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 Pastor Tim Franklin, Freedom Christian Center, Viera.

 

Commissioner Andy Anderson led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

 

Chairman Bolin read aloud a resolution congratulating Brevard County Information Technology Department on Winning 2nd place in Symantec "Dollars for Desktops" Video Contest. 

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-149, congratulating the Brevard County Information Technology Department on winning 2nd place in the Symantec "Dollars for Desktops" Video Contest, and for all they do to keep the County's equipment operating smoothly. 

 

Jon Sellers, Information Technology Department Director, stated everyone in the department works really hard; they have doubled the number of software applications and servers in the last five years, and cut staff by 15 percent.  He mentioned everyone has really stepped up to keep the County operating, and they do a great job everyday; and he expressed appreciation to the Board for the recognition.  

 

MOVER:            Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Trudie Infantini, Commissioner District 3

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

 

Commissioner Bolin read aloud a resolution proclaiming the First Inning of the Back-to-School Grand Slam to officially begin health insurance enrollment for all Brevard County Children on August 7, 2011.

 

The Board adopted Resolution 11-150, proclaiming the First Inning of the Back-to-School Grand Slam to officially begin health insurance enrollment for all Brevard children on August 7, 2011. 

 

Janice Everson, Executive Director of Congregations for Community Action, stated Florida KidCare is a terrific program and is affordable insurance for families; for example, a family of four that makes $44,000 can qualify for Florida KidCare; and stated there is no reason a child in Brevard County should be uninsured.  She noted there are 14,300 eligible kids that are not insured.  She announced the event on August 7th is going to be a blast; there are going to be activities on the field at Manatee Stadium before the event at 3:00 p.m.; and if anyone knows someone who needs health insurance for their children, have them contact either Brevard Health Alliance or go online at www.floridakidcare.org.

 

Susan Macuska, Florida KidCare Consultant, stated there is a full-pay option that does not cost the State of Florida a thing; and that is why every child from age one through 19 is eligible.  She added, there is no reason schools should have any uninsured students; and when children are healthy and ready to learn they miss less days of school.

 

MOVER:            Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

 

Jerry Sansom, Brevard Commissioner to the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), stated the District was created in 1927 as a successor to the old Atlantic Canal Company, which was created to foster marine commerce along the east coast of Florida, and was actually a toll waterway.  He stated with the advent of the Florida East Coast Railway, the toll went into default, and the waterway's shoaled up and commerce declined; after a presidential yacht got stuck further south of Brevard, the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Congress got interested in marina commerce; and in 1927, at the behest of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and other concerned entities, the Florida Inland Navigation District was created to work with the Federal Government to maintain the economic viability of the waterway on the east coast of Florida to enhance  the values of commerce and property.  He explained in 1987 the Florida Legislature also added another responsibility to FIND, which was to work with counties and communities along the east coast to foster marine business through cooperation with those entities in projects such as, municipal marines, waterway markings, and channel dredging, to further enhance the value of waterways and properties of the east coast counties.  He added, one of the things is to work with Brevard County in improving facilities, or working to provide facilities that do not exist; and again, to increase the economic value of the waterways and the properties along the waterway.  He stated in June, at the evaluation meeting, there were four projects in Brevard County that were evaluated; some of them got the highest ranking of any before, but all of them met the funding line; and unless there is a permitting issue they should all get funded this year at the final public hearing at the end of September.  He stated those include phase one for channel dredging in Titusville; that channel serves marine facilities, a boat builder, a marina, and a County park; there is also a phase one for the development of Blue Crab Cove; and FIND is working with the City of Cocoa Beach to provide a spoil site so that they can use their own dredge to maintain public waterways of Cocoa Beach.  He advised FIND recently completed two projects of the County's, both in Commissioner Fisher's District; one of those was the catwalk under the new Max Brewer Bridge, which probably has made fishing as easy as it could be for anybody; and the second one was for marina park at the northern end of the municipal complex where the Titusville marina is located. 

 

The Board acknowledged the presentation by FIND Commissioner Jerry Sansom, and accepted reimbursement checks in the amount $428,814 for Project BV-08-94, Max Brewer Causeway Catwalks, and $330,145 for Project BV-09-98, Marina Park.

 

Commissioner Sansom suggested the establishment of mooring fields at the Pineda Causeway, as it is a rather informal popular mooring area for boats; and one might find the benefits, both economically and environmentally, would be enhanced if the Board would look at it as a more formal permitted mooring area.  He added, FIND would cooperate with the Board at a 50 percent level. 

                

 

 

Chairman Fisher read aloud a resolution congratulating Albert Bauerlin.

 

The Board adopted Resolution No. 11-151, congratulating Albert Bauerlin upon obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout; and wished him the very best as he continues his commitment to the attainment of the goals he has set for himself. 

 

Albert Bauerlin stated it was all about honoring the veterans; he thanked the Board, and stated it is what is behind the recognition that counts; and he would like to honor and thank all the veterans who serve overseas and served in the past. 

 

MOVER:            Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the Veterans Memorial Park Stormwater Project permit was issued; once it is completed a redevelopment project can come in and pay credits into the stormwater utilities and not have to go through the permitting process; and that will expedite by years the process for redevelopment of the area around the mall.  He mentioned he will be traveling to Tallahassee at the end of the month, because Florida Communities Trust has just announced that the project is sixth in the State for funding, which is in the range of $800,000, to continue the improvements associated with the project; and between the permit and the funding from the State, the project is moving along very well. 

 

 

Joe Ferrante, Mayor of Satellite Beach, thanked Commissioner Bolin, Jack Masson, Marsha Cantrell, and Ernie Brown, for working with him on the transfer.  He stated they have had tremendous partnerships with the County at Pelican Beach Park for 25 years, and Hightower Beach Park for eight years; and the City is very good caregivers of land that is given to them.  He added, over the years the City has spent over $7 million on the parks; and the money has been contributed by the City, grants, and the County. He went on to say the parks are controlled by the City, the State, and the County; with this transition everything will be under the City's control; the City plans to do exactly what it has been doing, which is control 40 percent of the land in Satellite Beach; and the beaches will remain available for all county residents.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated this is close to her heart because she was involved with Hightowner Park before she was Commissioner.  She added, Mr. Ferrante stated very clearly that it will always remain open to the citizens of Brevard County; and the City has been good stewards.    

 

The Board authorized staff to proceed with the necessary documents with the City of Satellite Beach and the State of Florida, transferring ownership of County and State lands within Hightower Beach Park and Pelican Beach Park, to the City.

 

 

 

The Board executed Contract for Sale and Purchase with Mae Hilda Barton and accepted Utility, Sidewalk, and Drainage Easement for the CDBG Main Street Improvement Project. 

 

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 Board executed Contract for Sale and Purchase with Debra Fogle and accepted Utility, Sidewalk, and Drainage Easement for the CDBG Main Street Improvement Project. 

 

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 Board adopted Resolution No. 11-152, and executed Local Agency Program (LAP) Agreement with Florida Department of Transportation for right-of-way acquisition or mitigation credit purchases for the St. Johns Heritage Parkway; approved all budget change requests needed for this action; granted permission to bid and award the bid to the lowest responsive bidder for the mitigation credits purchases; and authorized the Chairman to execute all documents associated with this action. 

 

MOVER:            Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

 

The Board accepted Temporary Construction Easements with Clarence Petty, David L. Payne and Ella Reece Payne, and Ann M. Mills and F. Gordon Mark, property owners along Lucas Road in Merritt Island, for the installation of sewer line "stub-outs".

 

 

 

 

The Board executed Amendment to Agreement for a one-year renewal with Space Coast Business, LLC d/b/a SCB Marketing to produce and print the annual Space Coast Vacation Planner. 

 

MOVER:            Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Board approved Budget Change Requests, as submitted.

 

MOVER:            Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

The Board approved the Billfolder, as submitted.

 

MOVER:            Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

 

Chairman Fisher called for the public hearing to consider an ordinance granting economic development ad valorem exemption to Barn Light Electric Company.

 

Howard Tipton, County Manager explained the item is a tax exemption ordinance for a company called Barn Light Electric Company, which is looking at possibly building a 10,000 square-foot expansion to their existing 8,000 square-foot facility in Titusville.  He added, the capital expenditures will be about $1.1 million; the expansion will create 18 new jobs with an anticipated annual salary of $34,000 per year; the proposal is that Barn Light Electric Company would receive a tax abatement of 70 percent for seven years; and the 70 percent amount annually is approximately $3,829.

 

Commissioner Infantini stated she is not necessarily opposed to this, but the problem is when she contacted the EDC (Economic Development Commission), it does not actually follow the guidelines that the Board established for providing tax abatement.  She explained, according to the guidelines, one has to have nine points to be able to receive a 60 percent tax abatement, and 10 points to get a 70 percent tax abatement; and she calculated Barn Light Electric has five points.  She previously discussed with the Board that perhaps it should lower the salary amounts so that more people would be eligible; but instead of lowering the salary amounts, the Board just makes exceptions when it sees fit; and she does not think it is far to the rest of the community.  She added, the rules should be the rules and the Board should follow them; and it is for that reason she will be voting nay on the item.  She went on to say the business falls within the Economic Development Zone, and if the County is giving them tax abatements and they are in the Economic Development Zone and their property appreciates, it would appear the Board would be waiving the taxes, but then giving tax credits to the Economic Development Zone; and it appears it would be double dipping.   

 

Stockton Whitten, Assistant County Manager, read aloud the response from the EDC as to why it recommended the abatement without having reached the point total. "The Council is permitting recommendations outside the guidelines on a case-by-case basis, as is the case with Barn Light Electric Company.  As such, the Council's recommendation is based on the following considerations:  Importance of supporting an existing business with a strong track record of growth and continued high growth projections; retention of 32 target sector value added jobs, and an increase of 18 new target sector value added jobs; and projected potential to offset expected indirect displaced workforce attributed to the shuttle transition."  He stated there is no policy in place by the Board that prohibits consideration of tax abatement within economic development zones, or within redevelopment districts; and in some instances there will be cases of both a tax abatement and payment that is due to either the economic development district or to the CRA district.  He added, there are four or five cases within the County that exist currently; and reiterated there is no policy from the Board of County Commissioners for direction with regards to not considering tax abatements within those particular Districts.  Commissioner Infantini asked if the Board will be paying tax into a CRA or an economic development zone that nobody is even receiving.  Mr. Whitten responded through a quirk in the legislation, payment has to be made to the district even though the taxes have been abated.  Chairman Fisher stated there is no money in the zone anyway, so it really does not matter.  Commissioner Nelson added, the Board is talking about $3800 a year, which is not huge; and the program was voter approved.  Commissioner Infantini stated the Board turned down somebody who was going to hire 80 employees for a retirement home saying they did not qualify; and she is just trying to get rid of the inequity in the system, and get rid of the double dipping for taxes that are not being paid, paying into a development zone.

 

There being no further comments or objections, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 11-20, granting an Economic Development Ad Valorem Exemption to Barn Light Electric Company; specifying the items exempted; providing the expiration date of the exemption; finding that the business meets the requirements of chapter 196.012 F.S.; providing for proof of eligibility for exemption; Barn Light Electric Company, providing an effective date.

 

MOVER:            Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

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

NAYS:                Trudie Infantini

 

 

 

Chairman Fisher called for the public hearing to consider an ordinance granting economic development ad valorem exemption to Project Megalo.

 

Howard Tipton, County Manager, advised the item is a tax exemption ordinance for a company that is unnamed, but known as Project Megalo for competitive reasons; and the County is competing with other states for this particular project.  He added, Project Megalo is considering a 7,000 square-foot lease expansion in Florida; this particular project, if Brevard County is successful, would be located in Palm Bay and it would create 20 new advanced degree jobs, and 30 direct labor jobs; and over a period of three years the average salary would be $45,000 per year.  He stated Project Megalo is looking to invest about $500,000 in capital

 

There being no further comments, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 11-21, granting an Economic Development Ad Valorem Exemption to Project Megalo; specifying the items exempted; providing the expiration date of the exemption; finding that the business meets the requirements of Chapter 196.012 F.S.; providing for proof of eligibility for exemption; Project Megalo; providing an effective date.

 

MOVER:            Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

SECONDER:     Andy Anderson, Vice Chairman / Commissioner District 5

AYES:                Fisher, Nelson, Infantini, Bolin, Anderson

 

 

Howard Tipton, County Manager, stated as the Board prepares to contemplate approving a budget, one of the first things it has to do is approve a tentative millage rate, which is a tax rate that is applied to property values that then result in property taxes being generated.  He explained the process is one in which the Board sets the tentative millage rate today; what happens after this point is that no later than August 4th the Budget Office will have to send to the Property Appraiser the certification of the taxable values; and before August 24th the Property Appraiser will then mail the notice of proposed property taxes to all Brevard County property owners.  He added, there will be two public hearings, one on September 13th, and again on September 27th; and in the public hearings the final millage rate will be approved, as well as the final budget.  He stated today the Board will be setting the tentative millage rate; it cannot be raised; however, it can be lowered from this point, but once the Board sets it, it really cannot be raised without a whole lot of effort, in terms of re-noticing everybody and starting the process all over again. 

 

Randal Agostini stated he calculated that in the Brevard County there are 127 parks, with a total acreage of 4,690 acres; the County continues to acquire lands for these parks even at this time; and inquired if there is a master plan for property acquisition for the EEL project. He stated once more the Commission has raised taxes and awarded increases to departments; and he understands the sacrifices and hard work the County employees make, but there are many residents of the County that live on a fixed income that have no control over any increase.  He went on to say at the last Commission meeting the question was raised about millage rate adjustments between the years 2002 and 2006, but no answer was given; and he would like to know whether millage rates dropped during the years of increased taxes. 

 

Bill Breyer addressed the lengthy email he sent to the Commissioners and stated it is not that he is against taxes, but there are dire circumstances coming at everyone in Brevard County which should be evident today with the end of the shuttle program.  He stated the proposed 16 percent millage increase the Board will be discussing will be eliminated to get rid of the wants, and only address the needs of Brevard County.  He congratulated Howard Tipton on a fine job, but believes he can do better; and reminded the Board that Mr. Tipton said the millage can always be lowered.

 

Joel Shugars inquired why the meetings are at 9:00 a.m. in the morning when voters cannot attend them; he works to pay the taxes the Board is raising; and he deserves to have the opportunity to voice his opinion and take an active part in government.  He went on to say he has heard a lot about how taxes work and that the millage is technically not a tax; but when the millage is raised it will increase taxes; he has worked in U.S. government procurement budgeting for over 20 years, responsible for programs in excess of $32 billion; he knows his way around government procurement budgets; and the tricks when doing those budgets are vast.  He stated claiming that increasing the millage on decreasing property values is not a tax because it only maintains the revenue, is one of those tricks; and if this year is included, the Board will have raised his taxes a total of 33.5 percent over the last two years.  He noted if the value of his house goes up so will the amount of money he pays; inquired what Board has against Save Our Homes; and inquired why he is paying three percent more than someone else just because he has Save Our Homes.  He suggested ways the County can save money and not raise property taxes or millage rates, such as a 2.5 percent pay increase for County workers; in tough times people do not get raises; the U.S. federal civilian workforce is on a pay freeze and will not receive a pay increase this year; and the active duty military received a 1.9 percent raise in 2011 and is on track to receive 1.6 percent this year.  He further stated the current proposal for the EEL Program is a $4.5 million land purchase; currently, the County does not have the staff, nor funding, to adequately run the operation and maintenance of the EEL land it has already purchased; and the County cannot even do the controlled burns that are required.  He stated the current proposal on the MIRA funds is $2 million; it would be a transfer from the General Fund to MIRA; it was his understanding that there was not going to be transfers from the CRA organizations, as they are supposed to support themselves; and it is the same fund that had $4 million in reserves for stormwater projects in the past, and $2 million was transferred from the General Fund.  He went on to say the proposed Parks and Recreation Community Center at Wickham Park is $3.28 million; it was voted on in 2000 and was not approved; it was revisited in 2006, and at that time the Board guaranteed that there would be no impact in the taxes; and the Board was told in 2006 that the property values would go down there would not be enough money to pay for this.  He stated there also seems to be a push for a park in MIRA; the money MIRA generates goes to service its debt on things it has already done; the new park would have to come out of the General Fund; and inquired if the Board plans on voting for a northern County project also, and put another drain on the General Fund.  He concluded, there appears to be a process in place for the budget, which reaches into the pockets of all Brevard County residents.  

 

Mr. Tipton stated one of the recent budget workshops began at 5:00 p.m., specifically for the budget discussions; and last Thursday evening there was the E-Town Hall meeting at 5:00 p.m., where 95 percent of the discussion was budget related.  Commissioner Infantini stated Mr. Shugars was referring to the meeting where the Board is going to vote and making decisions.  Chairman Fisher noted the Final Budget meeting is at 5:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend and express his or her opinions.

 

Reverend Earl Medlen stated when the millage rate is raised, it does indeed increase the taxes; and his home is worth half of what it used to be.  He explained that if his home was worth $100,000, but because of the economy it is now worth $50,000, and if he was paying $1,000 in taxes under $100,000, he should be paying $500 now, but he is still paying $1,000; and so he got a tax increase already.  He stated it is because of the North Brevard Economic Development Zone that Chairman Fisher has in his District; it will drain the General Fund like all of them do; but it has to make up the revenue; and the only solution last time was to put taxes on utilities, and no one should put taxes on utilities.  He added, government is not the solution; government is the problem; and government should get out of the way, and get out of his pocket.

 

Chairman Fisher stated after researching Reverend Medlen's tax bill, the County has definitely gotten out of his pocket, because his countywide tax bill is $14.15.  Commissioner Infantini responded it is inappropriate to be researching taxpayers who come before the Board.  Chairman Fisher explained if someone is getting 16 percent increases he likes to see what they are.  Commissioner Infantini stated the Board does not research every taxpayer that comes before it; and if Chairman Fisher starts badgering the taxpayers they are not going to come before the Board.  Chairman Fisher explained he is just stating the facts.  

 

Bob White stated the last time he was in front of the Board it was to discuss an enterprise zone in North Brevard, and the reason behind it was because people in the north end of the County were hurting; people were going to be laid off; and the trickle down affect was going effect the businesses and restaurants.  He asked if the economy has suddenly turned around; inquired if people are suddenly doing much better financially than they were two weeks ago when there had to be the enterprise zone; and the obvious answer to the question is no, people all over the County continue to hurt.  He went on to say one of the reasons to raise the millage is to pay County employees more money; they are not the only people in Brevard County who have not had a pay increase over the last several years; and it is the same for the private sector.  He stated now the Board is telling the citizens it has to raise the millage, but it is really not a tax increase, it is just a millage increase; and the Board can call it whatever it wants, but it is a tax increase.  He further went on to say his taxes are tied to his property value; they are not tied to last year's budget; his property tax is tied to the appraised value on the home currently; and if the property tax that he is going to pay at the present millage rate is 'x', and the Board raises the millage and the property tax is 'y', it does not matter whether 'y' is the same as is was last year, it is still a tax increase. 

 

Mark Shantzis stated Chairman Fisher, and Commissioner's Bolin and Nelson are expected to accept the County Manger's flawed advice to raise the tax millage 23.5 percent, which will increase every homeowners' tax rate; and as a result, real estate is going to go down in value.  He noted if one's taxes go up by $100, the home values drop by $2000; if taxes go up by $500, the home drops by $10,000; it is not over; and the County Appraiser said the process will happen for the next two years as assessed values go down.  He stated the only way to stop this madness is for the citizens to ask the Board to ignore Mr. Tipton's flawed presentation; Mr. Tipton is saying expenses are lowered in the County; he is referring to the years 2007-2012; and from the citizens' perspective, that is not the years it should be using.  He displayed a chart showing eight years starting with 2003-2004, which started with $750 million; what Mr. Tipton is proposing now is $925 million, which is a $175 million increase; Mr. Tipton's presentation showed 2006-2007, which is $1.160 billion to $925 million, which effectively is saying it lowered taxes by $235 million, but it has not included the increase from 2003-2006.  He explained the misrepresentation is passed on to a millage rate increase, since 100 percent of the County's excess expenses are paid from real estate taxes.  He stated he has identified 10 departments that have increased by $170 million in an eight-year period; the place to start is with the 10 departments; and from $270 million it has gone to $440 million in the 10 departments, which is a 63 percent increase in eight years.  He displayed a chart of the 10 departments; four of the departments are over 100 percent; and noted he got the information off of the County website.  He stated Solid Waste Management has gone from $78 million to $110 million; Human Resources has gone from $64 million to $99 million, which is a 53 increase in a less than CPI environment; and last year CPI was down 3.4 percent.  He stated the items need to be adjusted so that the tax millage rate can go down, not up; and if the Board would address the items and address them to CPI, the millage rate would be going down, not up.  He added, the Board can increase the rates 24 percent, or it can reject Mr. Tipton's flawed presentation and reduce spending.  He inquired about all the other numbers from the presentation by Mr. Tipton that showed the employee numbers from 2002-2012; and inquired why he only chose 2007-2012 to show expenses; and stated it is very misleading. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated Mr. Shantzis' information does not take into account a variety of things, and to some extent, what Mr. Shantzis has done has been misleading.  He pointed out there has been consolidating of departments; and what he is showing are consolidation numbers.  Mr. Shantzis stated there are clearly combined departments, but one cannot match a 2003 budget with a 2005 or 2007 budget. 

 

Chairman Fisher inquired why Emergency Management went from $500,000 thousand to $10 million.  Mr. Shantzis responded he had no idea; he took the numbers from every single year, and took the departments that had name changes and consolidations, and added them together to get to a number; and in many cases he did not have to do that, such as Solid Waste, Planning and Development, and Tourism Development.  Chairman Fisher stated Solid Waste, Tourism Development, and Utility Services has nothing to do with the General Fund budget.  Mr. Shantzis asked if a number goes from $30 million to $110 million, does the public not have to pay the extra $30 million.  Commissioner Nelson explained the rate that he pays into Solid Waste is the same year after year, but a portion of it is building up a reserve that is going to be used to do the replacement landfill; and that is good planning because the rate to citizens has not changed.  He added, the Board has set aside money to be able to replace the landfill when its done with the existing lifecycle at Adamson Road; the citizens are not paying any more on an annual basis, but a portion of what is paid is for the future replacement; it is not costing citizens more money, it is planning for the future so one does not get hit with a $125 million landfill bill in 10 years.  Mr. Shantzis asked why that is not explained in the budget. 

 

Chairman Fisher explained tax bills have nothing to do with tourism, it is funded by tourists that come through the area.  Mr. Shantzis stated the tourism department has gone from $10 million to $22 million.  Commissioner Anderson stated he does not agree with everything in staff's presentation, because he believes there are alternatives to building another landfill; it is a non ad valorem tax, it is just a standard fee that one gets hit with; and he thinks alternative methods can lower tax bills in the future. 

 

Commissioner Infantini stated she believes Mr. Shantzis' point is that the budget has increased; staff is taking numbers from 2002 to 2012, and the budget has increased where the population has not increased that much, and property values have declined substantially.  She added, he was trying to show that a regular citizen can do a lot of research that he wished the Board and the County Manager had done to try to find areas to cut the budget; whether one wants to pick on Solid Waste or Human Resources, he is just trying to present information to factually show that the budget has increased substantially. 

 

Mr. Shantzis stated he is not somebody who has sat down for hours working on the County budget; all he is saying is on the surface the Board keeps raising the millage instead of looking at ways to reduce milllage; and it can reduce millage because all of the numbers are way ahead of population in CPI.  Commissioner Nelson explained $200 million of the budget was Board of County Commissioners bonding local gas tax and constitutional gas tax to build roads; it did not cost the taxpayers a dime more; it is money the County receives from gas tax dollars; and it is for building roads. 

Commissioner Anderson stated citizens do not want to pay more taxes; and between the federal, state, and local government, they are starving death, and enough is enough.  Mr. Shantzis advised the citizens are trying to send the Board a message; everyone tried to send it a message last year, and nobody listened. He stated everyone's mind is made up on the budget; he has been clear for three years that he made a promise in 2008 that he would not raise the millage rate; and he is not doing it.  He added, if the Board wants to remove $20 million from the St. Johns Heritage Parkway, then it can answer to the citizens of Palm Bay that are trapped during hurricanes and fires; and then the Board can talk about the $20 million in road proceeds given to Districts 1, 2, and 4 last year, and it can defease the bonds that are remaining also. 

 

Stockton Whitten, Assistant County Manager, stated his presentation takes the numbers that Mr. Shantzis presented and places some context behind them. He stated first, in the $925 million proposal, property taxes are less than one-third of the proposal; and in presenting the numbers, the $925 million includes revenues from a number of sources, one of which is property taxes.  He added, the population change over the period of time that Mr. Shantzis presented, 2003-2004 to 2012 was a 520,000 person increase; the CPI is 21 percent increase; the aggregate millage rate has changed over time, and the aggregate rate that is proposed is less than the aggregate rate from 2003-2004; and the staffing level changed as it is down 200 positions, which is 8.8 percent.

 

Commissioner Infantini stated the past Commission in 2006 implemented the fire assessment, which took a bunch of money and moved it below the line; so staff is not comparing the same numbers; and she knows staff took it out of the aggregate millage rate, but it also increased it below the line assessment.  She added, staff accused Mr. Shantzis of not using like numbers, but staff is not using like numbers; and if staff would put the fire fee back up in the millage, they would see that the numbers are skewed. 

 

Mr. Whitten stated the presentation of the aggregate millage is a requirement of state law and of the County Charter, and it is simply showing the comparison of what the aggregate rate was in 2003-2004, and what the proposed aggregate rate is for 2012.  He stated staff wants to address each of the departments Mr. Shantzis had on his presentation; and the time frame he used was 2003-2004 fiscal year to the proposed fiscal year.  He advised the Emergency Management Office went up from $500,000 to $1.9 million, but there are reasons for the changes; the department absorbed the 9-1-1 program, which was under the Sheriff's Office, and the 800 Mhz program; and the programs together total about $10 million.  He went on to explain when looking at the 2003-2004 to 2011, it is not an apples to apples comparison because of the consolidations; the department is primarily funded from grants, payments from other local agencies, fines, and surcharges; and the changes in the services over the years is at the core of public safety and emergency management, and the department supports the county's entire population of 150,000 citizens.  He stated the department, in absorbing the other functions, has actually decreased the General Fund, or the property tax requirement, by $543,000; the primary point is the department is funded with grants; two examples are that there is a state grant to enhance the County's emergency 9-1-1 system, which is about $3 million; and there is a grant from Sprint/Nextel that actually re-bands the 800 Mhz frequency, which is approximately $2 million. 

 

Mr. Whitten addressed the General Government Services, which was the next area Mr. Shantzis highlighted, the $36.3 million to $61.5 million; there have been no organization structure changes; and the Internal Auditors did a 10-year analysis of the County's expenditures and pointed to a couple of reasons for increase.  He explained the charter office increases, healthcare costs, fire rescue, public works & infrastructure, and the voter-approved referendums are all reasons for the difference of approximately $25 million; for example, the County's jail expenses were $21 million less than they are today; primarily, the reason for that is because there are approximately 433 more inmates today then there were back in 2003-2004; and from the time frame Mr. Shantzis highlighted, to the budget proposal, there has been a $21 million increase in the expenses associated with the County's jail.  He added, the County's reserves have been increased by $10 million from a low of $8 million to approximately $15, $16, or $18 million today; reserves are important today, being a coastal county, and for bond and credit ratings; ocean lifeguards had an increase to $1 million; the First Responder Program, which are dollars provided to the cities to increase to an advanced level of service for their First Responder's, has been increased by $876,000; and the EDC funding, which is important for economic development and job creation, was increased by $605,000.  He stated in the Housing and Human Services Department, the 2003-2004 budget was $22.5 million, and the proposal for 2011-2012 is $38.9 million; and these are primarily grant sources from the federal government, state government, and also some consolidation with other departments.  He went on to say the County has made use of the federal dollars that have come down to $8 million for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and $8 million for other grant programs; also contained within the Criminal Justice Department are the mandates that are placed upon all counties that are unfunded and the county has no choice but to fund things like Medicaid and pretrial retention of juveniles.  He stated the primary point of this comparison is the grant dollars not a tax supporter, and there has been a merger of two other departments with the Housing and Human Services Department. 

 

He stated Human Resources is where the County's health insurance is passed though on the cost; the General Fund tax support is reduced by $159,000; the County has increased the member costs by $11 million; and has reduced the employer plan by approximately $12 million.  He added, like every employer, the County has had to deal with the increased cost of health insurance; the County has dealt with that very proactively over the last several years; the cost that it pays for insurance has increased by $4.9 million; and he is talking about liability, property liability, and auto.  He mentioned, when looking at the Board as an employer and how it does against the National Health Care Trend, not the CPI, one can see the County does very well against the National Health Care Trend in terms of increases for health insurance; and it is averaging 6.57 percent, whereas the National Health Care Trend is 11.58 percent.  He stated the Natural Resources Management Office change was from $2.7 million to $13 million, and is the result of the consolidation of departments; Natural Resources now includes the Stormwater Utility Department, which is a $12.4 million program that was not included in the organizational structural in 2003-2004; the department has experienced significant reductions in the tax supported revenues, $309,000 for the Environmental Management; and Stormwater Management revenues are down by approximately $2.1 million.  Mel Scott, Assistant County Manager, noted the rate has not been increased since its inception in 1991.  Mr. Whitten addressed the Planning and Development Department, which increased from $9.2 million to $23.3. million; one of the most significant changes was there was a merger of two departments, Permitting and Enforcement, and Planning and Zoning. 

 

He stated staff did not budget within the Planning and Development budget the impact fees in 2003-2004; there are two differences between the numbers that were presented; the 2003-2004 did not include the Permitting and Development Department and the Planning and Development Department; and if one needs to verify it they can go to the budget pages and see they are two distinct departments.  He added, over the course of this consolidation the department has reduced 90 positions.  He explained Solid Waste is not property tax dollars, it is primarily user fees; the department has increased from $77.9 million to $110 million in the budget proposal; it operates as an enterprises, therefore it runs like a business; and there are charges to the customer for services provided.  He noted, the population change has been significant over that period of time; and there has been an increase in reserves to fulfil the mandated requirements to close landfill's or to project the opening of future landfill's; and because of the nature of the operations, there obviously will always be increases in the capital outlay and capital improvements associated with the Solid Waste Department.  He stated the Tourism Development Department is taxes that are collected from tourists, or individuals who have a overnight stay, or have some temporary stay in living quarters; there are no property taxes that fund the Tourist Development office.  He noted the budget went form $10.8 million to $22.1 million; one of the primary reasons is there has been a increase in the tourist trips to Brevard County; and everyone should be proud that it is maintaining and increasing the number of visitors to the County.  He mentioned one of the most significant increases when looking at the 2003-2004 budget, is there were four pennies that were levied as a part of the tourist development tax; in July 2005, the fifth cent was added to the tourist development tax.  He reiterated the taxes are not a property tax, but are associated with hotels or temporary living quarter stays.  He stated the primary differences are the addition of the fifth penny and the increase in visitors to the area.  He noted, the way Brevard County funds beach renourishment is through the tourist development taxes, so it is very important that it get the increases and the visitors to the area, because it utilizes the tourist development taxes to match Federal and State dollars for beach renourishment.  He stated the Transit Services Department budget increase was from $12.5 million to $18.9 million; it is primarily contributed to the grants that come in from time to time for the capital purchases; the department received Local Option Gas Tax revenues in 2003-2004 in the amount of $700,000 and it now receives $1.4 million General Fund on property tax transfer.  He explained the switch was made so the Board could bond out and leverage the Local Option Gas Tax to do the critically needed public infrastructure projects; and over that period of time the passenger trips have increased by almost a million passengers each year.  He noted Transit Services receives a lot of federal and Stated dollars for its capital.  He stated Mr Shantzis noted there was a budget increase in Utility Services from $34 million to $44 million; according to the budget documentation in 2003-2004, Utility Services was at a budget of $58 million, and so one can see that it is a decrease in the numbers.  He added, it is associated with bonded projects that it utilized for infrastructure improvements; and utilities is water and wastewater.  He reiterated the department has experienced quite a reduction in its expenses over the period of time.

 

Mr. Shantzis stated in 2003-2004 there were two line items, Permitting and Enforcement and Planning and Zoning; and asked if the two merged to what is now called Planning and Development.  Mr. Whitten acknowledged the two departments were together in 2003-2004, and the difference would be the impact fees.   Mr. Shantzis stated $9.2 million is the addition of $7,465,000 which was Permitting and Enforcement in 2003-2004, and $1,748,000 which was Planning and Zoning, that is how he got to $9.2 million; now the line item is Planning and Development, which is $23 million; and it is a 153 percent increase.  He pointed out that staff said the merge was the reason for the difference.  Mr. Whitten responded he was wrong on the merger; the difference is the impact fees that were added to the budget; there is an error on the slide that implies they were merged after 2003-2004; and they were merge at that time.  He added, the difference it what one sees is between the budgets are primarily the impact fees that were not budgeted in 2003/2004. 

 

Matt Nye inquired why the Board is increasing the budget if it claims to have cut the budget.  He stated Commissioner's Fisher and Nelson continue to insist because Florida State Statutes say that if the gross tax receipts to the County do not amount to more then last year, an increase in the millage rate is not really a tax increase; and in fact, they should tell everyone that because the values are down so much increasing the millage rate constitutes a tax decrease.  He added, if he owns a property worth $100,000 and his value remained constant from last year to this year, the property tax bill, under the current millage, would be $621.00; under the proposed rate is would be $724.00, that is an increase of $103.00.  He pointed out the value has now dropped by 16 percent to $84,000, and the bill will be $608.00, a net decrease of $13.00 over last year; what the Board fails to point out is that had it not increase the millage rate the bill would only be $522.00; and it has increased the taxes by $86.00 for the year.  He addressed Commissioner Bolin on stating, "Raising taxes is not an option" in the Florida TODAY voter guide, yet here it is preparing to vote on a second millage increase since that voter guide was printed; she campaigned as a conservative, and the Florida TODAY, and the Property Appraiser helped her perpetuate that fraud.  He stated the Property Appraiser held on to the TRIM notices until the last possible day allowed by Statute so voters would not get them until the day after the election; and he has been told that is something that has never happened before.  He announced he is going to file papers with the Supervisor of Elections to run against Commissioner Bolin in 2012, because based on what he read in the County Charter and State Statute, both District 2 and 4 Commissioners need to rerun based on redistricting.  

 

Alice Kreitz read aloud an article in the Florida TODAY about Miami lowering its tax rate:  "Despite the gloomy prospects before the Commissioner's, the Commissioner's never seriously thought about raising the tax rate, because that would be non-acceptable"; and stated she feels the same way.  She added, she tends to concentrate on things like $3.5 million put into another community center at Wickham Park; and inquired why the Board continues to spend money on projects were considered when the times were booming.  She questioned if the Board was still considering building the community center even though there is a senior center and horse barns that are not being used at all; and asked how the Board rationalizes spending money on things like that.   She discussed the amount of money allocated to the Sheriff's Department; and all of the millions the Board seems to purpose on things that gets under the craw of taxpayers.  She directed a question to Commissioner Nelson, asking him to publicly apologize to Commissioner Infantini for saying she did something illegal on the Value Adjustment Board (VAB), because she did nothing illegal on the VAB.  Commissioner Nelson responded the Department of Revenue did violate policy related to the case.  

 

Pat Pasley read aloud a letter from Marty Adams: "Earlier this year I attended the County presentation about the forthcoming budget process.  At that meeting I asked the County Manager a question.  That question was, given the expected significant shortfall in property tax revenues, what are your 'marching orders' to all departments and agencies to root out waste, become more efficient and to eliminate all non-essential services/activities?  He replied that he had issued no such 'marching orders'.  He made some further comment, the gist of which I interpreted as the sense that he did not have the authority to command that they of action.  Now, after reviewing the budget the amount in question, $37 million is $10 million greater than the amount the County Manager claims is the shortfall for the entire proposed County budget.  That shortfall is $27 million, see page 10, second paragraph.  The conclusion of the County Manager, of a shortfall of $27 million, must mean that he believes the proposed budget is at the bare bones, that there is no non-essential expense, that there no opportunity to reduce the budget, and that a millage increase must be enacted.  Is it possible to reduce the budget by 2.9 percent, let's a look: (1) page 10, refers to eliminating a net of 18.5 full-time equivalent (FTE).  However, only 7.5 will be moved to other roles.  This elimination is illusory.  There is not public employee actually being terminated.  (2) page 10, there is a proposed pay increase of 2.5 percent for all employees.  This pay increase will cost taxpayers $3.4 million.  How can this be justified during this recession, when homeowners are suffering and this commission is considering another millage increase?  (3)  page 11, in an astonishing admission, now employees will be required to now contribute 3 percent of their pay toward their retirement.  In the private sector, the employee contribution is nominally 66 percent.  However for public employees, the taxpayer is expected to pay the remainder 97 percent of public employee retirement benefits, which by any measure are vastly more generous.  Why are public employees exempt from making a contribution at the same level as the private sector?  Why should taxpayers and home owners bear this burden?  Do you regard this as fair? Equitable?  (4)  page 12, the energy efficiency project proposed to spend $2.9 million to reduce energy consumption by $55,000 per year.  Thus, it will take 53 years for this capital expense to break even.  By any private sector capital investment/payback standard this is a very bad deal.  This a block grant, no thanks, that is still taxpayer funds.  (5)  page 13, discretionary expenses of $1.4 million for Economic Development and $2.1 million for Tourism are proposed.  While nice to have these expenses are not essential, they are not core County responsibilities during a recession.  (6)  page 13, mentions efforts to improve efficiency in the permitting process to ensure a business friendly environment.  I have had two permits drawn this year.  The interactions were friendly.  No complaint there.  The problem is the fees.  I had to pay $750 of fees and expenses, mandated by the County to install a $2000 improvement to my septic system.  I had to pay $79  for a permit to have FPL turn on power to a new account.  A local plumbing contractor's client had to pay $108 for a water heater permit.  The water heater, installed, cost $450.  A $100,000 impact fee stopped the renovation of an existing building which a local business wanted to buy, to expand his business.  This impact fee became the job killer fee.  We need to work on the true problem, not the esthetics.  (7)  page 19, it is proposed to spend $3 million for Valkaria airport, an increase of 317 percent.  This requires no comment, the proposed speaks for itself, how can this be justified?" 

 

Alan Smith stated he would like to speak about the what is going on the world around them, which is continuing slow, or no economic growth; and there are decreases in revenues everywhere one looks.  He added, there is a lot of money coming in from fees and grants; and he suggested the Commission be very alert to decreases in other areas.  He questioned the salary increase to employees; and stated any increase in property taxes will severely affect retirees.  He read a loud a letter from a Commissioner:  "It is my belief that local government must prioritize spending.  Any budget or related millage rate adjustment must be limited to public safety, police, fire services, infrastructure maintenance, roads, bridges and storm drainage.  Unfortunately, the current proposed budget includes many other items that constitute wants verses needs.  During the economic crisis, our focus as a Commissioner should be reducing relations, ordinances, and taxes to insure that we are creating an environment that reduces financial burdens on Brevard's homeowners and small business."  He stated he supports the Commissioner entirely, and that is where he stands on also.

 

Peter Fusscas stated the word 'petty dip' has become widely used to mean incomprehensible bureaucratic jargon; often found in academic tax or management reports, and government communicates and budgets.  He added, the legislature in their wisdom has defined tax increases and decreases in absolute terms; the total taxes collected this year then on average, taxes are the same.  He suggested a better measurement is effective tax rate, an amount of tax an individual pays, divided by the tax base, the rate existing in fact; if last year the value of someone's home is $150,000 and one pays $1000 in property taxes, the tax on that value of the home is 1 percent; and if this year the value of one's home is $80,000 and pay $1000 in property taxes the effective tax rate has gone up a quarter of a percent.  He went on to say effective tax rate at the bank is called 'truth and lending'; in government is should be called 'truth and taxing'; there is more petty dip; whatever happened to actual expenditures verses a budget that does not move around before, during, and after the year is begun.  He concluded the objective of the County budget is to have a budget that is transparent, taxpayer friendly, accountable.

 

David Norman questioned Mr. Tipton's presentation at the last meeting to the history of millage over the last number of years; he was given a copy of the fiscal year's1988 to 2010, and typical percent changes in millage rate was no less than five percent expect for the last couple of years.  He stated the aggregate rollback rate from good years went down, but the Board still seemed to adopt a millage rate that was higher than the rollback; even in good times it was increasing it over the rollback rate for year 2005-2007, which were the start of the bad times; and last year it was a 13.46 percent in the millage.  He concluded, it is the first since 1988 that the County had a double digit increase in millage; and this year it is going to go 16 percent, that will be over 31 percent in just two years.

 

Roger Gangitano stated there has been the consolidation of departments; there has been a reduction in employees by the State; there has been increases in the State and federal contributions; there is a decrease in the cost that government is saying that it has counted; and yet there is an increase to the taxpayers.  He stated Mark Shantzis put an excellent presentation together; but he does not see much cooperation coming from the Commissioners to work with the people; and reminded the Board it works for the people.  Scott Knox, County Attorney, stated State law requires the County Commission to come up with a millage rate that generates the same amount of money that it did last year.  He explained from the point of view of the State of Florida, if one was charged $1000 last year and is being charged $1000 this year, it is not a tax increase; and not with standing the fact that the rate has increased, he is still paying $1000.  Mr. Gangitano stated that is a flat fee charge; if a millage rate is a percentage, then a percentage has to be increased in order to extract the same amount of money.  Commissioner Anderson reminded the citizens the State legislation is written by politicians and bureaucrats.

 

Commissioner Infantini stated she has over 100 emails from citizens asking the Board to not raise the millage rate; and people have been attending the meeting asking the Board not to raise the rates.  She added, the Board is elected by the people, and it is supposed to represent their will.

 

Chairman Fisher stated the citizens will judge the Board on how it votes; and the system is a long way from being perfect, but he looked back at the last two years that he has voted on the budget, and there are some things that are interesting.  He pointed out the things the Board has done, such as cut staff by 400 people, cut merit increases and cost of living adjustments for the last four years, increased health insurance by 91 percent, implemented unpaid furloughs, adjusted staff models, used staffing agencies, increased volunteers, increased outsourcing, and converted full-time positions to part-time positions.  He advised the Board voted on layoffs, reduced hours at the parks and facilities, reduced training; reduced funding for community base organizations; reduced funding to First Responders, eliminated non-essential services, reduced the overall operation budget, revised contracts, reduced janitorial and ground maintenance, voted on not having any funding for capital outlay and improvements, deferred capital projects, reduced County vehicle fleet by 10 percent, and utilized federal stimulus dollars.  He added, the Board has also voted to support the Sheriff, roads and bridges, libraries, and parks.  He stated Commissioners Infantini and Anderson have never voted on a reduction on the budget; he voted on reductions; Commissioners Infantini and Anderson voted for $20 million for the St. Johns Heritage Parkway, and West Melbourne park; and stated they voted on spending dollars, but have never voted on a reduction in the budget.  He went on to say everyone can argue that the budget is not perfect; but three Commissioners voted on the budget, and the cuts have supported keeping the services, and he is not going to apologize for it. 

 

Commissioner Anderson stated he has consistently voted for essential government services. Chairman Fisher stated Commissioner Anderson has never voted on a cut.  Commissioner Anderson responded he voted against the budget; this is the seventh budget, and he has yet to see a budget that gets back to the essential services; and stated it is going to get worse.  He talked about Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) being a good example; and asked what is going to happen when the federal funds get cut off, because it is going to happen; and there is no way the County can subsidize it.  He added, these are hard choices the Board has ahead; he has been saying it all along at the TPO meetings and as a Commissioner; and no one can say that he has come to the table and not purposed cuts.  Chairman Fisher pointed out that when the Board proposed to cut $20 million, Commissioner Anderson said not to do it.  Commissioner Anderson responded the $20 million is not adding to the taxes right now, because it has already been bonded out; the County has the money; and it has been dedicated to the parkway.  Chairman Fisher stated the record shows the vote; when a Commissioner votes for the budget, he or she should vote for the things that they it want and the things they do not want; but they have to vote.  Commissioner Anderson stated to say he has never proposed cuts is not true; and an example is the Florida East Coast Regional Planning Council.  Chairman Fisher stressed that in the process there is compromise; one might say he will not vote on the budget because it will not get rid of the Regional Planning Council; and that means he or she does not support Parks and Recreation. 

 

Commissioner Infantini advised she has $25 million in budget cuts right now; the Board would not have to raise the millage; an example is that Housing and Human Services has $75,000 for travel; the Board could cut those travel expenses of $75,000, office supplies at $55,000, and other operating expenses at $500,000; the Board could also cut $4.5 million out of the EEL land acquisition; there has been talk of reducing staff by two; but if the Board would stop buying land that it does not have the money to manage and maintain, perhaps it could keep the staffing.  She went on to say Natural Resources has an extra $60,000 year after year in operating supplies; funding for CRA's can be reduced; and MIRA funds can pay back the $2 million for the stormwater retention that should have come out of the stormwater fees instead of the General Fund; and noted the pay increases for $2.7 million is going to effect all County employees, and now is not the time to give a raise.  She advised, under Mosquito Control there is a category for 'improvements other than', and it is consistently $400,000 over budgeted, and operating supplies is $500,000; and stated rather then building another community center, Parks and Recreation could use the funds to pay down the debt service of $3.2 million, which is money that comes out of the General Fund.  She further advised, instead of building more on the Chain of Lakes, $877,000 could go to pay down north service debt; other contracted services could be reduced by $2 million; operating supplies $1 million; and insurance $1 million.  She recommended a 10 percent bonus to the Fire Chief, because he reduced spending in his department; and recommended the Sheriff's Department reduce their overtime budget from $1.4 million to $400,000. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated Commissioner Infantini suggested some cuts that are not going to do what she suggested they would do, and they will not reduce the millage; and noted Commissioner Infantini said she would have her recommendations to the Board by Friday at noon.  Commissioner Infantini responded she asked staff for information; and stated she thought the County Manager would have brought two budgets forward.  Commissioner Nelson pointed out Commissioner Infantini wants to cut Mosquito Control funding in the worst year Brevard County has had for mosquitoes; the department does not collect enough money in any year to fund it for a full year; and it has to have the reserves for a bad year, and this is a bad year.  He addressed the citizen who wanted to cut $3 million from Valkaria Airport; the airport is funded by its own fees, and it gets no tax dollars; it is a grant for safety for the airport; and it is in the budget because staff counts for every dime that comes in regardless of the source. 

 

Commissioner Infantini rebutted that in Mosquito Control, the County has never collected revenue in any given year to pay for the operating cost; so far, year-to-date the County has collected nearly $5 million in revenue, and has expended $4 million; and that leaves $1 million more in expenses for the remaining couple of months.  She added, there is enough left over in reserves without increasing the Mosquito Control millage; there is enough in reserves to maintain, based on the millage collected now, not raising the millage rate; and that is one of the line items on the citizens' tax bill.  She noted the increase will to the same taxpayers who are benefiting from Save Our Homes; they are not going to see the decrease in their tax bill; but they are going to the same increase they saw last year.

 

Commissioner Anderson stated the Board has differences on what it believes government is; however, it has to get stop vilifying each other for their beliefs because if there was an outside company watching the meeting they would think twice about moving to Brevard County.  He noted he made a promise to the voters, which is why he ran for election; and he does not believe certain things should be in any government budget.  He stated staff and all the Commissioners have given explanations to certain items on the budget; and if the Board disagrees, that is fine, but it needs to move on.  Commissioner Nelson agreed, and stated the only reason he used the Parkway as an example of how complicated the budget is; he is in support for the Parkway; but the point he was trying to make is that the budget is complicated and there are different funds for different purposes.  He explained, if the County sold the landfill it would have to stay in the Solid Waste fund; potentially, it could reduce the rates for garbage pick-up but that would be it; and the millage can not be lowered as a result.  He stated the Board has limitations on it; the budget is so complicated that is just sounds so easy to cut a flat percentage; but it does not work that way; and if the Board seems frustrated, it is because the budget process is hard to explain.

 

Chairman Fisher addressed Commissioner Infantini voting on spending $25 million on the West Melbourne Park when there are supposedly too many parks already; but she found a way to vote on a park in District 3; she voted on raises for employees; and she supported the Parkway, which is $20 million, because she believes it is important.  He added, Commissioner Infantini has never voted on a cut.  Commissioner Infantini responded because there are no cuts; and this year, the Board is on a target for spending $100 million more than last year.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated what is misleading is that the County got several millions of dollars because of flooding from Hurricane Fay for drainage improvements at Lamplighter Village, and for West Cocoa; and suddenly, it got $10 million additional from the federal government through FEMA and block grants for purposes of stopping flooding; and that has to go into the budget.  He added, there were 80 homes in the Stratford area and Lamplighter Village that went underwater; the County was able to get grants to help; and that should reflect in the budget.  He went on to say the Board can argue on a case by case basis for any of the grants, but to look at the total budget and to say that is inappropriate is just wrong, because it is made up of a series of decisions throughout the course of the year that the Board votes on; and he thinks it is important to fix flooding.  He stated the County got the money to do it, and it did not affect the local taxpayers.

 

The Board approved the FY 2011-2012 Aggregated Operating Ad Valorem Millage Rate at 7.2394, for the purpose of notification to taxpayers by the Brevard County Property Appraiser; and directed the Assistant County Manager for Management Services to complete the Florida Department of Revenue's Certification of Taxable Value, Forms DR-420.   

 

The Board recessed at 11:56 a.m., and reconvened at 12:12 p.m.

 

 

 

Mike Knight, EEL Program Manager, stated the request is to consider a purchase of the Turnbull Farms property, which is a 20-acre parcel in Scottsmoor that is directly adjacent to the Scottsmoor Flatwoods Sanctuary, so it would expand that boundary by 20 acres.  He advised the cost of the purchase contract is $160,000, with an Air Force funding contribution of $80,000; and the County contribution would only be $80,000.  He stated the appraisal value dated July 2011 was $255,000; the negotiation process started in 2010, of 13 offers and counter offers; and the negotiation started at $130,000.  He added, the property is also eligible for use of portions of the $200,000 that was recently accepted by the Board as part of the $1.2 million contribution from the Air Force for additional purchases.

 

Vince Lamb stated he is keenly aware of the budget issues facing the EEL Program, but he strongly supports the purchase of the subject property because it fits directly with the mission of the EEL Program, and it works well with assisting the Air Force with its mitigation requirements. 

 

Commissioner Infantini stated the other day Mr. Lamb was before the Board asking it to keep the budget where it was so that there would not be any layoffs; if the Board purchases the subject property, it will mean $80,000 less in the budget; and inquired if Mr. Lamb would rather the Board buy the land or keep the staff.  Mr. Lamb replied he does not think that is the absolute choice; there is money from the $5.2 million that remains from the 1991 and 2004 referendums that is there as a reserve; and it is there as a reserve for staffing and also for funding purchases.  He stated over the long term, if the Board spends $80,000 on the land, and spend an extra $100,000 on the staffing, then the $5.2 million is not going to last long, but he does not think it is an either/or issue, as both things can be done.

 

Linda Barrett stated she is in favor of the purchase of the Turnbull Farms Property; and she is also a recent member of the EEL Procedures Committee.  She stated in these hard economic times, people need free recreation; and EEL has given people many areas in which to enjoy nature.  She stated she agrees with Mr. Lamb that the purchase is not an either/or proposition with staffing. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the Board discussed the issue with the Air Force and how it benefits its mission; and it is important because the Air Force is one of the County's major industrial agencies. He stated he would motion to approve Items VII.B.1. and VII.B.2.

 

Commissioner Anderson inquired what is the amount of taxable value that is being removed from Brevard County tax rolls.  Commissioner Infantini replied it is $111,000.  She stated the Agenda Request states that the market value of the entire parcel is $255,000; the Board is getting the right to put an easement on one-third of that, and is going to pay $160,000; and stated she does not know why the Board is paying more than the assessed value of $111,000 just to put an easement on one-third of the property.  Mr. Knight advised the County would be purchasing the property and then the contribution from the Air Force would allow them to have the easement, so their portion of it goes toward the easement itself.  Commissioner Infantini stated that is better, from a deal standpoint.

 

The Board executed the Assignment of Option to Purchase the Turnbull Farms, LLLP property; and authorized staff to exercise the Assignment of Option to Purchase on or before November 23, 2011. 

 

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 Board adopted Resolution No. 11-153, and executed Agreement for a Deed of Easement on the Turnbull Farms, LLLP Property with the United States Air Force; and authorized the Chairman to execute the Deed of Easement to convey the Turnbull Farms LLLP Property to the Air Force on or after closing of the property. 

 

MOVER:            Chuck Nelson, Commissioner District 2

SECONDER:     Mary Bolin, Commissioner District 4

AYES:                Robin Fisher, Chuck Nelson, Mary Bolin

NAYS:                Trudie Infantini, Andy Anderson

 

 

Upon consensus of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:21 p.m.