have been remiss if it had not funded that.  He noted the Board could have cut $7.2 million more dollars out of the budget; but it chose to house it; and he thinks the community is better served having done that.  He stated he would like to compliment the Board; the Board had the option of doing what some cities did, which was increase taxes; but the County Commission never talked about doing that; and that is to the Board’s credit. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated one thing that has been overlooked in Tallahassee is the group of people that are very important to the community; those people are the ones that do the rental investment program; they provide rental property to people who need to have that service; and because of the taxes they have no protection at all and no homestead, and so their taxes are going up drastically.  She stated if the rent has to go up to match the taxes and insurance they have to pay, there is going to be a situation in which the people who need the rental cannot afford it; and she would like to see the Delegation looking into having a rental investment homestead as well as a commercial business homestead.  Chairperson Colon stated it was promised to the citizens there would be  a relief; the  small businesses  did not benefit; and the people not protected by homestead did not benefit.  She noted Commissioner Nelson and Commissioner Bolin made it clear when they were first elected that they were not going to raise taxes.

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated if the people vote on something, it is outside the formula; there are certain taxes the Board collects that were voted on by the people; but as it was structured they were not recognized as outside the formula because it happened beforehand.  He advised a lot of the County’s millages have been voter-approved; and he has been told Brevard County is one of the biggest voter-approved millage counties because it has historically taken the issues to the people.  He stated he hopes there will be better dialogue between counties and the State; the ability to sit down and think together is going to be critical; and he would hate to see the Board be in the same position next year with the same level of frustration.  He stated everyone can get mad at the Property Appraiser or the Legislature; but it was the people of Florida that voted for Save Our Homes; and it is a law that is above any elected official that has now created disparities.  He stated he has people say to him it would be nice to have Sunshine in  Tallahassee  like  that which  is required  of  local  government; then at least it can be read in the paper what the leadership is trying to tell the Board to do; and there needs to be more communication.

 

Chairperson Colon advised the State is also going to have to cut; non-profit organizations and a lot of other folks have been carrying the burden for the State; when the State cut two years ago, those folks came to the Board asking for help because the State is cutting; and the non-profit’s need to be prepared because they are the first one’s on the hit list.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated she would like to read the names of the businesses that have donated their time and effort for Builder’s Care: Joyal Construction, Sherwin Williams, Wood and You, Freedom Waste, Foley Construction, Paramount Plumbing, Blinds of all Kinds, Island Tile and Marble, and Atlantic Building Supply.  She stated since that is a one-time fee she hopes the Board can come up with that money; and she would like to see the one-time issues be addressed in the future.   Chairperson Colon stated the Board has said it is not willing to reinstate anything that has been cut by the Board in the past; but that is a perfect example of an organization that was giving back to the community while the industry is hurting.

 

 

Chairperson Colon called for the public hearing to consider millages and Resolution establishing final millages for 2007-2008.

 

            General Fund

 

The Budget staff advised for the General Fund, the FY 2006-2007 millage is 3.8558 mills; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 3.6440 mills; and advised the millage generates $148,572,860, for a budget of $299,320,443.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for the General Fund at 3.6440 mills, and budget at $299,320,443 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Free Public Library

 

The Budget staff advised the Free Public Library District millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.5497 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.4699 mill; and the millage generates $19,256,678, for a budget of $25,877,804.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for Free Public Library at 0.4699 mill, and budget at $25,877,804 for FY 2007-2008. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the Mosquito Control District millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.1800 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.1710 mill; and the millage generates $7,007,644 for a budget of $9,027,546.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for Mosquito Control District at 0.1710 mill and budget at $9,027,546 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Fire Control MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the Fire Control MSTU millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.6529 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.631 mill; and the millage generates $11,715,531 for a budget of $22,206,495. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for Fire Control MSTU at 0.631 mill and budget at $22,206,495 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Recreation District 1 MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the Recreation District 1 MSTU millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.5637 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.4922 mill; and the millage generates $2,640,767 for a budget of $10,561,053. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for Recreation District 1 MSTU at 0.4922 mill and budget at $10,561,053 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Recreation District 4 O&M

 

The Budget staff advised the Recreation District 4 O&M millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4305 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.3947 mill; and the millage generates $1,704,713 for a budget of $6,845,873.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for Recreation District 4 O&M at 0.3947 mill and budget at $6,845,873 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            TICO Airport Authority

 

The Budget staff advised the TICO Airport Authority millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.0000 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.0000 mill; and the millage generates $0 for a budget of $1,840,407.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for TICO Airport Authority at 0.0000 mill and budget at $1,840,407 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Law Enforcement MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the Law Enforcement MSTU millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.8680 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.9097 mill; and the millage generates $15,869,826 for a budget of $17,046,949.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for Law Enforcement MSTU at 0.9097 mill and budget at $17,046,949 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4704 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.4249 mill; and the millage generates $1,285,250 for a budget of $2,753,346.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU at 0.4249 mill and budget at $2,753,346 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.2477 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.2250 mill; and the millage generates $1,026,878 for a budget of $1,208,298.

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve the millage for Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU at 0.2250 mill and budget at 1,208,298  for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.3061 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.3528 mill; and the millage generates $700,239 for a budget of $1,221,364.

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the millage for Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU at 0.3528 mill and budget at $1,221,364.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.3080 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.2770 mill; and the millage generates $1,306,039 for a budget of $1,911,005.

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the millage for Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU at 0.2770 mill and budget at $1,911,005 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

          

           Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4235 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.3837 mill; and the millage generates $636,444 for a budget of $962,388.

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the millage for Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU at 0.3837 mill and budget at $962,388 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the Road and Bridget District 4 N. Beaches MSTU millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.3271 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.3028 mill; and the millage generates $181,989 for a budget of $911,087.

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the millage for Road and Bridge District 4 N. Beaches MSTU at 0.3028 mill and budget at $911,087 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.1439 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.1297 mill; and the millage generates $19,509 for a budget of $205,087.

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the millage for Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU at 0.1297 mill and budget at $205,087 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Environmentally Endangered Land (1991)

 

The Budget staff advised the Environmentally Endangered Land (1991) millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.0398 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.0364 mill; and the millage generates $1,491,682, and the budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the millage for Environmentally Endangered Land (1991) at 0.0364 mill for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Environmentally Endangered Land (2004)

 

The Budget staff advised the Environmentally Endangered Land (2004) millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.0472 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.0330 mill; and the millage generates $1,352,349, and the budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the millage for Environmentally Endangered Land (2004) at 0.0330 mill for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation MSTU millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.1996 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.1844 mill; and the millage generates $202,414, and the budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation MSTU at 0.1844 mill for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            North Brevard Special Recreation District

 

The Budget staff advised the North Brevard Special Recreation District millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4449 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.2203 mill; and the millage generates $830,580, for a budget of $2,241,544.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for North Brevard Special Recreation District at 0.2203 mill and budget at $2,241,544 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Merritt Island Recreation MSTU O & M

 

The Budget staff advised the Merritt Island Recreation MSTU O & M millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4714 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.2683 mill; and the millage generates $973,975, and the budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for Merritt Island Recreation MSTU O&M at 0.2683 mill for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            South Brevard Special Recreation District O&M

 

The Budget staff advised the South Brevard Special Recreation District O&M millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4188 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.2287 mill; and the millage generates $5,318,960, and the budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the millage for South Brevard Special Recreation District O&M at 0.2287 mill for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

   

            Environmentally Endangered Lands Debt (1991)

 

The Budget staff advised the Environmentally Endangered Lands Debt (1991) millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.1665 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.1679 mill; and the millage generates $6,880,605, and the budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands Debt (1991) at 0.1679 mill for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Environmentally Endangered Lands Debt (2004)

 

The Budget staff advised the Environmentally Endangered Lands Debt (2004) millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.0980 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.0988 mill; and the millage generates $4,048,852, and the budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands Debt (2004) at 0.0988 mill for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreational Facility MSTU Debt

 

The Budget staff advised the Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreational Facility MSTU Debt millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4054 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.4136 mill; and the millage generates $454,004, and the budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreational Facility MSTU Debt at 0.4136 mill for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

            North Brevard Special Recreation District Debt

 

The Budget staff advised the North Brevard Special Recreation District Debt millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.3551 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.5797 mill; and the millage generates $2,185,598 for a budget of $2,192,290.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the North Brevard Special Recreation District Debt millage at 0.5797 mill and budget at $2,192,290 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Merritt Island Recreation MSTU Debt

 

The Budget staff advised the Merritt Island Recreation MSTU Debt millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.3286 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.5317 mill; and the millage generates $1,930,163 for a budget of $2,274,707.

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve the Merritt Island Recreation MSTU Debt millage at 0.5317 mill and budget at $2,274,707 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            South Brevard Special Recreation District Debt

 

The Budget staff advised the South Brevard Special Recreation District Debt millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.1812 mill; the FY 2007-2008 tentative millage is 0.3713 mill; and the millage generates $8,635,461 for a budget of $10,868,258.

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the millage for South Brevard Special Recreation District Debt at 0.3713 mill and budget at $10,868,258 for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay. 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2007-2008 Aggregate Adopted Rate of 5.4472 mills is 9.81 percent below the FY 2007-2008 Aggregate Rollback Rate of 6.0397 mills; and it is 7.96 percent below the current Aggregate Rate of 5.9181 mills.

 

 

Chairperson Colon called for the public hearing to consider a resolution adopting final budget for FY 2007-2008.

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero read aloud the action paragraph of the resolution adopting final budget for FY 2007-2008 in the amount of $1,235,601,288. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to adopt Resolution adopting final budget for FY 2007-2008 at $1,235,601,288. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.  

 

 

Chairperson Colon called for a public hearing to consider Resolutions adopting final millages for Dependent Special Taxing Districts for FY 2007-2008.

 

The Budget staff advised of the final millages and budgets for all the Dependent Special Taxing Districts for FY 2007-2008, as follows:

 

Free Public Library                                                                  0.4699 mill       $19,256,678

Mosquito Control District                                                        0.1710 mill         7,007,644

Recreation Special District 4 O&M                                         0.3947 mill         1,704,713

Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority                                            0.0000 mill                        0

South Brevard Recreation Special District – Operating         0.2287 mill         5,318,960

South Brevard Recreation Special District – Debt                 0.1812 mill         8,635,461

North Brevard Recreation Special District – Operating         0.2203 mill              830,580

North Brevard Recreation Special District – Debt                  0.5797 mill           2,185,598

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to adopt Resolution adopting final millage of 0.4699 mill for Free Public Library District for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution adopting final millage of 0.1710 mill for Mosquito Control District for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution adopting final millage of 0.3947 mill for Recreation Special District 4 O&M for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution adopting final millage of zero mill for Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution adopting final millage of 0.2287 mill for South Brevard Recreation Special District – Operating for FY 2007-2008; and final millage of 0.1812 mill for South Brevard Recreation Special District – Debt for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.  

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution adopting final millage of 0.2203 mill for North Brevard Recreation Special District – Operating for FY 2007-2008 and final millage of 0.5797 for North Brevard Recreation Special District – Debt for FY 2007-2008.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously. 

 

 

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero read aloud the final budgets for Dependent Special Districts for FY 2007-2008 as follows:

 

Free Public Library District                                                                 $25,877,804

Mosquito Control District                                                                        9,027,546

Recreation Special District 4 O&M                                                         6,845,873

Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority                                                            1,840,407

South Brevard Recreation Special District                                           30,233,714

North Brevard Recreation Special District                                             4,433,834

Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency                                                    2,005,379

Barefoot Bay Water and Sewer District                                                 5,052,265

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to adopt Resolution approving final budget for Free Public Library District at $25,877,804.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution approving final budget for Mosquito Control District at $9,027,546.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution approving final budget for Recreation Special District 4 O&M at $6,845,873.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution approving final budget for Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority at $1,840,407.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution approving final budget for South Brevard Recreation Special District at $30,233,714.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution approving final budget for North Brevard Recreation Special District at $4,433,834.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to adopt Resolution approving final budget for Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency at $2,005,379.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution approving final budget for Barefoot Bay Water and Sewer District at $5,052,265.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously. 

 

 

 

Chairperson Colon called for the public hearing to consider permission to execute TRIM compliance forms.

                                                

There being no comments heard, motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to authorize the Assistant County Manager for Management Services to execute the Florida Department of Revenue Form DR-487, “Certification of Compliance with Sections 200 and 218, Florida Statutes”; Forms DR-420, “Certification of Taxable Value”; Forms DR-420C, “County Maximum Millage Levy Calculation”; Forms DR-420TIF, “Tax Increment Adjustment Worksheet”, Form DR-420I, “Independent Special District Maximum Millage Levy Calculation”’; and Forms DR-422, “Certification of Final Taxable Value”.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to approve the Capital Improvements Program for Fiscal Years 2007-2008 through 2011-2012.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired if the Board could get a worst-case-scenario from the Property Appraiser’s Office as to what might happen to the budget next year, depending on what happens in January with the referendum. 

 

Upon motion and vote, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:32 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                        ____________________________

                                                                        JACKIE COLON, CHAIRPERSON

                                                                        BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ATTEST:                                                         BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

 

___________________

SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK 

 

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