The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on September 22, 1998, at 5:34 p.m. in the Government Center Commission Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida. Present were: Chairman Helen Voltz, Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Randy O'Brien, Nancy Higgs, and Mark Cook, County Manager Tom Jenkins, and Assistant County Attorney Shannon Wilson. Absent was: *County Attorney Scott Knox.

The Invocation was given by Chairman Helen Voltz.

Commissioner Truman Scarborough led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

REPORT, RE: FOOTBALL SCORES

Commissioner O'Brien stated Merritt Island beat Astronaut 21-28, Cocoa beat Eau Gallie 21-6, Rockledge beat Central 35-0, and Cocoa Beach beat Tampa 20-13; and Merritt Island, Cocoa, and Cocoa Beach High Schools are in his District. He advised Jessica Shultz gave Jellico High School a place in history when she became the first girl on a varsity football team in Tennessee to score a touchdown.

*County Attorney Scott Knox's presence and Assistant County Attorney Shannon Wilson's absence were noted at this time.

APPROVAL, RE: REMOVAL OF CONDEMNED HOUSE AT 9 OHIO STREET IN COCOA

Commissioner Cook stated he faxed information to the Commissioners concerning a house at 9 Ohio Street in Cocoa; the house was condemned in 1989; and requested permission for the County Manager and County Attorney to do whatever it takes to remove the house. He stated he visited the site; and it is a health and safety hazard.

Motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to direct the County Manager and County Attorney to do whatever is necessary to get rid of the condemned house at 9 Ohio Street in Cocoa. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Commissioner Cook stated there is a tent on the property also; he does not know who is living there; and requested Social Services investigate.

PERMISSION TO TRAVEL, RE: AIR FORCE TOUR

Chairman Voltz stated she received a letter from Brigadier General F. Randall Starbuck inviting various officials on a tour of two facilities in Colorado and Wyoming; EDC Director Lynda Weatherman advises someone should go because the 45th Space Wing is one of the biggest employers in the County; and requested permission to travel.

Motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to grant permission for any Commissioner to travel to the Department of Air Force tour of facilities in Colorado and Wyoming on October 20 and 21, 1998.

Commissioner Scarborough advised he will not be attending due to a scheduling conflict. Commissioner Cook stated he will not be attending.

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

APPROVAL, RE: SCHEDULE CHANGE

Chairman Voltz stated October 20, 1998 is a night meeting; nothing has been advertised for that meeting; and suggested canceling the October 20 meeting, and changing the October 13, 1998 meeting to 5:30 p.m.

Motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner O'Brien, to cancel the October 20, 1998 Board meeting and change the October 13, 1998 meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENT, RE: PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN AGGREGATE MILLAGE FROM AGGREGATE ROLLED BACK RATE

Budget Director Kathy Wall stated the aggregate rolled back rate is 6.6751 mills; the aggregate tentative rate is 6.6751 mills; and there is no percentage change.

Commissioner Scarborough stated it is necessary to follow a strict structure; and requested Ms. Wall advise of the format. Ms. Wall outlined the procedure.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: FY 1998-99 BUDGET

Chairman Voltz called for the public hearing to consider the FY 1998-99 budget.

Marilyn Rigerman advised of the advantages of arts programs; and spoke in favor of keeping the Cultural Grants Program in place.

Clarence Rowe spoke in favor of funding for the CDBG Program, the Child Care Association, and public transportation; and advised of the impacts of the Welfare to Work Reform. He advised of the population, unemployment rate, average wage and housing in the City of Cocoa.

Commissioner O'Brien advised how transportation and food were handled at his business; and requested the Board consider working with Mr. Rowe and other community leaders to conduct a survey to see what the transportation needs are and what kind of bus schedule would be best for the community. Chairman Voltz stated she would rather spend money on bus transportation than a handout. Commissioner O'Brien stated the County receives millions of federal dollars to have bus transportation available to the public; and he is not sure the County is serving as well as it should. He stated the County might be doing the best it can with what it has; and inquired if the County can do better to serve the poor neighborhoods with high unemployment to break the chain of unemployment.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated staff will work with Mr. Rowe and other community members to identify and address the needs.

Commissioner O'Brien requested Mr. Rowe report to the Board in February or March, 1999.

Commissioner Cook stated he and Mr. Rowe sit on the Wages Coalition which is specifically targeted for Welfare to Work and the Workforce Development Board; and what is needed is a coordinated effort to find the best way to implement the plans. He advised of the impacts of the limitation on entitlements; and stated transportation is the key.

Commissioner Higgs stated following Mr. Rowe's presentation at the last meeting, she requested information from staff on how the County might assist with child care; and each Commissioner received copies of the information. She stated the Children's Services Council as well as others have identified children's health and child care as the priorities; the Council did an in-depth assessment of the needs of children; the Board funds the Child Care Association; but there are still unmet needs. She stated the County also operates a child care Before-school/After-school Program which is self-funded; the County does not subsidize child care; and the Parks and Recreation Department estimated approximately 50 children could be served through a contribution of $25,000 to the Before-school/After-school Program. She stated those programs have not been available for those children whose parents do not have the income to provide the payment; and suggested the Board provide funding through the program. She stated if the Board contributes money to the match for the Healthy Kids Program, there would be considerable return on that investment; a $25,000 match would bring almost a quarter of a million dollars in federal and State funds to provide health insurance for uninsured children; and there are approximately 16,000 uninsured children in the County. She stated the Healthy Kids Program requires a match from the local level and a funding from federal and State government to allow parents to purchase health insurance; parents provide a portion of the payment; and it is a combination program.

Commissioner Higgs stated there is approximately $250,000 that has been applied for by the Sheriff as reimbursement by FEMA for services during the fire; when that money comes through, it could be used to fund the Alternative Sentencing Program; and suggested the Board consider committing $200,000 of the reimbursement amount to the Sheriff's Alternative Sentencing Program, and commit $100,000 up-front until the reimbursement comes in. Commissioner Higgs stated the Board would receive full reimbursement once the FEMA monies come forward, but the commitment would allow the program to continue in operation.

Chairman Voltz inquired if Commissioner Higgs' intent is two $25,000 grants for the After-school Care and Health Care. Commissioner Higgs stated the Board may want to consider two $25,000 allocations; and if $250,000 is coming back, there may be a possibility of funding alternative sentencing and the two children's programs. Chairman Voltz inquired about the time line for getting the reimbursement from FEMA; with Ms. Wall responding the Sheriff applied for it, and Mr. Abels may wish to respond. Ms. Wall advised the money shown in the supplement is the State reimbursement; and inquired if the $250,000 is from the federal reimbursement portion.

Mike Abels, Sheriff's Finance Officer, advised the $250,000 has been applied for by the Sheriff approximately 30 to 45 days ago; and it is for the federal reimbursement. Chairman Voltz inquired how long it could take; with Mr. Abels responding he does not know; but his experience has been that it takes from six months to one and one-half years. Chairman Voltz inquired if there is something the County can do to speed things up; with Mr. Abels responding he cannot address that, but it is done based on how quickly the officials within FEMA can work through their reimbursement channels to get the money back to the County. Chairman Voltz inquired if the Board takes action and the money does not come for two years, what will happen next year and where will the money come from; and stated the Sheriff has been funding this all along, but now needs more money in order for the program to run. Commissioner Higgs stated her request to use the FEMA money is reasonable in that the County knows the money will come, although not when it will come; the Board has the opportunity in this budget to look at being in a good financial position; and the indications are that it may be possible to allocate additional revenues. She stated if that is the case, the budget is not so tight that the Board will not be able to handle it if the revenue from FEMA does not come in; there is every possibility that the revenue which was expended from this year's Sheriff budget would come back to the County; and it is not like new money going to the Sheriff.

Chairman Voltz stated she does not have a problem with it, but the funds were not in the Sheriff's budget this year. Commissioner Higgs stated the $250,000 was expended out of this year's budget.

Discussion ensued on expenditure from previous budget, using FEMA money to allow program to continue, need for funding in next fiscal year, value of the Alternative Sentencing Program, responsibility of the Sheriff, and documentation of expenses to receive money from FEMA.

Commissioner Scarborough advised of the Sheriff's involvement in the fire event which qualifies for reimbursement by FEMA. Mr. Abels explained how a claim is made to FEMA. Commissioner Scarborough inquired about hard dollar costs; with Mr. Abels outlining the costs for overtime, unanticipated operational costs, logistical costs and support for those in the field as well as the documentation required. Commissioner Scarborough inquired about full compensation from FEMA; with Mr. Abels responding typically it is 75%, and the State comes in with 25% on some occasions, but usually it never equals 100% of the total cost incurred. Commissioner Scarborough stated the Sheriff's budget is taking an economic hit in FY 1997-98 by an event over which the County had no control and did not budget for; and the Board is talking about moving those monies to a program that was previously funded. He stated this is a one-time stream of funds; and it will indicate to the community that the additional funding will be in next year's budget to continue the program. He stated the County did not get a gift of $250,000. Mr. Abels stated the Sheriff, realizing the type of expenditures that would be incurred, directed staff to look at areas where overtime exposure could be reduced in other operations.

Dick Cottrell spoke in favor of maintaining the Sheriff's farm; advised of staffing changes at the farm; and requested the Sheriff look into the administrative additions at the farm. He requested the current budget be compared with the FY 1996 budget. Chairman Voltz stated she will get a copy for Mr. Cottrell.

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to commit $200,000 of the FEMA reimbursement to the continued operation of the Alternative Sentencing Program, and set aside $100,000 for operation of the Alternative Sentencing Program with repayment to come from the $200,000 FEMA money. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Commissioner Cook stated on the other two issues, the Board has never subsidized one of them. Commissioner Higgs stated the Board never provided any subsidization to the Parks and Recreation program; it is a self-sustaining program with the parents paying the full cost; but there are a lot of children who are unable to attend such programs due to cost; and suggested the Board set up a scholarship-type program with $25,000 which should allow approximately 50 children to participate in the child care program. She stated the program operates throughout the County; staff would have to work on how to handle this; and it would leverage the County's money. She stated the County would put forward some money; the parents would pay at least half of it; and there would be more children in productive after-school programs. She advised of crime statistics. Commissioner Cook inquired if Commissioner Higgs is suggesting a sliding scale. Commissioner Higgs advised the County would continue to operate the program as it has; parents who are able to do so will pay full cost; but for those parents who are unable to pay, there will be a scholarship program with parents paying half the amount.

Commissioner O'Brien stated he understands where the Board is trying to go, and compliments Commissioner Higgs on the thought; however, once a program is started, it is almost impossible to get out of the program. He stated there is a windfall this year, and the Board is finding ways to spend it; but he is not sure this is the way to go about that. He stated everyone is worried about children's programs and what to do after school; but he is concerned when a new program is started because if it is not funded next year, parents will protest. He recommended it not be started so the Board will not have to worry about what will happen in the future when it cannot afford it; outlined various other requests for funding; and stated he cannot support this.

Commissioner Higgs stated there are expectations that may continue after this year; she has seen an increased level of concern in the community about what is done for children; the program is highly successful and competently run; and the provision of additional financial resources by the Board is reasonable. She stated it is an investment that will pay off in quality child care and helping children be productive and not a part of the juvenile crime statistics; and suggested setting it up as a one-time program and evaluating it to see if it is worthwhile. Commissioner O'Brien expressed preference for building a facility in Cocoa to give free child care for those who are working. He stated if the County is going to give free child care, it would have to be for the very poor; and the child center should be in the neighborhood where it is needed the most. Commissioner Higgs stated the program is in neighborhood schools; and it is not free child care but a portion will be paid for by parents. She noted there are people all over the County working to provide a good situation for their children; the program is excellent for before and after-school care; and that is what she is suggesting be expanded.

Commissioner Cook stated the Board does fund child care in the County to a significant level; and if the $25,000 could be leveraged for the Healthy Kids Program, there is a possibility of getting an enormous return, serving over 1,000 children who could not otherwise get health insurance. He indicated his support of the Healthy Kids initiative.

Chairman Voltz stated the after-school program stops at the end of the year; and the Board would only be funding from October 1 through May 30, 1999. Commissioner Higgs stated the figures from staff were on a 37-week cycle that would fund not only the school period but also a summer program. Chairman Voltz inquired if it is the same program in summer; with Commissioner Higgs responding no, it goes from a before-school/after-school program to a day camp program. Chairman Voltz inquired the same people run the program; with Commissioner Higgs responding staff is supplemented and changed because there are more children in the summer, but basically it is the same program.

Commissioner Cook stated the Board has never subsidized the program in this way; the County does subsidize Country Acres in Titusville for troubled youngsters; and expressed hesitation about using a one-time windfall for something that would be a recurring cost. He inquired if there are grants available. Parks and Recreation Director Charles Nelson stated on rare occasions Housing and Human Services has provided some funding for drug elimination areas but those are rare; and currently there are none. Commissioner Cook inquired if CBO funding would be available for something like that; with Chairman Voltz responding CBO funding for whatever the Board wants. Commissioner Higgs stated the Girls and Boys Clubs operate similar programs with funding from the CBO funding. Commissioner Cook stated there are numerous after-school programs. Chairman Voltz suggested increasing one of the existing budgets with the stipulation that it be used to increase child care; and stated that would be better than running the program. Commissioner Cook stated that would be better than the direct intervention of the County; most of the programs are contracted out; child care is important, and the County subsidizes it; and there might be another mechanism where there is not a direct line item. Commissioner Higgs suggested setting aside $25,000 for staff to come back with recommendations on before and after-school care for young people.

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, to direct staff to come back with recommendations on the Before and After-school Care Program. Motion died for lack of a second.

Commissioner Scarborough stated the prior action of using the FEMA funds for the Sheriff's budget has created an amount which will go into reserves, which will allow this continuous dialogue; and it is not necessary for this to be allocated tonight. He stated it is not that the Board is not committed to doing something in this regard, but there are questions and need for additional information on options.

Chairman Voltz stated the Board knows the money is there; and it does not always have to spend every penny that it has.

Commissioner Higgs stated some additional money may be there, and she would like the Board to commit to the two programs.

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, to direct staff to come back with specifics on how the Board could enhance the Before and After-school Care Programs, and tentatively set aside $25,000 for that purpose. Motion died for lack of a second.

Commissioner O'Brien stated he cannot go that route; the health care of children is paramount and he can support it; but he cannot support beginning a new program with the County subsidizing. Commissioner Higgs stated the Board already allocates money to a number of community based organizations which provide child care. Commissioner Scarborough stated he would prefer just to get the report without allocating specific dollars. Chairman Voltz suggested scheduling this on a future agenda. Commissioner Scarborough stated the Board should come back and talk about it; he does not know the magic formula; and the program should drive the money, rather than the money driving the program.

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to direct staff to come back to the Board with recommendations and a synopsis of before and after-school programs the Board is currently involved with. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner O'Brien, to direct that $25,000 be set aside to be used by the Children's Services Council for the Healthy Kids Program to provide health insurance to Brevard children.

Chairman Voltz stated there is a possible grant for that. Commissioner Higgs stated those dollars are leveraged. Commissioner Cook stated those dollars could be leveraged up to $785,000.

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

Chairman Voltz stated she received information from the Budget Office on the Supervisor of Elections' voting system; the Board has been reluctant to do anything; and if Mr. Galey buys the voting tabulation equipment using commercial paper with the difference in payment coming from his PUBLIC HEARING, RE: FY 1998-99 BUDGET (CONTINUED)

budget, it would be a good idea. Ms. Wall stated the annual payments on Mr. Galey's request of $940,000 would be $217,116 annually; he can find savings of $83,700; and that would leave $133,416 unfunded for a five-year period.

Commissioner Cook stated he does not have a problem discussing this, but it should be an agenda item as it is a million dollar expenditure. Chairman Voltz stated she agrees, but since it is budget time, she wanted to ask Mr. Galey if he could come up with the difference. She stated there are several different ways to fund this.

Supervisor of Elections Fred Galey stated the Board has continued to cut his budget and contingency funds to $32,000 instead of $100,000; he showed staff where to save $82,000; and for the Board to think he can come up with another $130,000 is a pipe dream. He stated there are certain things which must be funded to do the operation; and an extra $130,000 does not fit. He stated Florida State Law says the Commissioners buy the voting equipment; it is a decision the Board has to make; and if it cannot be done, it cannot be done, and when they finish counting, they finish counting. He stated the ballots will be counted accurately; and this was a way to save money.

Chairman Voltz inquired if the savings would be in employee costs if Mr. Galey had the new equipment. Mr. Galey responded it is in the cost associated with the counting and tabulation of the ballots; the portion of employee cost now for running the voter registration system is not going to change, but will continue to grow with growth in the County; but he showed staff how the cost in the voter tabulation would be reduced over the current system by $83,000. Chairman Voltz inquired if that is per year; with Mr. Galey responding yes, but not by $200,000 a year. Mr. Galey stated what he submitted to the Board two, three and four years ago was how to save $72,000 to $83,000 per year; the system would have paid for itself in a ten or eleven-year period; but there is no way to take an additional $130,000 over the $80,000. Chairman Voltz inquired if there is any way for Mr. Galey to have any money from his budget for this purpose; with Mr. Galey responding he showed staff how to save the $83,000. Mr. Galey noted money was available several years ago which the Board took for something else; when money was available, the Board decided not to fund it; now the Board wants him to fund it entirely from his own budget; and there is no way he can do that. Chairman Voltz inquired how many years financing is the amount of money Ms. Wall mentioned. Ms. Wall responded that is for a five-year period. Chairman Voltz inquired if it could be done for ten years; with Ms. Wall responding it can be done for longer periods of time, but cautioned about going over the useful life of the equipment; and stated eleven years is the payback period for the $83,000 annual savings. Chairman Voltz inquired about financing for ten years; with County Manager Tom Jenkins responding staff can look at that. Chairman Voltz advised if it was financed over ten years, Mr. Galey would not even be paying what he is paying now; and that may be better. Mr. Galey stated the Board will have to look at those figures and decide what it wants to do; Florida law says that he will operate with the equipment the Board buys; and he showed how to save the money, but the Board has chosen not to do it. He stated the November 3, 1998 election will have seven cards; he will be counting approximately 1.4 million cards; and it will be a long time. He advised of voting patterns which will result in some races being ignored. Chairman Voltz noted that would not change with the new equipment; with Mr. Galey responding it would only be one card.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FINAL MILLAGES FOR FY 1998-99

Chairman Voltz called for a public hearing to consider resolution establishing final millages for FY 1998-99.

General Fund

Senior Budget Analyst Neil Boynton stated the General Fund millage for FY 1997-98 was 4.2796 mills; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 4.2345 mills; and the tax revenue based on the millage for FY 1998-99 is $63,805,760.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for the General Fund at 4.2345 mills. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Free Public Library District

Mr. Boynton stated the Free Public Library District millage for FY 1997-98 was 0.7385 mill; the tentative FY 1998-99 millage is 0.7306 mill; and the tax revenue based on the millage for FY 1998-99 is $11,008,735.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for the Free Public Library District at 0.7306 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Mosquito Control District

Budget Analyst Dennis Rogero stated the Mosquito Control District millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.2230 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.2206 mill; and the tax revenue based on the millage for FY 1998-99 is $3,324,017.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for the Mosquito Control District at 0.2206 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Fire Control MSTU

Mr. Rogero stated the Fire Control MSTU millage for FY 1997-98 is 1.5864 mills; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 1.5604 mills; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $10,814,142.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for the Mosquito Control District at 1.5604 mills. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Recreation District 1 MSTU

Mr. Boynton stated the Recreation District 1 MSTU millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.5290 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.5258 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $1,089,117.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for the Recreation District 1 MSTU at 0.5258 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance

Mr. Boynton stated the Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.5807 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.5743 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $891,766.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for the Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance at 0.5743 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority

Mr. Rogero stated the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.0253 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.0250 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $161,810.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority at 0.0250 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Law Enforcement MSTU

Mr. Rogero stated the Law Enforcement MSTU millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.8957 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.8815 mill; and tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $5,720,491.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for the Law Enforcement MSTU at 0.8815 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU

Mr. Boynton stated the Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.7922 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.7826 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $988,635.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for the Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU at 0.7826 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU

Mr. Boynton stated the Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.4440 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.4367 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $814,540.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner O'Brien, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for Road and Bridge District 2 at 0.4367 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU

Mr. Rogero stated the Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.6688 mill; the millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.6589 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $576,745.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU at 0.6589 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU

Mr. Rogero stated the Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.4867 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.4744 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $681,460.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU at 0.4744 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU

Mr. Boynton stated the Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.7421 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.7424 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $524,122.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU at 0.7424 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU

Mr. Boynton stated the Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.5952 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.5863 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $165,363.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU at 0.5863 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU

Mr. Boynton stated the Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.2465 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.2317 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $14,180.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU at 0.2317 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Environmentally Endangered Lands

Mr. Rogero stated the Environmentally Endangered Lands millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.2500 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.2500 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $3,767,019.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 millage rate for Environmentally Endangered Lands at 0.2500 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Beach and Riverfront Acquisition

Mr. Rogero stated the Beach and Riverfront Acquisition millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.2120 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.2120 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $3,194,432.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the FY 1998-99 Beach and Riverfront Acquisition millage for FY 1998-99 at 0.2120 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreational Facilities MSTU

Mr. Rogero stated the Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreational Facilities MSTU millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.8525 mill; the tentative millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.8398 mill; and the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $444,471.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant approval of the Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreational Facilities MSTU millage at 0.8398 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

The meeting recessed at 6:51 p.m. and reconvened at 7:00 p.m.

Ms. Wall announced the aggregate rolled back millage rate is 6.6751 mills; the aggregate adopted millage rate is 6.6751 mills; and there is no percentage of increase.

Commissioner Cook noted it is actually an overall reduction.

Mr. Boynton read aloud the title of the resolution adopting final millages for FY 1998-99.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to adopt Resolution to adopt final millages pursuant to Chapter 200, Florida Statutes, authorizing the Board of County Commissioners to adopt final millages for FY 1998-99 and providing an effective date. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: RESOLUTIONS ADOPTING FINAL MILLAGE FOR FY 1998-99 FOR DEPENDENT SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICTS

Chairman Voltz called for the public hearing to consider resolutions adopting final millage for FY 1998-99 for dependent special taxing districts.

Brevard County Free Public Library District

Senior Budget Analyst Neil Boynton read aloud the title of a resolution adopting a final millage for the Brevard County Free Public Library District for FY 1998-99. He stated the millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.7385 mill; the FY 1998-99 millage is 0.7306 mill; the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $11,008,735; and it does not represent an increase.

Commissioner O'Brien inquired why the adopted millage rate does not represent an increase over the FY 1998-99 rolled back millage rate. Mr. Boynton advised the millage is automatically adjusted to a rolled back rate so it will generate the same revenue in FY 1998-99 as was generated by the same taxable block of property in FY 1997-98; as a group, the taxable properties in the County did not pay an increased tax revenue to the County because of valuation increases in the property; the only increase the County government gets is from the new construction values; and if the millage is increased from the rolled back rate, the Board is required by law to announce the percentage of that increase over the rolled back rate. Commissioner O'Brien inquired if there is an increase in revenue from increased assessed value; with Mr. Boynton responding no. Commissioner O'Brien stated he received calls from people who claim that their taxes went up and had increases in their assessed value of their homes. Mr. Boynton advised he is talking about the County property owners as a group; individual properties might go up in assessment resulting in paying more taxes, but they are offset by other properties that did not go up; and because of the rollback provision, they would pay less taxes.

Discussion ensued on rollback, homestead exemption, Save Our Homes, interpretation of Department of Revenue, decrease of assessment for life of building, depreciation of rental property, and requirement of Property Appraiser to submit roll to Department of Revenue.

Brevard Mosquito Control District

Mr. Boynton read aloud the title of a resolution adopting a final millage for the Brevard Mosquito Control District for FY 1998-99. He stated the millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.2230 mill; the FY 1998-99 millage is 0.2206 mill; the tax revenues based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $3,324,017; and it does not represent an increase.

Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance

Mr. Boynton read aloud the title of a resolution adopting a final millage for the Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance for FY 1998-99. He stated the millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.5807 mill; the millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.5743 mill; the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $891,766; and it does not represent an increase.

Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority

Mr. Boynton read aloud the title of a resolution adopting a final millage for the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority for FY 1998-99. He stated the millage for FY 1997-98 is 0.0253 mill; the millage for FY 1998-99 is 0.0250 mill; the tax revenue based upon the millage for FY 1998-99 is $161,810; and it does not represent an increase.

There being no comments or objections, motion was made by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to adopt Resolutions adopting final millages for Free Public Library District at 0.7306 mill, Mosquito Control District at 0.2206 mill, Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance at .5743 mill, and Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority at 0.0250 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: RESOLUTION ADOPTING FINAL BUDGET FOR FY 1998-99

Chairman Voltz called for the public hearing to consider a resolution adopting final budget for FY 1998-99.

Budget Analyst Dennis Rogero read aloud the resolution to adopt the final budget for FY 1998-99 at $530,116,000.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to adopt Resolution adopting final budget for FY 1998-99 at $530,116,000. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: RESOLUTIONS APPROVING FY 1998-99 FINAL BUDGETS FOR DEPENDENT SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND ANNUAL CERTIFIED BUDGET FOR ARTHROPOD CONTROL

Chairman Voltz called for the public hearing to consider resolutions approving FY 1998-99 final budgets for dependent special districts.

Brevard County Free Public Library District

Budget Analyst Dennis Rogero read aloud the title of the resolution adopting the final operating budget for the Brevard County Free Public Library District for FY 1998-99 at $16,351,261.

Brevard Mosquito Control District

Mr. Rogero read aloud the title of the resolution adopting the final operating budget for the Brevard Mosquito Control District for FY 1998-99 at $6,559,770.

Brevard County Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance

Mr. Rogero read aloud the title of the resolution adopting the final operating budget of the Brevard County Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance for FY 1998-99 at $3,090,352.

Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority

Mr. Rogero read aloud the title of the resolution adopting the final operating budget for the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority for FY 1998-99 at $7,167,772.

Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency

Mr. Rogero read aloud the title of the resolution adopting the final operating budget for FY 1998-99 for the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency at $449,586.

There being no comments or objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to adopt Resolutions adopting the final operating budgets for FY 1998-99 for the Brevard County Free Public Library District at $16,351,261, the Brevard County Mosquito Control District at $6,559,770, Brevard County Recreation Special District 4 O&M at $3,090,352, Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority at $7,167,772, and Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency at $449,586; and execute the Annual Certified Budget for Arthropod Control. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE TRIM COMPLIANCE FORMS

Chairman Voltz called for the public hearing to consider authorizing the Budget Director to execute TRIM Compliance Forms.

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to authorize the Budget Director to execute Department of Revenue Forms DR-487, DR-420, and DR-422 on behalf of the County, and to assemble all components of the TRIM Compliance Package and transmit to the Department of Revenue. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: ADOPTION OF YEAR-END SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET FOR FY 1997-98

Chairman Voltz called for the public hearing to consider adoption of year-end supplemental budget for FY 1997-98.

There being no comments or objections, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to adopt a Resolution for FY 1997-98 Year-end Supplemental Budget. Motion carried and ordered unanimously. (See page for Resolution No. 98-235.)

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

HELEN VOLTZ, CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

SANDY CRAWFORD, CLERK
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
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