HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-080 RESOLUTION NO. 10-080
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE
TO OPPOSE SENATE BILL 1216 AND HOUSE BILL 1227
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. Children's Services Councils were created to bring together elected officials and citizens
appointed by the governor to make decisions on behalf of vulnerable children and their families.
2. The enabling Florida Statute was designed to create an independent organization approved
by the County Commission and by the County's voters, whose mission was to enhance the lives
of the county's children without distractions of the political process and the priorities of
government. In St. Lucie County, County voters approved the creation of a Children's Services
Council at the October 2, 1990 election. The voters also approved the levying of an ad valorem
tax each year not to exceed .5 mills.
3. Children's Services Council processes are open to voters through public meetings and
hearings. Council members are accountable to voters through local elections and to the governor
through appointment.
4. Senate Bill 1216 and the companion House Bill 1227 unnecessarily add a layer of
government to the council budget process by requiring county commission approval. The bills
provide no safeguards for Children's Service Council funds to be used for their original purpose -
prevention and early intervention services for children and families.
5. Senate Bill 1216 and House Bill 1227 also require that county commissioners vote to retain
or dissolve the council every eight years. The language to accomplish this already exists. If an
issue arises with the council, the current statute allows commissioners to reconsiderthe existence
of the council at any time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida:
Section 1: The foregoing recitals contained in the preamble to this Resolution are
incorporated by reference herein.
Section 2: This Board urgesthe Florida Legislature to oppose Senate Bill 1216 (SB 1216)
and House Bill 1227 (HB 1227).
Section 3: The County Administrator is hereby directed to send a copy of this resolution
to Governor Charlie Crist, the County's Legislative Delegation and the Executive Director of the
Florida Association of Counties.
Section 4: This Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 2nd day of March, 2010.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: ST. LUCLE'COU `TY,Ji~LORI A
BY:
Deputy Clerk Chai
APPROV AS TO FORM AND
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