MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

September 4, 2008

 

 

 

The Board of County Commissioners Brevard County, Florida, met in special workshop session on September 4, 2008, at 12:00 p.m. in the Government Center Florida Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida.  Present were:  Chairman Truman Scarborough, Commissioners Chuck Nelson, Helen Voltz, Mary Bolin, and Jackie Colon, County Manager Peggy Busacca, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

 

 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca stated the Policy Group met this morning and based on the amount of minimal rainfall and wind being expected from Tropical Storm Hanna, the group decided to take no further actions; however, Ike is being carefully monitored; and if Ike gets anywhere near the State of Florida, she is certain if the Policy Group will be convening Sunday or Monday to talk about anything that needs to be done.

 

 

Mark Peterson, Financial Accounting Supervisor for the Clerk of Courts, stated he wants to brief the Board on something with the State Board of Administration.  He advised about one year ago the State Board had some issues as far as securities and their investments, and they locked the County from being able to retrieve all of its funds; and in December the Clerk’s Office talked to the Board and it gave direction to the Tax Collector, based upon the Tax Collector’s request to refrain from transferring any funds from their Tax Collector’s Fund A Account into the Board’s SBA Fund A Account.

 

Chairman Scarborough inquired if Mr. Peterson would explain what is A and what is B; with Mr. Peterson responding Fund A are those securities that were very liquid that were stable securities that were good investments; stated as far as the timing they were out six to nine months; and it was going to take some time for those to mature.  Mr. Peterson advised that Fund B were securities that were in high-risk derivatives; some of the companies had some issues over meeting their liquidities schedules; SBA hired a company to come in and one of the recommendations was to split them between Fund A and Fund B; Fund B being those that were highly liquid, and he is not sure when the County will be able to get those; but Fund A will be available.  He noted within the next two months staff is projecting getting an additional 25 percent of the money that both the County has, as well as what the Tax Collector has, in Fund A, which would be approximately $50 million; by the end of December Fund A would be totally liquid; the remaining balance can be pulled out, which would be $15 million; and at that point the only thing invested in the State Board would be that that is in Fund B, which the County’s portion right now is about $7.3 million.  He stated County Finance is continuing to receive principle and interest on those funds that are in Fund B, but it is just coming in slowly; it is really more of a long-term investment like two to three years; and that is what he is expecting with that.  He advised as far as the overall cash flow for the County, it is still very liquid; there is about $110 million in other money market accounts; so to meet the current obligations there has been no problem with that; and especially with the anticipation of getting the $50 million within the next two months.  He stated from current cash flow, there is no problem.

 

Chairman Scarborough inquired what Mr. Peterson’s request is; with Mr. Peterson responding in December 2007 the Board requested that the Tax Collector not transfer the money that is in Fund A to the Board’s Fund A; stated the Tax Collector felt it had a Statutory requirement that allowed it to get access to that cash before the County could; but the Tax Collector needed the Board to formalize the process.  Mr. Peterson requested the Board rescind that directive and to allow the Tax Collector to transfer the number from its Fund A to the County’s Fund A.  Chairman Scarborough stated in other words the County did not receive the advantage it thought it would, and the Board should just rescind it so it will be under the County’s control; with Mr. Peterson responding correct.  Mr. Peterson stated once the transfer is complete, it becomes on the books as cash and investments; now it is a receivable due from the Tax Collector; and staff just wants to show it is the Board’s money and to reflect it on the statements.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated Mr. Peterson started off by saying there is Fund A and Fund B, but it seems that they were co-mingled to begin with and once this happened they sorted it out into Fund A and Fund B; and inquired if that is true.  Mr. Peterson responded that is correct.

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca stated she sees this as an accounting issue; and it does not give the County any more or any less money.

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to rescind a previous directive to the Tax Collector given on December 13, 2007; and approve transferring State Board of Administration Fund A Account into the County’s State Board of Administration A Account.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca stated Assistant County Manager Mel Scott would like to speak with the Board relating to a letter he is going to ask that the Board review and perhaps have it discussed at a later time today for signature of the Chairman.

 

Assistant County Manager Mel Scott stated staff was notified last week that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is attempting to get legislation through Washington,

D.C. that states, in essence, if they want to locate a cell tower and staff is not able to come to a conclusion within 75 days regarding a rezoning request, which that cell tower would need, that it is viewed as being a consent, or approval, from the local government.  He advised there are times when proposed cell tower locations come to staff, they can be cantankerous issues locally in a neighborhood, and sometimes staff is not able to come to a conclusion within 75 days; and he inquired if the Board would consider having a letter signed by the Chairman and sent to all the congressional representation, that goes to Washington, D.C. to fight what staff would perceive as being an erosion of Home Rule that would result from this bill passing.

 

Ms. Busacca advised the Board it has done these types of letters before; but she thought if staff gave the Board some background that it could have a chance to review the letter.  Chairman Scarborough stated he does not think it is that controversial.

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to authorize the Chairman to sign a letter to Brevard County’s Congressional representation to Washington, D.C. to fight, what would be perceived, as an erosion of Home Rule that would result from a bill passing to implement a 75-day time frame for local jurisdictions to act on local zoning approval for cell towers, with such applications “automatically deemed granted” if the deadline is not met.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously. 

 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca stated at yesterday’s Policy Group meeting there was an emergency declared; at that time the Policy Group decided sandbags should be put in place based on the fact that water is still rising from Tropical Storm Fay; and there was uncertainty, although it looks like Brevard County is not going to get much rain from Hanna; but Ike and Josephine is certainly headed at least in this general direction.  She advised in 1999 the Board voted not to have sandbags distributed by the County; they are currently being distributed in five locations; and staff wanted to bring it to the Board to see if it would like to change that direction or modify it in any way.  She noted Assistant County Manager Mel Scott has done a lot of research and can tell the Board about how much it will cost; this morning Sheriff Parker offered that if the County would like to use the Sheriff’s Farm as a staging area, it can deliver several loads of dirt and sandbags to the farm; the inmates would then be put to work as people want to come in and pick up the sandbags; and Sheriff Parker said sand could be kept there for as long as necessary rather than using the five areas the County has setup today.  She stated she does not know if the Board wants to discuss this further; but short of that discussion, staff will move forward assuming that the 1999 Policy is in place because the sandbags that are being distributed today were just done under this emergency. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated the Board voted to do the sandbags under the idea that it was for the emergency that was declared; and then it is up to the Board if it wants to use the status that is in place right now or actually make any changes.

 

Chairman Scarborough inquired if in the past the County had a problem with delivery of sandbags; with Ms. Busacca responding yes.  Chairman Scarborough inquired if under this Policy a person would have to come and get the sandbags; with Ms. Busacca responding yes.  Chairman Scarborough inquired if that eliminates some of the problems the County had previously; with Ms. Busacca responding she believes it does; stated some of the problems were that the one time that most people remember as the horrible sandbag distribution attempt, it was done on Wickham Road and people had no place to line up for the sandbags except on the road itself; staff has now chosen parks where there is a lot of queuing area; staff has done the Disney thing where people go back and forth so that the Sheriff’s Office is being the one that is manning that; and the inmates are actually the ones filling the bags.  Ms. Busacca advised the other concern staff has had is that if Road and Bridge employees, Parks and Recreation employees, or any of the people who have pre-storm duties and he or she has to participate in sandbags, important things like cleaning ditches slows down; and the Sheriff’s willingness to participate in this alleviates that problem.  She noted Mr. Scott will have to explain that part of the story to the Board because at the time it was discussed in 1999, she thinks the number of $100,000 was utilized.

 

Assistant County Manager Mel Scott stated with the Sheriff sharing his resources to execute the distribution of sandbags it will take a lot of pressure off of the County financially; staff is comfortable that sandbags can be purchased for about 25 cents each; those come in bundles of 1,000; the five distribution sights set up right now are being well received; and there are lines at each of those sights.  He advised it is about $4 a cubic yard for sandbag grade sand; 80 to 100 cubic yards is a truckload; so it would cost between $6,200 to $8,000 in materials for this distribution moment; and knowing that the manpower is not on staff’s shoulders since partnering with the Sheriff’s Office to get the sandbags distributed, it changes the complexion of the issue dramatically.  He stated the County can provide a tremendous value to derive to these neighborhoods’ pre-storm event by cleaning catch basins and ditches; and that would preclude the need for the sandbags in many instances when instead of it cresting to its threshold, staff has cleaned the ditch and it is moving out to the Lagoon or the St. Johns River.

 

Commissioner Colon stated the citizens are not just the ones worrying about what is going to happen; they have already been affected; and they are afraid round two is coming.  She stated $10,000 is not a lot of money when people’s homes are being protected; she hopes the Board will support this; and it’s not a lot compared to what the numbers were in the past.  She noted some of the municipalities are doing it, and those budgets are smaller than the County’s. 

 

Commissioner Bolin inquired if the Board is going to look at changing the Policy from 1999, if in the future, the Sheriff cannot participate, what does that do to the County if it has to supply all of the labor; and further inquired if it can say it is the Sheriff’s responsibility regarding the labor portion.  Commissioner Nelson stated the County is trying to provide a level of service; in most cases they are locations where sands have been delivered; there is a monitor that gives out sandbags and does some level of making sure it is not being abused; but the people are bringing their own shovels.  Commissioner Nelson stated the Sheriff’s offer is great because that will help in some cases.  He stated he has a flip side story, which is the opposite.   He advised he told folks to go buy sandbags; there was significant flooding in Stratford; a woman was helping a friend; they bought the bags and went to fill it at that place off of SR 528 where they ride motorcycles; they filled the bags; and a law enforcement officer saw them, made them empty the bags, and asked them to leave.  He noted once you have the bag you have to have sand; so there are people going all over the place trying to find sand; and in this case instead of telling the people they cannot do that and can he carry it to the car for them, the officer actually told them to empty the sandbags out.  Commissioner Voltz stated she hopes they do not go to the beach.  Commissioner Nelson stated people do not, but if alternatives are not given, he or she may.  He stated that is the trouble of where the Board is today; he understands it is a money issue; a lot of money was spent in an effort that had minimal impact because the rain kept coming and the County was pumping; and sandbags represent hope.  He stated the County gave people bureaucracy; bureaucracy can do a lot of things but it cannot hold back water; instead of giving these people some hope and the ability in some cases to prevent damage, the County sent them off to be on their own; and the Board really needs to address the Policy.  He stated he does not think it needs to be so structured that the County commits its forces from Road and Bridge and Parks and Recreation in terms of not being available to clean ditches in preparation for a storm; but there is other staff that could monitor sights and do those kinds of things.  He stated the Board does that all of the time like special needs shelters and those kinds of things where people are assigned who do not routinely do that.  He stated that is the direction he would like to go; he wants to see the Board reinstitute a policy of sandbags with some options; and there are times when the resources are not available to fill the bags for people; but the citizens would still appreciate the opportunity to do that.

 

Chairman Scarborough inquired if Commissioner Nelson is speaking against the Policy; with Commissioner Nelson responding he is speaking for the Policy, but he thinks it needs to be broadened because there will be times when the Sheriff is not going to have the resources available.  Ms. Busacca stated as a minimum, the sand would be available.  Commissioner Nelson stated it is an element for the program to have the Sheriff, but also as a minimum the sand and sandbags.  Ms. Busacca stated staff would then do its best on a sliding scale depending on the resources available.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated she wants it clear that it might be the next time all that can be done is to put the sand at a location and have some shovels; and the County cannot guarantee full-service.  Commissioner Nelson stated he does not think that was ever the expectation of the citizens that the County will have someone to fill sandbags for them; he thinks it is really to have the availability of it; and he can argue with a citizen who says, “What do you mean, you’re not filling them?”  Commissioner Bolin stated she is getting calls like that where a person wants to have eight sandbags, wants them filled, wants them delivered, and he or she wants them to lay them.      

Ms. Busacca inquired if the Board means only sand available or sand and the bags; with Commissioner Nelson responding sand and the bags.  Assistant County Manager Mel Scott stated and a monitor can be there to hand out the bags.  Commissioner Bolin stated otherwise, a person may take 50 bags.  Commissioner Nelson stated that is what happens with most municipalities and counties, a limited ability to monitor it, the sandbags will not be filled, but they will make sure that things move along.  He advised the biggest issue has been addressed, which was the site that did not have the ability to pull people off of the roads, and that created part of the stress that then lead to other issues.  Commissioner Bolin noted there are a couple of sights that are not Brevard County-owned land; and there is a partnership with Brevard Community College (BCC) and Kennedy Space Center.  Commissioner Nelson stated he thinks the County will always be looking for sites based on where the problems are.  Chairman Scarborough stated that is a good point because the sites need to be where it is close to the flooding; and while this has been up and down the St. Johns River, other events may not be.

 

Commissioner Colon stated that is exactly how it works during a hurricane where the County would have to close a shelter and wait for another one to be available; and it is the same scenario.  She stated she wants the Board to take action as far as allocating the dollars; and inquired what direction does staff need today.  Mr. Scott responded staff will be fine knowing there will be a plan where the sand is available, monitored at the locations, and can do the public relations to get that information to the citizens pre-event; and the Sheriff’s Office help keep the peace because the traffic is heavy. He stated the big thing that changes the dynamic of the issue is the shifting of the County’s resources that have a core mission pre-event being with the sandbags, knowing that is not the Board’s intent, betters this Policy.  Commissioner Colon stated Lamplighter is in her District and it was hit tremendously, and also the area in West Melbourne, which is the 192 area by Sam’s Club; these are wonderful people who need help; and the Board will not be doing anything outside of what other folks are doing.

 

Ms. Busacca inquired if there is going to be any limitation; is there going to be a budgetary amount; will the County always have as much sand as it can give away; and further inquired what is the Board’s feeling on this.  Chairman Scarborough stated to leave it open until there is an abuse.  He stated if Ike does not come to Brevard County, and it will take a while for the St. Johns River to bleed down, there may not be another event for some period of time; and if staff has a problem, it can always be brought back to the Board.  Ms. Busacca stated the County runs out of sand this afternoon; staff will tell the Sheriff that they will deliver more; and he can have people there tomorrow if there is still a large demand.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the sand that is being used is from a dredge project that is not costing the County money.  Ms. Busacca advised some of it is; staff only hauled the sand from Merritt Island to certain areas; and that sand was not hauled all the way down to the County. 

 

Assistant County Manager Mel Scott stated he has one more clarification; a ten bag limit is common practice as well with other counties and cities; it prevents people from grabbing a whole bunch and selling them; and Brevard County has had that happen.  He stated sandbags cannot create a barrier around a person’s property or even around ones house; it is to prevent the intrusion of water for the short-term duration where it is lapping at a person’s threshold trying to get into the sliders; the sandbags can do that job; and if water is coming in through a window, the sandbags are not going to help.  He advised using sandbags a couple of inches around the threshold for four or five areas has been some benefit.

 

Commissioner Colon stated there is always someone who abuses it, but that is not the majority of the citizens; she wants to make sure the same thing is not done that was done in her District; in the unincorporated, area when a person inquired in the other cities, the other cities required a person show his or her driver’s license to prove they lived in that community; these are citizens of Brevard County who need help; and she does not think it is right to require driver’s licenses.  Commissioner Bolin stated if a person comes to the County requesting bags even if they live in a municipality the County will give them bags.  Mr. Scott suggested a ten-bag limit per car. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated there may be an opportunity to get some money back from FEMA if it is considered mitigation, so it is not an absolute, but there may be some opportunities. 

 

Commissioner Voltz stated staff is asking for approximately $8,000 today but there are a couple of public hearings in the next week or two, so if it is more, staff can let the Board know.

 

 

Commissioner Voltz stated her thanks to County staff and volunteers in the community for helping all of the people in need during the flooding. 

 

Commissioner Nelson thanked the Public Works staff as they moved with light speed to get set up.

 

 

Jerry Storrs, representing USLA, stated the main thing he wants to point out is they strongly favor Chief Farmer’s July 28, 2008 proposal, which the Board has had a long time to look at; it is a reduction from the original recommendations; it is hard for him to call it an enhancement; and the lifeguards are not up to an adequate level.  He stated the core of the issue is the full-time people on the beach; now the water is really rough; if they were up to last year’s standards, there would be no lifeguards on the beach; and last weekend every single lifeguard got wet as it was a tough weekend.  He stated he is bothered by the term enhancement; there are substantial enhancements in the Fire Rescue budget to meet a demand; the Fire Rescue sheets show $5,000 for a floor machine, which will make it easier for them to keep the station clear; and he hoped to ask the Board for money for floors for the lifeguards.  Mr. Storrs stated if the Board looked at what the lifeguards work in, it is a desert island shed-type situation that they are housed in. 

 

Karin Mack stated she told the Board when she first came before it that it had not seen the last of her.  She thanked the Board for what it has done so far; the tourists, beach goers, and people who have been noticing the extra lifeguard stands are happy; and requested the Board not drop the ball now.  She stated it may not be over; there are still Ike and Josephine; requested the Board not drop the lifeguards at the end of October like the it always does; and the deaths are not necessary.  She stated if it keeps going the way it is, it will be on the Board’s shoulders.

 

Tom Schuller stated he is present today to speak about one of the additional cuts the Board will be discussing later on considering the agricultural community.  He stated for those who have attended the annual legislative luncheon, they always go back to some economic impact studies that were done around the State; and one of the facts was that for every dollar in ad valorem taxes that is paid, 28 cents in services is received.  He stated there is a position of a Livestock Extension Agent that is on the chopping block today; the agricultural community in Brevard County is a $110 million industry according to the last Census; and that is a huge economic impact for Brevard County.  He stated the preliminary reports for the damage from Fay to the agricultural industry is $11 million; based on that, the Livestock Extension Agent needs to stay open; and he urged the Board not to cut this very important position.

 

David Webb stated he is a bee keeper in Brevard County; and requested the Board keep the Livestock Extension Agent; it affects the bee industry as well; they have taken a beating from the storms like everyone else has; and he urged the Board not to cut that position.

 

William “Tuck” Ferrell stated he meets with the Agricultural Agents all of the time; he does not know what the farmers would do without the Agents; and with the drainage issues, and all of the issues they deal with, they could not function without the Agents.  He stated he has to call the Agents constantly; they need their help as far as figuring out drainage and what to do with the St. Johns River Water Management District; and if the Agents were not helping with the drainage districts they would be shut down.  He noted the Agents help in permitting for St. Johns Heritage Parkway Initiative; it is just critical; and the water management districts are not sensitive to the farmers.  He stated the water management districts are not going to let them touch anything without the Agricultural Agent there.

 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated for the viewing audience, the Board asked the County Manager to provide it with other options to cut the budget; it was Commissioner Bolin who suggested it may be wise to cut certain services if it can be put into reserves in case the situation becomes worse than anticipated; the State of Florida is looking at having greater problems than fully reported; and when that occurs, local government goes to the hospital with pneumonia. 

 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated the Board requested that staff provide an overview before each budget workshop.  He advised one of the things raised at the last meeting was a summary of all of the cuts; and he will distribute that to the Board.  He stated it is a summary of how the cuts have occurred by Department; and it is about three pages of budget decreases for each particular Department.  He stated the detail with regards to what is happening to particular Departments are within the particular Departmental Program Summary pages; and if the Board wants detail, it can flip to those pages.  He noted the tentative budget has been loaded on the Internet on the County’s webpage for a number of weeks now so citizens can go there to actually see what is happening by Department.  He stated before he actually gets into the presentation, this is a summary of the proposed funding and partially funded capital improvement projects; that is also contained within the budget books; but that summarizes it for both the Board and the public.  He stated regarding the budget, the current budget is approximately $1.367 billion; the proposed budget the Board will be discussing is approximately $1.09 billion; and that is a decrease of $271 million, representing approximately a 20 percent decrease from the current fiscal year budget.  He stated regarding how the budget is being proposed at a summary for fund level, the Board can see that the General Fund, General Revenue accounts are being reduced by $24.3 million; the Special Revenue Accounts are being reduced by $130 million; Debt Service is being reduced by $3.5 million; the Capital Projects are being reduced by $100 million; the summary the Board has included both funded and partially funded Capital Projects; and it also gives the last page as a total page of all of those.  He stated the Enterprise Funds are reduced by $12.4 million; and the Internal Service Funds are reduced by just under $1 million.  He stated regarding the tax rate, the aggregate operating tax rate is proposed at 5.4472, which is actually .46 percent above the current aggregate rate; that was a change the Board made at the tentative budget hearing; if the Board recalls, it allocated additional dollars to Mosquito Control and the District 2 Road and Bridge; when the Board gets to Tuesday’s hearing, if the Board wants to actually allocate those dollars it will have to do that by a super majority vote; it is a complicated formula that occurs regarding each individual millage; and even though the County is 10.53 percent below the rollback rate of 6.1161, the Board will still have to approve those individual rates by a super majority vote.  He noted the average savings regarding the tax bill that is put out by the Board for the unincorporated areas is $127 million.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated people have already came into his office, and because of the methodology used for Save Our Homes, strange things are happening; there are two numbers on the bill; there is the assessed value and the taxable value; by looking at the bill, the millage has gone down and assessed value has gone down; it should result in that number a person pays in taxes; however, Save Our Homes said if the taxable value is less than the assessed value, a person’s value for taxable purposes go up.  He stated many people will find out he or she is not getting the full advantage of what is going on because the taxable value is going up by three percent; and there are a lot of people finding things that are not exactly as they should be.  He stated last year, even though the Board decreased the millage, it had 70 percent of the Save Our Homes people who actually ended up with an increase because of this movement of the taxable value up to the assessed value under Save Our Homes. 

 

Mr. Whitten stated that is the phenomena of Save Our Homes; stated he can illustrate that with his own personal example; he has a market value that is the same as the assessed value; there is no bump for him in the assessed value; with Save Our Homes there is an automatic of up to a three percent bump in the assessed value as long as there is a differential between the market and assessed value; in his case it is one and the same; and he realized a $200 savings because there was no bump in the assessed value.  He advised a large percentage, approximately 71 percent of the residential properties, still have a significant differential between the market value and assessed value; so those people automatically get a bump in that assessed value; and that largely contributes in a decrease in the savings a person thought they would receive.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated her son lives in the City of Palm Bay and his taxes were almost cut in half; and it went from almost $1,500 to $800.  Ms. Busacca inquired if it was because of the increase of the exemption; with Commissioner Voltz responding she does not know. 

 

Mr. Whitten stated the doubling of the exemption for everything except School Board valuations will contribute to that; stated Commissioner Voltz’s son may be a case where the assessed value could have gone down or the market value could have gone down, or they could be one in the same; and a lot of things can contribute to what a person sees on the TRIM notice in addition to market and assessed value. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated he owns his law office; the taxable value and assessed value is one and the same; but the value went up by 25 percent.  He stated in this strange market where everything is falling, all of a sudden he has the one piece of property that is going up in value.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the commercial side did not go down, it actually went up.  Mr. Whitten advised the commercial side does not have the Save Our Homes cap; but they did implement the 10 percent cap.

 

Mr. Whitten stated this chart shows the aggregate millage rate over time; it actually goes back to fiscal year 2000; the Board can see that the red line highlights the taxable value increases; the blue line highlights the adopted aggregate millage rate; and then the very light green line highlights the rollback rate.  He stated the point of this slide is to show the Board where the County has been in relation to the taxable value increases and where the adopted aggregate millage rate is in relation to the rollback millage rate; and the Board can see in most cases, except for a couple of years, it is under what the rollback rate is.  He explained that the slide also highlights the historical aggregate operating millage rates; it takes into consideration the voted portion of the aggregate operating millage rate; and the Board can see how that has fluctuated over time.  He noted there are a number of voted millages; the operating millages are approximately 21 taxing districts, six of those are voted, and there are six debt-service millages; and this slide highlights how that aggregate operating millage rate has decreased over time and also the portion of the aggregate which attributes to voted millages.  He stated this is the General Fund, same chart as two slides back, showing the taxable value, adopted millage rate, and then the rollback millage rates; and the Board can see the relationships there.  He stated in terms of the proposed fiscal year budget and the taxation amounts, the amounts that have been decreased with regards to each particular taxing district, these next couple of slides will highlight that; the Board can see for the General Revenue Countywide, Brevard County is down in terms of revenue approximately $6.7 million; going on down the page Library Districts are down $2.3 million; and the Board can see going down to its Road and Bridge MSTU’s the bottom line for the aggregate operating millages, which are those 21 millages from two combined pages, the County is down approximately $13.3 million.  He advised the taxable value was down seven percent, largely attributable to the Amendment 1 effect, which is the doubling of the homestead exemption.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated the voted on millages are down; and she wants to make sure the County still has enough money to pay for debt service.  Mr. Whitten explained those are being accommodated through the Reserve Accounts so taxable values are down everywhere which affects the debt service voted millages; but they are able to make the debt service payments through the accrued Reserve Accounts.  He stated that is down approximately $1.3 million; and the Board can see the total between operating and debt, which is $15.6 million.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated Mr. Whitten probably does not need to read every one of those.

 

Mr. Whitten stated in terms of the County’s major revenue sources, this slide shows the comparison between what the Board has in its tentative budget and what is currently in place; the Board can see the bottom line is that the County is down, regarding all of those revenue sources, $10.9 million there; on approximately August 14^th the State lowered its revenue projections for all of those sales tax-based revenues by an additional seven percent; and fortunately for the County it was already there, so staff does not have to come to the Board today to make any adjustments to the projected revenues because it is at or below in most instances what the State is projecting even with its seven percent reduction.  He noted the State will continue to look at that as the economy sort of sputters.  He stated the next slide compares the tentative major revenues to the adopted or current-year budget; there is an additional two to three million dollars that staff actually reduced during the Board’s mid-year supplement budget; so in total from year-to-year adopted budget to proposed budget, the County is down for the major revenue sources approximately $13.7 million.  He advised this slide shows, at least for the Federal Government portion of revenues, what the County receives, and the Board can see that significant portion, at least in regards to the General Government expenses, comes from property taxes approximately 71 percent; the slide that he does not have is the total County budget; the property taxes with regards to the percentage-wise for the total County budget only represents approximately 21 percent of the total County budget; and while property taxes are a huge percentage of the General Government expenses, they are only 21 percent of the total Countywide budget.  He noted the County, just like every other county in the State, continues to have significant expenditures regarding State mandates; and he has highlighted some of those for the Board.  He stated regarding how staff balances the budget, or the balanced budget that is presented before the Board, there were approximately $4 million in position cuts, totaling 100 positions; 78 percent of those were vacant; 22 of those were filled; the Board did add dollars back to Mosquito Control; and that is the updated total.  He stated the whole presentation is updated from the tentative budget discussion and the actions it took.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated many of those vacancies were as a result of the hiring freeze that went into place and has been in place for some time.  Ms. Busacca advised that is correct.  Commissioner Nelson stated he did not want the public to think that there are all these positions just sitting out there; and there was a conscious decision made not to fill positions.  Ms. Busacca advised that began in February.  Commissioner Bolin stated it was someone who retired or moved, and all of these factors.

 

Mr. Whitten stated other reductions total $7.2 million, and those are primarily the operating reductions.  He stated there were grants that were reduced, which are listed; debt service items are there; in addition to those, the Board also approved a couple of commercial paper payoffs; and those were Fire Station 21 and then the computer aided dispatch system so they have been able to clear some debt.  He stated one of the things the County Manager will probably be alerting the Board, and staff is drafting the memorandum, is right now the commercial paper program is backed by a line of credit from Wachovia Bank; they are actually pulling out of the commercial paper program; and for the audience, Brevard County was one of the founding counties of Florida Local Government Finance Commission, there are 13 counties that participate in this small loan pool, that is able to go and get short-term financing at very low interest rates for projects.  He advised the County has approximately $9.7 million in outstanding loans; Wachovia has been hit hard by the subprime mortgage issues; and they have advised that commission that they will pull out.  He stated if the commission is not successful in finding another bank to back that program then Brevard County will have about $9.7 million of commercial paper that they will still honor; but as those are rolled over, the County will have to find additional financing or have to pay those off through some means.  He noted nothing has been settled regarding this; they meet again this month; but it is something the Board needs to be aware of.

 

Commissioner Bolin inquired if Wachovia could call in that Note; with Mr. Whitten responding there are some counties that have hundreds of billions of dollars that they borrowed through that program; stated every so often those loan instruments are resold in the marketplace; and as those come due the Board will either have to re-up the financing or enter into some continued financing, or pay those off.  Mr. Whitten advised Wachovia is not going to throw anyone out, but as those expire the Board is going to have to address how they are going to be financed.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated if the County was going out in commercial paper there would be a term on the Note; however, when you are in the pool there is not actually a term on the Note, the pool itself is churning these.  He stated as these things mature there are monies that become difficult to reinvest; the County cannot continue the loan; it is not like the County’s Note, it is the pool’s Note; inquired how it relates from the pool to an individual entity like Brevard County; and further inquired if it is getting into something like Mark Peterson was talking about like Fund A and Fund B type environment except the reverse being dumped with debt.  Mr. Whitten advised the way the program works, and Greg Lugar works directly with it, but there is a line of credit that is backed by Wachovia Bank; for instance, the County does a lot of its MSBU’s through financing of MSBU projects through this program; they will actually issue the County a loan; they sell in essence CD’s to investors; but that is backed by their line of credit.  He stated those come due every six months; either they are reissuing the note or the County as the entity has to pay off that debt.  He explained what is happening is as those commercial paper loans expire they are relieved of their obligations to continue to carry the line of credit, i.e. the guarantee.  Chairman Scarborough stated the County has to go out and find its own to come back in; and inquired how to move from that particular note through the pool to what occurs here in Brevard County.  He stated it is not Brevard County it is the pool it is working through so there is this proration.  Mr. Whitten stated he and Greg Lugar can sit down and discuss the details with Chairman Scarborough.

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired if Wachovia is the only bank involved with commercial paper loans; and stated it seems scary that there is only one bank that backs all of this.  Mr. Whitten explained this is a consortium of twelve other counties; he is sure it is a competitive bid process; banks come as there is some benefit to them; and so that was competitively bid.  Commissioner Voltz inquired if it is going to be rebid; with Mr. Whitten responding they are looking for banks now; stated nothing is settled; they go back and meet in the middle of this month; they may have another bank; the consortium may have to reissue RFP’s; but they are now actively looking for another bank to issue that line of credit to back all of those loans that are out there in the marketplace. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated another issue is the banking industry itself is in question today; people are asking what happens if a bank fails; and inquired if there has been analysis of what happens to a county if it has a lot of deposits in a particular institution that happens to fail.  Mr. Whitten responded Mr. Lugar will have to advise him on that.  Chairman Scarborough stated it can be talked about later.  He advised these are questions the Board needs to talk about because this whole thing with State fund, it got into the discussion after the fact and if there is risk out there the Board needs to be advised.  Mr. Whitten stated staff will detail that in the report and sit with each Commissioner individually.  Chairman Scarborough stated Mr. Whitten may want to do it at a short Board meeting as there are people who will be asking those questions.  Mr. Whitten stated Mr. Lugar and the consortium meets again on the 24^th, so more information will be available at that time.

 

Mr. Whitten stated in regards to service enhancement, or dollars that were placed into the budget for expansion of programs, and the listing is there where the Board can see fire stations, the ocean lifeguard program, and the other increases in Parks and Recreation.  He stated to summarize, the budget the Board is looking at is approximately $272 million less than the current fiscal year budget, which again represents a 20 percent decrease with regards to the aggregate tax rate that is a slight increase of .46 percent in the aggregate operating tax rate.

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired what is increased service at the Equestrian Center; with Parks and Recreation Director Don Lusk responding that is knowing that the County is going to finish that report that staff asked that company to do for it to find out how the barns are going to be used; they are getting ready to actually open the barns and do some programming out there; and it is not about making the decision about long or short term or anything like that, it is simply getting ready to do some recreational activities at that facility.  He advised there has been a little bit as staff was asked to do out there like shows and things of this nature; and this is to fully engage the facility as it was originally intended.  Commissioner Voltz stated if it was fully engaged before the money must have been there to do that; and inquired if the new facility is an increase in what the County had before.  She stated this is an increased service.  Mr. Lusk stated it is characterized as a service enhancement on this because the way the budgeting process is that it has to be done as a funded supplement to put it in the budget; the plan all along has been to open Palm Bay Community Center and these other community centers; and it is really enacting what was originally envisioned.  He advised it is not new money, it is taking existing money that has been there and putting it where it needs to be so that the County can actually run programs.  Commissioner Voltz stated this says South Brevard Senior Center, Palm Bay Regional Community Center, but this first one says increased service at the Equestrian Center so that was what she was questioning.  Mr. Lusk explained that it is not a word he would have chosen if he was writing this; and it is doing what was planned out there.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated regarding that facility, it was wonderful to have that facility during the crisis; the County was able to put in many animals to get them out of harms way; and it was a wonderful partnership between the Parks and the Animal Services. 

 

 

Housing and Human Services Director Gay Williams stated 62 percent of her budget expenditures have to do with mandates; the other additional dollars go to other services provided within her Department; presently the need is great with the downturn of the economic conditions of the community and across the Nation; and staff has been serving people and trying to meet those growing needs within the community. 

 

Commissioner Colon stated one of the things that Chairman Scarborough mentioned was there might be cuts in some departments that are probably going to need the Board to look at closely and probably have dollars added to that department; and one of these departments is Housing and Human Services for the simple fact that people are losing jobs in the community.  She stated she wants the Board to have an understanding of what Housing and Human Services has been dealing with recently; there are so many needs and organizations very worthwhile; but this responsibility falls on the Board and no one is bailing the County out as it is having to deal with the needs of the citizens.

 

Ms. Williams stated since June there has been about 8,000 people who applied by mail, or came through the doors at the Community Action Agency for services; about 2,673 of those have received assistance; a great deal of those, through other programs, were served through the Energy Assistance; and that was the elderly, disabled, or families with children under five years of age.  She advised the remainder of that is burials, which is a mandated piece, which goes into the funding that is provided to the Department by the Board; there have been over 265 burials that the County has assisted; close to 300 with rental and mortgage assistance; and that is in addition to the 42 families that staff has assisted with other funding streams to help to insure they do not lose their homes or that they have a place to stay.  She noted in addition to the almost 2,000 that received help with their utilities through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); there was another 425 that received assistance through the General Fund dollars that the Board provides to the residents; the other funds assisted with medical, dental, and food assistance; and there are now people who are lining up overnight to receive assistance.  She stated her concern is having people overnight and the possible liability of people sleeping outside the doors until the office opens at 8:00 a.m.; 95 percent of people who come through the doors are working people; by looking at pictures she distributed to the Board, it can see that a lot of those are little children waiting with their parents to receive assistance; and the majority now is just the need for necessities. 

 

Commissioner Colon stated this is not a handout; these are people who work; this is the first time she sees the pictures; the faces have been blocked out; but there are folks who are sleeping outside of the County’s doors.  Ms. Williams advised the majority of the people staff is seeing now are first timers who have not been through the doors before; and there have been about 15 of the County’s own who have requested assistance.

 

Ms. Busacca inquired if there is an average amount of assistance that is given per family; with Ms. Williams responding approximately $313.

 

Commissioner Colon stated this is really hard to see; these are children; and the times that the pictures are taken are about 5:00 a.m.  She advised this is why there was a lot of wisdom when Chairman Scarborough asked the Board to have an open mind; the Board cannot give all its dollars to another organization that needs it as well; and the Board cannot close its mind.  She stated now it is happening to County employees; inquired how much clearer does it need to be; stated if a person is watching and thinks it is just lazy people requesting assistance, he or she is wrong; and this is nothing to dismiss.  She stated she had a mom that came to her office who was homeless with three children crying and did not know what to do; she also had a senior citizen who could not pay her Florida Power and Light bill and was about to be shut down; and that woman cannot be without electricity.  She stated these are the kind of emergencies that are happening throughout the community; the Board is not going to be able to help everyone; there is tremendous scrutiny as to who is given assistance; and there is screening to make sure people are not taking advantage of the system. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated the Board needs to understand this is a dynamic world; there will be buildings deteriorating; it needs to try to preserve the economy; and if there is an increased need of those people that are being hurt by the bad economy, that is dynamic.  He stated he agrees with everything Commissioner Colon said earlier. 

 

Ms. Busacca stated this is a case where the Board will never be able to provide enough money to satisfy all of the needs; the Board will only be able to do what it can; and there are several ways the Board can look at finding additional money.  Chairman Scarborough stated he did not ask about the money, he asked about the program; and inquired what programs are prudent to expand in the bad economy where the needs increase.

 

Commissioner Bolin inquired what can the Board do, program wise, to help relieve this situation; with Ms. Williams responding one of the exercises the County Manager asked it to do was to encourage staff to relook at how it is doing business so it could possibly be done in a better way; and positions have been downgraded so additional staff could be added.  Chairman Scarborough stated people were downgraded last year so additional staff could be hired and it saved the County money.  Ms. Williams advised she laid off three people last year; she looked at the people remaining; she looked at the work that staff does; staff does not have time to do social work; and all that can be done is to make sure staff is hooked up to a system that lets them know where other people have received services to be accountable for the money that is going out to make sure this is truly people who are need and meet the qualifications.  She stated in doing that she can see people faster; she can only let them know where other services might be available; staff tries to help people get into a place; and then staff tries to see if there are other classes that may help people with budgeting teaching them how to manage on a reduce income. 

 

Ms. Busacca stated the place to put the money is into direct services, which is the community action team; it would not go to administration, it would simply be the money passed out; there would be no additional people; but it would give staff resources to assist people directly.  Chairman Scarborough advised there will still be the lines if staff does not have the ability to speak to people fast enough.  Ms. Busacca explained the difference is right now the money runs out on the 15^th, and the money runs out on the 30^th instead.  She stated it is not necessarily that more people are needed, the money just runs out.               

 

Ms. Williams stated she added two part-time people, which should help in some way; but she also makes sure those dollars are managed so that they last.  Ms. Busacca stated the bottom line is if Ms. Williams had more dollars she would not need more people.  Commissioner Colon inquired how much money is necessary; stated there will never be enough money allocated; but further inquired what kind of dollars are needed by the Department.  Ms. Williams responded whatever the Board can find to give to the Department, it can utilize.  Commissioner Colon advised a number is needed.  Ms. Williams advised with $200,000 staff could serve 900 people; and that is a great amount of people.  Chairman Scarborough inquired if that is sufficient to take care of the need; with Ms. Williams responding no.  Commissioner Voltz inquired how many people are being served now; with Ms. Williams responding over 8,000 came through the door from October to June.  Ms. Busacca stated 900 would be about 30 percent more.  Commissioner Voltz inquired how much money is required to serve those people; with Ms. Williams responding $272,000, which includes the burials; stated for 898 people there has been a total of $272,000; and 8,000 people have come through the door and almost 3,000 people have been helped.  Commissioner Voltz inquired what the other people came in for; with Ms. Williams responding they were helped with other funding.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated Ms. Williams needs to put some more information together before the board votes; and inquired if the Board would like to hear from Ms. Williams further on this. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated from the list of requested Board actions, under Housing and Human Services, another bullet should be added.

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired how that relates to the position that was originally on the list for discussion, which was the Grant Coordinator position; with Ms. Williams responding it relates although those dollars would not go to do anything with that position; stated it relates in terms of what that the Grant Coordinator does; and the former Grant Coordinator worked for two weeks on a grant putting it together and the Department received over $736,000.  Ms. Williams advised that money is going into Human Services; that is not a grant that comes to her Department; those are dollars that will have to come through the Department because of the way that the grant is structured; and staff becomes the pass-through for it.  She stated that goes straight out to services in the community.  Commissioner Nelson inquired what is the order of magnitude if the position is funded; further inquired what impact would that have with the lines that have been forming; and inquired how those are tied.  Ms. Williams stated staff looked at the amount of funding since the Board allowed them to get a Grant Writer; those discretionary grants included some of those that staff needed assistance of the Grant Writer to help them get during the hurricane because they had to pull all of that information; and staff had to work with the cities to get that.  She stated even subtracting that within that three-year period there was more than $8 million that came in through the efforts of the Grant Writer; those funds went to local Human Services Organizations such as Salvation Army, Women’s Center, Community Service’s Council, 2-1-1, Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless, Crosswinds, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Center for Drug Free Living; those are all local agencies that provide those other supports in the community.  Commissioner Nelson inquired if that position is funded, does there have to be another $200,000.  He inquired from a Board perspective, if the Grant Writer position is funded, does it take care of the lines, plus give the other benefit.  Ms. Williams responded if the Grant Writer was hired, the Department would still need the $200,000 because a Grant has to be located; and not all of the time does it meet those basic necessities that staff is seeking that would be additional funds.  Commissioner Nelson stated the Board would be in a position of saying in terms of priorities that it will fund the $200,000 but she may not be able to hire the Grant Writer.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated if the County has a Grant Writer that brings in a lot of money why would that position be on the chopping block; stated it does not make sense for that position to have ever been in here; and if that is such an important position, it should not be on the list.  Ms. Williams advised she does not make those decisions as to what goes on the list that is presented to the Board; she thinks it is a position that was already out there; and the Board looked at what was vacant.  Ms. Busacca stated it is a vacant position and has been vacant for about 30 percent of the time that it has been in existence; staff has had a difficult time in finding someone and keeping someone in that position.  She stated that seemed like a position that was somewhat less important than the positions that Ms. Williams has now that are doing the direct services every day; and that is the kind of decisions that were made.  Commissioner Voltz stated the decision to do away with that position should have come before the Board because it is an extremely important position.  Ms. Busacca stated it is brought to the Board as it is in the proposed budget.  Commissioner Voltz stated before it got on the list it should have been brought to the Board; staff needs to go out and actively try to find someone for this position; and that is the kind of positions the Board needs to look at doing on a regular basis because it is so important.  Ms. Busacca stated last year the positions were cut that are giving people money; if the money is there sometimes there is not anyone to give it out; and that is why there is a discussion on this item.  Commissioner Voltz stated she is not willing to cut that position; if the County has someone like that it will only benefit the community; and it will benefit Ms. Williams in doing her job in assisting the citizens in a better way.

 

Commissioner Colon stated she does not think Housing and Human Services is unique; the Board just went through the same thing the last time it met with the Facilities Director; and he was asked to cut five people.  She stated none of these folks want to cut anyone from the budget.  She stated Ms. Busacca did not want to tell the Directors to make those cuts.  She advised the Board asked for the cuts; and every position that was cut caused an impact to the service.  She stated it is hard to say which positions to cut; there is no one to blame; the County is in an economic downturn; and the Board can only do the best it can with the dollars it has.  She noted she would not want to be Gay Williams; and she is doing the best she can with what she is given.  She stated Commissioner Nelson and Commissioner Bolin are going to be dealing with the same exact thing next year; and the outgoing Commissioners need to support them. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated one of the things going through her mind is the Grant Writer; with a Grant Writer there is a lot of different options of how to handle them; this particular item is to have them as a staff person onboard; Grant Writers will write grants and take a percentage of the outcome of the grant; and sometimes the County gets the grant and sometimes it does not happen.  She stated the Board can hire a Grant Writer and not be able to get any grants that come to the County; the Grant Writer is employed by the County but he or she will be writing grants that the money will go to the Salvation Army or to community services; she acknowledges that although the money goes to community services, it will take a burden off of the Board in the end; and if that particular community service did not have the money to take care of people they would be standing in the County’s line.  She inquired if it is better to do something like that and to take the gamble that the County would have the money in the long run under grant writing or to actually have the direct cash in hand to take care of people who are standing in line today.  She stated the Board may want to go with the Grant Writer on a percentage; the other services who receive the money because of the Grant Writer, they have a certain percentage of the grant money that is for administrative costs; and inquired if the Board could take a chunk out of that to pay for the grant person.  She stated she is just trying to think of other avenues because it is an important thing; it is to leverage money and get as much as possible either from State or Federal; and she is trying to think outside the box how the Board can make it work without taking money away from people in line because there is just so much to go around.

 

Ms. Williams stated that is not something she has not thought in terms of the Housing and Human Services Department; what happens is the County does not provide direct services outside of those emergency assistance and basic necessities that might be needed in the community; but there are other identified community needs that the Board have identified that it wants to ensure provides support of its initiatives through its boards have identified through all of the strategic planning that has gone into all of the areas within the community.  She stated because he or she is associated with that, not only provides those immediate community supports that are needed; those dollars need to be brought in some sort of way; the lack of organizational capacity does not have the ability to do that and neither do they have a grant writer on staff because they are small organizations; but most of the bigger funding like the Federal grants and some of the State grants, because it is a small organization that has not built that organizational capacity yet, will not give them the grant but will give them to a County.  Ms. Williams advised there are some grants that will not be given to the County but will meet the need if the County comes on board as a partner.  She stated a lot of times in grant writing it is building that collaboration with the groups of persons and organizations that will provide that service in the communities.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the Board is just trying to connect the dots to understand how it all fits together because there is not going to be an impact to Housing and Human Services, but throughout the entire County organization.  He stated the Board needs to get more information so it can understand the impact because in the end a decision must be made; and it may be one or the other.  He stated he looks forward to getting a better understanding particularly on the grant writing side on what that community impact is.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated when decisions are made regarding employees who need to laid off, hired, or positions filled, the Board needs to look at all of the positions to decide if those have a potential to bring in dollars like a Grant Writer would be bringing in; these kind of things are extremely important to the community; the County needs Library, Parks and Recreation, and Road and Bridge people; those positions are all important and she would not say any employee is more important than the other; but when the Board has the capacity to pay to have someone who will bring in millions of dollars to the community, the Board needs to set that as a priority.  She stated all budget items need to be about priorities.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated historically, county government does not approach a budget the same way a business does; a business is always analyzing; government basically takes the easier way out; the Board goes through and finds all of the unfilled positions; and one of the reasons unfilled positions are easier is the Board does not have to lay someone off.  He stated the County cannot be the kind, good government; it has to be dynamic in the process; and just because a position is vacant does not necessarily make it any more of a suspect for a budget reduction.  He stated he does not like to ask the question where the money is coming from; a business never asks that question; and a business does not save for the future, they invest in the future by trying to be nimble.  He stated it may make the decisions because, quite frankly, to make this work, someone is going to have to pay.

 

Commissioner Colon stated that is where the difficulty lies; people want government to be run as a business.  She advised the list was given to the Board regarding vacant positions; vacant positions will affect how those departments are running; and the community wants the Board to run the County as a business, but yet have that balancing act of making sure it realizes these are human beings.  She inquired what happens where there is a line like this, which will continue to increase, who gets the priority; is that the mom with the children or whoever is next in line; and further inquired if a person gets there at 3:00 a.m. is he or she the one that will be seen by staff.  Ms. Williams explained it is first come first served; stated people are getting there early to line up to ensure that he or she is served; he or she believes they have emergencies or needs and want to be served; it does not work with appointments because people have immediate needs; and the people are trying to get in the morning time so he or she can be seen.  She stated the way it came to her attention is that there was a complaint made by a person who cannot stay overnight like the rest of the people; one of the staff members checked it out; and at 10:00 p.m. the night before people were setting up chairs.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated he hears a Board that is concerned; the Board wants to have a special workshop on homelessness; the last time the County had massive layoffs there was not an ongoing recession; and it may be more difficult this time.  He stated one department director told him that he and his family lived in a car back in those times; and there are people in the community that know what it is to lose a home.  He advised he was being briefed on the Veteran issue yesterday, and it appears that a person falls further and further behind.

 

The meeting recessed at 2:01 p.m. and reconvened at 2:20 p.m. 

 

Commissioner Colon stated Space Coast Government Television (SCGTV) is running on a skeleton crew; and inquired if Ms. Prosser could give the numbers to the Board.

 

SCGTV Director Kimberly Prosser stated she has a very small department; the loss of one position would be a 20 percent decrease; it would decrease the ability to produce Public Service Announcements and that type of thing; but she would still be able to cover the meetings.  Commissioner Colon stated the people from Facilities are no longer working in the Board meetings because he or she is needed somewhere else because of the cuts; and now SCGTV is taking on those responsibilities. 

 

Chairman Scarborough inquired if there is a consensus with the Board that it is something it would like to continue with; stated the Board has an obligation to the community; but it opens the doors to let the citizens be a part of the process. 

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired what the amount is for this item as it is not on the list; with Ms. Prosser responding approximately $60,000.  County Manager Peggy Busacca stated $51,468 is the amount.  Commissioner Nelson stated he wants to talk overall concept first; at this point in time it is his understanding that the million dollars set aside from Fire Rescue would potentially be the source for any of those discussions.  Chairman Scarborough stated he did not understand it that way because the Board asked Ms. Busacca to go back and find more.  Commissioner Nelson inquired if the Board should talk about that versus beginning the process.  Commissioner Bolin stated she wants to look at everything first.  Commissioner Voltz stated next week she is meeting with all of the CEO’s from the hospitals.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated it may not hurt the Board to have reductions above what it previously had so that the reserves could be increased with the possibility that there are surprises from the State and there would be monies available.  Commissioner Bolin stated when she looked through the list, some of these that were going to be above and beyond that Ms. Busacca put together, are really core cuts.  Chairman Scarborough stated the Board asked Ms. Busacca to put it together; and it helps if the Board wants to go there. 

 

 

 

Commissioner Colon stated while questioning the different directors there were certain things that were of concern, Facilities and so forth; that is all the Board had to work with; when she hears $2 million it is not something she is comfortable with at all; the Board needs to reach a consensus; and inquired if the Board is looking at $1 million or $2 million.  Chairman Scarborough advised it is just shy of $1.8 million.  He stated he wants the Board to feel that it is not compelled at this moment to be locked in; this conversation with Ms. Williams was very good because she had a vacant position; she was not trying to terminate people when there were vacant positions; and now it goes beyond that to what the Commissioners individually think about items.  He stated he wants to move from what the County Manager has distributed to the Board to each individual Commissioner and how he or she feels about what to do about the budget. 

 

Commissioner Voltz stated she has a question about the essential Central Florida Regional Planning Council; there was issues as to whether the County was going to pay it 23 cents a head or what some of the other counties have paid; and inquired if anyone knows what the other counties are doing as far as reducing the fees.  County Manager Peggy Busacca responded Orange County did not pay the full assessment last year; she sent the Commissioners copies of the letter between the Central Florida Regional Planning Council and the Orange County Representative that said the assessment was owed and it would try to work out some sort of services agreement so the Council still gets its money and the County gets some kind of service from it that can be pointed to showing this is what was gotten for the amount of money Orange County did not provide; Seminole County Manager has recommended to her Board that it reduce the money paid to the Central Florida Regional Planning Council; and Brevard County has done this before, paid the Council quarterly, and it is her understanding that the County never gets off the hook.  Chairman Scarborough stated there was a point in time a few years ago when Brevard County did not pay; and it was treated so warmly when attending the meetings.  Ms. Busacca advised the County is mandated by the State to participate.  Commissioner Voltz inquired if Seminole County paid one cents difference; with Ms. Busacca responding it recommended a reduction of 10 percent, which would be about two cents per person.  Commissioner Nelson stated it was reduced to 21 cents from 23 cents.  Ms. Busacca stated Seminole County said it was going to recommended in its budget that it pays the Council 10 percent less. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated it gets very difficult to be over there in that room talking about the budget; if the Board wants to suggest a bigger cut, he would suggest he write the Chairs of all of the counties; and if each of the board’s from other counties want a reduction, it will have a lot more weight.  Commissioner Voltz stated this year the Council was talking about giving its employees a four percent raise, while Brevard County employees are getting nothing; and she cannot justify that to the taxpayers in Brevard County.  Chairman Scarborough inquired if the Board wants to take an arbitrary number of 15 cents per head.  Commissioner Voltz stated the Council is giving its employees a four percent raise on the money Brevard County gives to them.  Chairman Scarborough stated that is because it is getting more than needed. 

 

Commissioner Colon stated the Board has already written letters; the Board has already been down this path; inquired why is the Board acting like it does not know what it did last year.  She stated the Board talked to the County Attorney and the Board was told there is nothing that can be done; the Board needs to go a step further; she sent a letter when she was Chair of the Board; and it was a strong letter that did not go anywhere.  Chairman Scarborough inquired if the Board asked for a reduced amount; with Commissioner Colon responding yes.  She advised things are not going to get any better; and inquired who the Board needs to speak with to permanently fix the problem.  Chairman Scarborough inquired if Commissioner Colon can get the Board a copy of the letter she sent out last year; with Commissioner Colon responding yes. 

 

Commissioner Voltz advised she was not on the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council last year and is not sure how much of a raise it gave its employees; but in the time right now when Brevard County employees are not getting raises, she has a problem paying them. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the fees were reduced last year; even if the employees got raises, the amount was reduced by two cents last year; one of the things that has happened is the Council has built up money over time to buy a building; and he suggested maybe this is the year the Council needs to use some of its reserves and make it up when times are better.  Commissioner Bolin stated Orange County voted with Brevard County and then the next meeting voted against Brevard County.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated if the letters are mailed to the Commissioners to be discussed at that level, there will be a different type of response because it is difficult to go to the Council meetings and vote against the fees.  Commissioner Nelson stated he likes the 10 percent.

 

Ms. Busacca stated Mr. Whitten found the email and the recommendation was 11 percent.  Commissioner Nelson stated that is consistent with what some of the other agencies have taken in terms of reductions. 

 

Ms. Busacca stated if the Board wants to put this in the Legislative Package, staff can certainly do that; in the north part of the State, the Regional Planning Council’s function as the local planning agencies in those small counties that already limited; the Council is very popular in the north part of the State; and it would be an uphill battle to get rid of the Regional Planning Council.  Commissioner Colon stated not to get rid of it, but to get the fees lowered.

 

Chairman Scarborough inquired if Commissioner Colon wrote to the Chairs of the other Boards; with Commissioner Colon responding yes, they did not respond.  Commissioner Nelson stated he would like to see Brevard County match the 11 percent reduction like Seminole County.  Commissioner Voltz stated the Board should also in the letter include those Governor appointees from Brevard County and other counties because they are just left out of the loop.  Chairman Scarborough inquired if they vote; with Commissioner Nelson responding yes.

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to direct staff to compose a letter to the county commissioner and other voting members of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, requesting them to vote for an 11 percent reduction in dues to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council as Brevard is following Seminole County due to budget constraints; and bring the letter back to the Board for approval.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously. 

 

 

Commissioner Colon inquired if the Board is looking at the million dollars; and how does the Board sit there and pick.  Commissioner Nelson suggested looking at the second list.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated she wants to look at the First Responder Program as it was kind of left up in the air; and if it goes to a reduction, that will be money that will be freed up to be put into another area.  Chairman Scarborough stated if the Board does find a million dollars it may want to put it in reserves.  Commissioner Bolin stated the County may need it for a rainy day.  Commissioner Nelson stated what the Board has is an additional list; the Board has had significant discussions today; but he may see something that would change his mind. 

 

Ms. Busacca stated when the Board gets to the Fire Rescue portion, the EMS Specialist has already been eliminated in the budget, so that is no longer available; and the preventative maintenance has already been reduced significantly.  Commissioner Bolin inquired in Fire Rescue if the Board has ever looked at the support staff as far as any reductions.  Ms. Busacca responded that the Board will need to ask Chief Farmer.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated he does not support reducing the Agricultural and Extension Agent; and the Agricultural people are a huge part of the population.  Chairman Scarborough stated that will stay. 

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired if the Budget Analyst is different from last year; with Mr. Whitten responding last year it was an existing vacancy; stated this year the Budget Office has already lost one; there is a vacancy, which is recent; and the County just lost an Analyst that went to the private sector out of state.  He stated the Budget Office is still coordinating reimbursement from Hurricane Floyd, which was in 1999; in 2004 staff is not through; there is the wildfires; and then Tropical Storm Fay.  He stated it is tight as it has ever been in the Budget Office; it is complicated budgeting in the State of Florida with all of the changes; and this is as critical of a position as he can see within the Management Services Group.  Commissioner Voltz stated the Board probably does not want to do this. 

 

Ms. Busacca stated she asked staff to come up with a 10 and 20 percent cut; these came from staff’s 20 percent cuts; so it is at the point where these are significant cuts to everyone.

 

Commissioner Nelson requested staff explain exactly what the Fiscal Analyst is.  Mr. Whitten stated this is the first time in a long time that the inventory has been reconciled within one fiscal year, which is a statutory requirement.

 

Commissioner Colon stated she wants to understand what the Board is doing here; and inquired if this sheet represents additional cuts.  Ms. Busacca responded yes.  Commissioner Colon stated this is on top of the cuts the Board had already been given.  She stated the Board should be looking at what it is the Board had spoken to regarding priority.  Chairman Scarborough stated he is more inclined to look at the needs first, and then come over to the other list and find and additional cuts. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated if the Board is looking at doing it under that type of context then maybe he would agree to go to this list now; but he thought the Board was handling it as a different process because he would just like to deal off of this and deal with the million dollars; and he will be a hard sell to go to additional cuts because he does not want to cut someone this year in anticipation that it may be cut next year. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated if the Board looks at this sheet at SCAT, the Board has to decide if it is going to try and find $350,000 somewhere in the budget by axing this and putting it towards something else.  Chairman Scarborough stated that is correct.  Commissioner Bolin stated with Agriculture and Extension Services she would like to find $30,000 so the County can have the Center open for the people in the evening.  Commissioner Nelson agreed with that.  Chairman Scarborough stated not to find $30,000 one at a time but to put it all together first.  Commissioner Bolin requested that item be put on the add list. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated he is particularly concerned with Facilities; and requested Steve Quickel be allowed to speak first. 

 

Commissioner Colon stated that is a $1.1 million ticket item.  Chairman Scarborough advised the whole item does not have to be approved; and a portion of that item can be approved and another portion not. 

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired if emergency repairs are materials or a reserve; with Facilities Director Steve Quickel responding this is the figure through managing risks that staff feels the Department may have to face next year; and stated it will cover materials and subcontracts.  Commission Nelson inquired how it relates to the budget; and has Mr. Quickel cut the line items by “X” amount of dollars to hit $600,000; with Mr. Quickel responding this is the money that was being identified as a result of the last Board meeting where Chairman Scarborough said perhaps staff needs to look at what it might need to carry a Department through this year.  Commissioner Nelson inquired if that can be addressed through reserves.  Mr. Quickel stated it was his understanding to be able to come back with some degree of identification what Facilities may be liable for this year; and it does not have to be spent, but it may be a liability.  Chairman Scarborough stated the devil is in the details; he sees one-half a million dollars; and that needs to be explained to the Board further. 

 

Mr. Quickel stated if the opportunity occurs to bring staff on board and handle the repairs with staff, it will generally cost one-third for labor costs alone of what it would cost if the County had to hire a contractor to do that; the less people the Facilities Department has, it will almost be a double jeopardy; staff will be forced to go out more and more to hire contractors to do this work because staff does not have the capacity to do that.  He advised looking at some rough numbers for plumbers typically the in-house rate is $24 per hour; when staff has to go outside the price is $61 per hour to do the same thing; and it is same for electricians, air conditioning repair, etc. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated under the funded cuts it lists 10 vacant positions; those include Air Conditioning Mechanics, two Air Conditioning Mechanic I’s, General Repair Tech, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, Painter, and Construction Coordinator; and inquired if those positions are not cut, Mr. Quickel has the ability to continue to maintain the system at the current level.  Mr. Quickel responded he would like to have the composition of four plumbers, four Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) mechanics, two electricians, and a coordinator to help work with the contractors that the County does have to bring on board, when it cannot be done in-house.  He stated he wants to present a process where there is as much flexibility as possible to meet the needs; and there are not adequate people on staff to handle the current workload.

 

Ms. Busacca inquired if Mr. Quickel knew he was not getting $509,000 and he was getting $200,000 what would the priorities be; with Mr. Quickel responding the biggest problem being faced is the HVAC systems; stated it is summertime, it is hot, and the systems are breaking and failing; come wintertime there may be plumbers needed; but he assures the Board that the County’s needs are going to fall within these areas and staff needs the flexibility to bring these people on. 

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired how many positions did Facilities cut last year; with Mr. Quickel responding seven last year and 10 this year.  Commissioner Nelson stated the Board has cut to the point that there is no cutting left; if something breaks down and a contractor needs to be called, it will still cost money; there will be a point in time where whatever is actually budged is burned through, which is not adequate, to address what is going to happen to the County during the course of the year. 

 

Mr. Whitten stated when Mr. Quickel says flexibility, his request would be some compliment of the 10 workers plus the maintenance dollars; he is not taking off of the table the need for the maintenance dollars; there are two issues; there is the reduction in the vacant positions; but also the reduction in operating dollars.  He stated Mr. Quickel does not have enough money in his budget to go out and pay for the $81 an hour plumber.  Mr. Quickel stated that is correct; but he will maximize the money spent to get the most he can with what he has got.  He noted if the manpower is not on board nothing can be done; and staff is totally at the mercy of hiring contractors to do the work; if there is someone on board a system can be looked at; there may not be the money to replace the item; but it could possibly be repaired to get the most out of it if there is someone on staff that can repair it.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated she is a supporter of funding Facilities as many of the buildings are falling apart; and as she looks at the economy, for the Board to hire outside people will cost the County a lot more in the long run than to pay the $80 an hour to fix the air conditioning.  She stated if someone is needed the business needs to go to the community as those people are desperate for work.  Mr. Quickel stated if staff was at a level where it has been meeting its requirements and there was a period where there was a little increase and need for maintenance, he would suggest going out to hire contractors to carry the peak and the demand; they are far from that level; and the needs right now, if they had these 10 positions, there would still be problems dealing daily with priorities and decisions to keep up.  He advised for the past two or three years 17 positions were lost in the Facilities Department; the service being delivered three years ago is not as great as what the needs are today; there has been no additional manpower to stay up with the growth in the County; the buildings are getting older and failing more frequently; and at some point in time if they do not catch up they will be spending large sums of money on comprehensive renovation projects throughout the County.  He stated he has been involved in school systems that spent $3.5 billion simply because the maintenance was not taken care of along the line; it took about 10 years to end up in that predicament; but it happens very quickly.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated the County facilities are very important; it is like not replacing a roof on a home; and it is vitally important to do those kinds of things.  She inquired if those are vacant positions; with Mr. Quickel responding yes.  Mr. Quickel stated they do not necessarily want to have positions; and they would love to have that money put in the operating budget where they can go out and hire the people needed when he or she is needed.  He stated by putting in the operational budget where if the opportunity to make the maximum use of it, bringing people on board and being successful with that where it does not have to be contracted out, staff is perfectly happy to live with that; staff wants to be a flexible as possible; and they feel the pain that the County is feeling.

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired how many of those vacant positions that were unfilled from last year are continuously unfilled for this year and is it part of the 10 positions; with Mr. Quickel responding they are not part of the 10 positions. 

 

Commissioner Nelson suggested leaving the $509,379 in the budget and let Mr. Whitten and Ms. Busacca work on the allocation of that to meet the needs based on the discussion.  Chairman Scarborough stated from what he hears, Mr. Quickel is not interested in the positions, but the flexibility, which would be both of the two, which is the one, one; so rather than getting the one, one perhaps flexibility with a lesser amount. 

 

Mr. Quickel stated they are on board; they are going to hang on as long as they can with what they have.  Commissioner Voltz stated Facilities always has as staff does a great job.  Mr. Quickel stated he does not want to say they will be a failure or the world is coming to an end; that is not in their discipline; they fix things; and this is a challenge to see what they can do with how little money is there.  He advised Ms. Busacca said at the last workshop that staff is full of ideas and resources; it runs through the entire Facilities Department; and the Board is getting its money’s worth with the Facilities staff.

 

Commissioner Colon stated she understands the Board is going to get more feedback from Ms. Williams concerning Housing and Human Services needs; it is already September and the clock is ticking; and she requested the Board look at $200,000 for Housing and Human Services as a number to at least work with.  She advised the Board gave direction to Ms. Williams to give the Board more input.  Chairman Scarborough stated the $200,000 is a fair number.  Ms. Busacca stated she will put that on the list.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated the Board is looking at two items, the reinstatement of deleted vacant Animal Enforcement position and fee increase to fund insurance coverage.  Animal Services and Enforcement Director Craig Engelson stated the last time he was before the Board he got the sense that a fee increase was not something the Board wants to do as far as animal license tags, so if he does not do the fee increase he would still be left with a shortfall in coverage for insurance from his General Fund transfer.  He stated there are 16 officers and this will bring him to 15; covering the County is very difficult; it will be a disservice to the community to eliminate that position; and he is requesting reinstating the one officer to make the 16 officers to cover the County. 

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired what the Animal Services reduction was in budget last year; with Mr. Engelson minimum as he did not lose any positions.  Ms. Busacca stated Animal Services goes out in the fires, hurricanes, and helps other counties and states.  Mr. Engelson stated the Department covers all municipalities, cities, and the entire County; his staff does a pretty good job; but there is always a shortfall and the Commissioners are the ones who get those telephone calls.  Ms. Busacca stated with the economic conditions deteriorating there will be additional homeless animals and additional work for Animal Services.

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired if there is a vacant position that Animal Services needs to fill or is someone going to be laid off; with Mr. Engelson responding it is a vacant position.  Commissioner Voltz inquired how long the position has been vacant; with Mr. Engelson responding since May.  Mr. Engelson stated there was a person who left the Department; and it would have been filled but it was on the list of potential cuts. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated there was a fee increase consideration; and inquired how much income was determined if that was revisited would it be.  Mr. Engelson responded with a $1 increase it would add $74,000 additional dollars.  Commissioner Voltz inquired why Board does not do that.  Commissioner Nelson stated it will be exactly what the State Legislature said the Board would do it said that local governments will raise all fees to offset property taxes.  Commissioner Voltz stated the Board needs to look at each one of these things individually.  Commissioner Nelson stated he agrees but does not want to do it in light of a budget process; and it is a discussion for outside of the budget process.  

 

Chairman Scarborough stated the Board talked about what the City of Cocoa is doing with its water rates and bringing money into the City and taxing people outside of the City. 

 

Chairman Scarborough passed the gavel to Commissioner Nelson.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to increase the animal tag fee from $9 to $10 and take those funds to use for the deleted Animal Enforcement position.  Motion failed.  Commissioners Nelson and Colon voted nay.

 

 

Commissioner Nelson passed the gavel to Chairman Scarborough.

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired if the position was reinstated could the budget be adjusted to cover the increased costs otherwise; in other words, the Department would get a little over half of the request to fund the position but will have to tighten up in other areas to cover the postage costs.  Mr. Engelson advised the Department has done that already; he has increased the hopeful revenues that could be made to cover any of those losses; he is not sure if he could look deeper into this; but he will take the opportunity to do it.  Commissioner Colon stated because the person left, it has caused everyone to have to pick up more. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated he would be fine with funding the position, but to have Mr. Engelson adjust to address whatever the shortfall is; and if it is greater than the $33,000 that is a different issue.  Mr. Engelson stated his postage is not covered as it was moved into the Facilities budget.  Commissioner Nelson stated it is confusing because it shows up under Facilities.  Ms. Busacca stated the reason it was done that way is because Facilities said if they do not have to pay for the postage then it could be used for facilities; and what Mr. Engelson does is send out notices to remind people.  Mr. Engelson stated in the original onset was that the $1 tag increase was to cover the cost of postage as well as the cost of health insurance increases, which left the Department with about $14,000 extra that they would have had based on fee increases; and it was not to cover the officer position. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated the Board has not really finished the conversation.  Ms. Busacca stated there is another date of September 18, 2008, which has been approved by all of the Board Members; and staff wanted to keep that open because in case Ike hits Central Florida.  Chairman Scarborough stated he does not want to get to the meeting on September 23, 2008 and have too wide of a discussion because there may be questions that cannot be answered. 

 

Commissioner Colon inquired if anyone else has to make this decision regarding fee increases to fund insurance coverage or was Animal Services the only one; with Ms. Busacca responded people did it in various ways; stated some people reduced operating expenses; and there were a lot of ways that different departments took that health insurance increase.  Commissioner Colon inquired if these County employees would be the only ones affected if they do not get the funds; with Ms. Busacca responding staff will get health insurance, it just means that something will be cut from the Animal Services operating budget. 

 

Commissioner Voltz stated there is a million dollars possibly to fund the Baker Act beds and she understands that will probably not happen, but she would like to leave something potentially in there for the funding for the Baker Act beds.  Chairman Scarborough stated he agrees but since the Board is having another meeting on September 18^th, the parts are still moving and these issues can be discussed.

 

Commissioner Colon inquired how many more budget meetings are there after September 18^th; with Ms. Busacca responding September 23^rd is the adoption.  Chairman Scarborough stated the Board can talk the day of the adoption but he thinks it is scary to get there on the last day and ask too many detailed questions. 

 

 

 

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

 

 

 

ATTEST:                                                        

                                                                         _________________________________

             TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH, CHAIRMAN

                                                                         BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                         BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

___________________

SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK

 

     (S E A L)