The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on July 16, 1998, at 10:00 a.m. in the Government Center Florida Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida. Present were: Chairman Helen Voltz, Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Randy O?Brien, Nancy Higgs and Mark Cook, County Manager Tom Jenkins, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated the Board adopted a Resolution two weeks ago recognizing the agencies that participated in the fire response; Animal Control and Water Resources were left out of the Resolution; and requested the two Department be added to the Resolution.

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to include Animal Control and Water Resources in the Resolution commending agencies? support during wildfires adopted July 7, 1998. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Commissioner Scarborough stated a meeting was held at the Scottsmoor Fire House on July 14, 1998; harsh allegations were made, including orders to let Scottsmoor burn and that a Cocoa fire truck pulled up in front of a house, took pictures and drove away without fighting the fire, and certain air drops of water took place that were preferential; and the County needs to respond to such allegations.

Special Assistant Rene Davis stated Radio Station WAMT has a program from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. called Town Talk; on the show yesterday afternoon, Mrs. Barbara Morehead, President of Scottsmoor Homeowners Association and who moderated the meeting on July 14, 1998, called in and said that during the meeting, after intense interrogation from the community, that Public Safety Director Jack Parker finally admitted that the order was given to pull the trucks out and let Scottsmoor burn, and that she had spoken to a Commissioner who promised to give her a copy of the map that shows the area they wanted to let burn.

Chairman Voltz stated Ms. Morehead contacted her and said she was contacted by Nightline, which was coming down; Ms. Morehead did not say she wanted a map of the area that was said to let burn; but she wanted a map of the Scottsmoor/Mims area. Chairman Voltz stated the County needs to make sure it gets all the correct information out there before Ms. Morehead makes the County look bad with false information. Commissioner Scarborough stated staff is putting together the critique the Board requested; it is going to incorporate it and respond to the concerns; and the critique is going to allow the County to better understand its operating procedure under a fire event.

DISCUSSION, RE: MEETING AT SCOTTSMOOR FIRE HOUSE (CONTINUED)

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated Mr. Parker never stated at the meeting that he was given an order by anyone to let Scottsmoor burn.

Commissioner Higgs stated she hopes the Board talks about the emergency manual and use of the Policy Committee, and how that works.

Commissioner Scarborough stated fire events happen so rapidly that there is no time to make any calls and someone has to act; there were questions to the Sheriff about letting people in; the Sheriff was most generous; but the Board needs to get the full report.

Commissioner O?Brien stated a lot of County employees live in Scottsmoor; and some of them lost their homes.

Commissioner O?Brien stated he watched the Disney Cruise ship Magic come in yesterday morning; and the Sheriff?s Office had two boats and the Coast Guard had one boat out there.

Mr. Jenkins stated at a previous budget workshop, the Board directed staff to come back with a budget which would not raise ad valorem property taxes; this preliminary budget accomplishes that objective of not increasing ad valorem taxes in County Commission Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5; the preliminary ad valorem rate equates to a $5.20 decrease for a single family residence valued at $85,000 in unincorporated Brevard; and the decrease for the same residence in the incorporated area would be $2.65. He noted property owners in District 1 will experience an increase in their Parks and Recreation Municipal Service Taxing Unit which will cause an actual aggregate tax increase from 6.6751 to 6.6884 in accordance with the TRIM calculations; four of the five Commission Districts tax rate will be going down, but because of the way the TRIM is calculated, it will result in a very modest advertised increase of 0.59%; there is also a decrease in the Beach and Riverfront millage; it is one of the reasons the County was able to come in with a lower tax rate than it currently has; but the TRIM calculations do not take into consideration the Beach and Riverfront millage. Mr. Jenkins stated while it has a very direct and immediate impact on the tax bills the people pay, it does not show up and is not considered as part of the TRIM calculation.

Budget Analyst Neil Boynton stated included in the preliminary budget of $45,958,311 for the Sheriff?s Office are additional funding increases of $1,015,816 for the sworn officers pay plan; health

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

insurance increases of $142,780 as requested by the Sheriff?s Office were funded, as was $41,666 for an additional deputy in the North Precinct. He noted other funding of $36,147 was also determined to be available from the General Fund; and $161,836 for local match funding of potential grants that were identified by the Sheriff?s staff have been reserved in the General Fund, as has been $113,636 for possible pay increases for non-sworn employees of the Sheriff. He stated program changes requested by the Sheriff for Law Enforcement MSTU totaling $547,750 have been funded by MSTU revenues; these include increases in the sworn officers pay plan, local matching funds for five additional COPS grant funded deputies, increases in local match funding for existing grants, increases in insurance costs and other increases; and the millage for the Law Enforcement MSTU has been proposed at the roll back rate of 0.8815 mill. Mr. Boynton stated the revenue generated is sufficient to fund all program changes and the increase is necessary to the operations of the MSTU.

Mr. Jenkins stated the County has given the Sheriff a status quo budget from this current year, except those items it increased, such as salaries, insurance costs, and deputies; and it did not make any reductions in the Sheriff?s budget.

Commissioner Cook stated the County did not renege on any deal; it has to approve a budget year by year; it did not vote last year for a multi-year budget; and it needs to be clarified. Commissioner Higgs stated she thought there was a multi-year plan. Commissioner Cook stated the Sheriff requested a multi-year plan, but it was never voted on by the Board.

Sheriff Philip Williams stated he understands the Board cannot legally bind itself to a budget beyond one year; but the initial budget request in 97-98 had several programs in it which his Office felt were identified by citizens and internally as important and included coming up with a three-year plan to try to phase in. He noted one of the items that was deferred was the deputy investigator for auto theft; there was a 10% increase in auto theft; the Board invested in two agents in sex crimes; and there was an 8% increase in arrests. He noted the field training officer is an absolute essential as this person can assist in getting newly hired deputies on the road faster and better trained. He stated he does not believe that pay increases should be funded by attrition, leaving positions open and letting money build up so there can be pay increases; the monies allocated by the County as it stands today would be a pay increase of about 1.3%; and that is unacceptable.

Mr. Jenkins stated the basic pay increase would be 1.5% if the evaluation is satisfactory, and an additional one half per cent or one per cent based on the evaluation; so it would range anywhere from 1.5% to 2.5%.

Sheriff Williams stated according to surveys in the private sector, increases in the southeastern region were anywhere from 3.8% to 4.1%; and he is losing deputies and other people to the private sector. Chairman Voltz stated she does not like the 1.5% and thinks it is ridiculous. Sheriff Williams stated there have been some cuts made either from operations or capital of $53,480; and he does not know what that is.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Budget Director Kathy Wall responded the Budget Office worked with the Sheriff?s staff to get to the figures the way they are; her Office did not make any cuts; and she thought they were in agreement.

Commissioner Higgs inquired if the Board does not fund the additional $666,000, will the Sheriff?s Office not have the D.A.R.E. Program and Alternative Sentencing. Sheriff Williams stated the County cannot continue to deliver the level of services it delivers forever without either cutting services or raising taxes. Commissioner Cook stated he does not believe the Sheriff is saying he is going to automatically cut out those Programs, but he has to take a look at it. Sheriff Williams stated those are areas that fall in the prevention area.

Discussion ensued concerning the D.A.R.E. Program, Drug Forfeiture, Trust, and General Funds, new vehicles, maintenance costs, travel and per diem, step plan, Alternative Sentencing Program, Juvenile Assessment Center staffing, car thefts, school resource officers, and program services.

Commissioner O?Brien inquired has the D.A.R.E. Program proven to be a viable Program for drug prevention for young people; with Sheriff Williams responding according to the congregation of parents and students at Divine Catholic Church on North Courtenay Parkway at graduation, and every parent he has talked to that has had their child go through the program, he believes it is. Commissioner O?Brien inquired is the D.A.R.E. Program important in the Sheriff?s list of priorities; with Sheriff Williams responding yes, but it is not important in lieu of enforcement.

Chairman Voltz stated she hopes to have a fund raiser every year for the Juvenile Assessment Center; and it is important that the kids are taken care of in the community.

Commissioner O?Brien stated in his discussions with Ms. Wall, the Sheriff?s budget has been increased from the General Fund by almost 16% since 1996; that is a substantial increase; the Board approved 27 new deputies since 1996; every year the Board has asked for a performance measurement; and he is not sure if it has received that. Commissioner O?Brien stated the bailiffs have been promoted to be full deputies; and inquired are the bailiffs ever road patrol deputies. Sheriff Williams responded they have the certification and training of a certified law enforcement officer; and they perform a variety of tasks other than standing in the courtrooms.

Commissioner Scarborough inquired who assigns the level of security in the courtrooms. Sheriff Williams responded his Office works with the Chief Judge; and it depends on the type of trial. Commissioner Scarborough inquired about the Civil Court cases; with Sheriff Williams responding there is at least one deputy in the hearing room. Chairman Voltz inquired are the deputies in the courtrooms trained to be regular sworn officers; with Sheriff Williams responding affirmatively, and stating they are allowed to transfer to the road for training.

Sheriff Williams stated increases for civilian paid positions are critical; if the Board can find all or a part of the money for it, he would request its consideration; and he will have to make some hard decisions in some areas.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Commissioner Higgs stated the Sheriff?s Office has been the priority of the Board for years now; and if it does not get to where the Sheriff wants it to be, it still must be recognized that law enforcement is a tremendous priority of the Board.

Sheriff Williams stated he is not here as a counter attack; when he has to certify to the Board this is what he needs to run the Sheriff?s Office to deliver this level of service, he takes it very seriously; and his Office has done that. He noted there is still dialogue going on between his Office and County staff; he is not going to give up on this and the County should not either; and they need to go back through and prioritize what is most important to the people of Brevard County.

Mike Abels, representing the Sheriff?s Office, stated there are other vehicles which are assigned; it is not an exclusive list and they are all inclusive; and such vehicles are reviewed by the supervisors for any employee who has a vehicle to determine whether it is a necessity to have that vehicle assigned or not. Commissioner O?Brien requested a copy of the list and the necessity for the civilians to have the vehicles.

The meeting recessed at 11:30 a.m. and reconvened at 11:45 a.m.

Judy Spencer, Chair of Economic Development Commission (EDC), introduced Gene McCarthy, Chairman of Government Relations Committee, and members of the EDC Board. She stated the County?s investment in the EDC has reaped some tremendous returns; and presented a four-year overview of the EDC?s contracted commitments to the County. She noted the EDC met and exceeded all goals and expectations; over 3,000 new jobs were created; direct assistance was provided to 469 existing companies; there was over $82 million in annual payroll for new jobs; and there was almost a $70 return on investment for each dollar to the County. She stated the EDC committed to the County 500 new jobs and there are 833 already; it committed to increase business memberships and there are 24 additional new business memberships; it committed to eight industrial outreaches and it is almost there with seven and two pending right now; it committed to visit 80 existing industries and it visited 126; it committed to a minimum of four seminars and it conducted five; and it committed to update and enhance publications and it has done that with seven of its publications; and there are still three months left.

Gene McCarthy outlined the return Brevard County has realized on its investment over the past year; stated for every dollar invested, a $50 return was realized from payroll additions alone and it does not take property tax and consumer purchase, etc. into consideration; and the new commitments and goals to be accountable for in 1998 and 1999 include bringing in 500 new jobs into Brevard County, increasing the business membership to $230,000, creating a manufactured buyers guide and present it on CD ROMs, doing at least eight industrial outreaches during the year, including trade shows, direct mail campaigns, etc., and holding a minimum of three seminars for manufacturers, as well as expanding the manufacturers workforce alliance.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Mr. McCarthy stated the EDC requests $575,000 from the Board this year; and last year it was granted $450,000.

Ms. Spencer stated the Board?s investment in the EDC has paid off; EDC is accountable to the Board; and the more the Board has invested, the more the activity has increased. She noted another major project for the State is Venture Star; the EDC is a major player; in addition to the launch facility jobs, the EDC found out last week that in California they are looking to secure an assembly site at the same location which would bring an additional 2,000 jobs; and that is very good news.

Bob Nanny, Deputy City Manager for City of Palm Bay, stated the City?s investment and membership in the EDC is in the City?s budget; it is absolutely necessary; it has economic development funding that is essential; it enables the City to convey the message to the Board and others that the EDC of the Space Coast is doing a fine job; and the City hopes the Board looks upon this as a business investment.

Commissioner Scarborough stated he has supported the EDC and continues to do so, including the increase; what the people in his District want to see is the McDonnell Douglas Plant reopen; and he is going to try to see that the additional $125,000 is made available for economic development.

Lynda Weatherman stated the EDC is very sensitive to putting objective criteria; that is why it puts a number of jobs it creates; it talks about capital investment and looks at wage issues; and the EDC will be promoting the selling of Brevard-based products within its own community and nationally.

Commissioner Scarborough stated the community is measuring the Board in its economic development effort. Ms. Weatherman stated the EDC is very deliberate in what it does; everything is economic development; and if there is something more specific the Board needs the EDC to do in addressing accountable and credible measures, it will be happy to.

Commissioner Higgs stated she is very proud of what the EDC has done; it has done a great job; she has supported it every year; she is comfortable with the reporting mechanisms it has; but she is not going to be able to support the $125,000 in this year?s budget as there are a lot of needs this year; and it is not going to be her number one priority.

Chairman Voltz stated if Brevard County would lose Venture Star, it would lose its ability to address space issues; that is what the County is known for; and the $125,000 is so minimal compared to what could happen.

Commissioner O?Brien requested the County Manager try to fund the $125,000 if possible.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts Sandy Crawford stated Information Systems moved to Building B in Titusville; it has worked out very well and is a permanent building rather than a temporary one; his office will be moving out of the temporary buildings as fast as they can get the area in the six-story Courthouse and the rest of the area in Buildings B and G done; and they are opening the Melbourne Office with two new courtrooms on July 27, 1998. He noted the moves have added costs to his budget; from the budget he submitted and what the Board is giving him, in essence it means dropping about 14 people; he has the people on board now and was able to fund them from recording fees which have been the highest ever; and he will have to look at it very closely as they reach the next fiscal year to see what recording fees will be and how much he can absorb from technology increases they are expecting to come in for April, 1999. He stated they expect some savings in the court area from that point on, but until then he has to absorb the increased work manually with the people; the number of vouchers have increased for the County from 68,000 to 76,000; there have been no increases in personnel there; and the request for a new accounting system will be coming before the Board on July 28, 1998. Mr. Crawford stated he is banking on the savings coming in from the two systems to do what the Board wants him to do with the personnel; he is going to have to absorb that until those begin; and hopefully he will receive some personnel savings. He noted 87% of his budget is personnel, so when the Board reduces his budget, he has to reduce personnel; if recording fees drop next year, he is in trouble; and he will absorb it by letting attrition take care of the personnel, but services will drop. He stated when an item is filed in a court system, his office has it in the folder the same day; so he has the people who can put the information in; it saves a lot of time overall as his people do not have to go through 28 days worth of stacked paper and try to find a document; and it helps the attorneys, judges and the public. Mr. Crawford stated his office has done a lot of things to reduce the backlog; and the County?s vouchers, meeting minutes, meeting schedule, and agendas are available on the Internet.

Commissioner O?Brien inquired what was the benefit of the move in Titusville; with Chief Deputy Clerk Jim Giles responding reduction in maintenance costs for the County as it maintains the buildings. Commissioner O?Brien inquired if there is a savings, where does the County see such savings; with Mr. Crawford responding the moves have not saved him anything right now and it have cost him.

Mr. Jenkins stated the County is getting the Clerk?s office out of modular buildings and putting his office in a permanent structure; and that was the Board?s intent several years ago.

Commissioner Scarborough stated the people in the Scottsmoor/Mims area are going to have a library; the County could have purchased the land and built the building; but the School Board gave the County the land and the modulars are being used for the library; and it is being done for less cost.

Commissioner Higgs stated Mr. Crawford?s budget is the lowest of the Constitutional Officers? budgets.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Commissioner Scarborough stated it is silly to have the Clerk in modular buildings when the County has a building he could be in; and the Clerk should be with the other Constitutional Officers. Mr. Crawford stated the County adds expenses to his budget when his office moves; and it is putting the County records at risk where they are located now.

Commissioner O?Brien stated when the Clerk?s move is over, he wants to know how much it cost as someone?s budget could be cut since the move is finished. Mr. Crawford stated if the County is not moving anymore, then the Board needs to take the money out of the Facilities Management budget; it has nothing to do with him or his budget; and the County gives his office the facilities. Commissioner Scarborough stated the Board is considering more than just the Clerk?s budget; and it is considering all the budgets and needs to make sense of all these relative issues.

Chairman Voltz inquired if Mr. Crawford has any comments concerning Article V funding. Mr. Crawford responded he does not want to turn over what his office gets in fines and forfeitures to the people in Tallahassee and then try to go back and get it from them; the large counties are going to suffer when that happens; they are going to have a hard time getting money out of them in a timely manner; the services are going to suffer; so he is dead set against Article V funding in Tallahassee and by the Office of State Courts Administration. He stated they would be going to the Legislature, Supreme Court, and Office of Courts Administration to try to get money to run the County; it is going to lag by years to get something changed; they are going to pull the money out of the County; the fees the County and Clerk receive are going to be pulled out and sent to Tallahassee; and then they are going to get it back.

Commissioner Higgs inquired are there any fees that have not been increased in the Clerk?s office in a while; with Mr. Crawford responding he does not set fees, and the Board, State and judges do it. Commissioner Higgs inquired are there fees in the Clerk?s office that the Board should contemplate changing that have been at the same level for a number of years; with Mr. Crawford responding negatively. Commissioner O?Brien expressed concern on the operating expenses and capital outlay increases. Commissioner O?Brien inquired how can the Board help the Clerk cut such expense; with Mr. Crawford responding the County could put all the courtrooms at Viera.

Commissioner O?Brien stated the newspaper indicated that the new housing starts have increased by approximately 20%; with Mr. Crawford responding that is why the recording fees have been the highest ever and it is why he has been able to absorb the cost of the people he has brought in. Mr. Crawford stated if the Board does not put the money back in to support that, then he will have to decrease people. Mr. Crawford stated he does not buy anything he does not need; and he is holding back on a lot of things. Chairman Voltz stated all the department heads hold back on things also on a regular basis as they know how the Board is; it is conservative in trying to make sure it does not raise taxes; the departments do what they can to borrow computers and use old ones; and everyone is cutting.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Commissioner Scarborough stated the Board has to have a balanced budget; if the Clerk has some revenues that are predicted on a conservative side, it needs to be worked out with the Board so it can get a balanced budget and not lay off people; and if Mr. Crawford is under-predicting revenues, he needs to let the Board know. Mr. Crawford stated he is not under-predicting revenues, but over- predicting them; and there is probably a 60-40% chance of recording fees not going up.

Commissioner Higgs stated several years ago they discussed the maximum return on the Board?s cash, using it and getting interest on it, and inquired is it still doing everything it can do; with Mr. Crawford responding affirmatively. Mr. Jenkins stated Financial Advisor Tom Holley also looked at the whole process recently and he indicated the Clerk was maximizing. Commissioner Higgs inquired are the other Constitutional Officers maximizing their interest gained on revenues the same way the Board is; with Mr. Jenkins responding he will request Mr. Holley check on it since he reviewed the Clerk?s investments to evaluate if the County was maximizing.

Discussion ensued concerning fines and forfeitures, operating expenses, payroll checks issued, automatic appeals, capital outlay, performance measurements, and traffic, parking and animal control citations, and bar code readers.

Chairman Voltz inquired about moving County Finance under the Board. Commissioner Cook expressed concern about it, and stated it should be separate. Commissioner Scarborough stated when this country founded, it was on checks and balances; and it preserves the public confidence.

Mr. Crawford stated the Board is charging him for things he is not getting, including insurance; he has six people who do not take County insurance; and the Board is still charging him $4,200 a year for each of those six people and they are not receiving any benefit from it.

Commissioner Cook he would like to not advertise an aggregate increase, and the County find somewhere in the budget to absorb some money.

The meeting recessed at 1:15 p.m. and reconvened at 2:10 p.m.

Ms. Wall stated Mosquito Control Department has one program under it, Countywide Mosquito and Aquatic Weed Control; the majority of the revenue comes from the Mosquito Control Tax which reflects a no tax increase; the revenue for the S.W.I.M. grant is up; the State allocation for the Surface Water Improvement Grant is up; and operating expenditures have increased by 6.21%. She stated the majority of that has to do with the Capital Improvement Program which includes Merritt Island Airport cleanup, Melbourne Airport cleanup, impoundment acquisition, marsh restoration, and ongoing vehicle replacement program.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Commissioner O?Brien inquired how long will cleanup of the airport sites take; with Mosquito Control Director Jim Hunt responding less than one year. Commissioner Cook inquired is the budget at roll back; with Mr. Hunt responding affirmatively. Commissioner Cook inquired is Mosquito Control getting an increase because of additional State funding; with Mr. Hunt responding it is because of new construction and the S.W.I.M. Program is getting an increase of $200,000 for the St. Johns River.

Commissioner Scarborough stated Mosquito Control employees provided assistance during the fire situation; the County receives FEMA money for these types of things; and it will not have to pay for it out of the Mosquito Control budget. Mr. Jenkins advised Mr. Hunt is seeking reimbursement; with Mr. Hunt responding the reimbursement is 87%.

Commissioner Cook inquired how much is the County expecting to spend concerning impoundments; with Mr. Hunt responding the program has been abolished due to lack of funds.

Ms. Wall stated Water Resources Department has three programs, Water Services, Water/Wastewater Service, and Capital Facilities Program Management; Water Services operating revenues increased by 1.9% primarily due to funding of the Program which reflects the same increase; and this is a status quo budget. She noted the Wastewater Service Program operating revenues decreased for this service; the service is allocated on a program-need basis; the operating expenditures decreased by 3.92%; and this budget reflects the elimination of three vacant positions and the purchase of $145,000 in additional capital needs.

Commissioner Cook inquired what is included in the capital needs; with Water Resources Director Richard Martens responding four 800 megahertz hand-held radios, fire resistant filing cabinet, electronic line locators, PH meter for one plant, groundwater monitoring well system, a self-contained breathing apparatus, air monitoring device for hazardous entries, pressure washer, flood light system and generator, a meter to record electrical current drawn on motors on equipment at pump stations and plants, ice chest with automatic sampler for sampling the effluents facilities, a diaphragm pump used in excavations, and a sample incubator for the lab.

Commissioner Cook stated he is trying to look at ways so the County does not advertise a tax increase; with Ms. Wall responding this is funded with user fees. Mr. Jenkins noted there is no ad valorem.

Chairman Voltz stated the County goes year after year with no rate increase for water, and inquired what does the future look like in terms of an increase; with Mr. Martens responding there should be no need to change the rates for five years.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Ms. Wall stated the Office of Agriculture and Extension Service has three programs, Agriculture and Extension Services, Soil Conservation and Resource Management, and Historical Commission; Agriculture and Extension Services is primarily funded by General Fund Support; non-operating revenues have increased by 7.5% primarily due to the hiring of an experienced agricultural agent, merit increases and health insurance increases; and this is pretty much a status quo budget and there is no increase in number of positions. She noted there are two funded program changes, one of which is a lease for office space to the State; and it would generate an additional $2,160 as well as set up a soil and water sampling fee which would generate $1,900. Ms. Wall advised there are two unfunded program changes to add a part-time permanent staff position as well as to resurface a horse arena totaling $22,289.

Chairman Voltz inquired why the Historical Commission budget has decreased; with Ms. Wall responding it is due to the sale of historical books.

Discussion ensued concerning the 4-H Program, Sea Grant Marine Program, commercial fishing industry, Sea Turtle Program, and licensing of clammers.

Commissioner O?Brien inquired why is the County spending General Fund dollars to work with the fishing industry; with Mr. Jenkins responding it is for economic development.

Agriculture and Extension Services Director Dan Schrader stated it is for educational purposes; and it helps the fishing industry in the regulatory issues.

Ms. Wall stated the Office of Natural Resources Management has three programs within the Office, Environmental Management, Environmental Remediation and Compliance, and Environmental Review; Environmental Management is primarily funded by General Fund and grant funding; overall total revenues decreased by 2.8%; and it is primarily due to decreases in grant revenues. She noted operating expenditures also decreased by the same percentage; and this is a status quo budget. She stated Environmental Remediation and Compliance is primarily funded by Pollutant Storage System Grants, Leaking Underground Storage Tank Grants, and Hazardous Waste Assessment; it is a maintenance budget also; the increase in compensation and benefits is primarily due to the funding of an unfunded position in previous fiscal years; and there is one funded program change for a lap top computer of approximately $2,700. Ms. Wall stated Environmental Review is funded partially by the General Fund and license fees; operating revenues are up by 3.19%; it is also a maintenance budget; and operating expenditures are up by 6.16% which is primarily due to the movement of the EELS Program to the Parks and Recreation Department which used to partially support this Program.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Discussion continued concerning charges for services, departmental internal support services, general office expenses, and compensation and benefits.

Ms. Wall stated the Board of County Commissioners budget is a combination of all the District Commission offices; it is a status quo budget; it is increased by 2.9%; and it is basically for salary increases allocated to office staff this year.

Ms. Wall stated the Budget Office has one program, Fiscal Management and Budget Development Program; it is basically a status quo budget, except there is one funded program change which is for the Budget Office to coordinate and develop the County?s Capital Improvement Program; and it is increasing this Program by $14,000. She noted there is a reduction in Growth Management also for the same amount of money; and there is no direct increase on the General Fund.

Ms. Wall stated the County Attorney?s office is primarily a status quo budget; it has increased by 4% which reflects the merit increases and health insurance.

Ms. Wall stated the County Manager?s Office is also a status quo budget; it reflects a 2% increase, primarily for salary increases granted this fiscal year.

Discussion continued concerning office internal support.

Budget Analyst Dennis Rogero stated the program consists of Central Fleet, Purchasing, Property Control, Agenda Preparation, and Contract Management; overall the preliminary budget reflects a decrease of over $1.2 million or 27.73%; and it is due mainly to the transfer of seven full-time positions, elimination of two full-time positions, and a significant decrease in demand for Central Fleet services.

Chairman Voltz inquired what is the 144.79% increase in operating expenses; with Management Services Director Stockton Whitten responding it is consolidation of the Titusville repair and services

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

into Melbourne repair and services. Mr. Whitten advised they are going to have one person at Titusville, but account for the operating expenses through the Melbourne Office.

Economic Development Director Greg Lugar stated the budget shows the projects completed by the end of the fiscal year, but he does not believe it is going to happen; and staff will reflect the budget to carry over some of the project money.

Commissioner O?Brien inquired what is the $5,000 for other financing sources; with Budget Analyst Neil Boynton responding it is a misclassification and should be listed as miscellaneous, and it is interest earned.

Budget Analyst Neil Boynton stated the FY 1998-99 budget for Office of Emergency Management is essentially a status quo budget; increase in the total budget is 5/100ths of 1%; support for the General Fund has increased 2.89% due to the Hazardous Material Grant; and although the Grant is received every other year, the work load continues into the fiscal year when no revenues are received. He noted increases in compensation and benefits are due to the full year funding of pay increases approved during 1997-98 as well as increases in health insurance.

Commissioner Scarborough inquired to what extent is the Office of Emergency Management?s budget impacted by events that are unforeseen; with Emergency Management Director Robert Lay responding the actual budget is not impacted that much by those kinds of events.

County Manager Tom Jenkins inquired what about salary costs; with Mr. Lay responding they are impacted if they are not reimbursable. Mr. Jenkins stated most of the costs are reimbursable; with Mr. Lay responding that is correct.

Commissioner O?Brien inquired what would happen if the Board cut the Office?s budget by $25,000 in operating expenses; with Mr. Lay responding the level of service would decrease considerably. Commissioner O?Brien stated County departments? operating expenses have increased; and they are ill-defined. Mr. Lay stated his Office?s operating expenses decreased.

Mr. Boynton stated there was a $43,000 increase in intergovernmental revenue which is grants in 1997-98; it is an increase in expenditures, but they are funded by grants; if the expenditures are cut, the grant revenue may disappear; and the general revenue transfer did not change, which is the key.

Mr. Jenkins advised staff will provide the Board with a breakout on the operating expenses. Chairman Voltz requested a breakdown on operating expenses for all departments.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Commissioner Scarborough inquired has Mr. Lay ever seen an overpayment to a county from FEMA; with Mr. Lay responding negatively. Commissioner Scarborough stated some people have alleged that certain action by the County in letting things burn was so that it could pad its budget with extra funds. He inquired can the County make money by letting property be destroyed; with Mr. Lay responding negatively. Commissioner Scarborough inquired is there generally a shortfall; with Mr. Lay responding it normally cost money, and the rule is it cost 12 ?%. Commissioner Cook stated the County does not get back 100%. Commissioner Scarborough stated he wanted this on the public record because allegations were made that certain decisions were made to let Scottsmoor burn so the County could get more money in revenue; with Chairman Voltz responding that is absurd. Commissioner Higgs stated if someone?s home burns, the County does not receive any money. Chairman Voltz noted the County does not benefit at all; with Mr. Lay responding the County loses money and does not gain anything.

Commissioner O?Brien requested the Board consider including in the Legislative package and working with its lobbyist concerning getting $300,000 in grant funds for Merritt Park Place. Chairman Voltz stated perhaps the County can also do something for Canaveral Groves also.

Commissioner Higgs stated if the County goes to the Legislature to get funding for one sewer project, it is looking at getting many; there are beachfront developments fronting canals and on septic; there are clearly some potential implications; and if it goes after this one project, she does not know where it ends.

Commissioner O?Brien stated because Merritt Park Place is in a redevelopment area, it is very defined and so is the problem; and in redevelopment, he does not believe that will play very well in other areas that may be financially well off. Chairman Voltz stated if it is now turned into commercial, it is going to be very viable property.

Doug Robertson stated the commercial aspect is an important part; this area is going to be a more intense commercial area before it is over; and therefore, should be on septic tanks. He noted the first phase of the project is being funded by MIRA; and it is asking for grants for the balance so there is a match to work with.

Commissioner O?Brien stated part of redevelopment through the law is for commercial entities; and that is why they are seen in a much different light than anything else when you look at residential and then commercial.

Commissioner Higgs stated Mr. Robertson has explained the projects and it is wonderful what he is trying to do; and if the County goes after the money, she has some concerns whether it is sure it is prepared for residential as well as commercial.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Commissioner Scarborough stated the problems differ; it is a health hazard in Canaveral Groves as the people may be drawing from shallow wells; so there is the humanitarian issue and a lagoon issue with the riverfront lots; if the County goes to the Legislature, it needs to clearly define the benefit to the greater whole and understand why it is coming there; and the issues need to be packaged separately to the Legislature.

Budget Analyst Neil Boynton stated the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority budget for FY 1998-99 increases 71.72% due to the Capital Improvement Program items; the operating budget for Ti-Co increases only $58,656 or 5.3% from $1,167,116 in the current budget to $1,225,772 in FY 1998-99; and the proposed millage is 0.250 mills which represents a maintenance of the roll back rate.

Commissioner Cook inquired is Ti-Co Airport Authority still working toward coming off the tax rolls at some point; with Ti-Co Airport Authority Manager Bill Hutto responding affirmatively.

Commissioner O?Brien inquired how much money would a taxation generate for Ti-Co this year; with Mr. Boynton responding $153,520. Commissioner O?Brien inquired how badly would it hurt Ti-Co if it did not get $153,000; with Mr. Hutto responding it is about 12% of its budget and it would put a strain on it.

Commissioner Scarborough stated Ti-Co has some very aggressive programs; certain things are keyed in making some grants work; and to make things work with capital budgets, other things need to come together also.

Discussion ensued concerning decreased millage, capital improvements, runway extension, and corporate tenants.

Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts

Chairman Voltz stated Mr. Crawford indicated he received word that Mr. Jenkins told the Facilities Management Director to stop construction on Building G (Parkway) as of tomorrow; and Mr. Crawford is requesting the Board take action today to continue with the construction.

Mr. Jenkins responded that is not quite correct; he asked Hugh Muller to do a total budget; he currently has authority for $200,000; and he told Mr. Muller to be certain he does not go over such amount before he comes back to the Board.

Commissioner Higgs inquired how much does staff think it is going to cost; with Mr. Jenkins responding $350,000 for everything. Mr. Jenkins stated Mr. Muller has up to $200,000 he can spend; Mr. Muller told him as of today he has spent $100,000 of the $200,000; but the total amount is approximately $350,000; and he told Mr. Muller to make sure he did not overspend his authority without getting the Board?s permission.

BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)

Commissioner Higgs noted the County is moving forward to put Mr. Crawford?s operation into the six-story Courthouse; with Mr. Jenkins responding affirmatively.

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to support the continuation of the Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts Office?s move into the six-story Courthouse. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner O?Brien, to direct the County Manager to review if there is a way to advertise a zero increase in the aggregate, so the Board does not have to have a tax increase in the FY 1999 Budget. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Commissioner Scarborough stated he talked to Stockton Whitten about the Board?s November 24, 1998 meeting; it is Thanksgiving Week; and requested Mr. Whitten contact the Commission Offices about rescheduling. He noted his intention is to perhaps have Thanksgiving Week off.

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

ATTEST:

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HELEN VOLTZ, CHAIRMAN

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

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SANDY CRAWFORD, CLERK

(S E A L)