MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

 

July 25, 2007

 

 

 

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on July 25, 2007, at 9:00 a.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. 

 

 

County Attorney Scott Knox stated he had approval from the Board to file a petition for Rule Challenge, Burton Rule of DOR; after looking at it he felt it was not going to accomplish what the Board is trying to accomplish, which is to find out whether DOR has interpreted the Statute correctly as well as the Rule; and suggested filing a Declaratory Judgment Action.  Chairperson Colon inquired what would it accomplish; with Attorney Knox responding it would attempt to get the DOR to reverse its course by the method by which it calculated the Compound Annual Growth Rate; and it will not effect this year, but will effect next year.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to direct the County Attorney to file a Declaratory Judgment Action to attempt to get the Department of Revenue (DOR) to reverse its course on the method by which it calculated the Compound Annual Growth Rate from 91% to 93%.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.  

Commissioner Voltz stated she was not sure she wanted to support it and inquired what message it sends DOR and the State Legislature.  Attorney Knox responded the DOR has misinterpreted what the Legislature did.  Commissioner Voltz stated the Board does not want to increase taxes as much as it did.  Attorney Knox stated they treat the Board the way they treat everyone else.  Chairperson Colon stated it has to do with the Emergency Management System; and it is not about trying to fight the fact that the County has to cut taxes.  Commissioner Nelson stated the system needs to be fair to everyone.  Commissioner Voltz stated she supports it; and she just wanted to make sure the Board was not sending the wrong message by sending it.

 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated the Board needs to go to the Legislature to take care of the insurance problem in Brevard County; and the Board is doing everything it can do to give tax relief to Brevard County taxpayers.  

 

 

 

Commissioner Voltz stated the Florida TODAY reported the County was decreasing its percentage over rollback; and it is not the rollback, but is last year’s tax rate.  Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten responded it is both.  Commissioner Voltz inquired how it was both; with Mr. Whitten responding it is both in different percentages.  He further explained each year there is a rollback or roll forward rate; the reduction from the current year’s rate is 7.82 percent; and the reduction from the rollback rate is 9.81 percent.  Commissioner Voltz stated the newspaper had made the Board look as if it is not doing the 7 percent. 

 

 

 

Chairperson Colon advised the Sheriff’s Department needs $7.7 million for the mental health pod, and fourth tent; the Supervisor of Elections needs $1 million to be able to comply with the General Election; and those total $8.7 million.  She stated there are certain things that are mandated to the Board by the State, such as an expansion of the Courthouse and the law suit because of overcrowding in the jails.  She noted the Board is seeing the effects of the cuts; citizens are only getting $5.00 or $7.00 in savings; and meanwhile, the County is laying people off and cutting services.  She stated the Board had allocated dollars before the State created the mandates; and the Board is in a terrible position, but has no choice but to make the cuts.    

 

 

Claire Gambo-Zuhlke stated she lives on Griffin Drive and has a problem with people speeding and using it as a short cut or raceway between Hwy 520 and Lake Drive.  She advised she has had a petition for speed humps that has been grandfathered due to the Board’s decision to possibly not fund speed humps; and she will be sending an email to the Commissioners regarding the problems she has had for the past several years; but she hopes the Board does not eliminate the speed humps.  Commissioner Nelson stated he was not aware that this year’s petition was stopped.  Ms. Gambo-Zuhlke stated she has been trying since last November; her neighbor got the petition signed and turned in during March; and a week ago she was advised the Board was not installing speed humps anymore.  Assistant County Manager Mel Scott stated staff has suspended processing speed humps until September per Board direction.  Chairperson Colon stated the Board does not need to take action at this time; but it needs to figure out if it wants to grandfather speed humps already in the system.  Commissioner Nelson stated he would like to see speed humps finished out this year.  Commissioner Scarborough stated there is a $25,000 limit in each District; but there were more requests than that coming in; prior to the budget issue he wanted speed humps in District 1 to be put together as a group and rated; and inquired if other speed humps were not being funded, should residents be allowed to pay for their own.  Commissioner Voltz inquired who determines what is safe and who needs more; with Commissioner Scarborough responding the Board prioritizes. Commissioner Voltz stated it is a dangerous road to take if the Board tries to start prioritizing.  Commissioner Scarborough stated it has always been the Board’s decision to decide who gets speed humps, following staff recommendations.   

Mike Zocchi, President of Brevard County Professional Firefighters, stated he represents 450 County employees; as their representative, it is his job to work with the Board to keep them happy, safe, and able to do their jobs; and these people put their lives on the line everyday for their community.  He stated the First Responder Program is $1.3 million the County Fire Department gives to the Cities to help them fund their EMS systems; and inquired why, when the County is in need of funds itself, they are helping fund a city program.  He advised the Program had merit when it was first conceived; and inquired with current budget constraints, unfunded State mandates, and cutting of County positions and equipment, how can the Board justify subsidizing a municipality that should get funding from its city residents.  He stated the County Fire Department exists to serve the citizens in unincorporated areas and cities it has consolidated services with; and if city residents choose to operate their own fire service then funding needs to come from within city borders and not allow smaller departments to continually come to big brother for financial assistance.  He stated if any of these cities find they are not solvent enough to operate without these additional funds, perhaps they should consider consolidation with the County Fire Department as a way to save the taxpayers millions; and it eliminates administrative costs, territorial disputes, and redundant area coverage, and increases the overall level of service to every resident by reducing response times, putting paramedics on every engine, allowing the closest unit to respond to a call, and unifying the service under one umbrella being at a lower price to every tax payer regardless of city lines. 

 

He stated in a few days he begins the task once again of negotiating salary plans for the Rank and File Firefighters at the Board’s request; in January of this year it was negotiated and agreed upon two pay plans that address the long overdue Cody Study; and the other County Departments were given their Cody raises last year.  He stated the Board has pledged in front of the public they want all departments to be treated equally so it is requested the Board fund the agreed upon pay plan that brings the Fire Department even with everyone else in the County. 

 

 

 

Fire Chief William Farmer stated there is a line item in the budget identified as First Responder Reserves; if the Board chooses to fund the First Responder Program, the reserves will be depleted by approximately $1.3 million; and if the Board chooses not to fund the Program, the money will be used elsewhere in the budget.  Commissioner Nelson stated it was not funded out of reserves this year, as it was funded out of continuing millage.  Chief Farmer stated the original General Fund request was $17.2 million; as of yesterday it is now $16.6 million; and his Department is utilizing reserves and balance forward to do a lot of their budget this year. Commissioner Nelson stated he was not on the Board when the decision was made to fund the First Responder Program; and he is having trouble with the Board making a decision to fund the Program.  Commissioner Voltz stated she did not think the Board made a final decision.  Chief Farmer stated when the First Responder Program was designed there were very few departments that had Advanced Life Support engines in the County; and there was only one department in Satellite Beach whose entire department was Advanced Life Support, but that was because it only had one engine.  He stated since the beginning of the First Responder Program until today, all of the departments have Advanced Life Support with the exception of Cocoa; and since then that money has been utilized to enhance the First Responder Program but that was not its original design.  He stated the County is facing not giving raises and laying people  off; and  inquired if the  County  should  continue to give the $1.3  million to  the cities so they can enhance their system when they can turn around and do their taxation.  He stated if the County was not looking at laying people off and not giving raises then he would say to continue to do this; but he does not see how the County can give $1.3 million to the cities and then the cities give a 3% raise.  Commissioner Nelson stated he does not know if he supports the funding.  Chief Farmer stated it would almost be like a grant, providing seed money for them to get to that par; and that grant money is no longer available.  Chairperson Colon stated everything the Board had planned is no longer available; the Board needs to decide if it is a priority; the money is in the reserves; and if the Board wants to fund it, it is there.  

 

Commissioner Nelson stated he would prefer to see a unified system because he feels that gives the highest level of service.  Chief Farmer stated some level of assistance can be provided to the cities; and in the past supplies have been exchanged on scene.  Commissioner Bolin inquired what the cost would be if the County supplied the supplies.  Chief Farmer stated he could calculate that by the fact that each of the cities run about 2,000 calls, with the exception of Melbourne and Palm Bay, who run 3,000 or 4,000.  Chairperson Colon stated the Board had asked the question for the folks who came from the municipalities at the last meeting of how they were utilizing their dollars; and every one of them utilize the dollars differently.  She encouraged Chief Farmer to bring to the Board’s attention any equipment that is not in the condition it needs to be in.  Commissioner Voltz stated the list that was emailed to all the Commissioners shows the raises for the cities who are giving raises to the firefighters if the Board does give the money to them. 

 

 

David Paterno stated the Historical Commission has been coming to the Board to request an Archive and Record Management System; next year was to be a crucial year for the Historical Commission because it wanted to look for alternative resources; and the position that it has now is experienced in this.  He stated it has been getting resources from the State for marker signs and looking for resources from other areas, corporations, foundations, and the government.  Commissioner Scarborough stated the problem is that the Historical Commission is a small entity with only two employees; and a 50 percent cut removes one employee.  He stated Commissioner Nelson was playing with the idea of having the Historical Commission merge into Parks and Recreation because then it would become part of a different number count; more people will be interested in doing more research in the historical history of this County; and that is something that can occupy retirees from around the country.  He stated he would like the Historical Commission to take this under consideration and report back to the Board with the advantages and disadvantages of consolidating into Parks and Recreation.  Ms. Busacca advised the Board received a report today indicating that Parks and Recreation staff has met with Mr. Bradford, who is the Chairman of the Historical Commission.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired if the Historical Commission has met on the issue; with Ms. Busacca responding no.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired if staff could get the report to the Historical Commission and have them visit those issues; with Ms. Busacca responding affirmatively.

 

Mr. Paterno stated it is a good plan; and the Historical Commission would not object to that.  He stated it is looking at how to avoid a disaster in the future because some cities have had all of their historical records wiped out.  Commissioner Scarborough stated with the merge to Parks and Recreation the Historical Commission gets to eliminate having to make any cuts because of the bigger picture.  

Chris DiScascio, Secretary Treasurer of Brevard County Firefighters, requested the Board place the commitment to its own firefighters; and stated if possible, the Board should fund the First Responder Program, but if not able to, fund the contracts in place and recently negotiated ones with its firefighters.  He stated it has been a rocky road for the members over the last three years in regard to the current contract; they have repeatedly been told by staff and Commissioners to trust them and they will do the right thing; and the firefighters were thrilled when all the County employees were given adjustments to bring them to the levels recommended by the Cody study, which they have not reached the 2005 levels and now entering 2008.  He stated it is unfortunate that the property tax issue has happened at this time. 

 

 

Diane Baccus Horsley stated she is an attorney; but she does volunteer work; and she is in favor of keeping the Law Library as it is.  She stated the Clerk of the Court indicated to her that in FY 2006, $219,000 from filing fees designated to support the Law Library was turned over to the County; and in 2007, $168,000 in filing fees designated for the Law Library was to be turned over to the County.  She advised a portion of fees from filing fees, and traffic lawsuits are designated for the Law Library; and the County is not funding the entire Law Library.  She stated she worked at the Law Library at the University of Florida while she was going to law school; the law librarians in Brevard County are in a caliber with the law librarians at the University of Florida Law School; they have done an excellent job with keeping the collections and having books available for people who are concerned with traffic tickets; and the Law Library is not just for lawyers.  Chairperson Colon stated citizens of Brevard County use the Law Library, but are not allowed to take any library books out of the Law Library even if they have a County library card; and inquired if that applies to everyone, or are attorneys allowed to check out books.  Annette Melnichove, Law Library Director, stated the Library does not operate the same way as public libraries; library cards for the public libraries cannot be used in the Law Library; it does not check books out to the public, but there are over 30,000 books accessible to the public; but attorneys can check them out as officers of the court for a brief time. Chairperson Colon inquired if that is something that only happens at Ms. Melnichove’s library or is it something mandated by a State Statute to not allow the public to check the books out.  Ms. Melnichove responded she did not know.  Chairperson Colon inquired if Ms. Melnichove could advise the Board of that answer when she found out.  Commissioner Bolin inquired when Ms. Horsley worked at the University of Florida Law Library did it operate the same way.   Ms. Horsley responded it was similar, but all lawyers can check out all the books because there are only a limited number of volumes; and students could check out certain books for a limited time.

 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca stated the Board has been provided information previously that included the updated list of budget reductions which are pages one through ten; and page eleven was added.  She advised on page ten under Item C it states, “Items maintained to reinstate by the Board for a total of $93,000”; and page eleven delineates the two items which encompass that $93,000.  She explained the next page is the list of outside agencies showing their 2007-2008 budgets; the Board was provided information by staff on new and increased fees, as well as a report from Parks and Recreation Director Don Lusk, on the consolidation of the Historical  Commission and a  fee analysis  from  Planning and Zoning.    Chairperson Colon inquired about the difference between the cuts and dollars identified up to date.  Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten responded lines A and E are how staff got to $17 million.  County Manager Peggy Busacca stated it is closer to $19 million.  Chairperson Colon inquired how much money it will take to get through phase one; with Mr. Whitten responding $1.6 million, plus $93,000.  Chairperson Colon stated the Board has to come up with close to $2 million in cuts today.  Ms. Busacca stated the Board has identified $1 million it was not going to put in reserves; and it remains unallocated and can be spent in any way the Board decides.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired if the Board can reduce the number on Item D; with Ms. Busacca responding affirmatively. Chairperson Colon inquired if the Board allocates the $1 million reserve to the $1.7 million, does the Board only have $700,000 to go; with Ms. Busacca responding affirmatively.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired what else is out there that he should add to the three-quarter-million that is unfunded.  Ms. Busacca responded the $1.2 million is funded.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired if all the components of the jail are funded; with Ms. Busacca responding affirmatively.  Commissioner Scarborough stated the only thing the Board is facing is the three-quarter-million and another $1.8 million for the salaries; and if the Board can some way work $2.5 million, it can accomplish the broader objective. 

 

 Commissioner Scarborough stated the Board has talked around the insurance reserves which were bigger numbers. Ms. Busacca stated Fire Rescue Chief Farmer requested to reduce his request by $600,000.  Commissioner Voltz inquired about the $1 million-plus for the First Responder Program.  Commissioner Scarborough responded the Board eliminated First Responder.  Ms. Busacca stated Fire Rescue is present to discuss that item.  Commissioner Bolin inquired if the Board is also looking at the possibility of getting some money through the Constitutional Officers.  Ms. Busacca responded yes; Property Appraiser, Jim Ford’s staff has been talking to the Budget Office; and they have a number for the Board as well.  Chairperson Colon stated the Board needs to finish phase one, and then phase two is to talk about raises.  Commissioner Scarborough stated he was just trying to lay it on the table if the Board wanted to give some equity in wages across-the-board.  Commissioner Voltz stated she asked about the insurance reserves at the last meeting; that is one-time money; and the one-time money that would go into the General Fund was $1.3 million or $1.8 million.  Ms. Busacca stated it was 60 percent of that $3 million.  Commissioner Voltz inquired if the Board could find money in the budget that is a one-time cost that the Board could pay for to free up money for the recurring funds.  Ms. Busacca responded staff could find some amounts; but she does not know how the replacement of vehicles could be considered one-time; she does not have in front of her how much for instance replacement of vehicles could be considered one time; and staff needs to make sure Risk Management has done that analysis.  Chairperson Colon stated if the Board takes the reserves and goes toward the $1.7 million, that means the Board only has $700,000 to go; but then the Board says $1.8 million is important, and it would like to see if it can identify some dollars for the $1.8 million; and the Board has to figure out how to fund it.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired how the Board feels about insurance reserves and First Responders; and noted if the Board talks about those two things it will have a number.  Commissioner Nelson stated the Board needs to look at the revenue side because it has been focusing on the expense side. 

 

Ms. Busacca stated staff has identified $1.8 million in recurring money; the Board has already found $1 million it decided not to allocate for reserves; Fire Rescue has $600,000 recurring dollars going into reserves; Mr. Ford’s reduction is $300,000; and that totals $1.9 million in recurring dollars the Board could choose to allocate as it wishes.  She stated the Board still has to  find $1.7 million worth  of  cuts.  Commissioner Voltz inquired if $1.8 million was for everyone

or just Fire Rescue; with Ms. Busacca responding all the Union Contracts are in reserves so that money is shown in the balanced budget.  Commissioner Voltz stated Human Resources Director Frank Abbate indicated there was going to be $10 million to give everyone raises.  Ms. Busacca responded that is correct because they were talking about not just STEP raises, but merit of 3 percent and COLA of 1 percent; what staff has done is put into reserves the STEP increases only; the $1.8 million is 2 percent for all of the employees, not the 3 percent plus the 1 one; and this is a much smaller part of that $10 million because it is smaller increases.  Commissioner Voltz inquired how much the Sheriff’s Department and Fire Rescue will receive; with Ms. Busacca responding they would get somewhere between one-and-half and two percent.  Commissioner Nelson inquired if the Board would be in compliance with the Contract; with Ms. Busacca responding yes, to the best of her understanding.  Commissioner Nelson inquired what percentage of the Property Appraiser’s total budget is the $300,000; with Budget Director Dennis Rogero responding it is a 3.5 percent reduction from Mr. Ford’s current amended budget and a 9 percent reduction from his requested budget.  Commissioner Voltz stated the Board needs to find out how much money it has.  Commissioner Scarborough stated $2.5 million, subtracting $300,000 from Property Appraiser, and $600,000 from Fire Rescue leaves $1.6 million; reducing First Responder by $600,000 equals $1 million; and moving over the insurance reserves leaves another new number.  Ms. Busacca stated insurance reserves rebate to General Fund is $937,000.  Commissioner Voltz stated that number is close to Commissioner Scarborough’s $1 million number.  Chairperson Colon stated that fixes one problem; and inquired how the problem is being fixed today.  She further stated the Board needs to go over the ten pages and come up with $1.7 million worth of cuts first. 

 

Chief Farmer stated the engine cut is going four engines to purchasing one aerial truck, saving $300,000 to $400,000 and Fire Rescue is doing that because the fleet is up to par and it has a cushion to be able to afford to do that.  Commissioner Voltz inquired if those are General Fund dollars.  Chief Farmer responded they are MSTU dollars coming from the firefighters support referendum so they are tied to property tax.  He stated the other item tied to property tax that was a cut at one point is the First Responder.  Commissioner Bolin stated the Board was referring to the possibility of reimbursing for supplies; and inquired if it can be done product to product.  Chief Farmer responded yes, and it was done for many years.  Commissioner Voltz stated at the same time if the Board funds their supplies it frees up the money so the money can be used to give their employees raises.  Commissioner Voltz inquired what is the issue with the cities adding $10 or $20 to the bill; with Chief Farmer responding there is no way his billing vendor can ensure that it is going to happen that way; it would have to be a manual event where his employees would have to modify the billing system and EMS report; and personnel in the field would have to check something on the billing report that would tell the billing agency there is an additional surcharge that needs to be reimbursed administratively by either him, or the vendor, back to the cities.  Commissioner Voltz inquired if the County does the billing; with Chief Farmer responding Fire Rescue checks the bills, creates an electronic file, and sends that to the outside vendor.  He stated he has one EMS billing person processing approximately 60,000 receivables a year; and for her to make sure she hits the check mark for the city, is just another place for her to make an error for the cities to say they are not good.  Commissioner Voltz stated she could imagine making an error now and then; and inquired if there are going to be errors on every single one.  Commissioner Nelson stated he is not ready to go through the First Responder  Program; and if the  conditions have changed, the Board needs to do an analysis of it and  come  up with  a fair  program.   Commissioner  Voltz  inquired  why  the  cities pay for their supplies.  Commissioner Nelson stated the County has a unified system in terms of EMS response. 

 

Chief Farmer stated there is the possibility of an EMS MSTU; the cities would have to agree to join the MSTU; and if they can tie in an EMS MSTU that says the cities will recoup .01 percent of what is collected in their geographical boundaries, it is much easier to define, and each year the cities could be given a percentage of what is collected out of that; and there are other counties that have done that.  Commissioner Nelson stated the spin-off benefit may be that level of discussion and he does not have a problem having it.  Chairperson Colon stated MSTU means the taxpayers are being charged more money to accomplish this; and she does not feel comfortable going that route.  Ms. Busacca stated money would be taken out of the General Fund not charging anyone twice.  Chief Farmer stated instead of 16.6 percent or 17.2 percent coming out of General Fund, a reasonable number would come out of the EMS MSTU and the Board would see that reduction of the General Fund request.  Commissioner Nelson stated that has been protected by the State.  Mr. Whitten stated it is Fire and EMS.  Ms. Busacca stated it would be a 3 percent reduction instead of a 9 percent reduction.  Commissioner Nelson stated there are actually other advantages to consider.  Mr. Whitten stated the establishment of an MSTU has to go to the voters. 

 

Chief Farmer stated the city is going to establish its own program and decide it is going to do an assessment on its citizens for their calls; the Board does not have to be the Tax Collector for the cities to reimburse them for their First Responder to begin with; but if the Board chooses to do that, then it is the methodology behind doing it; the idea of a surcharge taxed to the Fire Rescue billing is problematic on the fact that if it is a Medicare or Medicaid he may not be able to bill them; and even if it is an identified surcharge, Medicare and Medicaid may not allow it.  Commissioner Voltz stated the cities have the authority to do it, they just do not want to do it; and the cities would rather collect the money for First Responders from the County.  Chief Farmer stated that is only based on the history he has seen.  Chairperson Colon stated the Fire Assessment was supposed to have been a wash; but that is not how the citizens saw it.  She stated the biggest complaint municipalities have is who gets there first.  Chief Farmer stated the County runs First Responders with its fire engines and nobody reimburses the County of the EMS.  Commissioner Nelson stated he is going to argue that he pays that because he lives in the unincorporated area; with Chief Farmer responding Fire Rescue could still say it is an EMS function, increase the General Fund request, and reimburse the fire side of the house, because those two funds are separate.  Commissioner Nelson inquired if Mr. Farmer was saying in his MSTU he was charging too much; with Chief Farmer responding no, but he could be charged more with that philosophy because the city fire department hands over its budget to run the fire service; many people know that 90 percent of what they do is EMS; and they have to do EMS First Responder because there are not that many fires out there.  Commissioner Nelson stated the MSTU is for fire so it would be equivalent to a city paying.  Chief Farmer responded exactly. 

 

Chairperson Colon inquired as to the direction the Board would like to go in regards to the recommendations for the modified replacement program for the new engines.  Commissioner Nelson inquired whether he is able to cover some of the capital under his reserves.  Chief Farmer responded yes, Fire Rescue is tying to balance forward in reserves to a huge amount of capital; approximately $1.5 million of capital is in the fire budget; and for instance, it is tied to being paid for by balance forward from savings of this year and previous years.  Commissioner Voltz inquired is  any part  of that from General Fund; with Chief Farmer responding no, it is Fire Assessment.  Commissioner Nelson noted he thinks the appearance has been that the Board reduced or replaced equipment; but what Chief Farmer is saying is that he is still buying equipment.  Chief Farmer noted he is not buying as much equipment; but he is still buying instead of paying approximately $1.2 million in fire engines; and Fire Rescue is going to spend $780,000 for an aerial truck. 

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired if the County bought a ladder truck, which station would it sit at; with Chief Farmer replying it has not been completely identified where it will be located; his Office had a group of employees and a retired Fire Chief who made some recommendations; and the first recommendation is Merritt Island #41; but he does not know where this one is going.  Commissioner Voltz inquired if the Board replaces one ladder truck, would it be used all over the County; with Chief Farmer responding no, it is a 75-foot single-axle vehicle; and what other cities have done is run a truck next to an engine so there would be four people on an engine and five people on a truck.  He advised with the budget cuts happening, other cities found a hybrid vehicle, which is single-axle; and there is a ladder that is not used very often.  He stated Fire Rescue will continue to run engine calls, but still give the Department credit for its ISO rating and give legitimate elevated fire fighting capabilities on scene.  Commissioner Voltz inquired if it is the ISO rating that would determine whether or not the County gets its own, versus whether or not it contracts with the City of Palm Bay to use theirs, should the County need it.  Chief Farmer responded ISO looks at the County’s Fire Department; the ISO looks at if the County is putting a true truck on scene 100 percent of the time on structure fires; and if the County is doing that, it gets a certain weighted score and those scores are added to all other components of the ISO rating; and the rating the County gets directly reflects to homeowners insurance and commercial insurance.  He noted with everything that has been happening to the State of Florida in the last year, he believes some of the issue with the property taxes is being driven by insurance rates.  He advised Fire Rescue looked at its previous, very long, ISO rating that occurred in the early 1990’s; one of the places it took a hit was in no truck operations; Fire Rescue almost got a zero score at that time; and that is something Fire Rescue can affect.

 

Chairperson Colon advised the question was to make sure the County had the right type of dollars that are necessary for the equipment; and inquired if Chief Farmer feels comfortable that is the case; with Chief Farmer responding affirmatively.  Commissioner Nelson inquired if the firefighters will be placed in jeopardy; with Chief Farmer responding no.   Chief Farmer advised he needs to have good people driving the vehicle to the scenes; and he cannot afford to go back to where he was a few years ago, in which he had Orange County and Orlando targeting Brevard County firefighters to recruit. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve Fire Rescue Budget Reduction of modifying replacement program for new engines for a total amount of $209,880.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz noted nay.

 

 

County Attorney Scott Knox stated there was some discussion about the MSTU possibility; and it is an optional referendum.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired if the Board’s action would require concurrence by all of the cities; and if it is not required by all of the cities, what kind of problem does that create for Chief Farmer, as dealing with multiple cities can get complex.  Attorney Knox responded the Board does not need all of the municipalities to participate.  Commissioner  Nelson  stated  the  impact  is that  the cities do  not receive  their money.  Chief

Farmer noted Fire Rescue can take an MSTU; and as the ordinance is developed the boundaries for the MSTU are developed, and then the programming is set for that.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated the Board voted on $209,000 and Chief Farmer suggested the $600,000; and inquired if that is included in the item; with Chairperson Colon responding it is separate.

 

 

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired if the elimination of the 4-H position will end the 4-H Program; with Jim Fletcher responding it will not.  Mr. Fletcher stated his office is trying to expand the Program because there are a lot of youths involved; and there are three agents in the Program right now.  He stated both positions being considered are critical in the Agriculture and Extension Office; his Office is only now back to the personnel level it was in 1990; and any cutbacks affect the programs the Office offers.  Commissioner Voltz inquired if Mr. Fletcher is suggesting the Board keep the Horticulturist and eliminate the 4-H position; with Mr. Fletcher responding he would prefer to not answer that question; but horticulture is an important component to agriculture in Brevard County; and it accounts for roughly 76 percent of the income generated in the agricultural industries in Brevard County.  Mr. Fletcher explained the difference between horticulture and agriculture.

 

Commissioner Voltz advised she will not take action until she hears Mr. Fletcher’s recommendation.  Chairperson Colon advised the Directors have given the Board their recommendations; and none of the Directors want the cuts the Board is considering.

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to approve Agriculture and Extension Services Budget Reduction of eliminating Horticulture Technician for a total amount of $50,783.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

Chairperson Colon stated the Directors advised the Board of their recommendations.  Commissioner Voltz stated she had a question when Mr. Fletcher indicated the 4-H position was not as critical as the Horticulturist position; and she understands those are Mr. Fletcher’s recommendations; but she is questioning the recommendations.

 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated he is concerned the County Manager’s Office would be spread too thin if the proposed reductions are made; and he does not think the recommended position should be eliminated.  Commissioner Bolin stated she agrees with Commissioner Nelson.

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Bolin, to retain Community Services Group Assistant County Manager position for a total amount of $160,152. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

 

Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten stated the Facilities Department wanted to look at restructuring the original reduction listing.  Chairperson Colon stated Facilities is still proposing a reduction of $547,772; and inquired if there are new changes.  Facilities Department Director Steve Quickel stated his Office feels it can achieve the number; but he has talked to some of the vendors; and the practicality of reducing courier service is not there, as it is based on the volume of mail and deliveries, not on how many days it is being done.  Chairperson Colon inquired if Mr. Quickel wants the Board to leave that recommendation alone; with Mr. Quickel responding  affirmatively.   Mr. Quickel  advised  he  does  not  have  a  new  listing identifying the specific recommendations at this time.  Ms. Busacca inquired if Mr. Quickel is suggesting the Board reduce the General Fund transfer by $547,772; with Mr. Quickel responding he can meet that number.  Commissioner Scarborough noted he would like to see how Mr. Quickel meets that number and discuss it with him; and inquired if Mr. Quickel could get the Board a list; with Mr. Quickel responding affirmatively.  He stated his Office is looking at ways of reorganizing the staff; there will be reductions in the head count; and he is trying to come up with the best mix as to where the County will be covered most efficiently; but he is expecting an opportunity to reduce the Custodial Contract.  He noted if he is not successful in negotiating with the current custodial vendor, he is going to ask the Board for permission to cancel the Contract and allow Facilities to go back out for bid.  He stated now that he knows what his Department has to achieve, it can be more specific and come up with exactly what it takes to get to the bottom number without going back and readdressing any of the items that have been discussed with the Board, or has come off of the list.

 

Chairperson Colon stated there are going to be some Directors who are going to need more time; and it would behoove the Board to give Mr. Quickel more time.  Commissioner Voltz inquired about the reduction of janitorial services moved for the Judicial Support Program; with Budget Director Dennis Rogero responding the reduction was mistakenly placed into the Judicial Support Program.  Mr. Whitten stated if the Board were to take an action today on Facilities, it would be to approve the bottom line number; and Mr. Quickel will meet with the Board and come back with specifics. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve Facilities Budget Reductions of the total amount of $547,772 with Facilities Director Steve Quickel having the flexibility to determine the specific reductions.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated he would be concerned with any reduction of maintenance of public places such as restrooms; with Mr. Quickel responding Facilities is sensitive to that issue; and that is why he would like to meet with the custodial vendor, to discuss other areas that can be reduced.

 

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated 63 percent is a substantial reduction; but at the same time, it is not generating numbers so that the budget would balance; and the Board should hear from the Historical Commission on the long range objectives.  He commented on advantages in the long run, and the involvement of the TDC, for the County to distinguish itself.  Commissioner Voltz inquired of Commissioner Nelson’s suggestion to put the positions in Parks and Recreation; with  Commissioner Nelson  responding  there is additional support that is available; whether it is in the clerical area or in supplies; and history is part of Parks and Recreation.  He advised it ends up being a cut to Mr. Lusk; and it will be a challenge, but it is doable.  Chairperson Colon stated the Board had said it would give the Historical Commission an opportunity to discuss it; and that is why the Board should not take any action today.   Commissioner Bolin stated she agrees moving a position to Parks and Recreation is a good move; and the question is if the Board is moving one or two positions to Parks and Recreation.  Commissioner Scarborough advised the archaeologist is going to be located at the BCC Campus; but through the Park Service, the Board had assisted in getting the grants. 

 

Parks and Recreation Director Don Lusk advised the Historical Commission has discussed the issue; the Historical Commission wants to be part of Parks and Recreation; and he would like to join the two together, as there are many opportunities of synergy and economies of scale by putting them together.  He noted Parks and Recreation cannot take on the Historical Commission without some of the resources also coming over; and if the Board has a number in mind, the issue no longer needs to be discussed. 

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated the issue is major in the capacity to carry out a function he believes was emerging and had tremendous opportunity for the Board to be at the forefront in the State; and by diminishing it, the Board is going to send the wrong signals.  Chairperson Colon stated when the Board started the discussion it wanted to give the Historical Commission an opportunity; she needs to know where to give the direction; and inquired if Mr. Lusk needs more time.  Mr. Lusk responded the Board can move on the issue today.

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve Historical Commission Budget Reductions to retain Archivist and move two positions to Parks and Recreation and fund them with no guarantee that the issue will not be revisited.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Commissioner Voltz advised she is not comfortable with the elimination of the Juvenile Assessment Center Funding, but she has not talked to Crosswinds about it to see what the reduction in services would mean to them; and inquired if the Board could hold off on making a decision. 

 

Karen Locke, Director of Programs for Judicial Support, inquired what is being looked at in terms of cuts; with Commissioner Voltz responding the Board is looking at cutting $57,539.  Chairperson Colon stated she was under the impression that all the Departments were notified ahead of time; with Ms. Locke responding she is aware of it only through the newspapers; but she received a call from someone on Friday asking for specific information.  Commissioner Scarborough advised the Board should hold off on discussing the item. Commissioner Bolin noted she would like to look at the other items.

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to approve Judicial Support Budget Reductions of Family Court Resource (Judicial Support) for a total of $44,000 and eliminating Court Facilities transfer to Clerk for a total of $97,000.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated relocation of the Law Library is hinged on what the Board is doing with the Courthouse; and she is open to discussion.  Commissioner Voltz stated earlier, someone mentioned the Clerk gives $200,000 towards the Law Library; and inquired if the number in front of the Board of $127,000 is on top of whatever the Board gets from the Clerk of Courts; with Mr. Whitten responding under the Article VI provisions the Board implemented the $65.00 fee and a portion of that goes to fund the Law Library; and it is approximately 48 to 50 percent of their budget this year and the other budget is made up from the General Fund transfer, so it is a combination of the fee, General Fund transfers, and whatever fees they are able to collect within the Law Library.  He advised the General Fund transfer was approximately $170,000 that was budgeted for this year; and the fee is imposed through the Ordinance which the Board enacted. 

 

Chairperson Colon inquired of the full-time employee of 2.7 percent; with Mr. Rogero responding it is reducing the General Fund transfer from $177,000 to $127,000; and it is associated with two-and three-quarters positions. 

 

Kevin Mawn, Board of Trustees for the Law Library, advised there is a Special Act that creates the Law Library and places it in the Courthouse; and inquired if the Board wants to move the Law Library from the Courthouse.  Chairperson Colon stated there have been many discussions and options; right now, the Board is only looking at what is in front of it; and the Board is only addressing the reductions, not the moving of the Law Library.  Mr. Mawn noted it has been correctly stated that most of the funding for the Law Library comes from the assessments that are attached to criminal charges; typically, in the County Court arena, most people are not sent to prison; and that is where the bulk of the money is.  He advised the Law Library is probably funded between $200,000 to $220,000; the County was funding the staff of the Law Library; and there is a Contract between the County and the Law Library.  Chairperson Colon inquired if Attorney Knox can give the Board direction. 

 

Deputy County Attorney Shannon Wilson advised she has been working on that opinion; one difficulty in getting the opinion to the Board has to do with research being done to the old Special Acts; but she can address the Agreement Mr. Mawn referred to.  She advised the problem is that the Contract is void because the Contract was based on filing fees, which have been rescinded by the Article VI Legislation; and the issue the Board would want to focus on is  what the impact is upon the Law Library with the money the Board is taking away.   She stated there is no promise about the exact amount of money the Board will give the Law Library; there are discussions about its budget, but it is all premised upon Statutes that are no longer in effect; and the source of funding has changed.  She advised the source of funding is from the $65.00 fee; there is no longer a filing fee that goes to the Law Library; and it is a court cost.  She noted one of the proposed ordinance amendments is to increase the types of cases where that $65.00 can be imposed; and the Law Library gets 25 percent of the $65.00 in every case, which has been expanded to juvenile cases.  She stated her understanding has been the Law Library has four employee positions; one has been vacant, and there are three others that are filled; and inquired what is the impact if the Law Library has been utilizing County funds to fill those positions.  Commissioner Nelson inquired what the other dollars go for if the County is paying for the positions.  Chairperson Colon inquired if it is that the Board gives the Law Library the dollars and they are to do whatever is budgeted; with Ms. Wilson responding yes, the Law Library is a Dependent Special District.  Mr. Whitten advised it is similar to the General Fund in that  it is  a pot  of  money; and  the pot  of money  funds the  Law Library function.  Chairperson Colon inquired whom  the  recommendation came  from; with  County  Manager Peggy  Busacca  responding it was based upon the discussion at the time when the document was created that said the Board was considering dispersing the Law Library materials into the libraries; and that is why $50,000 remains, so that the costs of moving the books would still be there.  Commissioner Bolin noted the total budget for the  Law  Library  was  $520,000;  with  Mr.  Whitten  responding  affirmatively.   Mr.  Whitten advised the $178,000 was the General Fund transfer, $200,000 is from the court fee, and less than $20,000 the Law Library is collecting in their fees.  He advised yesterday, the Board approved the advertisement of the expansion of the Ordinance so the fee can be applied toward juvenile cases.  Commissioner Bolin stated she did not want it indicated that if the Board withdraws some of its funding for the Law Library, it closes it down. 

 

Mr. Mawn stated he would suggest that if the funding does not come from the County, it will close down the staff; the County is essentially paying for the salaries at this point; and $50,000 would not even cover the head Law Librarian’s salary.  Chairperson Colon stated it comes down to what is the responsibility of the County; and what the Board can and cannot do.  Ms. Wilson advised it is taking longer than the County Attorney’s Office anticipated.  Chairperson Colon stated the Board will continue to look at the item.  Commissioner Voltz noted someone suggested the Board leave it there for right now until information is given from Ms. Wilson.  Commissioner Nelson inquired of the capital expenditures in the Law Library Budget; with Law Librarian Annette Melnichove responding it is books, publications, and memberships.   Commissioner Nelson noted the Board has talked about capital expenditures coming out of a different source.   Commissioner Voltz stated for this year, the Board could look at the one-time dollars for that part of the budget and then readdress the other issue.   Commissioner Voltz inquired if the Law Library does the $211,000 every year, or every few years; with Ms. Melnichove responding law books become useless if not updated; and every year there are parts updating Florida Statutes and case law.  

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve Law Library Budget Reductions for a total of $53,612.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated Code Enforcement is a very labor intensive area; he would not want the Board to lose the experience and capability; and he does not support the reduction of the Program Manager position, as it is too critical. 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca advised there is no decision in Solid Waste of the reduction of the General Fund transfer, as those have already been made.

 

Permitting and Enforcement Director Ed Lyon advised Solid Waste pays a percentage based on the caseload; and the caseload went up a little last year, so that is why the cost went up slightly.  Chairperson Colon inquired if it will count towards the reductions; with Ms. Busacca responding affirmatively.

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to approve Permitting and Enforcement Budget Reduction of increase from Solid Waste Services for a total amount of $34,156; reduce General Fund Transfer amount for a total amount of $43,255, and Special Projects Coordinator for a total amount of $9,932.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated Permitting and Enforcement is a complex Department; and there was already a reduction coming from the fees, which the Department responded to, with its staffing size.  Mr. Lyon stated his Department stopped filling vacant positions in the last year; and he has also had to lay off three people in the Building Department.  

 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated a reduction in Planning at this time would be a mistake, as the Department may have more time to focus on Small Area Plans; some cuts have already been made in the Department; and he supports retaining the position.

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca stated it was staff’s intent to delegate the responsibilities to Legislative Delegation Coordinator Leigh Holt as well; therefore, the responsibilities will not all be distributed among the Planning and Zoning staff.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired who is being eliminated; with Planning and Zoning Director Robin Sobrino responding Nancy Cuimmo.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired what Ms. Cuimmo is doing at this time; with Ms. Sobrino responding Ms. Cuimmo is the Intergovernmental Planner performing the JPA administration, Joint Planning Agreements, Interlocal Agreements, School Board coordination, Annexation, and exchange of information with the cities relating to planning matters.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired if Ms. Cuimmo is related to any function of the Small Area Plan; with Ms. Sobrino responding no.  Commissioner Nelson stated he understands those responsibilities now get passed along to those who are left which could end up being some of the other planners.  Chairperson Colon advised the same thing is happening in every Department. 

 

Commissioner Scarborough commented on the two Brevard County Lobbyists; and inquired to what extent Ms. Holt can expand her role in Washington D.C.  He stated he does not want to push Ms. Holt to the point she is not able to do things, because she is well-regarded in Tallahassee.  Chairperson Colon stated there are also times when Ms. Holt is not busy in Tallahassee.   Commissioner Scarborough stated he would like Ms. Holt to be able to address where she thinks she can help the Board in Washington D.C. with a closer relationship with Lobbyist Eddy Pauley; and Ms. Holt has unique capacities to perform that function while somebody else may be able to be moved around to help Ms. Sobrino with the intergovernmental issues. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the basic premise that all Departments were staffed adequately to begin with is a question; and Planning and Zoning is an area that was not staffed adequately because it could not get the work done in the last three years because staff could not put out the information fast enough. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to approve Planning and Zoning Budget Reductions of eliminating Special Projects Coordinator IV for a total amount of $74,912.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Nelson voted nay.

 

 

Ms. Sobrino stated Planning and Zoning amended its fee increase analysis and it results in a slight reduction and what the Department might yield as proposed revenues; and it is considered that the fee increases could result in a 65 percent increase in the fees Planning and Zoning collects.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired when will the fees come before the Board to be approved; with Ms. Sobrino responding it is only in the discussion phase.  Commissioner Scarborough advised the Board cannot consider it a budget item until it has actually enacted it; and the Board needs to do the fee increases before September 18, 2007.  Ms. Busacca advised she had asked all of the Directors to be prepared today to discuss fee increases; and if the Board is interested in the fee increases, then staff would prepare an amendment.  

 

Commissioner Voltz stated she understands user-fees are something the Board needs to do, but raising it at this time when the building industry is down tremendously, she does not know if it is a place the Board needs to head; and the Board needs to look in its own budget and not address the fee increases at this time. 

 

The Board recessed from 12:10 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Chairperson Colon stated the Board still needs to cut $600,000; but in this part of the Workshop, the Board wanted to start giving suggestions of the different things it would like to be able to look at and possibly try to fund.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated she would like to look at the outside agencies listed on attachment III.K.  She stated the Board has already said it is going to eliminate the UCF Medical School funding by 100 percent.  Commissioner Scarborough noted the Board said it would fund the UCF Medical School if it could; but there was not a contractual agreement.  Commissioner Bolin inquired if any reduction could be done with the Florida Association of Counties; with Ms. Busacca responding she was told the dues would remain the same, which means the tentative budget of $62,168 was this year’s amount. 

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised the first column stating FY 2007-2008 Tentative Budget should say “request”. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated with LEAD Brevard it was her understanding the Board was looking at the proposal of reducing it to $50,000.  Commissioner Voltz stated the Board has already done that.   Commissioner Bolin stated if the Board reduced 211 Brevard by $10,200 she would put it under her column of New money or Found money.  Chairperson Colon advised by Statute the Board cannot touch the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council because it is a State Statute formula based on population.  Commissioner Nelson stated the Council is starting to look at the issue.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated at this time, the Board has not taken anything out of the budget of the Brevard Cultural Alliance; and the proposed 10 percent would be $49,801.  She inquired of the correct amount for CBO 10 percent reduction; with Mr. Rogero responding it is $108,800.  Commissioner Bolin stated the Board has not touched the EDC’s budget; and if it is reduced 10 percent it will be a reduction of $157,900.  She advised by her calculation of new money found she has $192,859 if the changes can be done that can be used towards funding something else on the budget.  

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated with the CBO his experience has been that people wait until the last budget meeting to attend; and the Board can set up a separate workshop with the CBO’s and give them notice.  Chairperson Colon stated she knows the CBO’s were already notified of the 10 percent reduction; and there is no reason to have a workshop to discuss something they already know.  Commissioner Scarborough stated everyone will have an opportunity to address the Board on September 18, 2007; one way to lessen the need to come before the Board is to specifically ask them to appear at a given workshop; and he understands that all of the actions can be revisited at any of the regular Board meetings.

 

Chairperson Colon advised so far, the Board has been able to find $59,000 from the other agencies.  Commissioner Bolin inquired why the Board wants to look at the Economic Development Commission.  Commissioner Scarborough stated one issue is the Board gave the EDC $600,000 last year; he needs to know how that money is being spent; and he does not think any issue is going to be more critical than the layoffs and the overall economic impact to the community.  He advised outside of that, he has had multiple recommendations that the Board get someone in the Washington D.C. circle that understands strategically where the movements are.  He stated the EDC has a fundamental responsibility with $1.6 million of public money to show the public how it is being spent, and wants to engage that question with different people.  Chairperson Colon stated the Board has asked every single department to cut 10 percent; last year, the Board gave the EDC $600,000; but the Board is not saying the EDC is not going to be touched.  Commissioner Voltz stated it would be her intention not to cut the EDC because of the critical nature of what the Board will be facing as far as jobs at the Space Center.  Commissioner Scarborough advised with the workshop on August 9, 2007 there is the re-training issue and the other is how to become more creative with bringing in private entities; it may be too much to accomplish everything in one afternoon; and what may be worthwhile is to do the re-training segment and conduct it as a second workshop.   Chairperson Colon stated she would like to make sure the EDC is part of the second workshop.  Ms. Busacca stated the Board currently has a workshop scheduled for October 18, 2007; with Chairperson Colon responding that date is too far away.  Ms. Busacca stated staff will find a date for another workshop; with Chairperson Colon responding it should be around the end of August.   

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to approve a 10 percent reduction on 211 Brevard and Brevard Cultural Alliance.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Scarborough voted nay.

 

 

Chairperson Colon stated Commissioner Voltz and Commissioner Scarborough have had several suggestions on some of the things the Board needs to look at before the Board discusses fees.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired if the Board could discuss the insurance reserves. 

 

Mr. Whitten stated when the Board talked about insurance reserves, the figure was the total available for refunding and redistribution was $3.4 million; staff gave the Board a General Fund figure based on the draft distribution of $937,916; and there is an amount remaining to be distributed to the ad valorem agencies and the other non ad valorem agencies.  Chairperson Colon inquired if the different accounts have been looked at, as some departments have received a pretty penny in regards to interest; with Mr. Whitten responding that is part of the fund balance calculation; and it has all been taken into consideration.  Chairperson Colon inquired if the Board has been able to see what the dollars are of different departments and the interest; with Mr. Whitten responding staff can show the Board the interest earnings, but it is going to be part of the revenue figures that balance the budget; and that is something that can come from County Finance.

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired what are the other sources that are not ad valorem General Fund; with Mr. Whitten responding tax agencies that are not generally funded; and other sources which would be the enterprise agencies.  Commissioner Nelson inquired what is the other ad valorem that is not General Fund; with Mr. Whitten responding it is a little over $1 million.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired if it would be like an MSTU; with Mr. Whitten responding it would be Library Services, EEL’s, Parks and Recreation, and Fire Rescue.  Commissioner Scarborough stated if the Board found out what would be purchased as a one-time non-recurring, it needs to dig deeply into the individual budgets; and if equipment is not purchased it becomes available in the MSTU which impacts the overall millage rate.  Commissioner Voltz inquired how hard it is going to be to identify the one-time fees; with Mr. Whitten responding it should not be hard for the departments.  Commissioner Nelson noted Information Systems has approximately $2 million of capital; and their money comes from indirect fees.  Ms. Busacca stated the Board did not do any rate increases in distribution.  Commissioner Nelson commented on being on the staff side and hating to see the number for indirect cost, knowing a portion of it was always capital; and departments never know what they are going to be hit with.  Chairperson Colon commented on software for Information Systems and the cost of licensing.   She advised the Board needs to look at the interest earnings in the different departments because it is steadily growing.

 

Frank Abbate, Human Resources Director, advised Mr. Whitten has addressed the issues that relate to reserves; the distinction between the General Fund and the ad valorem is the total comes out to approximately 58 percent, which is consistent with what staff has been doing evaluations on; and the remaining $1.4 million is what would go into other sources which do not fall into ad valorem or General Fund.  He advised Human Resources feels good about the numbers and is trying to make sure the specific dollars to the agencies that would need to receive them in terms of when a sum of money is redistributed is done in certain parameters because that is how the money was provided into the program.

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated the non recurring reserves are $937,916, but that does not include the MSTU’s; the Enterprise Funds are $1.4 million; and while the other $1 million may not be general revenue, it is a part of what is calculated in what the Legislature is requiring the Board do to its millage rate; and the Board is going to benefit from $1.9 million.  Mr. Whitten stated Road Maintenance is penciled in for $243,000; a piece of equipment can be purchased with that amount; and those are dollars that departments can use for those purposes.  Commissioner Scarborough stated the departments can also buy down Commercial Paper and be able to eliminate a recurring.  Commissioner Nelson stated it will be more complicated because those dollars can only be used in special funds.  Ms. Busacca advised staff can have the analysis to the Board on August 16, 2007, and make some suggestions as to the amount of money and what it can be used for in which area.  Commissioner Nelson stated there is a lot to look at and he would like some time to digest the information, as it is complicated. 

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated the Board needs to understand the math with regard to how the Board deals with First Responders; the Board is at a point it can go back and reinstate, according to the math; and if the Board is dealing with First Responders the Board can go back and start  reinstating.   Chairperson  Colon stated  $600,000 is  easier  to  handle  than  $4 or $5 million; at this point it becomes part of the package; the Board is starting with a deficit of $600,000 and then it can throw on top of it other money that can be identified; and it all adds up.  Commissioner Scarborough stated with the math he sees the Board able to start a conversation, giving salary increases, and going back and adding things back in; but he is approaching the math differently.

 

Chairperson Colon inquired when the Board is having the Executive Session with the Unions; with Ms. Busacca advising it is August 7, 2007. 

 

Mr. Whitten stated with the 211 Brevard cut and the BCA cut, the Board is at $537,690. 

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired if it would be helpful to have Commissioner Scarborough’s information as a secondary sheet; with Mr. Whitten responding he can print that information and give it to the Board.

 

Chairperson Colon inquired if she is correct to say that based on what the Board has in front of it and based on what it has been given, there are no more layoffs; with Commissioner Bolin responding it seems premature.  Commissioner Bolin stated she has not completed the list of layoffs Chairperson Colon had given her; with Chairperson Colon responding what the Board has is everything.  Commissioner Bolin noted she has some question marks by certain line items that the Board is holding for further discussion.  Chairperson Colon stated she does not show any items or positions that have to come back to the Board. 

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired what is the total number of layoffs; with Ms. Busacca responding it is in the vicinity of 80 positions.  Commissioner Voltz stated she would like staff to identify which positions are vacant and which ones are filled.  Ms. Busacca stated it is possible in identifying $537,000 worth of additional reductions, it may result in additional layoffs.   Chairperson Colon stated today is the last day of layoffs because people cannot keep living waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Commissioner Nelson stated he does not know if the Board is at that point yet.  Commissioner Scarborough stated the Board has more big decisions to make; the big issue is not the dollars and cents, but where the Board is with its programs; and each group has a different function.  He stated the Board may find a redundant program in the CBO and want to cut it out entirely and fund another program even more.  Chairperson Colon stated the CBO organizations that have been before the Board have been under scrutiny for years because the Board wants to watch the performances.  She commented on giving departments an opportunity to regroup.  Commissioner Nelson stated the Board wants to balance the budget today, but he is not sure where the money is going to come from; Chairperson Colon stated it is the $1 million from the reserves.  Commissioner Nelson stated the dilemma he sees is that the Board still needs to talk about the First Responder issue and the insurance reserves.  Commissioner Scarborough showed the Board a demonstration on a dry-erase board and discussion ensued on the dollars the Board still has to cut.   Commissioner Nelson stated he thinks the Board is close, but he would hate to say there will not be any additional changes.  Commissioner Scarborough stated he does not want any additional changes either, but he was trying to go from a different direction. 

 

Chairperson Colon advised the Board’s budget is not just $231 million, it is the bigger picture; and inquired if the Board is able to now look at other departments and Enterprise Funds.  She noted some Enterprise Funds had openings the Board hoped its employees would be able to take  advantage of; but at this  point the  Board  is looking  at restructuring how it does business. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated the Board has heard from the Property Appraiser who came forth with 3 ½ percent reduction; and inquired if the Board has heard from any of the other Charter Officers as far as any reductions.  Ms. Busacca advised the Clerk has already provided reductions and that was included in today’s total under Judicial Support; the Board has talked a great deal about the Sheriff’s Office; and that only leaves the Supervisor of Elections to be discussed.  Commissioner Bolin advised the Board discussed machines for the Supervisor of Elections and increased his budget by $1 million.  Chairperson Colon inquired if staff can name some other departments that have not been looked at before in regards to the Board not being able to identify the capital expenses and their budget, such as Solid Waste.  Ms. Busacca inquired if the Board would like to speak to Solid Waste; with Chairperson Colon responding no, she just thinks it would behoove the Board, now that it is trying to look at the bigger picture.  Ms. Busacca stated staff has done a good job of finding out how the Enterprise Funds can help; for instance, today, the Board talked about additional monies coming from Solid Waste to Code Enforcement because of the amount of Code cases in Solid Waste that increased.  She noted each of the Enterprise Funds has separate issues; and some of them deal with whether rates need to increase.   She stated staff can provide time at the August 16, 2007 workshop to see if there is an issue Solid Waste needs to discuss with the Board.  Chairperson Colon stated that is just with one particular department; and it goes back for all of the Board to start with the billion dollar budget and work its way backwards.   Commissioner Scarborough stated he is not ready to go to the Enterprise Funds until the conversation matures. 

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated Bobby Bowen sent him a list of some ways Code Enforcement could generate more fees; and he did not see it in today’s package as additional fees.  He noted there may be other departments with fee capacities the Board may want to look at.  He commented on the overall low cost to live in Brevard County with all of its benefits; and stated it would be a shame if Florida became a place where it is the cheap place to go. 

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired of the 80 people the Board has identified to layoff, how many of them have actually left already; stated if the Board is looking at September 18, 2007 and thinking if there is money, some positions can be reinstated; and if someone is already gone, that is going to be hard to do.  Ms. Busacca responded four or five staff members in IT have gone; three employees in Housing and Human Services are gone, along with two from the County Attorney’s Office; and those are the only ones she is aware of.  Chairperson Colon inquired if next year, the Board will have the same expenses and have to go even higher; stated the Board is not out of the woods by any means because insurance is still going to go up for employees; and the Board cannot spend all of the money this year.

 

Ms. Busacca stated staff has verified with the Commissioner’s calendars that Friday, August 24, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. is available if the Board wants to hold the second NASA Workshop.

 

The Board reached consensus to approve scheduling a Budget Workshop for August 16, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. and a NASA Workshop for August 24, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 1:57 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

ATTEST:                                                      _________________________________

                                                                     JACKIE COLON, CHAIRPERSON

                                                                     BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                     BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

 

 

_____________________

SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK

 

           ( S E A L )

 

   

         

 

 

                                                                   `