MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

September 12, 2006

 

 

 

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on September 12, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. in the Government Center Commission Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida.  Present were:  Chair Helen Voltz, Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Ron Pritchard, Susan Carlson, and Jackie Colon, County Manager Peggy Busacca, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

 

 

The Invocation was given by Dr. Virginia (Ginger) Doherty, Indian River City United Methodist Church.

 

 

Commissioner Pritchard led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

 

Commissioner Scarborough recognized Lee Solid and Marshall Heard; stated there are certain times there are unsung heroes; Brevard County is going to get the assembly of the Crew Exploration Vehicle; and it is directly linked to the Economic Development Commission (EDC) hiring these two gentlemen.  He expressed appreciation to Messrs. Solid and Heard for their outstanding efforts.

 

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated the problem lies in that Dr. David Laney with the University of Central Florida (UCF) is on a tight timeline; if the Board wants to alter any lines, the sooner the better; County Manager Peggy Busacca indicated the Board could look at the issue next on September 19, 2006; and requested Shawn Harris briefly discuss his position and maybe some of the other positions in the incorporation area.

 

Shawn Harris recognized Dwight Siegler, President of the East Mims Civic League, and residents of the Brockett Road area; stated he has a letter from the Sherwood Area Homeowners Association; basically, these three groups do not want to be included in the feasibility study, nor the incorporation; and they do not support any moratorium on building on the east side.  He stated the League supports the four proposed projects; it has talked to the developers; the League has also met with Commissioner Scarborough; and it has followed all of the things the Board asked the League to do.  He advised the League will continue to meet with its citizens.

 

 

 

 

 

Commissioner Pritchard stated the Palm Beach Post indicated that during a nearly three-hour public hearing on the budget, 20 residents, business leaders, and Republicans, pleaded with County Commissioners to slash the County’s tax rate and find a way to curb higher than expected property tax bills; he could not understand why they would not say people or taxpayers, and why they would specifically identify a political party; tax collections in Palm Beach County have soared beyond the area’s income and population growth; it is not just in Brevard County; and it is everywhere.  He noted because of Save Our Homes, counties have literally taxed people into their house while such counties are busy insuring them out of it; the insurance premiums residents are paying are now in the $3,000 range that used to be $800; and the taxes increase.  He stated it is going to take more than this Board; it is going to take State Legislators; homestead portability has to happen; and it is an epidemic and needs to stop and be curtailed.

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Pritchard, to waive development review and permit fees for Resurrection Ranch, at estimated cost of $14,500.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Commissioner Colon stated she worked in New York City; her memories are wonderful ones; she worked on the 102^nd floor of the World Trade Center; and she was at the World Trade Center the weekend of September 11, 2001 for a reunion, and flew back to Brevard County on September 10, 2001.  She stated her friends wanted her to stay there, but she came home; and she would have been there on September 11, 2001 visiting her friends instead of being in Brevard County, but she had a County Commission meeting that she could not miss.  She showed a video presentation to the Board and audience concerning the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States; and what was taking place at the Board meeting on that day.  She expressed appreciation to everyone for all the phones calls that came in and the County Commission for being very sensitive to the fact that she had to leave the Board meeting yesterday.  Commissioner Colon stated we are One Nation Under God; everyone can look at America 2006; it is a very proud day because America was able to show the world that America persevered; she is so proud to be an American; and the servicemen and servicewomen deserve respect, support, and appreciation.

 

Mr. Abbott sang a song to the Board and audience, One Nation Under God.

 

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero announced that the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 aggregate rolled back  rate  is 5.3714 mills, the aggregate tentative rate is 5.9235 mills, the percentage change is

 

 

10.28%, including voted millages, and the aggregate tentative rate is 9.07% below the current aggregate rate of 6.5147 mills and 8.06% above the aggregate rolled back rate, excluding voter approved millages.

 

 

Kristin Bakke stated on behalf of LEAD Brevard and its Board of Directors, she would like to thank the County Commission for its continued support of the Organization; with its many successful programs and initiatives, LEAD Brevard is evolving into a permanent community asset; it is realigning its scope of work to reflect a community service model, developing tools, services, and other resources to better assist; and it is positioned to move the community agenda forward in a positive way.  She stated Lead Brevard encourages the Board to approve its request for continued and enhanced funding support for Fiscal Year end 2007; the Board’s approval is a testament to the value that LEAD Brevard brings to the community; and the funds will have a positive impact on the amount and type of work that LEAD Brevard can do to forward its collective vision, developing a regional, cooperative approach to challenges and issues.

 

Joe Christ, representing Space Coast Pops, thanked the Board for its support in the past; stated the Organization is very happy with what it gets; and requested the Board continue its support to the organization.

 

Lelia Benton expressed her concern regarding increased taxes; and stated every time she turns around government wants more money.

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated staff can review Ms. Benton’s tax bill.

 

Don Poston advised since 2004, his property tax has increased 230%; there is no city water; the roads are not County maintained; and the residents haul their trash to the dump because they do not have garbage service in the area.  He noted there is also no mosquito control in his area; he understands property values have greatly increased; but the residents are not seeing any of it in the area; and requested the Board review his particular area, including how much money is generated, and what the residents are receiving from it because it is very little.

 

David Duisbeg advised of increases in his property taxes; stated with the proposed budget plan, his taxes will increase to $1,446; homeowners insurance has also increased; and his monthly mortgage has increased with it.  He inquired how are the people supposed to pay for all these increases, which includes gas, electricity, water, retail, and groceries, with the same income.  He advised his insurance has doubled in the past year; his taxes have increased every year, but salaries have not; and it is hard to make ends meet if salaries are not increasing.

 

Raymond Scarola stated he is worried about what is happening in Brevard County; he is a taxpayer; the taxes on his townhouse last year were $1,700; the proposal this year is for $5,100, which is an increase of 300%; and he and his wife cannot afford such an increase.  He advised real  estate  tax  delinquencies  and  mortgage  delinquencies  are  on  the rise substantially; the

 

 

 

 

County wants to increase its tax base and not erode it; if people are not going to be able to afford their homes then it is going to erode the tax base that is left there; and there needs to be budget cuts to keep real estate taxes down.

 

Michele Haro advised of increases in her taxes; she is not opposed to the taxes, but is opposed to them being increased as high as they are; she does not know how people that are on a fixed income, low income, and disability are going to afford this; and gasoline prices and homeowners insurance have also increased.  She stated she is contemplating putting her house up for sale; she has two other properties that have more than doubled on the taxes; she cannot sell them for what she purchased them for; and they have been under contract for a year.  She requested the Board reconsider the taxes.

 

Robert Leichtenberg advised he reviewed the 2004 total budget, which was $830 million; he added the increase in 2005 and the proposed increase in 2006; those two total increases were $513,686,322, which is 62% of the total 2004 budget; and the salaries for the average County employee, based on 2,929 jobs, the actual spending was $76,316.70.  He noted this is Brevard County, not New York City; inquired what is the Board going to do next year; and stated it is going to have a real problem next year.  He stated the fire budget increased 28%, from 2004 to 2005; the County is spending all this money, but there are not any new roads; the School Board is even worse and spent $432 million this year and there were 80 new students; people cannot afford to live in Brevard County; and houses are not selling.  He advised the Board has to trim this budget; it hits the poor people the worst; it is a shame; Brevard County needs to build roads; and it is tremendously overspending.

 

Commissioner Scarborough requested Mr. Leichtenberg meet with County Manager Peggy Busacca on the salaries as Ms. Busacca does not concur with the average employee salaries that Mr. Leichtenberg mentioned.  Mr. Leichtenberg advised it includes salaries and benefits.

 

Don McFarland advised of the increased taxes for his two office buildings, one in Melbourne and one in Indialantic; he is not gaining anything; the Board should do something with the millage and budget; and he is losing one tenant already.

 

John Orzech stated the proposed tax increase will cost him $2,581.49; he does not have retirement benefits and purchased rental property as a retirement income; but unfortunately, the Board is pricing him out of it.  He noted there are houses all over and nobody can sell them because the taxes are too high and they cannot afford the payment; taxes and impact fees are high, insurance rates have increased, and the snowbirds cannot afford their condominiums on the beach; and they are leaving.  He stated the Board needs to figure out a way to cut the budget.

 

Geoffrey Swanson stated he received the County’s tax bills this year; his taxes are increasing far more than 10%; what the County has failed to do is to properly account for the increased assessment on the property values that is driving people’s taxes way over 10%; and the taxes on his townhouse is increasing 16% this year.  He noted the vacant land he owns, with no improvements  on  it, the taxes are increasing 50% or $1,700 more this year than last year; he is

 

 

 

 

watching his dream of building a single-family home go up in smoke; and it is really getting onerous.  He stated many people are all talking about the tax bills they received; most everyone is very upset and concerned about it; it is the sort of thing that breeds a taxpayer revolt; and he sees one on the horizon if something is not done about this budget.

 

Bob Furci, representing Local 2969 Brevard County Professional Firefighters, stated the FY 2004-2005 fire budget was $56 million, $70 million in FY 2005-2006, and tentatively $81 million in FY 2006-2007; they do not understand what is happening either; March 17, 2005, Local 2969 started negotiations with County staff; and it met with each Commissioner with the same packet to make sure everyone was on board.  He advised of Brevard County Fire Rescue personnel that have left to go to other Departments that paid better, had better benefits, and felt like they were cared about; $3.5 million was spent on overtime; and the approximate cost of training and outfitting the new operational employee was determined to be $25,000 each.  He inquired did the Board direct staff to budget for full Cody and how does it get there; stated the only solution he sees is to take $1.35 million from reserves in Fire Rescue, take $1.35 million from the General Fund to get the full Cody; and he hopes the public understands the firefighters are not being greedy and just want what is fair.

 

Chair Voltz advised the overtime budget for this past year was $4,261,737.11.

 

William N. Hall advised his Fire Control MSTU in previous years was $58.00 for every piece of property he owns; this year it increased up to $350 to $400, for a total of $1,888.96; and it shocked him so much he did not check his taxes to see how much they increased.

 

Discussion ensued concerning the Florida Legislature, Truth in Millage (TRIM), Save Our Homes, Consumer Price Index (CPI), tax bills, homestead exemption, rollback, disparity, certain cuts in the budget, negative impacts, commercial and rental residential properties, generated revenues, tax increases and tax decreases, appraised values on properties, millage, individuals not being able to afford to pay their taxes, municipalities, unincorporated areas, and insurance increases.

 

Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten advised the Board has been sensitive to the fact that the tax rate is the multiplier on the increase in assessed values; the proposed aggregate operating tax rate is 5.9230 mills; in 1989, the aggregate adopted rate was 6.1062 mills; and this rate that is proposed for this year actually represents a 9% decrease from the adopted rate from this year.  He noted the bottom line in terms of the Board’s sensitivity to the multiplier is that the proposed aggregate operating tax rate of 5.9230 is actually lower than the aggregate operating rate from Fiscal Year 1989, which was 6.1062 mills.

 

 

The meeting recessed at 7:03 p.m. and reconvened at 7:19 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marshall Heard stated success has a thousand fathers; if the Board had not come up with the money for the Economic Development Commission (EDC), Brevard County probably would not have had the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) today; the Board’s simple act of funding the EDC resulted in approximately $38 million that will directly come into the County; and between 20 and 30 additional space opportunities will be coming up in the next few years.  He noted it is a very opportunity rich environment that Brevard County sees; it has to spend a little bit of money in order to gather those things and made them real; the Board’s continued support of the EDC space initiative is money well spent; and encouraged the Board to continue to fund the EDC. 

 

Gene McCarthy, Chair of the Economic Development Commission of Florida Space Coast, advised the EDC is actively pursuing not only the initial contract that was recently let to Lockheed Martin, but other add-on contracts to corporations that can come in and work along with them in support capacities for the CEV, Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS), and the ongoing operations that are talking place at Kennedy Space Center; now more than ever, it is important to stress and be aggressive in economic development; if there are those fiscal problems in the community they have to be offset with the good jobs that economic development organizations can bring into a community; and the EDC has requested enhancement of its budget.  He advised the reasons for the EDC’s request is to have a most aggressive campaign to make economic development a very integral part of the community; the EDC has shown the County the 75:1 ratio and return on dollars; there are not too many organizations in Brevard County right now that are returning dollars; and the EDC can show that there is a direct return for every dollar the County gives the EDC.  Mr. McCarthy requested the Board’s consideration; and stated it is a very important thing for the community.

 

Lynda Weatherman, President of the Economic Development Commission of Florida Space Coast, discussed the partnerships between the EDC, Workforce Development Board, Brevard Tomorrow, LEAD Brevard, volunteer organizations, United Way, cultural organizations, trade groups, and industry groups.

 

Commissioner Carlson advised the EDC has been doing a great job; the $50,000 the Board gave last year for getting Marshall Heard and everybody on board and bringing the Crew Exploration Vehicle here is crucial and critical; and everyone needs to realize they are part of the team.

 

Commissioner Colon expressed appreciation to Ms. Weatherman for her leadership and dedication.

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca advised the information that was provided to her from Mr. Leichtenberg came from Finance Director Stephen Burdett; it reads that the total for compensation and benefits came to $223,000 or 36.8% of FY 2005 expenditures; the expenditures include the Sheriff, Property Appraiser, and all other Constitutional Officers; and what apparently Mr. Leichtenberg did based on what he had written down is he took the total number of expenditures for the Charter Officers, as well as the Board of County Commissioners, and  then  divided  it  only  by  the number of Board of County Commissioners’ employees.  She

 

 

 

 

 

noted when one adds the total number of employees, comparable to the total expenditure, it comes up with an average salary of $36,000.

 

Chair Voltz stated the Board needs to look at the fact that people’s property insurance has skyrocketed; that it something that it has to take into affect when the Board makes its decisions; and presented each Commissioner with a list of those things that were previously on the list to be cut that the Board discussed two weeks ago.  She stated there is about $8.8 million in cuts that she would like the Board to address; the items in red are one-time cuts; the items in blue are reoccurring cuts; every item she has indicated on the list as a potential cut concerning Fire Rescue she has talked to Chief William Farmer about; and he concurs with them.  She advised her District in the south part of the County has taken the biggest hit from the fire assessment.

 

Discussion continued concerning the Free or Reduced Lunch Program, SHIP Program, HOME Program, amendments to the proposed operating budget, fire assessment, necessary services, return on investment, economic development, Brevard County being a training ground and employees leaving, impact fees, General Fund Operating Reserves, senior exemptions, cutting across-the-board, Economic Development Commission, Parks and Recreation Department, Transit Services, Sharpes Community Center, and Brevard Cultural Alliance.

 

Chair Voltz stated it is incumbent upon the Board to hear what the people are saying and that is that they are tired of paying increased property taxes; and Brevard County has to stop the spending; the Board does not know what the budget is going to be like next year.

 

Commissioner Pritchard stated a list of recommendations for cuts have been made; and requested County staff put them online for the public’s review, and the public provide their input and recommendations.  He advised the public will be able to review what could potentially be close to $14 million in cuts; and it is a good start.

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated Finance Director Stephen Burdett put together a memorandum for the Board concerning overtime; and requested Mr. Burdett briefly review his memorandum to the Board.

 

Finance Director Stephen Burdett advised that within the Fire Rescue Department for the first 11 months of this Fiscal Year, about $4.26 million has been spent on overtime; that equates to approximately 208,000 hours of overtime that has been spent; the supplemental pay is approximately $726,000; and the main point of his memorandum was that when the County is paying overtime, it is paying a premium of 50% and even more when it is in emergency situations.  He stated for regular overtime, he would suggest that the Board take a close look at bringing in the floater positions that have been discussed before that would be transferred between stations when they are short on people; it is probably a good idea to look at permanent positions; and the County needs to be cognizant of the public concerning the overtime pay, and why does the public need to be paying such a premium for getting the same level of service.

 

Chief William Farmer, Fire Rescue, advised approximately $1.6 million of the $4.2 million in Mr. Burdett’s  memorandum  is  built  into  the  Fair  Labor  Standards  Act  overtime; these men and

 

 

 

 

women get that money; if they work their entire normal shift and not one day more, they are going to get that overtime; so the County needs to take the $1.6 million right off the top as there is no getting around that.  He stated Fire Rescue would like the Finance Department, if possible, to give Fire Rescue two overtime line items, one that is called FLSA overtime, and one that is called premium overtime; it would help Fire Rescue in tracking and doing a comprehensive study on whether a floater program would help it; and based on the information Fire Rescue it has, it needs about 45 more people, which would have an affect on the assessments and MSTU’s.  Chief Farmer stated each individual is going to bring $9,500 worth of health insurance to the table; they are each going to bring about a 10% of 15% operational cost to the table; each one is going to bring in FLSA overtime; and staff would have to plot it all out to ensure that a floater program would in fact save the County money.  He noted staff believes that it could, but to say that it will cost $3.3 million to bring those individuals on board as floaters and to say that there is going to be an absolute reduction of $3.3 million in overtime, he is not comfortable saying that with the data the County has.  He stated there is no doubt that there are some personnel who are making incredible amounts of overtime; and that is because Fire Rescue is at minimum staffing.

 

Commissioner Pritchard stated the root cause of the whole problem that he sees, and he has been in Chief Farmer’s chair and also had the problem, is that Fire Rescue has to have people; if it does not have people then it has problems; and if Brevard County wants to keep its people then it compensates and treats them fairly.

 

Commissioner Pritchard inquired does the full Cody for Fire Rescue, with benefits, retirement, and 20% overtime, equal $4 million; and noted the current raise would be $1.3 million.

 

Human Resources Director Frank Abbate responded the Cody study for Fire Rescue does not include a step plan at all; it is a negotiated item and is an item County staff has discussed with the Union repeatedly; all it provided was minimum salaries for the positions and a recommended maximum; so when the Board hears what is the Cody study implementation of $4.3 million, it would not be accurate to say that it is $4.3 million.  He advised there is no Cody study; it is a request that during discussions the Union said it would like to see this, that is true; but that is a lot different than saying that is a Cody study.  He stated County staff tries to work very closely with the Union to develop a model and look at the plan and others, and say Brevard County and the Union both feel that they understand what the cost impact would be and they can agree to that; that is the discussion that has been taking place; beyond that, he would submit that that whole discussion is what negotiations are supposed to be about; and they are supposed to be able to come to the Board in executive session and have that kind of discussion.  Mr. Abbate stated they are trying to put themselves in a position to be able to do that, and give the Board all the information, including as County staff has told the Union, the five-year history of what Fire Rescue has received, where it is, and any proposed cost other than what has already been negotiated, which includes the $1.3 million or 4% increase across-the-board for firefighters in October, 2006, which is in the current Contract.

 

 

 

 

Commissioner Pritchard stated it was the Fire Department that really initiated the need to have a compensation study done so that the County could review what was going to perhaps be a measure of equality with competitive organizations; he always entered into the spectrum of compensation for all employees based on that it would be fair; some employees do not receive anything out of the Cody study; and that is because in comparative jurisdictions they are comparative.

 

Commissioner Colon stated she supports going up to the 10%; she has no intentions of deviating from that; the Board has sat in meetings with County Department heads for at least six months; and the fire assessment issue was taken care of last time and that was the end of that.  She noted if the Board wants to look into trying to accommodate some more folks then it can go into the reserves; but it should not affect months and months of work that took place; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz have been pretty consistent in wanting certain cuts in certain departments; and that is fine, but if the majority of the vote is not here for that then the Board should not put the citizens, County Department heads, and the rest of the Commissioners through it as it is not fair for the process.  She advised there comes a time where the Board has to decide as the majority; if the Board wants to try to figure out where it can get more dollars to assist those individuals who are less fortunate, the only place she could look at would be the General Fund reserves; it comes down to a matter of philosophies and what the Board thinks the priorities are; and she has already done that and was part of all of the discussions just like everybody else.  Commissioner Colon stated it is a difficult time for the Board because it is trying to do a balancing act; the Board needs to stay consistent; it is not fair to all of the folks who have been part of the process; and the 10% will bring roads, money to the Parkway, money to the renourishment of the beaches.  She reiterated she is supporting the 10%; stated she has been pretty consistent; she told the Board that she was not supporting the fire assessment; and at the last Board meeting she advised the Board that she was supporting the 10%, so there are no surprises.

 

Commissioner Carlson stated she agrees with Commissioner Colon that there have been no surprises here; she has not been surprised with anything anybody has said; she also likes consistency and the fact that Commissioner Colon has pushed the budget process back so that the Board has plenty of time to deliberate on everything it deliberates on throughout the last nine months; she expects to stay very consistent with what the Board has in front of it prior to Chair Voltz’s request, which she respects; and the Board has done due diligence in listening, and it does not mean that the Commissioners have the same philosophies.  She noted the County’s aggregate millage rate is less than at 1989 rates; that is 17 years, which is pretty incredible when considering all of the non-ad valorem types of things that have been added to the budget and how much Brevard County has immensely improved public safety in the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue, safety being number one; there are ongoing increases in the Charter Officers’ budgets; and the Board really does not have any control over those.  Commissioner Carlson stated there are issues at the State level that becomes mandates to the County; there are serious issues this year with insurance, etc.; the County is also talking about a 9% decrease in taxes; and she agrees that the Board dealt with the fire assessment the last time and she felt comfortable with it.  She noted it was a very difficult meeting and she does not want to rehash it;

 

 

 

 

 

the County has to figure out the problems this coming year; she does not expect to be inconsistent; and she will be supporting the 10%, knowing that it also relieves taxpayers by 9%.  She advised Brevard County has some serious issues about roads; she has worked hard to try to provide some sort of input and recommendations that the Board has not accepted; that is okay because it was just her opinion; but there are some serious concerns.

 

Commissioner Pritchard stated Brevard County is limited to 10% by State law; it cannot go higher than 10%; it is the only County in the State that has to do it the way that it is doing it, which is what gave it the fire flip problem; and it has a huge affect on its tax structure.  He advised the aggregate millage may be less than it was in 1989, but the assessed values have increased from $36,000 to $360,000; and that made a big difference.  He noted the Board needs to look at this as the one-year relief and do what it can to streamline what it can this year; and requested the Board have a very proactive budget process.

­Chair Voltz called for the public hearing to consider adoption of the County’s FY 2006-2007 tentative millages.

 

            General Fund

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the General Fund is 3.6249 mills; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 3.8558 mills; the ad valorem revenue is $150,963,339; and the tentative budget is $287,804,212.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for the General Fund at 3.8558 mills and budget at $287,804,212 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Free Public Library District

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Free Public Library District is 0.5750 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.5497 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $21,599,916; and the tentative budget is $25,784,304.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for the Free Public Library District at 0.5497 mill and budget at $25,784,304 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Mosquito Control District

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Mosquito Control District is 0.1986 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.1800 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $7,072,921; and the tentative budget is $9,438,002.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for the Mosquito Control District at 0.1800 mill and budget at $9,438,002 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Fire Control MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Fire Control MSTU is 2.2035 mills; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.6529 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $11,593,717; and the tentative budget is $41,682,791.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Fire Control MSTU at 0.6529 mill and budget at $41,682,791 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Recreation District 1 MSTU is 0.5637 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.5637 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $2,818,051; and the tentative budget is $11,749,323. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Recreation District 1 MSTU at 0.5637 mill and budget at $11,749,323 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Recreation District 4 O & M

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Recreation District 4 O & M is 0.5092 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4305 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,756,552; and the tentative budget is $7,151,736.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Recreation District 4 O & M at 0.4305 mill and budget at $7,151,736 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            TICO Airport Authority

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the TICO Airport Authority is 0.0155 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.0128 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $211,205; and the tentative budget is $2,013,742. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for TICO Airport Authority at 0.0128 mill and budget at $2,013,742 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Law Enforcement MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Law Enforcement MSTU is 0.9960 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.8680 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $14,261,407; and the tentative budget is $16,247,961.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Law Enforcement MSTU at 0.8680 mill and budget at $16,247,961 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU is 0.5699 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4704 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,367,401; and the tentative budget is $2,781,348.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU at 0.4704 mill and budget at $2,781,348 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU is 0.2871 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.2477 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,086,281; and the tentative budget is $2,412,895.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU at 0.2477 mill and budget at $2,412,895 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU is 0.3814 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.3061 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $759,913; and the tentative budget is $1,627,452.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU at 0.3061 mill and budget at $1,627,452 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU is 0.3555 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.3080 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,325,811; and the tentative budget is $2,433,396.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU at 0.3080 mill and budget at $2,433,396 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU is 0.4918 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4235 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $683,583; and the tentative budget is $1,420,361.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU at 0.4235 mill and budget at $1,420,361 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU is 0.3873 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.3271 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $200,225; and the tentative budget is $886,564.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU at 0.3271 mill and budget at $886,564 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

 

 

            Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU is 0.1571 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.1439 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $21,400; and the tentative budget is $190,105.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU at 0.1439 mill and budget at $190,105 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Environmentally Endangered Lands (1991)

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Environmentally Endangered Lands (1991) is 0.0482 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.0398 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,563,896; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands (1991) at 0.0398 mill for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Environmentally Endangered Lands (2004)

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Environmentally Endangered Lands (2004) is 0.0572 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.0472 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,854,671; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands (2004) at 0.0472 mill for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation MSTU is 0.2449 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.1996 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $217,029; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation MSTU at 0.1996 mill for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            North Brevard Special Recreation District

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the North Brevard Special Recreation District is 0.2714 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4449 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,528,940; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for North Brevard Special Recreation District at 0.4449 mill for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Merritt Island Recreation MSTU

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Merritt Island Recreation MSTU is 0.4088 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4714 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,669,836; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Merritt Island Recreation MSTU at 0.4714 mill for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            South Brevard Special Recreation District

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the South Brevard Special Recreation District is 0.3230 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4188 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $9,362,567; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for South Brevard Special Recreation District at 0.4188 mill for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Environmentally Endangered Lands (1991)

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Environmentally Endangered Lands (1991) is 0.2018 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.1665 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $6,542,452; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands (1991) at 0.1665 mill for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Environmentally Endangered Lands (2004) is 0.1188 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.0980 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $3,850,800; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands (2004) at 0.0980 mill for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation Facilities MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation Facilities MSTU is 0.4975 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.4054 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $440,615; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation Facilities MSTU at 0.4054 mill for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            North Brevard Special Recreation District

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the North Brevard Special Recreation District is 0.5078 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.3551 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,220,334; and the tentative budget is $1,777,017.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for North Brevard Special Recreation District at 0.3551 mill and budget at $1,777,017 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

            Merritt Island Recreation MSTU

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the Merritt Island Recreation MSTU is 0.3909 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.3286 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,163,997; and the tentative budget is $1,275,747.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for Merritt Island Recreation MSTU at 0.3286 mill and budget at $1,275,747 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            South Brevard Special Recreation District

The Budget staff advised the FY 2005-2006 millage for the South Brevard Special Recreation District is 0.2306 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2006-2007 is 0.1812 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $4,050,853; and the tentative budget is $7,578,960.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the tentative millage for South Brevard Special Recreation District at 0.1812 mill and budget at $7,578,960 for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero announced that the recomputed FY 2006-2007 aggregate rolled back rate is 5.3714 mills, the aggregate tentative rate is 5.9235 mills, the percentage change is 10.28%, including voted millages, and the aggregate tentative rate is 9.07% below the current aggregate rate of 6.5147 mills and 8.06% above the aggregate rolled back rate, excluding voter approved millages.

 

The Board acknowledged the recomputed FY 2006-2007 aggregate rolled back rate at 5.3714 mills, the aggregate tentative rate at 5.9235 mills, the percentage change at 10.28%, including voted millages, and the aggregate tentative rate at 9.07% below the current aggregate rate of 6.5147 mills and 8.06% above the aggregate rolled back rate, excluding voter approved millages.

 

 

Chair Voltz called for the public hearing to consider a resolution certifying the stormwater utility assessment roll to the Tax Collector, and budget approval.

 

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Pritchard, to approve the Stormwater Utility Department’s Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget and adopt Resolution adopting, ratifying, and certifying the Stormwater Utility Assessment Roll for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 to the Tax Collector.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.  (See page                   for Resolution No. 06-243.)

 

 

Chair Voltz called for the public hearing to consider a resolution adopting FY 2006-2007 user fees for Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District.

 

 

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to adopt Resolution authorizing the Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District to levy user fees for FY 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.  (See page                        for Resolution No. 06-244.)

 

 

Chair Voltz called for the public hearing to consider a resolution certifying the Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) Assessment Rolls to the Tax Collector.

 

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to adopt Resolution adopting, ratifying, and certifying the Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) Assessment Rolls for Fiscal Year 2006-2007.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.  (See page                    for Resolution No. 06-245.)

 

 

Chair Voltz called for the public hearing to consider a resolution adopting final budgets for FY 2006-2007.

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised of the final budgets for the Solid Waste Management Program at $95,588,734; Stormwater Utility Department at $9,979,144; Emergency Medical Services at $32,651,992; Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District at $2,275,053; and Municipal Service Benefit Units at $1,074,924. 

 

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Pritchard, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt final budgets for the Solid Waste Management Program at $95,588,734; Stormwater Utility Department at $9,979,144; Emergency Medical Services at $32,651,992; and Municipal Service Benefit Units at $1,074,924; and adopt a Resolution to adopt a final operating budget for the Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District, pursuant to Chapters 165 and 200, Florida Statutes, authorizing the Board of County Commissioners to adopt the final budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007, and providing for an effective date.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.  (See page                       for Resolution No. 06-246.)

 

 

Chair Voltz called for the public hearing to consider a financial assistance program for qualified low-income property owners who may be negatively affected by the implementation of the new funding methodology for fire services in unincorporated Brevard County.

 

 

 

Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten advised that the Board requested County staff report back to the Board concerning specifics in regard to the financial relief for low income persons concerning the fire assessment; the Board certified the rates; the certification needs to occur before September 15, 2006; and what the Board did not do was define the Financial Assistance Program.  He stated the Program will actually have some affect on the rates that are certified to the Property Appraiser and the Tax Collector on September 15, 2006; the impact on the single-family home less is $129.53; for multi-family, the impact is $258.53; and in terms of how County staff got to those numbers, this is actually the simple math of comparing the total for the 2006-2007 non-ad valorem portion of the tax bill minus the current portion of the tax bill.  He advised currently someone with a home less than 3,000 square feet is paying $268.08 on the non-ad valorem portion of their tax bill; EMS is $57.63; Solid Waste is $142.65; Solid Waste Disposal is $57.000; Stormwater is $10.80 in this example; and there is no fire assessment currently.  He stated next year and as proposed in this budget, there will be no EMS assessment because that again has been moved above the line; Solid Waste Collection would actually decrease by approximately $24.00 to $117.81; Solid Waste Disposal and Stormwater would remain the same; and the new fire assessment would be $212.00 for this particular example, making the total for 2006-2007 of $397.61. 

 

Mr. Whitten advised the actual impact in regard to the relief of this Program is simply the $397.61 minus the $268.08, which is an impact of $129.53; in this particular example, if a person meets the income qualifications, the homeowner would receive a credit of $129.53, making his or her new fire assessment rate $82.47; and that would, in effect, cause a zero dollar increase in the non-ad valorem portion of their tax bill.  He reviewed the Assistance Guidelines to the Board and audience; advised the assistance for a 3,000 square foot home is $129.53 and household income up to $24,999; seniors who receive the additional seniors homestead exemption will automatically receive assistance; currently that income level is $23,463; and there may be some seniors who did not qualify for the seniors homestead exemption that may, in fact, qualify for this particular Program.  Mr. Whitten advised seniors already receiving the additional homestead exemption will automatically receive a corrected tax bill recognizing a credit of $129.53 against the fire assessment portion of their tax bill; again, the example is 3,000 square feet or less; others who qualify will also receive a corrected tax bill of $123.53 for a 3,000 square-foot home; and the application deadline is October 20, 2006.

 

Mr. Whitten advised of the outreach efforts and mailing letters to all of the residential applicants who received the original assessment letter, and the cover letter for the corrected tax bill; the County would air a public service announcement on SCGTV; County staff would post the application and related information on both the County’s website and the Fire Rescue website; and applications would be provided at various County sites, including fire stations and libraries.  He advised the Board’s actions would include to approve the Financial Assistance Program, as presented, approve the application with language changes, approve the draft letter to the property owners, approve the cover letter in regard to the corrected tax bill, and approve the findings of fact in regard to the Program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca advised that on the cover letter, staff is going to be removing that the application will be available at the County fire stations.  Mr. Whitten noted that is correct; and he has a clean copy of the application with the changes.

 

County Attorney Scott Knox stated Mr. Whitten indicated the Board wants to change the rate by looking at this Program; and clarified that the Board is not changing the rate, and it has adopted the rate by Resolution at the last meeting it had on the issue.  He advised what the Board is doing is creating an availability of an assistance program for low income families.

 

Motion by Commissioner Pritchard, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve a financial assistance program for qualified low-income property owners who may be negatively affected by the implementation of the new funding methodology for fire services in unincorporated Brevard County; findings supporting the establishment of the program; the language of the notice letter to property owners; the language of the corrected tax bill letter; the Low Income Assistance Application for Residential Properties, as amended; and adopt Resolution adopting a schedule of rates, assessments, and charges for fire service operations, Haz-mat Special Operations Team, fire prevention and inspection fees, imposed against all improved real property within the Benefit Area of Brevard County, for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2006, and including low income assistance.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.  (See page                      for Resolution No. 06-235A.)

 

 

Chair Voltz called for the public hearing to consider tentative approval of a resolution adopting the County’s FY 2006-2007 budget.

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised the County’s total budget for FY 2006-2007 includes $885,713,436 for County agencies; $103,597,130 for Charter Officers, and $171,161,774 for Dependent Special Districts.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Pritchard, to grant tentative approval of the County’s total budget for FY 2006-2007, which includes $885,713,436 for County agencies, $103,597,130 for Charter Officers, and $171,161,774 for Dependent Special Districts.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Voltz voted nay.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Pritchard, to recess the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Pritchard, to convene the meeting of the Governing Board of the Brevard Mosquito Control District.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Pritchard, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to execute Agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for State funding in the amount of approximately $37,000 to aid approved certified Mosquito Control Programs.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.  (See page                    for Agreement.)

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adjourn the meeting of the Governing Board of the Brevard Mosquito Control District.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to reconvene the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Pritchard, to recess the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Pritchard, to convene the meeting of the Governing Board of the Brevard Mosquito Control District.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Pritchard, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to execute the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Mosquito Control District’s Annual Certified Budget for Arthropod Control (DACS Form 13617, Rev. 9/03) for Fiscal Year October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.  (See page

for Annual Certified Budget.)

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adjourn the meeting of the Governing Board of the Brevard Mosquito Control District.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to reconvene the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

 

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

ATTEST:                                                       ___________________________________

                                                                      HELEN VOLTZ, CHAIR    

                                                                      BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                      BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

_____________________

SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK

 

 

 

            (S E A L)