Attendee Name	Title	Status	Arrived
Robin Fisher	Chairman / Commissioner District 1	Present
Chuck Nelson	Commissioner District 2	Present
Trudie Infantini	Commissioner District 3	Present
Mary Bolin	Commissioner District 4	Present
Andy Anderson	Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5	Present

 

 

 

The invocation was given by Reverend Tom Porter, Temple Baptist Church, Titusville.

 

 

 

Commissioner Nelson led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

 

 

Commissioner Infantini stated she wanted to remind everyone that in 2010 there was a non-binding resolution that 72 percent of the voters voted for, asking the Board to have a balanced budget without increasing taxes; the Board is on track this year to spend $50 million more than it spent last year, although it does include paying down debt by $60 million; and also advised no one has recommended cutting the library budget, nor recommended getting rid of any Sheriff's deputies, or any firefighters. 

 

 

 

Howard Tipton, County Manager stated this year's proposed budget is one that reflects the following priorities, public safety and health, infrastructure, job creation and Economic Development, and maintaining fiscal integrity.  He advised although the County's proposed budget is $934 million, it should be noted that only 20 percent, or approximately $186 million, comes from property taxes; similar to many other organizations, the County continues to see a decline in property revenues; since fiscal year 2007, the County has experienced a decrease in property tax revenues of 27 percent, or $50 million; and this year, property tax revenues will decrease again by 2.1 percent.  He noted the County continues to look for innovative and efficient ways of doing business and has taken a number of actions over the last few years to reduce the budget, including reducing positions, benefits, expenses, and operating hours, as well as outsourcing, reducing debt, and reserves.  He stated in addition, the County has implemented some of the actions taken from the Business Industry Report, such as establishing and maintaining partnerships; and stated, for example, the Central Services Office is leading the creation of a purchasing cooperative with the other cities and the School Board, which will lower purchasing costs.  He noted the County is also providing dispatching services to several cities, defeasing bonds, and decreasing debt obligations; the budget reflects savings from the defeasance and refinancing of the Parks and Recreation and EEL bonds, refinancing of Commercial Paper debt, and the retiring of the Water/Wastewater Utility Debt. 

 

He explained, key facts about the budget include being in compliance with Florida Statutes and Brevard County Charter provisions regarding tax rates and revenues; the budget reflects an aggregate operating millage rate 1.36 percent lower than the rollback rate, which does not reflect a tax rate increase under State law.  He added in the last four years, the budget has reduced spending by over $300 million; the proposed budget is a reduction in spending of approximately $84 million from the fiscal year 2010-2011 adopted budget.  He stated as part of the County's overall strategy of maintaining fiscal integrity, the Board has focused on reducing the debt obligations; the proposed budget includes a reduction of $4 million in annual debt obligations; and the Board has continued to focus on creating a smaller government since fiscal year 2006, by reducing over 530 positions, with a reduction of 21 positions for this coming year.  He stated these successful approaches have not only allowed the Board to maintain minimal levels of service, but also to maintain the lowest tax structure in comparison to other Central Florida counties; Brevard's property tax rate provides the least amount of tax revenue in Central Florida; Brevard does not supplement property taxes with additional taxes like a Public Service Tax (PST), optional sales tax, or additional gas tax; and stated Brevard County's overall tax rate structure is the lowest in Central Florida, and one of the lowest in Florida.  He stated Brevard County continues to enjoy a highly competitive regional and statewide tax position for job development; Brevard is in the middle in terms of the millage rate; however, the rate generates the least amount of revenue; and one of the reasons Brevard's revenues are less is because so much of the County's commercial base is on federally-owned property, which is exempt from property taxes.  He added the Florida property tax system is extremely complex; ultimately, the tax bill depends on two things: 1.) the value of the property, which is the responsibility of the Property Appraiser; and 2.) the tax rate, which is the responsibility of the Board.  He stated over 65 percent of citizens will pay the same or see a decrease in what they pay; 81 percent of commercial owners will pay the same or see a decrease in what they pay; two percent of property owners will pay more because of improvements to properties, or because of new construction; and over half of the remaining 33 percent who will pay more, will pay $36 or less for the year.  He noted Brevard County, along with 48 of the other counties, is reducing property tax revenue up to 10 percent for the upcoming fiscal year; two counties are reducing revenues by more than ten percent; 11 counties are increasing revenues by less than five percent; and five counties are increasing revenues by more than five percent.  He stated the amount of revenue that comes from property taxes is $186 million; reducing the revenues to the amount that would be generated from the current millage rates equates to an additional 14 percent reduction; and additionally, reductions of this nature could impact services to countywide operations such as, Library Services, Mosquito Control, Fire Rescue, Parks and Recreation, Law Enforcement, and Roads.  He advised the Board realizes tough decisions need to be made; the proposed budget proposal continues the commitment to address the priorities of the Board, addresses shortfalls by realizing efficiency gains, and reduces spending; and concluded, the budget is in compliance with the Florida Statutes and Charter Provisions.    

 

Commissioner Nelson stated on the information that Commissioner Infantini provided to him on the budgetary cuts, there were cuts of $25 million for the Sheriff's Office and Fire Rescue; and inquired if those were being taken off the table. 

 

Commissioner Infantini stated the cuts for the Sheriff's Office was primarily for the Detention Center overtime; when she did an analysis and surveyed the neighboring counties, such as Indian River, Orange, and Osceola, she found that those Sheriff's Offices operate on 84 hours for every two weeks without overtime pay; whereas, Brevard County Sheriff's Office pays overtime for the extra four hours over 80; and that is why she was recommending a cut in the overtime budget.   

 

Commissioner Nelson stated it is his understanding that if those cuts are made the Sheriff will need additional personnel to cover those hours; and he would like so speak to Sheriff Parker, as he has indicated that a cut in overtime would result in the reduction of deputies.

 

Commissioner Infantini stated other sheriffs negotiate with their union and say the deputies do not receive overtime for the first 84 or 84.5 hours worked in a two-week shift; Brevard County's Sheriff's Office negotiated with their union and said anything over 80 hours results in overtime pay; she is recommending that the Board be consistent and function like the other neighboring counties, which do not pay overtime on the first 84 to 85 hours worked.   

 

Commissioner Nelson stated also included in Commissioner Infantini's cuts is $3.3 million to Fire Rescue, including $300,000 in insurance.  Commissioner Infantini stated most of the cut comes from overtime that is not currently being expended for the firefighters. 

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired what the impact of the $2 million in overtime cuts would be.  Chief Larry Collins, Fire Rescue, stated more than likely the department will have a brown-out, or black-out; during a brown-out, the Department will put into service the number of rescue companies from the General Fund, or MSTU, that it can everyday, based upon the number of people that show up to work; and a black-out is an option where the units are taken completely down and the savings is put back into the budget. 

 

Commissioner Bolin requested more clarification.  Chief Collins stated a black-out would be closing a unit down, not necessarily a station; maybe a rescue unit in a double station, where there is a rescue and an engine, or a rescue and a ladder company; but one of those would go down on a permanent basis if it could accomplish that and maintain coverage; and the units around that area would work much harder as a result of that strategy.  Commissioner Nelson inquired what that would do to the response time.  Chief Collins stated it would likely increase the response time.  Commissioner Nelson stated currently, Fire Rescue has an average response time of six minutes. 

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired about cutting $1 million in insurance for Parks and Recreation; on the property, auto, and liability side, there is about $600,000 for the entire agency, and the only other insurance would be employee benefits; and inquired where that cut was.  Commissioner Infantini stated she did not bring that information with her.  Commissioner Nelson stated he does not see how she can cut liability, auto, and property; because the Board was fully covered in 2004 when the hurricanes hit, FEMA came through came through with the federal portion of over $6 million to cover property damage; and if the Board cuts property insurance, FEMA will not come through. 

 

Commissioner Infantini inquired if the Board has been reimbursed for the $550,000 beachside caretaker facility that the Board submitted charges to FEMA for; and stated the last time she checked, there was no reimbursement from FEMA. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the facility is a maintenance building with living quarters above it; and it was a house that was flattened by the hurricane.  Commissioner Infantini stated it was a dilapidated house that was being rented out by the Mellen foundation for about $350 a month; and it is now state-of-the-art nice beachside house.  Commissioner Nelson stated the there are garage doors underneath the living quarters; and inquired if she would agree that the Board cannot cut insurance.  Commissioner Infantini responded, no she would not. 

 

Commissioner Infantini stated she would like to get back to the Sheriff's budget of overtime; and inquired if Commissioner Nelson was saying that the Board could not be consistent with the other departments around the County.  Commissioner Nelson stated he would respectfully ask that the Board go through one item at a time, because those are big numbers; and he would like to take care of each item and get to a total number at the end. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated as of yesterday, Parks and Recreation was up to having consumed its budget because of the charges it is presented with; on the auto, property, and liability insurance, it has expended approximately $600,000; the other money is going to be from employee benefits; and inquired if Commissioner Infantini is suggesting that Parks and Recreation's employees do not get benefits.  He asked Commissioner Infantini to please explain how the Board gets there with a $1 million cut in insurance from Parks and Recreation.  Commissioner Infantini responded she would take it from another department. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated there is also an $877,000 cut for the Chain of Lakes, which is debt service.  Commissioner Infantini stated what she was saying was not to do the $877,000 in improvements and use it to pay debt service, because right now North Brevard is no longer funding any operations under the millage rate; and all .8 mills being collected is going to debt service because of property value, which means now it has to be taken out of the General Fund.  She stated money is being taken out of the General Fund for redevelopment, whether it is the CRA's in Merritt Island, Melbourne, or Palm Bay, and the Board is asking citizens to pay more in taxes; and she will not support it. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the North Brevard referendums were never supposed to have maintenance paid from them, that was from the District 1 MSTU; and that was a decision the Board made at that time.  Commissioner Infantini stated the Board just proposed raising tax rates because it over-spends on the parks.  She stated Brevard County has a top-notch facility program; however, it cannot finance any new park projects; and that is why she suggested taking $3,288,000 out of the south referendum projects and making a debt payment this year. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated Commissioner Infantini talks about the referendums like they are interchangeable, but the south referendum added about $100 million to the County taxes; himself and Commissioners and Anderson and Infantini just attended the opening of the new Rodes Park, which cost more than both referendums on Merritt Island; and pointed out that $27 million was spent on Rodes Park.  Commissioner Infantini agreed that it was $27 million, but it was approved by prior Commissions; and it is one of the present Board's obligations. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated in regard to the community center at Wickham Park, the balance on that is only $2.8 million; it is on hold, and no one is under contract, nor is the design work even completed; and later in the meeting she is going to make a proposal for it to be put in reserves.   

 

 

 

Alphonso Jefferson, Budget Director, advised the aggregate millage rate for the 2011-2012 budget is 7.234 mills, representing a decrease of 1.36 percent from the aggregate rollback rate of 7.3391. 

 

 

 

Alphonso Jefferson, Budget Director, advised the 20110-2012 budget is $934,325,814; and the budget represents a decrease of 8.24 percent, or $83,913,174, from the 2010-2011 adopted budget of $1,018,238,988.

 

Frank Gallagher stated as a former public servant for many years, he knows the Sheriff's Office contains a group of highly motivated and dedicated men and women who go about their work daily, sometimes being abused, but are never really appreciated for what they do for the citizens.  He stated compared to other counties, the BCSO has less deputies involved in vehicle accidents, less unnecessary shootings, and less lawsuits with situations involving officers; the deputies always have a professional demeanor;  the County has the best in the Sheriff's Office, and he would like it to stay that way; and stated he hopes the Board supports the Sheriff's budget.

 

Alfred Boettjer expressed his concerns for the proposed cuts in the budget; he does not want to see cuts in emergency services; and it is important for citizens to recognize the fact that other communities have done that and have found themselves in situations in which citizens are putting bars on windows to protect their homes.  He stated Sheriff Parker has respected the community and has taken his time to adjust the budget and still provide excellent police services; and the Board should respect the Sheriff's budget and approve it.

 

Randal Agostini stated when the Commissioners were elected, they were not expected to know how to levy a tax, purify water, or be able to handle other peoples money, but they do represent his or her constituents.  He stated from 1993 to 2000, the County was acting responsibly and efficiently; ad valorem taxes grew by approximately 18 percent, while total government expenses grew by 15 percent, and the population grew by 12 percent; but from the years 2000 to 2007, ad valorem taxes grew by 111 percent, government expenses grew by 105 percent, and population growth was just 13 percent; and inquired how a family earning $45,000 can be expected to pay taxes and fees that are well over 100 percent more, when their incomes have gone up by 14 percent. 

 

Reverend Earl Medlen stated the citizens do not want tax increases.  He stated the Board always tries to threaten citizens with cutting essential services, which is the Board's job to provide; and police and fire should not be cut from the budget.  He commented on County Manager Howard Tipton's salary and stated the Board could save money by cutting the salaries of Mr. Tipton and others.

 

John Venice stated he is against the proposed millage increase; the Board ignored the thousands of signatures on a petition presented to it two weeks ago; and stated now is the wrong time for any kind of millage increase.  He mentioned the 2.5 percent increase to be given to County employees, and stated he has not had a social security increase in several years; his insurance premiums, utility bills, and food bill have gone up; the citizens are the ones who pay for all government services; and it would be a travesty if the Board ignores the will of the people.  He concluded by saying the Board should not raise the millage rate at all; and he does not think there should be cuts to the Sheriff's Office or Fire Department.

 

Barbara Knick inquired why the Board packed the Commission Chambers at the first Budget hearing in order to keep the citizens out; and inquired why a notice was sent out yesterday about protest areas around the Government Center.  She further inquired why the Board is trying to pit the Sheriff's Office, the Fire Department, and Library supporters against each other and against the citizens.

 

Commissioner Nelson pointed out that the first motion made at the Board's last meeting was to cut all the millages back to this year's level, which would have meant that Fire Rescue and the Sheriff's Office would have been cut because they are a specific millage; and fortunately, there was some discussion and that motion changed.  Ms. Knick stated the Board needs to realize that the citizens do not have the money; many people have lost their homes; and citizens do not have the choice of raising their revenue.

 

Danny Sharp stated he is the President of the Windover Farms Homeowners Association, which has approximately 400 property owners; and in the last two years, there have been numerous foreclosures in the area because people are losing their jobs.  He commented on his 46 years in public service, including the military; he is now retired and on social security, for which he gets no cost of living increases; and military and civil service retirees do not get cost of living increases either. He commented on trying to send his two teenagers to college and the challenge of financially doing that.  He stated if the Board is raising the millage rate, then his taxes are being raised also.

 

Roger Gangitano read aloud comments by citizen Skip Bollinger, who expressed displeasure about the proposed millage rate increase.  Mr. Gangitano stated 2.9 percent is what the citizens have been asking for; if the Board was interested in resolving the issue, it would have brought forward a 1.45 percent cut; and asked the Board to find a way to compromise.

 

Pat Cygan stated she does not understand why the Board wants citizens to believe that the only places to make cuts are to the Sheriff's Office and Fire Rescue.

 

Judith Strahan stated United Space Alliance has laid off 70 percent of its employees, including directors and managers; people are being affected all over the community; people are scraping together everything they have just to pay their mortgages; and those people have lost their jobs like everyone else.  She stated she believes cuts can be made in the Sheriff's Office and Fire Rescue, along with every other department; and the directors should be made to make cuts. She stated it is immoral to raise taxes right now.

 

John Weiler expressed his dismay at Chairman Fisher's dismissal of the 2,700 signed petitions requesting a 2.9 percent cut in the expense budget; the implication that the petitioners were coerced to sign was dismaying; and he read aloud the petition in its entirety.  He stated since the Board and the County Manager have refused to look at ways to decrease the budget, he assumes there is no one on staff with the financial expertise who can analyze proposed budgets and find a $2.90 reduction for every $100 of expenditures.  He offered his services as a Consultant to the Board.

 

Laureen Trent, Trent Realty, stated it does not matter if home values are down, because if the taxes are raised there will never be a stabilized market; the proposed millage rate is the worst thing the Board can do; and the proposed millage rate will cause the County to lose jobs, and people will not want to relocate to Brevard County.  She commented on the many hours she has volunteered in her community, and suggested other public servants volunteer as well.

 

Rick Lengyel stated he retired in 1999 thinking that he had adequate income; in his former profession he attended many meetings on budget control; citizens are not in a position to fund a new community center; and he is in favor of a 2.9 percent cut.  He commented on the difference between needs and wants; and stated the Board needs to be prudent in its approach to the budget.  He mentioned the proposed 2.5 percent raise for County employees and stated it should be given as a bonus in the last quarter of the year, but not be a raise for base salaries.

 

Shirley Ann Severn stated she is against the proposed budget; it would only take a minimum effort to curtail the budget and reduce spending; and everyone should work together and not pit one against another.

 

Bob White stated the offices held by the Commissioners are public trust; the power to tax is the power to take; and it seems government has forgotten it exists at the consent of the governed.  He stated the County spends at a level that is significantly higher than it was spending before it began to reap the windfall in revenues that were a result of the housing bubble that drove the assessed values up, and is still spending at a level that is higher than can be justified.  He concluded by saying it is obvious that there are some Commissioners who care about the condition of the economy and the people; and it is obvious that there are some Commissioners who are entrenched in their own beliefs that they are not willing to look for a 2.9 percent reduction.

 

Michael Simkin commented on losing his retirement savings and properties, and stated big government is the culprit; he stated the situation happening in Greece is the future for Brevard County; the federal government takes $3 trillion of taxpayer money; local governments take another $3 trillion; and it is still not enough.  He stated the Board needs to take corrective steps now; and it is not doing enough.

 

Michael Wilson stated 38 citizens attended the last meeting, but were told it was not very representative, despite the fact fewer people turned out in favor of the millage increase; and now, 2,500 concerned citizens have signed a petition, but it was dismissed as well.  He commented on the different ways in which people have tried to appeal to the Board; but there is no way to understand what the Board wants from the citizens to prove they are against the millage increase.  He stated he would like the Board to explain how it is fair for the minority of the citizens to pay a $27 million shortfall.

 

Fred Simanek inquired where is the fairness when he gets his tax bill; he will have a $900 raise in his taxes; and stated the Board is going to give out raises to its employees with his $900.  He noted Property Appraiser Jim Ford refused a raise, and suggested the Board do the same.  He stated he understands that 65 percent of the citizens are not going to pay the raise in taxes, as it is a good way for the Commissioners to get a vote; and the Board is buying votes for its own political advantage. 

 

David Norman stated people have a right to express their opinions; common sense and good judgment is what the Commissioners need to bring into office, but it may not always be popular.  He noted the Commissioners have some difference of opinions; he has noticed that the speakers have said they want the Board to make cuts, but not to public safety; and noted municipalities such as West Melbourne are also facing cuts to public safety.  He stated losing 38 deputies would be a tremendous impact on the Sheriff's Office; and pointed out that during the next year, many citizens are going to need public safety.

 

Mary Hillberg stated she is part of the silent majority of the citizens who want essential services; those who have been in the community for a long time know the economy goes up and down; and if everyone is prepared when it comes back up, it will come up better and stronger.  She commented on 65 percent of the residential properties, and 81 percent of the commercial properties that appreciate the no change, or reduced, taxes; and suggested the County Manager have an in-service for Save Our Homes, as people do not understand how it works, or the dynamics of it.  She stated the majority of the citizens trust the Board's efforts and appreciate the efforts of the Budget Office and staff; and she regrets the 21 employees who will be lost because of the budget.  She commented on her volunteer service in the community.

 

Commissioner Infantini pointed out that nine employees will be let go, not 21 employees; it is 18 positions being cut, and only nine people.  Commissioner Nelson stated it is 18 positions because they are not allowed to be filled when a vacancy occurs; and 18 of the positions are in Parks and Recreation.  Howard Tipton, County Manager, advised the number of full-time equivalents is 18.75, and the number of positions is 21. 

 

Tim Harber stated he is a realtor and is against the proposed tax increase; the Board cannot raise taxes without affecting the economy; the Board has a certain amount of money it can spend, and it should not spend more than that; and he asked the Board not to stifle the economy to continue to pay for things the citizens do not want.  He stated he represents commercial property owners; he looked at over 100 parcels and every single one of them will pay more taxes under the Board's plan; and inquired if there is nothing the Board can do to stimulate the economy, instead of stifle it.

 

Chairman Fisher stated most commercial properties he has looked at are going to see lower taxes; part of what has put the County in this situation is the values of properties, and whether they are real values or not; and stated the values have come down so far he is surprised the Realtors Association is not concerned about that issue.  Mr. Harber inquired if the value of the house falls in half, why should the tax bill not fall.  Chairman Fisher replied that can be done, but with it comes a certain level of cuts and services.  He commented on the new John Rodes Park, and it could be argued whether the Board should have done that or not, but the challenge is how to maintain it for the next 100 years; and through referendums, the residents have voted for parks and community centers. 

 

Leah Selig stated she is opposed to the millage increase in light of the current economy; she understands the County has made significant decreases in the budget over the past few years, and she is asking the Board to do it again this year; unemployment is at an all time high; and with the decrease in property values and increase in foreclosures, the voters need to be assured that the Board has put politics aside and cut projects until the economy improves.

 

Norman Channel stated cutting the budget starts at the local level; during the real estate bubble, County taxes increased, along with the value of homes; and he would like to know where the tax dollars went prior to 2006.  He stated he is a criminal investigator with the Public Defender's Office, which is a State agency; Governor Crist cut the agency's budget by 10 percent; and they were told to handle the work minus 10 percent of the budget, which is what they did.  He commented on the Sheriff's Office and Fire Rescue, and stated he lives in the City of Rockledge, and when he needs emergency services it is the City that comes, not the County; and inquired where is his representation for the taxation. 

 

Commissioner Nelson pointed out that the cities pay for their own police and fire, and the unincorporated area pays for its own emergency services.  He advised there is a $540,000 for Court I.T., which means the Public Defender, State Attorney, and others, are billing the Board $540,000, and it has no choice but to pay because the State has said it has to pay it; and the Board is being presented a bill to support Mr. Channel's work.

 

Peter D. Martin stated he is opposed to the millage rate; it is not good for the taxpayers; the economy is bad; people are in dire straits because they have lost jobs, and are on minimum social security; and he suggested the Board make cuts in the budget. 

 

Francis Herr stated Mr. Tipton claimed an 8.24 percent decrease in the budget; when citizens ask for 2.9 percent, Mr. Tipton is quick to point out that it can only apply to $184 million; and he would like Mr. Tipton to go back and look at how the 8.24 percent applies to the $184 million.  He accused Mr. Tipton and staff of spinning the data.  He commented on Commissioner Nelson being willing to discuss Commissioner Infantini's budget suggestions tonight, but not weeks ago when they were first presented. 

 

Reggie Correll stated she helped collect the signatures on the petition against raising the millage rate; no one used scare tactics when gathering the signatures; and the only scare tactic she has witnessed was by the Board telling public safety that the goal of the petitioners was to cut jobs or cut pay.  She reminded the Commissioners they were voted into office and can be voted out of office.

 

Kathy Starkey stated she is opposed to the millage rate increase; she hopes the Board listens to the citizens; it appears the Commissioners already have their minds made up; and she believes now is the wrong time to make any kind of increase. 

 

Floyd Peede stated Mr. Tipton mentioned 21 jobs being lost, and inquired if those are spaces or people. Mr. Tipton replied it is six people, and the rest are vacant positions.  Mr. Peede stated he has been unemployed for three years; and he has applied for 250 jobs, as he is an engineer with multiple degrees.  He stated it has been said that a cut of 2.9 percent is going to cost County jobs; 11 percent of the population is unemployed; and inquired if the unemployed should be taxed more so that the County employees can stay employed. 

 

Barbara Weiler stated she collected signatures for the petition; she only came across two people who did not want to sign the petition; she did not coerce or threaten anyone to sign the petition; and the Board needs to listen to the citizens of Brevard County.

 

Regina Weiler stated at the last meeting Chairman Fisher dismissed petitions of over 2,700 property owners, and implied the signatures were obtained using intimidation; she resents being called a gad-fly by the newspapers; and stated she resents being brushed off as just another obstacle to the corrupt Commissioners' agenda.  She stated if the Board continues its two-year increase trend, then 10 years from now, her property tax will be approximately $22,000 per year, which is a 560 percent increase. 

 

Nancy Dillen stated she is the Vice Chairman of the Melbourne Library Board; she represents the Martin Luther King Public Library, the Eau Gallie Public Library, and the Melbourne Public Library; and she distributed a handout to the Board of statistics of the number of hours the libraries were open last year, the number of books available, people using the libraries, and other statistics; and stated the libraries are willing to work within the budget constraints that the budget proposal offers.  She thanked the Board for its continued support of the public libraries.

 

Linda Janse stated libraries and parks are not incidentals to a community; one of the things a high-paying company looks at when relocating is the amenities in a community; and Brevard has some of the best parks in the state, and libraries are the biggest source for people to go to get information. 

 

The Board recessed at 7:37 p.m. and reconvened at 7:57 p.m.

 

Estelle Racanelli commented on having cancer and having to make decisions on how to pay for her care and medicine; and made a motion that all salaries of government workers be frozen, with no pension plans.  She commented on the 11 percent unemployment rate in the County, and asked the Board to not raise taxes at this time.

 

Tammie Williams asked the Board to not close parks; stated she started a dance troupe to help keep youth off the streets in Titusivlle; and thanks to North Brevard Parks and Recreation, she has a facility available to her at Campbell Park at which to hold dance practice.  She stated the Board would rather see the playgrounds filled with kids rather than the jails and detention centers filled with kids. 

 

Ron Bartcher thanked the Board for passing a responsible ad valorem tax millage rate; fortunately, the Board has been able to maintain the level of service at the libraries over the past year; and he is asking the Board to maintain that same level of service, which the proposed millage rate will do, and provide him with a tax decrease again. He commented on the benefits of libraries; and stated cutting library services would hurt those who can afford it the least.

 

Dr. Geri DeNicola stated she has a PhD in Nursing, and she has had experience in handling large budgets; at budget time, everyone has pet projects; and inquired why government threatens citizens with a loss of public safety when it needs money.  She commented on the County spending money on a dog park, and also on overtime for County public safety employees; and stated if employees were more efficient there would not be the need for overtime.  She stated she would rather pay an additional one percent in sales tax than a property tax increase.

 

Joe Goldblatt stated until 2007/2008 he had a business that he started from scratch, but his business is not good anymore because it was a construction business.  He compared the County's budget to sinkholes; and stated the economy in the County is fragile and the overall trend is down. 

 

Syble Clark stated it seems to her that Mr. Tipton is disenchanted with the meeting and is not making eye contact with people; and she does not understand why Mr. Tipton did not present the Board with a bare bones budget instead of a status quo budget. 

 

Nancy Deen stated she is opposed to the tax increase; and in a time of recession, if the Board increases taxes by any amount, there will be more unemployment.  She commented on the petition against the budget signed by over 2,500 people that was ignored; and she is appalled at the way the petition was handled by the Board. 

 

Alan Smith stated at the August 2nd hearing, Commissioner Nelson asked Commissioner Infantini for her recommendations for budget cuts; nine weeks later, Commissioner Nelson is asking her questions about her cuts; and his conclusion is that no one spent much time looking at cuts in the past nine weeks.    He stated if the Board did not raise the millage, it would be able to say that no one got an increase. 

 

Chairman Fisher advised he asked staff to figure out what the millage would have to be set to in order to make sure that not one citizen gets a tax increase.  Mr. Whitten stated the rate to ensure that no one received a tax increase would have been a low rate because all extremes have to be examined, such as the person who pays very little and the person who pays a lot; the Board would have to zero out the rate to make sure that no one got a tax increase; the other factor is the increase in the assessed values if the Board went back to the current rate; the increase in assessed values also ensures that people will get an increase; and when looking at all 325,000 parcels to ensure that no one gets an increase, it is a virtual impossibility. 

 

Jerry Smith commented on the Board's spending, the salaries of the County Manager, the Assistant County Managers, and Budget staff, and the fact that the Property Appraiser has said he is not going to give raises; and stated the Commissioners were told years ago of the financial condition the County would be facing, and the Board chose not to cut spending. 

 

Mary Markovich stated she is a realtor and she is against the proposed budget and millage rate increase; commented on the number of short sales and foreclosures; and stated Commissioner Infantini is the only Commissioner who has tried to research areas that could be cut.  She stated the Board can go back and renegotiate contracts; the scare tactic with public safety is terrible; no one wants to see anyone get hurt or injured and not have a response; and stated the Board should listen to some of its colleagues.

 

Matt Nye stated for several years the Board has been told that property values will fall and that spending must be cut; and because that has not happened, the Board is raising taxes again.  He commented on the Board signing $10 million no-bid contracts with one vendor, giving away an entire park, and squandering money on ventures such as the Crab Shack; and yet the Board says the only cuts that can be made are to public safety.  He stated it should be obvious to all of the Commissioners that every dollar spent on non-essentials has to come from essential services; and stated taxpayers deserve better.  He commented on the first budget hearing on the 13th and that the County failed in providing the resources to allow the public to hear the meeting in other areas of the building. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated Mr. Nye said the Board went to rollback in previous years; and he read aloud a letter from Mr. Nye.  He stated when he took office, the millage was 5.9181; the rollback that year would have gone to 6.0, but it went to 5.4; and the following year, the rollback was 6.1 and it went to 5.4.  Commissioner Infantini mentioned the Fire Assessment; with Commissioner Nelson reminding the Board he was not in office during the Fire Assessment.  Commissioner Nelson pointed out the only time the Board went to rollback was last year.

 

Joan Albert stated she volunteers for a local food ministry that serves over 850 families; the ministry survives on donations, and it does not take taxpayer money; and suggested the Board save money by outsourcing the Parks and Recreation Department to the private sector.  She inquired if it is true that a $275,000 sound system is going into the Walter Butler Community Center, which is rarely used except for election day.

 

Benita Coleman commented on the petition signed by over 2,500 people; and read the petition aloud.  She inquired why the Chairman failed to recognize all of the petitions; and stated whenever a form of government becomes destructive, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government.

 

Chairman Fisher stated the petition concerned him because there have been cuts made; and stated he would like to see a petition indicating what people would be willing to give up.

 

Lenora Grimm stated she is against the proposed budget and millage increase, and commented on the Wickham Park Horse stables, stating she does not think they are necessary.  She asked if Commissioners Nelson, Bolin, or Fisher could tip the vote on the proposed budget.

 

David Armstrong stated it is Chairman Fisher's budget and he needs to make sure that it is balanced; it is Mr. Tipton's job to balance the budget; if the budget is what it is, then it needs to be matched with revenue and not by increasing taxes; and he is concerned there has not been any energy in creating jobs in the County.  He commented on the Fire Assessment fee, and stated commercial properties are getting unduly taxed; and he proposed that the Board not approve the budget as it is. 

 

Marcia Bartley stated in 2006 she had 49 employees, and she now has zero; her employees extended the life of her business because they had ideas of what to do, such as working more for less money; and stated if the Board takes a little bit from everywhere, it will find money.

 

Judy Davis stated she is the Chair of the Melbourne Library Board, and advised the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library used to be closed on Mondays, but now it is open because the patrons must use it to apply for food stamps.  She encouraged the Board to support the libraries with an apprentice program, using both high school and college students.

 

Alice Kreitz advised Mr. Tipton makes almost as much as Vice President Biden; Mr. Tipton's salary is above Marco Rubio, Bill Posey, Sandy Adams, Rick Scott, Pam Bondi, and others; and noted Mr. Tipton also makes more than the Constitutional Officers.  She commented on the salaries of the Assistant County Managers and stated the County Manager and Assistant County Managers should cut their salaries. 

 

Raymond Craig, Melbourne Association of Realtors, stated the real estate industry has been hit hard; many realtors perceive the increase in millage as an increase in taxes; and perception becomes reality.  He stated his income has been cut, as well as the income of his fellow realtors; after six years of a tough economic time, realtors are finally seeing recovery this year; there has been a median increase in real estate values of almost 19 percent; and stated buyers are having second thoughts about moving to the area because of the question about taxes.  He asked the Board to go back and look at the budget and make cuts. 

 

Wendy Murray stated it is troubling to have such different and emphatic opinions from the Commissioners regarding the millage rate increase and the budget; the citizens cannot afford a mistake; requested the Board cut wherever possible, as the citizens have been forced to do; property taxes are a major consideration to people making the decision to move in or out of Brevard County; and asked that the Board not raise any taxes or line items in the budget if there is any other way.

 

Joe Pishgar stated many citizens received a letter from Commissioner Infantini before the first budget hearing; the letter claimed $25 million in cuts, but no one knows what the proposed cuts were; the lion's share of cuts proposed by Commissioner Infantini have nothing to do with the property tax millage rate; and among other cuts, the Commissioner is proposing to cut Mosquito Control, summer programs, camps, ambulance and fire service, insurance, and the shutting down of tents at the jail. 

 

Commissioner Infantini noted the information displayed by Mr. Pishgar was prepared by County staff and not provided to her, but it was provided to her opponent who is running against her for District 3; and stated Mr. Pishgar received the information from the County Manager.  Mr. Pishgar stated he did not receive the information from the County Manager.  Commissioner Infantini stated Mr. Pishgar's information is not the cuts she proposed; and stated she would like a public records request to find out where Mr. Pishgar got his information from, because it was not from her office. 

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Rick Cobb stated he is concerned about the increase in taxes; and he is also concerned with liberties.  He stated the Board can take his money, his land, and everything else, but he is here fighting for his generation of kids and grandkids. 

 

Arthur Christianson stated he has been hearing that the increase in taxes is not an increase, but when he goes to the Tax Collector to pay, it is more this year than the previous year; and that is a tax increase.  He stated over 2,500 petitioners have been ignored; and stated to submit a budget and then raise taxes to match it shows a lack of connection with the community.  He stated it is time for the Board to send the budget back to where it came from and demand more cost-effective management.

 

Judith Brouard stated she previously spoke to the Board in favor of libraries, but now she is speaking as a citizen of Brevard County; stated she is embarrassed by everything happening in the country today; if everyone cannot get along, and if the Board cannot set an example and get along with one another, how are citizens supposed to get along; and stated there must be common ground.  She stated the Board should read the budget it is proposing. 

 

Bernadette Knudson stated the County does not need a millage rate increase; the unemployment rate is high; people are getting desperate and have resorted to stealing just to provide food for their families; and the Commissioners were elected to make hard decisions, which is what they should do.

 

Mike Corcoran stated realtors are against the millage rate increase; and it is obvious that the County residents are against the rate increase.  He noted Brevard County is the only county that raised its millage rate 14 percent last year; and it is the second county facing a 16 percent millage rate increase this year.  He stated the Fire Rescue Chief said two weeks ago that a two percent reduction would be difficult, but last year, he purchased two new fire trucks; and this year, the County is gutting and renovating several fire stations.   He commented on libraries and stated there are areas within Library Services that can be cut; and mentioned the pay raises to County employees.

 

Richard Ware stated in the last three years, the citizens have seen a 30 percent tax increase; at the same time, he has seen a $40,000 decrease in the assessed value on his house; the rollback millage increase is really a tax increase; and he is losing value on his property at the same time the Board is asking him to pay excessively more.  He stated there are citizens on fixed incomes who are making decisions based on what they can afford today, and what they can do to make their quality of life better; private businesses do not get raises when things are not going well; and stated government does not create resources or produce any goods, and does not create any wealth, but it does redistribute wealth that it confiscates from the citizens it represents. 

 

Steve Lindsley stated he did an analysis of his income versus the County budget; he has only gotten a five percent raise from 2004 to 2009; meanwhile, the County budget has gone up 47 percent; in 2006, 2007, and 2008, the budget went up; the budget has gone down since Chairman Fisher has been on the Board; but he would like to see the trend continue to go down; and he does not have much sympathy for the County employees getting a 2.5 percent raise. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the total budget includes bonded dollars for road improvements; the budget went up, but those were not ad valorem dollars, they were gas tax dollars that come in every year that is used to fix roads; and additionally, there were voter referendums that passed.  Mr. Lindsley stated he realizes there are a lot of reasons for the budget going up, but the citizens see the bottom line.  Commissioner Nelson stated the bottom line in those dollar amounts, particularly for roads, was that it had no impact on property taxes, but it did add to the budget; and those dollars are for fixing roads. 

 

Janet Dover stated she was reported for having a dock, which caused her taxes to go up; she has documented permission for the dock dated May 3, 1973; the dock is valued at $5,700, causing her taxes to go up 2.7 percent of the maximum three percent; and she would like to know who is in error, because if she is not in error then she wants her money back.  Commissioner Anderson stated he would be interested to look at Ms. Dover's dock issue, because if she has not been charged for it, he does not think she should be charged for it.

 

Eva Nagymihaly stated the Board needs to hear what its citizens are telling it; and she asked the Board to do the right thing.  She advised what is right is to do the will of the people. 

 

Patti Bradshaw stated she is opposed to the millage increase; she began her career as a realtor in 1980; and she has spent 20 years teaching realtors to be ethical and to answer all questions honestly.  She stated owners who purchased as the market climbed, then crashed, are upside down on property value, yet all costs to maintain a home are going up daily; the ability for citizens to make more money has disappeared; and yet, the Board has decided that citizens can pay higher taxes.  She stated she needs the Board to fix the budget problem, but not on the backs of Brevard County property owners. 

 

John Silvers thanked Commissioner Infantini for alerting taxpayers of a tax increase disguised as a decrease; people do not like to feel like they are being deceived; and he does not appreciate what the Board is doing.  He stated it is clear that in tough times, a tax increase is the wrong thing to do.

 

Laura Hazlett stated she appreciates the realtors who have showed up to speak; she had buyers and sellers who wanted to meet with her tonight, but she chose to come to the meeting so her voice could be heard; and she is against the millage increase and against taxing people out of their homes; she is upset that the answer to any budget is to bring out the fire department and police to pit them against the residents; it is not fair that citizens were given the impression that 20 jobs were being cut from the County when it was only six human beings; and citizens do not like feeling that they are being deceived.  She commented on needing to keep residents in the County and the need to attract new residents. 

 

Dan Baumann stated he is a realtor and Air Force retiree; he was at the first budget meeting when Chairman Fisher said only 38 people spoke against the millage rate increase and the proposed budget; a lot of people at the first meeting left early; and he would like to go on record as being against the millage rate increase, and also the proposed budget.  He commented on hearing that the budget will maintain the levels of service, but he has not heard how that relates to the general population; and stated the County population is going down.  He stated it seems that 30 percent of the population will be affected by the millage increase, and those 30 percent are going to be the people least able to pay, and they are the people who have owned their homes for 30 years or more.

 

Chairman Fisher inquired if Mr. Baumann understands how the Save Our Homes (SOH) process works.  Mr. Baumann stated he caught it at the peak; people have asked him why taxes are going up; his answer to them is they bought, were protected by SOH, and were below the market value, but it has been raised; and it is capped at three percent, but with the millage increase rate it is close to 20 percent.  He added he hopes the Board will go back and try to get the 2.9 percent.

 

Pat Pasley stated realtors are the real heartbeat of the County; they know what is going on and who wants to move here; realtors know how the housing prices are going down; and they see what the millage increase will do to the citizens.  She stated she was also upset at the last meeting when the 2,300 signatures were dismissed; she obtained signatures with no coercion; and the petitioners asked for it, and wanted blank copies to get more signatures.  She stated she is against the millage rate increase.  She inquired if any of the Commissioners were voted in with the help of absentee ballots; and inquired how they would have felt if Lori Scott had dismissed those votes as the Board dismissed the petitioners because they were not here in person. 

 

Bart Carmichael stated he is also against the millage rate increase; to handle a 2.9 percent increase does not require cuts in a any existing people or services in the County; but it does require leadership to create the efficiencies to live within the Board's means; and the Board should be able to maintain all of the services and be 2.9 percent more efficient.  He inquired if the government should change its budget to meet the needs of the community and the citizens, or should the citizens change their budgets to accommodate the needs of government.  He stated increasing the millage rates will not get businesses to move to Brevard County.  He added, Commissioner Bolin campaigned on the benefits of an industrial revenue study that she did in conjunction with the community and business leaders; he saw some great ideas in that study, but few, if any, have been implemented as far as he knows; and stated Commissioner Bolin should vote against the budget and implement the programs outlined in the study. 

 

Diana Teague stated everyone is asking that public safety and libraries not be cut; as she was driving home late from work one night in Palm Bay, she noticed 23 Sheriff's vehicles and ambulances on the side of the road for a car accident; and she feels that 23 vehicles for a car accident was overkill.  She stated she spent eight years at the space center without a raise, and her husband as well; and she does not feel sorry for anyone not getting a two percent raise, and she does not think they need it when there are other people hurting so badly.  She added she has nothing wrong with Mr. Tipton making $180,000 a year; cutting Mr. Tipton's salary will not amount to anything when it comes to saving the County and the money it needs; his salary is just a drop in the bucket, and she does not feel he should be picked on for that; and asked the Commissioners to earn every penny of their salaries as well. 

 

Marlene Adams stated she is upset about the tax increase; and inquired if the Board remembers when government was lower paid, and the citizens got big benefits to make up for it; and there were grey metal desks, not $275,000 sound systems.  She stated with just the seven people sitting on the Board, it takes 700 of the property tax payers paying $1,000 a year to pay the Board. 

 

Buddy Spakes commented on his neighbor who is honest and always does the right thing; and his neighbor informed him that on a recent visit to the library one of the librarians asked him to go through the door multiple times to get the count up; and stated it is despicable that the Board is trying to build up its budget and the staff pulls pranks like that.  He stated it is despicable for the Board to increase taxes right now; State Law says people have a right to assemble to instruct their government; and noted the people have assembled and the Board has been instructed. 

 

Keith Rigler stated given the median income of the County, it is a shame that anyone would take a 2.5 percent raise; and income should be frozen if over $45,000.  He stated one of the most insane things is that Brevard County just started an Economic Development Zone, and that the Board is going to give incentives to new businesses coming in, but raise 19 percent of the businesses taxes that have been here struggling; and inquired how many of them are going to go out of business. 

 

Penny Canalis stated she agrees with the majority of the speakers tonight; and she is also opposed to the tax rate increase. 

 

Steve Cordell stated he owns a marina and his business is dying right now with everyone getting chased out of town; there are no jobs; and he does not agree with the 2.5 percent increase in pay for County employees.  He advised his pay has been steadily dropping for the last three or four years; and the people that work for him are just glad to have a job.  He added there has to be something in the budget that can be cut besides raising taxes. 

 

Representative John Tobias stated the Board has been blamed for a lot; and he would like to take a second to put part of the blame on his shoulders.  He advised 92 percent of the voters passed  Save Our Homes, which as the Board knows, has caused many problems with the tax structure; market values have risen and fallen very rapidly, and not to the assessed value levels; and he gets phone calls all the time, just as the Board most likely does.  He stated people see their home value come down, but their assessed value come up; and it has been recognized with the Board's help and the help of people around the State; there will be an amendment to come to voters in November 2012, which basically says if the market value decreases, the assessed value rate cannot increase; and the citizens will not see that three percent increase.  He went on to say non-homesteaded properties are capped at a 10 percent increase year after year; that 10 percent will drop to five percent if the voters approve it in 2012; and stated he will be voting for it.  He stated he looks forward to working with the Board as it works within the confines of the State Legislature; and he understands the situation the Board is in because he works within the confines of the Federal Government.  He stated he greatly appreciates the Board's service. 

 

Lois Lacost stated she wanted to go on record that she is against the millage rate increase; she and her husband are looking forward to retirement, but she does not know that they will be able to live on their retirement.  She added they have put money aside, and put their son through college, and have continued to save; they just received a State Farm homeowners insurance premium increase of 43 percent this year; and now the Board is talking about increasing taxes.  She went on to say that she has no control over taxes and home insurance; and the people who are on fixed incomes are not going to be able to make it.  She concluded by saying the Board needs to do what the people want. 

 

The Board recessed at 10:25 p.m. and reconvened at 10:41 p.m.

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Mr. Tipton stated staff has worked on the budget for many months; there is a lot of effort and a lot of work that goes into what the Board ultimately produces for the citizens; and it is not done light-hearted, it is done with a great deal of seriousness.  He advised when meeting with the various department directors, there are a lot of great people that are doing, and have been doing, a lot with less over the past four or five years.  He went on to state there was a lot of information that was shared this evening, such as the earlier comments about the millage; what the Board is talking about when staying at the current millage is about a 14.4 percent reduction in the budget, not 2.9 percent; and that is what has been shared previously and that number remains the same. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated she would like to apologize for all of the attacks that Mr. Tipton has taken; and noted the Board of County Commissioners decided his salary, and she applauds his work.

 

Mr. Tipton advised the Board is moving towards the end of Item II.A.2, and if the Board would like to continue with that, it is recommended that it discuss the budgets and millage; and since the Board must adopt the millages and related budgets separately, comments and motions concerning the individual tax levies can also be made at the time each millage is adopted.   

 

Commissioner Nelson stated he would like to clarify the issue with the Sheriff's Office; there were suggestions of cuts in overtime; and he would like to hear what Commissioner Infantini believes is available and have the Sheriff respond. 

 

Commissioner Infantini stated she is done with her debate part of it because there has been great interaction on that, but what she is proposing to cut is the detention center budget by $1 million; and noted in 2009 the overtime was 10 percent of the base salary.  She stated she has the millage rates for other counties; Indian River County works eight-hour shifts; Alachua County works 12-hour days, an 84-hour pay schedule, and the employees are paid overtime if they work over 84 hours; and in Orange County, which did not raise millage rates, its employees work 85.4 hours per two weeks and are only paid overtime if they exceed 86 hours.  She stated the Sheriff has said that the employees, for the four hours over the 80 hours that they work, are paid overtime above and beyond holiday pay; and the Board discussed as to whether or not to pay overtime; but she was not asking for them not to be paid overtime for holidays. 

 

Sheriff Parker stated the employees are physically working during the time, it is not an additional assignment; they work 12-hour shifts, so they work an average of 84 hours every two weeks; and that is where it comes in.  He stated he appreciates the comparison charts with Orange and Indian River Counties; residents in Orange County pay $126 per person for its jail, as opposed to Brevard County, which is $74 per person.  He stated he does not think Brevard County should replicate what Orange County is doing; and noted after a budget dispute in the 1990's, the Orange County Sheriff gave the jail back to the County Commission, which doubled the cost per inmate.  He added Osceola County is at $130 per inmate, and is also a County-run jail; and if the Board would like to treat him like Orange County, he would welcome that, because it would have to give him $27 million per capita more to fund his jail operations over the $41 million.  He stated that shows how efficient Brevard County is in comparison; and if the Board would like to start comparing jails, he would like it to know that Brevard County looks really good.   

 

Commissioner Infantini stated she offered this budget cut because the Board is so often being compared to other municipalities; and now the Sheriff has a  whole new set of numbers.  Sheriff Parker stated it is not a whole new set, it is the original graph in his original budget document to Commissioner Infantini.  Commissioner Infantini stated other municipalities do not pay overtime unless they exceed the 84-hour schedule; it was presented to her that the Sheriff has about a $1.4 million overtime budget and that it was something she should look at, so she did; and stated she came up with a quick set of cuts and thought this was a high number so she looked at three other municipalities. 

 

Sheriff Parker stated he was elected by the people of Brevard County to run the jail and law enforcement services; he stated that is the proof and the performance measure; and he is proud of the Sheriff's Office's management capabilities.  He advised the only jail that can beat Brevard is Seminole County because it has an influx of $2 million for federal inmates, which Brevard does not have, because they over-built their jail and took advantage of that; and as a result of that revenue they are able to drive down their costs.  He stated people actually work in their positions; and if overtime is cut, he would have to stop people from working in the facility.

 

Commissioner Infanitni stated the other municipalities negotiated union contracts with their employees where the base is on an 84-hour work schedule, and then after 84 hours they are paid overtime. 

 

Sheriff Parker stated not only do other municipalities negotiate that with their employees, they negotiate a lot more than Brevard County gives its employees.  He stated it is a very reasonable number when looking at the overall picture; 10 percent of a budget in a county jail for overtime when there are 12-hour shifts is not bad; they way other Counties fix that problem is with a much higher personnel number per inmate because what happens is, they have the ability to take additional officers and put them to work because they are extra, so they have four extra officers that day; and the Brevard County jail does not have that.  He noted he has already had this discussion with the Board; and it is extraordinary to him to have been in the position that he has been in, to have taken on the jail situation, to have saved the County tens of millions of dollars, having done everything so perfectly and having the actual number represent it, to have Commissioner Infantini say it is easy to cut.  He noted it is part of the contract; and if Commissioner Infantini imposes her cuts today, he would have to cut services at the jail.  He stated he would like to clarify the misunderstanding between the six deputes and 20 deputies; the MSTU funds the patrol deputies in the amount of $15,240,000; he asked for a status quo amount of money to fund those deputies; the MSTU rate, as well as all the rates, plummeted; next year's rate will bring in $2 million less; they went to full rollback with the deputies; and if the millage rate goes to what it is this year, next year, then that is a loss of 38 deputies.  He stated there is nothing to manipulate in his budget; he absolutely does not want to cut deputies; Commissioner Infanitni asked for a report from his office the other day on the ratio of deputies to citizens; and in the Comprehensive Plan there is supposed to be a minimum of two deputies per 1,000 citizens, but his office is 64 deputies short of that Comprehensive Plan minimum standard right now, which includes Lieutenants; but if the Lieutenants are left out, his office would be 81 deputies short of the Comprehensive Plan. 

 

Commissioner Infantini stated the FDLE website reports that Brevard County is at two deputies per 1,000 citizens.  Sheriff Parker responded the website is wrong; and stated he feels like Commissioner Infantini takes great pleasure in questioning him, and at the last meeting she pretty much called him a liar.  Commissioner Infantini stated Sheriff Parker completely changed his story when he got in front of this group of people; and then he said he was not changing his budget and that she misunderstood him.  Sheriff Parker stated he has been in this business for 30 years and has briefed with many commissioners; Commissioners are very passionate about wanting to know all the facts; but that was not the case when he briefed with Commissioner Infantini, as she had her mind made up and she does not communicate. 

 

Commissioner Infantini stated the Sheriff's Office is one of the few departments not willing to have an audit.  Sheriff Parker stated his office does have audits; it has more audits than required by law; the numbers do not lie; and his office is efficient and effective when it comes to the price that is paid in Brevard County.  He added for the last two weeks Commissioner Infantini's constituents have said they really do not want those services cut; and his office has demonstrated over and over again that it is very efficient; and it brought their budget in this year at 3.5 percent less than last year.  He advised that was $1 million in savings in the General Fund; his office has a long history of doing things for less; he gets frustrated when it is brushed aside like it is meaningless; and the reason he gets passionate is because if Commissioner Infantini is successful with her cuts, the community will become more dangerous.  Commissioner Infantini stated the $1 million that he saved in the General Fund is because it was transferred to the MSTU.  Sheriff Parker stated a portion of that is.  Commissioner Infantini stated $450,000 was transferred from the General Fund to the MSTU. 

 

Sheriff Parker stated the MSTU funding is the same next year as this year, basically it is a break even; and it is a $1 million savings in the General Fund.  He added there was a lesser amount in the MSTU originally; every year he looks at every single deputy and determines if they should be General Fund or MSTU; and again, when the smoke cleared, there is $1 million less in General Fund spending and a status quo MSTU funding.  He stated his overall budget is $3.9 million less than last year because of the loss of the Port Canaveral contract; the budget is not easy; Mr. Tipton is a very friendly guy, but he is a very tough budget person; and he has spent a lot of hours with him and his staff going through every line-item in his budget. 

 

Commissioner Anderson clarified the jail is funded out of the General Fund, and there is a separate MSTU that pays for road deputies; it is illegal for the Board to use General Fund money for deputies in those unincorporated areas; and stated the MSTU is a mechanism to ensure that the unincorporated areas have their own police force. 

 

Sheriff Parker stated Palm Bay, for example, has its own Police Department; and in smaller counties the General Fund pays for a Sheriff's Office and there are no additional funding mechanisms, and that the Sheriff covers everything with the exception of a city that may be operational; Brevard County is a complex county with the variety of municipalities; and it would be unfair to a resident in the City of Palm Bay to pay for patrol deputies that are patrolling Merritt Island when they are also paying for police officers to patrol Palm Bay.  He noted as a result, many years ago, the County Commission created the MSTU, which is a funding mechanism; he lives in Merritt Island and pays a MSTU tax for local patrol responsibilities, and a General Fund tax for the jail and all the other things he enjoys from a countywide perspective; Palm Bay does not pay that MSTU; and  it is  not appropriate for him to use an MSTU deputy in Palm Bay, unless there is an agreement to be in the MSTU, such as the case with Grant-Valkaria and Palm Shores.  He advised if the MSTU is cut, deputies would have to be terminated, which would come out of the unincorporated areas.  He added he also wants people to understand that if he just cuts $1 million out of the jail, things are not going to be okay; if $1.5 million is cut out of the MSTU, things will not be okay; and there will be a loss of service in Public Safety.

 

Commissioner Nelson pointed out one of the reasons the Sheriff's budget has increased over the past few years is because Malabar is finally is paying its fair share; the Sheriff contracted with the Port for a while, but that is backing down; and he is contracted with Cape Canaveral and Palm Shores, so he is providing a service for which those citizens are paying.  Sheriff Parker stated the biggest culprit of his budget going up over the years has been the jail because it was so sorely neglected in the past, and it had to be handled; and he has heard questions tonight of where all the money has went, and a big chunk of the money went towards the jail overcrowding crisis when there were 1,000 beds and 2,000 inmates. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the Board is still under court order for the issue of overcrowding; Sheriff Parker has done a great job; the tents have been a blessing; and he has been accused of wild spending, including 60 correctional officers to help staff the tents, and he is proud of that.  Sheriff Parker stated Commissioner Nelson should be proud, as that was a partnership between the Board of County Commissioners and the Sheriff.  He advised there were four failed referendums and a consultant telling him he had to build a $150 million facility; and it took working together to come up with a $14 or $15 million option, and he is very proud of that as well.  He added that would be a debt service payment that the Board would be dealing with right now of another $7 or $8 million had there been another Sheriff in office that let the consultant study just roll through, but he felt compelled to spend as little as possible.  Commissioner Nelson stated as far as he is concerned, the Sheriff has done an excellent job, and he has not asked for increases over the time he has been in office. 

 

Commissioner Anderson stated last year he met with Sheriff Parker, the external auditors, and other County staff, over concerns he and Sheriff Parker both had, and there was an audit about some of those issues.  Sheriff Parker stated that particular audit had many flaws and skewed information, and it was so poorly done that it actually looked like it was a hit against the Sheriff's Office.  He added the auditors apologized and ssued a new report; and stated when he does not control the quality of the audits that are done on his agency, that is the end product.  Commissioner Anderson clarified that was not the contracted external auditors, but the contracted internal auditors. 

 

Chairman Fisher stated he recalls that the public wanted to know where the money went, and where it gets spent; but what it came down to was that the tents cost a great deal of money; another issue was health insurance; and a third issue was Parks and Recreation, which is voter referendum.  Sheriff Parker stated he thinks the auditors do very good work most of the time, and he believes that was a rushed audit because it was needed for a meeting; the auditors told him they did not have enough time to do that kind of audit and that was why it was of poor quality; and that is an example of why he is not overjoyed at wrapping his hands around that kind of an audit process. 

 

Chairman Fisher stated there was a question earlier about the sound system at the Walter Butler Community Center costing $275,000; and stated he has not heard about it, but he does not believe that is the case.  Stockton Whitten, Assistant County Manager, stated he believes that was a mistake; the sound system actually cost $7,715.89, and that funding source was from commercial paper, which are finance proceeds, but the repayment is from citizens of the District 1 MSTU; and noted it is a very limited geographic area that repays that $7,715.89. 

 

 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the Board has proceeded to reserve the use of the Wickham Park stables for shows, but it has not worked out.  He suggested a compromise of going back to stabling the horses for a period of one year; and during that period of time moving into shows if the economy comes back in such a fashion that somebody would be interested.  He advised it would generate around $100,000 in revenue during that period of time and also put the stables to use. 

 

Jack Masson, Parks and Recreation Director stated staff has gone through the RFP process to try to privatize the stable and show operation; unfortunately, only one RFP was received, which was rejected by the committee after review; he has asked staff to come back with options as to what direction to move in for the stable operation; those options could include privatizing, boarding, and additional show opportunities; and staff is in the process of having that recommendation completed in a few weeks. 

 

 

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired of the additional number the Board is adding to get to the $5.2 million in Medicaid.  Alphonso Jefferson, Budget Director, replied the Medicaid number is $1.2 million.  Commissioner Nelson stated in the past, the Board has budgeted approximately $3 million, and then there are additional bills for $1.2 million, which the Board has to pay; but the way it has been done in the past is the Board has looked at mid-year supplements and got the money together at that time to make the payment; and his suggestion would be for the Board to follow that same process, and instead of budgeting the additional money now, it can look at mid-year supplements as savings are identified.  He pointed out that the worst-case scenario is that it would have to come out of reserves; but the Board will not have had to increase the ad valorem by $1.2 million to pay for it; and so the Board can reduce the ad valorem by $1.2 million. 

 

Mr. Jefferson noted although there was the $1.2 million from reserves into Medicaid, the Medicaid number is actually going higher than the $1.2 million; staff will be coming back to the Board for an additional $700,000 for Medicaid for the end of this fiscal year.  Commissioner Nelson inquired what the total will be for this year.  Mr. Jefferson responded it will be an additional $700,000, for a total of $5.9 million.  Commissioner Nelson inquired what the Board historically budgeted for Medicaid.  Mr. Jefferson replied approximately $3.9 million. 

 

Chairman Fisher inquired if Mr. Jefferson could explain to the public the process for Medicaid, and how there is a $2 million Medicaid increase.  Mr. Jefferson responded when the bill comes into the department, staff looks at the bill to make sure it is applicable to the expenditures associated with it; but primarily when a bill comes in for Medicaid, it is something the County has to pay to the State of Florida, as it is a mandated expenditure from the State. 

 

Ian Golden, Housing and Human Services Director, stated the County gets charges for hospital stays and nursing home Medicaid payments; and the County pays a portion of those as a mandate from the State.  Commissioner Bolin inquired if they are residents of Brevard County who go into these nursing homes.  Mr. Golden responded yes, several years ago, when the Medicaid reimbursement was lower, the State allowed something called Certificates of Residency that actually came with the bill to allow the County to reject payments for people who were not from Brevard County.

 

Commissioner Nelson suggested taking $1.2 million from the Medicaid payment, and follow with the same way the Board has done in the past, with the understanding that there may be a point in time when the Board has to look at the reserves to cover it, if it does not match up with the savings.

 

Commissioner Bolin inquired how that would be a benefit.  Mr. Jefferson replied the motion is to take $1.2 million from the countywide property tax; and it would lower the countywide property tax by $1.2 million.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated she is concerned that there will be an increase; the Board has been having increases because it cannot be documented if someone is receiving Medicaid who is out of state; and if people are facing foreclosure, there could be an influx of adults going into facilities on Medicaid. 

 

The Board directed staff to take $1.2 million from the General Fund property tax for Medicaid payments. 

 

 

Mr. Tipton stated if the motions are going to be specific to each of the millage rates, in this case it is countywide, it would be best to have staff read the millage, because that is the point where adjustments to the millage rate take place; and then staff can recalculate.   He stated the Budget Office will read each tax levy, and then it is recommended that the Chairman entertain a motion for that millage rate; as the first one is done, for the countywide general fund millage, that is the appropriate time to bring forward the additional change; and staff will calculate in the Medicaid change.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the original tentative millage was 5.0073 mills, which would have represented 0.00 percent change from the rollback millage of 5.0073, generating $124,885,215 of ad valorem revenue.  He advised with the change of $1.2 million, the revised millage rate would be 4.9592 mills, generating $123,685,215. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the Board is funding the Supervisor of Elections for the extraordinary number of re-elections next year $1.6 million, which will not occur again for four more years; and suggested instead of using a recurring dollar amount, which is the ad valorem, that the Board fund it out of reserves, which are more than adequate at this time, and then reduce the millage by $1.6 million.  

 

The Board approved funding the Supervisor of Elections for the 2012 General Election cycle from reserves, for $1,320,000.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised with the $1,320,000 additional reduction on top of the $1,200,000 reduction, it would reduce the General Fund millage rate to 4.9063 mills, and the revenue generated will be $122,365,215, which is a total reduction of $2,520,000 from the original tentative millage.

 

Mr. Tipton advised the Board needs to approve the revised millage rate.

 

The Budget staff advised the revised FY 2011-2012 tentative millage for the countywide millage is 4.9063, which will generate revenue of $122,365,215.

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-206, adopting final millages for FY 2011-2012 pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 200.  

 

 

Chairman Fisher stated there has been conversation about the 2.5 percent pay increase; and inquired what it would look like if it was a one-time expense versus it being a bonus, or something that would occur every year. 

 

Alphonso Jefferson, Budget Director, stated the numbers are relatively the same; it is not a one-time activity; right now, it is programmed as a base pay; staff would have to go back and take it out as far as FRS is concerned; but it is approximately the same amount that is currently budgeted as far as salary increases are concerned.  He noted on the Board side, there is $1.3 million that is scheduled for Board departments on the General Fund side; but overall, for the Board of County Commissioners, it is approximately $2.7 million.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the union contract that was ratified by the Board has it as a recurring cost.  Commissioner Infantini pointed out that is only for the union contract.  She inquired if the other Commissioners think it is prudent that the people who are earning $120,000 receive a 2.5 percent pay increase; and inquired if the Commissioners agree there should be a cap of $50,000. 

 

Chairman Fisher stated since he has been in office he has already voted for furloughs, which was a five percent pay cut.  He stated next year, the Board can look at the situation and decide if it is a recurring expense or not.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated he distributed a salary study of other local agencies, including Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville, Orlando, Orange County, the State of Florida, and the federal government; people say they have not gotten increases; and in the last couple of years that is true, but this is the fifth year in which the County employees have not received raises.  He noted in the same period of time, Social Security got an 11.4 percent increase; federal employees got an 11.6 percent increase; Orange County got a 10 percent increase; Orlando got 10 percent; and Palm Bay got eight percent.

 

The Budget staff advised with the approval of the motion for the $1,320,000 additional reduction for the Supervisor of Elections, on top of the 1,200,000 reduction, it would reduce the General Fund millage rate to 4.9063, and the revenue generated would be $122,365,215, which would be a total reduction of $2,520,000 from the original tentative millage. 

 

Commissioner Infantini stated her recommendations were to take $3,288,000 out of the referendum proceeds that have been set aside and earmarked to build a new community center at Wickham Park and use those funds to make one of its debt payments for the 2006 referendum; and stated she would also like to take $877,933 out of the Chain of Lakes for more improvements, which could also be used to make a debt payment on the 2006 referendum.  Commissioner Anderson stated he would prefer to wait until the Board gets to that line item. 

 

Stockton Whitten, Assistant County Manager, stated there are no General Fund dollars being transferred to pay for referendum debt.  Commissioner Infantini noted there are General Fund dollars operating referendum projects; the Board is using General Fund money to operate parks in the south, in Merritt Island, and in the north; and the Board can take the money from the referendum and no longer have it earmarked, which would reduce the demand on the General Fund. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated Parks and Recreation has always been a General Fund operation; the amount of General Fund that has been made available to that has been reduced significantly; the referendums were never intended to replace the General Fund.  Commissioner Infantini stated the internal audit report shows that 100 percent of the debt service being collected from Merritt Island is going to fund the millage revenue for the Merritt Island Recreation District.

 

Mr. Whitten stated in the south area there are no General Fund dollars being transferred for operations of referendum projects or services; in the north area, the special district dollars are being utilized to operate referendum projects; and in the central area, there are some General Fund dollars that are being utilized to operate referendum projects.  He stated the audit report shows the North Area Recreation Special District and the Merritt Island Recreation MSTU, are being utilized to retire the debt; it is very transparent that all of the voted millage in the north area and in Merritt Island is being used to retire the debt; but the issue for parks and referendum projects is that in the south there are no General Fund dollars being utilized for referendum projects, and in the north there are no General Fund dollars being utilized for referendum projects, but in the central area there is a portion of the General Fund transfer for the central parks area that is being utilized to operate referendum projects.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

The Budget Office advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.5986 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $15,076,412.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved the final millage for Free Public Library District at 0.5986 mills, and revenue at $15,076,412.  

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Trudie Infantini, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Andy Anderson

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.2151 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $5,417,535.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved the final millage for Mosquito Control District at 0.2151 mills, and revenue at $5,417,535. 

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.8135 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $9,745,650.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for Fire Control MSTU at 0.8135 mills, and revenue at $9,745,650.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.6896; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $2,128,434.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for Recreation District #1 MSTU at 0.6896 mills, and revenue at $2,128,434. 

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.4696 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $1,327,247.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for Recreation Special District #4 Operations and Maintenance at 0.4696 mills, and revenue at $1,327,247.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

The Budget advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.0000 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $0.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority at 0.0000 mills, and revenue at $0.

 

MOVER:             Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 1.3574 mills; the percent change from rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $15,240,691.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for Law Enforcement MSTU at 1.2574 mills, and revenue at $15,240,691.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.5712 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $982,292.

 

Commissioner Infantini stated she believes there are still funds available from the $20 million transferred to Districts 1 and 2 to do road improvement projects.  She noted the revenue being generated from all of Road and Bridge, no matter which District, totals approximately $4.1 million; if Commissioners Fisher and Nelson would agree to give up $2 million each of the $10 million they were given last budget year to make road improvements, it would eliminate the need for any funding for any of the five districts.

 

Chairman Fisher stated Districts 1 and 2 received $20 million after $190 million was spent on the south end of the County.  Commissioner Nelson noted Commissioner Infantini did not offer to give up the $1 million she received.  Commissioner Infantini advised her money was not for resurfacing, but for infrastructure improvements to widen Hollywood Boulevard at U.S. 192.  Commissioner Nelson stated the south portion of the County does not generate the same amount because it is based on unincorporated areas; and Districts 1, 2, and 4, have the largest amount of unincorporated areas. Chairman Fisher stated District 1 has the largest amount of dirt roads of any Commissioner.

 

There being no further comments or objections, the Board approved final millage for Road and Bridge District #1 MSTU at 0.5712 mills, and revenue at $982,292.

 

MOVER:             Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.3107 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $932,920.

 

There being no objections heard, the Board approved final millage for Road and Bridge District #2 MSTU at 0.3107 mills, and revenue at $932,920.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini

 

 

 ROAD AND BRIDGE DISTRICT #3 MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is .3687 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $538,493. 

 

Commissioner Infantini stated she would like to use the old rate for the MSTU; and inquired what the rate was last year.  Mr. Jefferson advised the rate last year was .3322.  Commissioner Infantini advised she would like the rate for 2011-2012 to be .3322.  Chairman Fisher inquired what the revised rates would be.

 

John Denninghoff noted the MSTU would come out of resurfacing, so there will be less resurfacing in District 3; and noted it will be approximately $57,000 less in resurfacing.

 

Commissioner Infantini stated she found the audit from the internal auditors, which states the Merritt Island referendum ad valorem millage is currently 100 percent allocated to debt service; and as a result, there is no designated funding for operation and maintenance of referendum projects, and there are no reserves available for operation and maintenance of the Merritt Island facilities.  Mr. Whitten advised that is consistent with how he described all three districts.  Commissioner Infantini inquired if the south area is using reserves; stated the south only has $1.5 million coming in, in revenue; and inquired if it only costs $1.5 million to operate three community centers.  Mr. Whitten stated the south area is using the dollars that are coming in and using the dollars that have been saved from that millage over the last couple of years also.  Commissioner Infantini inquired if the reserves will be available next year to continue operating, because she thought they ran out in 2012.  Mr. Whitten stated the south area will still be able to operate off of the recurring revenues from the operating millage and those saved dollars; no one can guess where the taxable values will be, but right now the Board is able to continue to operate with those reserves with the operating tax dollars and the dollars that are saved in reserves.

 

The Budget staff advised the revised tentative millage is 0.3322 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 11.74 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $482,539.

 

There being no further comments or objections, the Board approved final millage at 0.3322 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 11.74 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $428,539.

 

MOVER:             Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.3377 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $1,085,462.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millages for Road and Bridge District #4 MSTU at 0.3377 mills, and revenue at $1,085,462.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.4566 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $482,204.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for Road and Bridge District #5 MSTU at 0.4566 mills, and revenue at $482,204.

 

MOVER:             Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.3407 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $137,700.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for Road and Bridge District #4 North Beaches MSTU at 0.3407 mills, and revenue at $137,700.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.1540 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $18,554. 

 

There being no objections, the Board approved the final millage for Road and Bridge District #4 South Merritt Island MSTU.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini

 

 

The Budget staff advised the tentative millage for FY 2011-2012 is 0.0000 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 100 percent; and generates in Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $0.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved the Environmentally Endangered Lands ('91) final millage at 0.000 mills, and revenue at $0.

 

MOVER:             Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.0422 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $1,056,361.

 

There being no objections heard, the Board approved final millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands ('04) at 0.0422 mills, and revenue at $1,056,361.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.0000 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $0.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation MSTU at 0.0000 mills, and revenue at $0.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.0000 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $0.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for the North Brevard Special Recreation District at 0.0000 mills, and revenue at $0.

 

MOVER:             Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.0000 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $0.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for the Merritt Island Recreation MSTU Operations and Maintenance at 0.0000 mills, and revenue at $0.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.1089 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 14.66 percent; and generates revenue in the amount of $177,977,580.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved the South Brevard Recreation Special District Operations and Maintenance at 0.1089 mills, and revenue at $177,977,580.

 

MOVER:             Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.0000 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 100 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $0.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands Debt ('91) at 0.0000 mills, and revenue at $0.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.1577 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue of $3,971,851.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved the final millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands Debt ('04) at 0.1577 mills, and revenue at $3,971,851.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.6008 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $329,002.         

 

There being no objections, the Board approved the final millage for Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation Facilities MSTU Debt at 0.6008 mills, and revenue at $329,002.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.8000 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $1,748,952.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for North Brevard Recreation Special District Debt at 0.8000 mills, and revenue at $1,748,952.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.8000 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $1,883,149.

 

There being no objections, the Board approved final millage for Merritt Island Recreation MSTU Debt at 0.8000 mills, and revenue at $1,883,149.

 

MOVER:             Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 0.4911 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates $6,971,324.

 

There being no objection, the Board approved final millage for South Brevard Recreation Special District Debt at 0.4911 mills, and revenue at $6,971,324.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

Howard Tipton, County Manager, advised staff needs to re-read the percentage change to the Countywide General Fund. 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 tentative millage is 4.9063; the percent change from the rollback rate is 2.02 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $122,365,215.

 

There being no objection, the Board approved final millage for General Fund at 4.9063 mills, and revenue at $122,365,215.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

Chairman Fisher called for the public hearing announcement of the percent change in the recomputed aggregate millage from the aggregate rolled back rate.

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 aggregate rate is 7.1360 mills, which represents a 2.77 percent decrease from the aggregate rolled back rate of 7.3391 mills.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated the public said they wanted the millage at 2.95, but the Board actually got it to 2.77.

 

 

 

Chairman Fisher called for the public hearing to adopt a resolution adopting the County's final operating and capital budget for FY 2011-2012.

 

Alphonso Jefferson, Budget Director, advised the resolution is to adopt final millages pursuant to Chapter 200, Florida Statutes, authorizing the Board of County Commissioners to adopt the final millages for FY 2011-2012, and providing an effective date.  He announced, the Board of County Commissioners, as a taxing authority for the taxing entities identified in Exhibit A, does hereby levy the millage provided in Exhibit A, and does hereby state the percent by which the aggregate millage to be levied is a change from the rolled back roll forward aggregate millage.

 

There being no objections heard, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-206, adopting the final millages for FY 2011-2012, pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 200.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

Chairman Fisher called for the public hearing for adoption of the County's final budget resolution for FY 2011-2012.

 

Alphonso Jefferson, Budget Director, advised the resolution is to adopt a final budget pursuant to Chapter 200 of the Florida Statutes, authorizing the Board of County Commissioners to adopt the final operating capital budget for the FY 2011-2012, and providing for an effective date.   He announced, the Board of County Commissioners, as taxing and governing authority, does hereby adopt an operating capital budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2011, and ending September 30, 2012, in the amount of $931,931,814. 

 

There being no objections, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-207, adopting the final budget for FY 2011-2012 pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 200. 

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

 

Alphonso Jefferson, Budget Director, advised staff needs to revise the Road and Bridge District #3 MSTU for Exhibit A; but it is approved based on the previous motions; and staff will update Exhibit A to make sure it is reflected correctly in the record.

 

Stockton Whitten, Assistant County Manager, stated the Road and Bridge District #3 MSTU line item on Exhibit A, the rollback millage will be the same, the percentage change will be -11.74 percent, and the adopted millage will be 0.3322, with the revenues of $428,539.

 

 

 

Chairman Fisher called for the public hearing for a resolution adopting the final millage for FY 2011-2012 Dependent Special Taxing Districts.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final millage resolution for Brevard County Free Public Library District is 0.5986; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $15,076,412.

 

There being no objections, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-208, final millage for the Brevard County Free Public Library District at 0.5986 mills, and revenue at $15,076,412.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Trudie Infantini, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Andy Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final millage for the Brevard County Mosquito Control District is 0.2151 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $5,417,535.

 

There being no objections, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-209, final millage for the Brevard County Mosquito Control District at 0.2151 mills, and revenue at $5,417,535.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final millage for Recreation Special District #4 Operations and Maintenance is 0.4696 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $1,327,247.

 

There being no objections, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-210, final millage for Recreation Special District #4 Operations and Maintenance at 0.4696 mills, and revenue at $1,327,247.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final millage resolution for Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority is 0.0000 mills; the percent change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $0.

 

There being no objections, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-211, final millage for the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority at 0.0000 mills, and revenue at $0.

 

MOVER:             Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final millage for the South Brevard Recreation Special District Operating is 0.1089 mills; the percentage change from the rollback rates is 14.66 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $1,545,871.

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final millage for the South Brevard Recreation Special District Debt is 0.4911 mills; the percentage change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates $6,971,324.

 

There being no objections, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-212, final millage for South Brevard Recreation Special District Operating at 0.1089, and revenue at $1,545,871; and final millage for South Brevard Recreation Special District Debt at 0.4911 mills, and revenue at $6,971,324.

 

MOVER:             Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final millage for the North Brevard Recreation Special District Operating is 0.0000 mills; the percentage change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates Ad Valorem revenue in the amount of $0.

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final millage for the North Brevard Recreation Special District Debt is 0.8000 mills; the percentage change from the rollback rate is 0.00 percent; and generates $1,748,952.

 

There being no objections, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-213, final millage for the North Brevard Recreation Special District Operating at 0.0000 mills, and revenue at $0; and final millage for the North Brevard Recreation Special District Debt at 0.8000 mills, and revenue at $1,748,952.

 

MOVER:             Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

 

Chairman Fisher called for the public hearing for a resolution adopting the final budgets for the FY 2011-2012 Dependent Special Districts.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final operating budget for the Brevard County Free Public Library District is $17,504,247.

 

There being no objections heard, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-214, final operating budget for the Brevard County Free Library District revenue at $17,504,247.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Trudie Infantini, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Andy Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final operating budget for the Brevard County Mosquito Control District is $8,731,313.

 

There being no objections heard, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-215, final operating budget for the Brevard County Mosquito Control District at $8,731,313.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final operating budget for the Brevard County Special District #4 Operations and Maintenance is $1,427,330.

 

There being no objections heard, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-216, final operating budget for the Brevard County Special District #4 Operations and Maintenance revenue at $1,427,330.

 

MOVER:             Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final operating budget for the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority is $1,996,910.                

 

There being no objections heard, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-217, final operating budget for the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority at $1,996,910.          

 

MOVER:             Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final operating budget for the South Brevard Recreation Special District is $21,536,032.

 

There being no objections heard, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-218, final operating budget for the South Brevard Recreation Special District at $21,536,032.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final operating budget for the North Brevard Recreation Special District is $12,120,920.

 

There being no objections heard, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-219, final operating budget for the North Brevard Recreation Special District at $12,120,920.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final operating budget for the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency is $3,478,361.

 

There being no objections heard, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-220, final operating budget at $3,478,361.

 

MOVER:             Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                 Trudie Infantini

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final operating budget for the Barefoot Bay Water and Sewer District is $6,016,924.

 

There being no objections heard, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-221, final operating budget for the Barefoot Bay Water and Sewer District at $6,016,924.

 

MOVER:             Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                 Robin Fisher, Trudie Infantini, Mary Bolin, Andy Anderson

NAYS:                 Chuck Nelson

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2011-2012 final operating budget for the Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District is $2,416,645.

 

There being no objections heard, the Board adopted Resolution No. 11-222, final operating budget for the Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District at $2,416,645.

 

MOVER:             Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

Chairman Fisher called for the public hearing authorizing the Assistant County Manager for Management and Community Services to execute the Florida Department of Revenue Truth In Millage (TRIM) forms.

 

The Board authorized Assistant County Manager, Stockton Whitten, to execute the Department of Revenue Forms DR-487, DR-487V, DR-420, DR-420MM, DR-420TIF, Dr-420DEBT, DR-422, and DR-422DEBT; and to assemble all components of the TRIM Compliance Package and transmit to the appropriate Department of Revenue authorities.

 

MOVER:             Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                 Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

Upon consensus by the Board, the meeting adjourned at 1:05 a.m., September 28, 2011.

 

 

 

 

ATTEST:                                                                                                                                

                                                                        ROBIN L. FISHER, CHAIRMAN

                                                                        BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                    _______                    BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

MITCH NEEDELMAN, CLERK