The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutMinutes 02-15-2008 CITIZENS' BUDGET COMMITTEE Meeting Date: February 15, 2008 Conference Room 3 Meeting convened at 7:30 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Carl Hensley, Chairman Jeremiah Johnson Richard Pancoast Edward Lounds Craig Mundt Nathaniel "Nate" Wells (7:40) Patricia "Pat" Ferrick Bill Casey Thomas Hickey Ron Parrish (7:35) MEMBERS ABSENT: Barry Schrader Jay L. McBee Michael McKinnon Steven Messer Randy Ezell OTHERS PRESENT: Doug Anderson Faye Outlaw Lee Ann Lowery Marie Gouin Jennifer Hill Bill Hammer Kathryn Hensley Erick Gill Robert O'Sullivan Mike Monahan Beth Ryder Debra Brisson Paul Hiott Michelle Franklin Mark Godwin John Ferrick Jeff Furst Bill Hoeffner Garry Wilson Shane DeWitt Diana Lewis Derek Simmonsen Susan Kilmer James David Carl Holeva CALL TO ORDER Mr. Hensley called the meeting to order. MINUTES Mr. Casey made a motion to approve the January 18th minutes. It was seconded by Mr. Johnson and unanimously approved. · Citizens' Budget Committee February 15, 2008 Page 2 Mr. Hensley handed out copies of the resolution that formed the Committee so the members would be reminded of their duties. ELECTION RESULTS BY COUNTY Mr. Anderson gave a preview of the meeting and invited the members to Strategic Planning on March 12'h and 13th at Tradition. Chief Parrish is being replaced on the Committee. He said he had enjoyed being part of the Committee and would still visit meetings. They will have to get to work on the challenges. Mr. Anderson showed a PowerPoint presentation (see enclosed) that listed the percentage of votes by county for the January 29,2008 Property Tax Reform Referendum. St. Lucie County was toward the top even though we tried to educate the community. It is interesting where it turns. South Florida supported it. North Florida did not. Mr. Casey asked what percentage of the electorate voted in St. Lucie County. The number and turnout were discussed. ECONOMIC OUTLOOK - U.S. FLORIDA & COUNTIES Mr. Anderson shared slides from a PowerPoint presentation prepared by Fishkind & Associates, which was shown at Florida Government Finance Officers Association in November 2007 (see enclosed). He believes Florida is in a recession. 2009-2010 tax rolls will be based on this year. An article in Forbes Magazine said St. Lucie County is rated eighth in the nation for growth. The size of the regional mall was discussed. Mr. Hensley summarized that things should be going well in a couple years; but we have to figure out what to do until then. The presentation was created before the Tax Reform Referendum. EMPLOYEE FACT SHEET Mr. Anderson showed a PowerPoint presentation giving the information he planned to present to the County employees on February 18, 2008 (see enclosed). There will be decreases in positions due to reorganization. There is a layoff in the Building Department scheduled March th due to a decrease in building permits. BUDGET GAP SUMMARY 2008/2009 Budget Scenarios/Options PowerPoint was presented and will be enclosed with Citizens' Budget Committee February 15, 2008 Page 3 the minutes. Mr. Casey asked for an explanation of the Property Value Decline. Mr. Furst said the actual property values would be known in June. There was discussion on library hours and savings. The library staff is down 7 employees. Mr. Anderson talked about medians and outside contracts. Chief Deputy Wilson commented on Mr. Mundt's question about using inmates to mow. Mr. Anderson informed the group that the Constitutional Officers and Chief Judge have been invited to Strategic Planning for an open, frank discussion on how much they think they can reduce their budget. We're all in this together. Chief Deputy Wilson informed the Committee that if the Sheriff's budget were held at the same amount, it would mean 30 positions lost. Twenty-five law enforcement and five civilian employees would be laid off. Department directors are coming up with ideas to save money. Lifeguards, bookmobile, storing equipment, an auction, renegotiating outside and union contracts, were discussed. Concern about trusting state numbers was mentioned. Mr. Anderson commented on Ms. Ferrick's question about adding acres to the city's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The CRA will make a lot of money when property values rise. Ms. Ferrick expressed her concern about equipment sitting. Mr. Anderson said we are in a terrible place. Mr. Wells asked about mowing and cleaning windows. Mr. Anderson predicted the windows would not be cleaned for two years. The organization must be readjusted. After a couple years, when we have our feet on the ground, we can get back into services. Mr. Johnson asked about splitting the general fund reserve. Mr. Anderson explained that he is required to present a balanced budget in July. He is concerned about saving for the next year. Mr. Hensley asked if the projections included any growth. Mr. Furst explained how new construction is calculated. January 1,2007 new construction was down 65% countywide from the year before. The first part of 2008 is worse. They think the drop in value will level off sometime this year. Next year will probably not be better and could be worse. Mr. Lounds feels the county is going to have to get in the mode of if you're going to play; you're going to have to pay. He mentioned adapting to changing library hours, essential services versus non-essential services, lifeguards, grading roads, and people calling. The County does not have to give everybody, everything. · Citizens' Budget Committee February 15, 2008 Page 4 Mr. Hensley asked what the Committee could do to help. Mr. Anderson would accept lists of ideas from members. Mr. Lounds suggested closing beaches. Ms. Ferrick asked about Tourist Development tax dollars if the beaches were closed. Mr. Mcintosh informed Commissioner Smith a group from Nettles Island would be coming to a Board of County Commissioners Meeting after Strategic Planning because they want them to reduce the budget. Commissioner Smith responded by asking them to send a list of services they want eliminated. Mr. Anderson said the situation is hard to accept. Mr. Hensley asked about revenue generating ideas. Mr. Anderson gave the example of boat ramps. Ms. Hensley wants people to be aware that Mr. Anderson knows and looks at the long-term effect to the economy of what might look like savings now. There is no easy solution. She knows the impact to the School Board. There is about $2 million they are not getting because of the current shortfall at the State. Mr. Anderson said sales tax and gas tax most likely would be down. The university system is facing a significant shortfall from the State. The County funds 50% and the university system funds 50% of the County Extension Office. There are a lot of programs provided by them. The university system is looking at not funding their part. The County would not be able to pick up the other half. Mr. Lounds added that not all programs are agriculture. Extension is the way to get information out of the university. It funds 4-H and Master Gardeners. They are not essential but they provide a service we are used to getting. A letter with attachments was handed out (see enclosed) that shows the shares of different counties. We need to share ideas and look at pay to play and pay to use. The County must provide essential things, like law enforcement, fire rescue and fixing roads. Mr. Anderson said the employees deserve to know and he'll explain the facts in meetings on Monday. Hopefully the numbers will be better than predicted. Mr. Mundt pointed out that fringe benefits cost almost as much as salaries. Mr. Anderson explained employees are paying more of the insurance cost. We are stuck with Florida Retirement System (FRS). FRS, Social Security, Workers Compensation and health insurance make up the fringe cost. The percentage of health insurance is about 35-40%. Mr. Lounds asked what it costs the average employee. Mr. Anderson explained that it is not just what is deducted. What you have to pay for prescriptions has gone up. Weare in a contract with the union and have a meeting set up to explore an option of saving more. Mr. Anderson asked the members to try to attend Strategic Planning March 12th and 13th. He needs direction from the board. · Citizens' Budget Committee February 15, 2008 Page 5 OTHER ISSUES Mr. Johnson asked where concurrency management is applied when a development comes in. Mr. Anderson explained they have to pay road impact fees and more if they affect an intersection. That money is set aside for the road department. Ms. Lowery informed the group that March11th they will be asking the Board to approve increased development plan fees. That money would be used to fund a portion of the Growth Management department. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Hensley adjourned the meeting at 8:50 a.m. Respectfully submitted by: Brenda Marlin The next CBC regular meeting will be held on Friday, March 21,2008, at 7:30 a.m., in Conference Room #3, at the St. Lucie County Roger Poitras Administration Annex. Property Tax Reform Referendum Property Tax Referendum Election Results Election Results by County ~ County No Total %No Lee 26,688 148,979 17.9 Collier 15,090 81,147 18.6 Charlotte 10,887 48,784 22.3 Okaloosa 12,034 48,636 75.3 I 24.7 _·__M_'~'_.___ Citrus 12,137 47,374 74.4 25.6 Sumter 8.D15 30,900 74.1 25.9 DeSoto 1,340 4,913 I 72.7 27.3 February 2008 Property Tax Referendum Property Tax Referendum Election Results Election Results Yes No Total % Yes County Yes No Total %Yes %No 44,964 17.947 62,911 71,5 Glacles 1,540 661 2,201 70.0 30.0 266,165 106,696 372,861 71.4 Bay 27.792 12.234 40,026 69.4 30.6 13.481 5,505 18,986 71.0 Walton 8,854 4.029 12,883 68.7 31.3 36.793 15,092 51,885 70.9 Sarasota 84,625 40.309 124,934 67.7 32.3 232,585 96,512 329,097 70.7 Palm Beach 185,908 91,486 277,394 67.0 33.0 20,367 , 8,531 28,898 70.5 Pinellas 163,338 80,750 244,088 66,9 33.1 31,951 13,442 45,393 70.4 Hendry 3,073 1.580 i 4,653 66.0 34.0 Property Tax Referendum Property Tax Referendum Election Results Election Results County Yes No Total % Yes I % No County Yes No Total %Yes %No Okeechobee 4,374 2,306 6,680 65,5 34.5 Lake 51.568 29,996 81,564 63.2 36.8 Escambia 50,073 26,673 76,746 õ5.2 34.8 72,681 45,029 117,710 61.7 38.3 Osceola 25.763 14,266 40,029 64.4 35.6 Manalee 51,693 32,042 83.735 61.7 38.3 Flagler 16,072 8,926, 24.998 64.3 35.7 Santa Rosa 23,534 14,752 38,286 61.5 38.5 Polk 73,976 41.467 115,443 64.1 35.9 Highlands 15,151 9,839 24,990 60,6 394 Pasco 68,192 38,572 106,754 63.9 36.1 Gulf 2,141 1,433 3,574 59.9 40.1 Nassau 13,1851 7,477 20,662 63.8 36.2 Marion 54,971 37,112 92,083 59.7 40.3 " County Brevard Calhoun Columbia Hillsboraugh Levy 51. Johns Orange No 65.779 1.188 5.638 92.880 4.087 24.533 89,410 %No 40.3 41.1 41.7 41.8 41.9 43,4 43.7 Property Tax Referendum Election Results Property Tax Referendum Election Results Ves 97.324 1.702 7.877 129.580 5.675 31.930 115.005 % Yes 59.7 58.9 58.3 58.2 58.1 56.6 56.3 c-~?unty Ves No Total % Yes ~ Gilchrist 2.187 1.703 3.890 56.2 43.8 Washington 2.395 1.938 4.333 55.3 44.7 Union 1.224 992 2.216 55.2 -~ Holmes 2.229 ] 1.825 4.054 55.0 45.0 Clay 25.144 21.647 46.791 53.1', 46.3 Franklin 1,703 1,476 3.179 5361 n~~ Seminole 53.713 46.849 100.5621 53,4 I 46.6 Property Tax Referendum Property Tax Referendum Election Results Election Results County Ves Total %Ves %No County Ves No Total %Ves %No Dixie 1.552 2,925 53,1 46.9 Wakulla 3.353 3.803 7.156 46.9 53.1 Bradford 3,123 6,031 51.8 46.2 Hamilton 1,216 ' 1,381 2,597 46.8 53.2 Baker 2,630 5,160 51.0 49.0 Putnam 7.977 9.833 17.810 44.8 55.2 A1achua 28.564 56,217 50.8 49.2 Taylor 2.061 2,736 4,797 I, 430 57.0 Hardee 1,717 3,474 49.4 50.6 Jackson 4.554 6,433 10,987 41.4 58.6 SUwannee 4,219 8.938 47.2 52,8 Madison 1.700 2.678 4.378 38.8 61.2 Duval 86,454 184,448 46.91 53.1 Liberty 510 808 1,318 38.7 61.3 " Property Tax Referendum Election Results Yes % Yes %No 1,641 37.9 62.1 645 36.5 63.5 26.426 36.3 63.7 4,018 35.3 64.7 RECAP YES NO TOTAL 2.629,400 1,474.905 % VOTES 64.1 35.9 2 AUg..OS I Sep..OS Oct..OS NOv-{)5 Dec..OS Jan,,06 F'eb-{)6 Mar --06 - Apr"OB m >< MaY"06 -. < en JUn-{)6 - s:u ::I - s::: JUI"06 () tl AlIg"06 :r: Sep"06 0 3 o ct.. 06 C'D Nov..() 6 en (IJ s:u Dec"06 - () Jan_o? IJ) F'eb..()? Mar..()? Apr-o? May_O? Jun..()? JlI/..O? w C1I ....... (þ .....l. .....l. .....l. .....l. C1I C1I C1I C1I .....l. W C1I 10 10 10 10 C1I C1I C1I 10 10 10 FACTS February 2008 "~~j~~'~'~'>\l1if'1J"'~"""----= FACTS ·:·General Fund Gap - projected revenue shortfall <$17,319,173> and after cash carry forward and no equipment/ capital a <$6,307,573> shortfall ·:·Fine & Forfeiture Fund Gap - projected revenue shortfall <$7,923,607> and after no equipment/capital a <$5,564,238> shortfall .:. Down 100 Employees from 950 - these 100 positions are vacant and frozen _~;_ 1 FACTS +:+Sheriff's Office has 40 positions vacant and frozen +:+ We have sold the rescue helicopter +:+ All outside contracts being reviewed +:+No new libraries or services that require new staffing sî?~ . I J 0 ,- FACTS +:+ No new positions or reclassifications, unless they are part of a reorganization proposal to reduce the total number of positions. positions that are currently frozen might be eliminated to offset the reduction in property tax revenue if the referendum is approved and/or property values decline as expected. ~...?.'.I ~~ 2 FACTS .:. No new equipment ·:·No increases in operating expenses, except for utilities if necessary or contract increases. No other increases in operating expenses will be allowed, unless they are offset by decreases in operating expenses in other accounts within the same division. ~ Æ ~ !' FACTS ·:·No new capital improvement projects except those that are already funded, i.e. Midway Road widening, or those resulting from lawsuit settlement, i.e. medical wing expansion at the jail. 3 FACTS .:.100/0 decreases in outside agency budgets - recommended by staff .:.No out of state travel unless it is for business recruitment .:.No increases in Constitutional Officers' budgets .:. Layoffs - we don't know 4 ;l Draft 2008/2009 Budget Scenarios/Options Draft The services provided to the community are going to be directly affected by the decreased investment in local government. 1 ,.. Draft Budget Gap Presentation I: Context _ Revenue decreases creating budget gaps. Ii Purpose _ Explore budget reduction options and new/increased revenues. Ii Outcome _ Come to a consensus on which services we need to reduce/adjust and which new/increased revenues are needed to balance the 2008/2009 budget and begin addressing the 2009/2010 budget gap. Draft Budget GAP Assumptions I Used an estimated decrease in property values of 12%. _ Assumed a three percent increase in new construction. _ Each percent change in property value for the Countywide millage is equal to approximately $1.6 million in property taxes. I: Used the state percentages in the calculation of the property tax reform impact on the County's revenues. 2 Draft ! Fiscal I Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Five- Year Year Year Year Year Year 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Total ~ $25k Additional Homestead Exemption (9.2) (9.1) (9.2) (9.3) , (9.4) (46) --'- Portability (1.8) (4.3) (6.4) (8.7) ( 11.0) (32) ~ $25k Personal Property Exemption (1.1) ( 1.0) . (1.0) ( 1.0) (1.0) (5) 10% Cap on Non- Homestead Assessment - @1l iL2.l ßID (ill (ill -c- (26.5) I (94.9) Total (12.1) (15.0) (18.5) (22.8) Tax Reform Impact I Gap Calculations Gap leaving millage rate the same plus 3% increase in new construction - ($29,888,798) Draft 3 Draft 2008/09 General Fund GaD Revenues: 2007/2008 Estimated Revenue $ 148,063,944 Property Value Dec1ine(3% in new const.) (10,349,937) Tax Reform Reduction (6.969.236) 200812009 Projected Revenues 130,744,771 Exvenses: 2007/2008 Estimated Expenses $ 148,063,944 Gross Gap (17,319,173) Financial Recovery 5,500,000 One Time Expenses (Capital & Equipment (7,845.087) 2008/2009 Projected Expenses 145,718,857 Projected Revenue Shortage (14,974,086) Impact Fee Shortfall- Debt Service Payments (485,287) Estimated Excess Fund Balance 9,151,800 Total Projected Shortage/Excess (6,307,573) Draft 2008/09 General Fund I. Planned projects for 2009 - not included in the gap analysis: _ County Extension Landscaping _ Environmental Resources _ Lincoln Park Community Center $ 20,000 157,000 2.500,000 2,677 ,000 4 Draft Fine & Forfeiture Fund-Gap Revenues: 2007/2008 Estimated Revenue $ 71,135,135 Property Value Decline (4,735,147) Tax Reform Reduction (3,188,460) 2008/2009 Projected Revenues 63,211,528 Expenses: 2007/2008 Estimated Expenses $ 71,135,135 Gross Gap (7,923,607) One Time Expenses (Capital & Equipment) (2,359,369) 2008/2009 Projected Expenses 68,775,766 Projected Revenue Shortage/Excess (5,564,238) Draft 2008/2009 Estimated General Fund and Fine & Forfeiture Fund Gap Ii 2008/2009: - General Fund - Fine & Forfeiture Fund Total $ (6,307,573) (5,564,238) (11,871,811) 5 Draft 2009/10 Estimated General Fund and Fine & Forfeiture Fund Gap 11 2009/2010 estimated shortfall from the property tax reform based on the state estimates: _ General Fund $ (8,639,549) _ Fine & Forfeiture Fund 0.952.636) Total (12,592,185) ., This is a serious problem, which we need to start addressing in the 2008/2009 budget process. Draft 2008/09 Estimated Erosion Control- Zone E Gap Revenues: 2007/2008 Estimated Revenue $ 2,738,413 Property Value Decline (226,334) Tax Reform Reduction (152.404) 2008/2009 Projected Revenues 2,359,675 Expenses: 2007/2008 Estimated Expenses $ 2,738,413 One Time Expenses (Capital & Equipment) 0 200812009 Projected Expenses 2,738,413 Projected Revenue Shortage/Excess (378,738) 6 Draft 2008/09 Estimated Mosquito Control District Gap Revenues: 2007/2008 Estimated Revenue $ 7,809,321 Property Value Decline (490,562) Tax Reform Reduction (330,324) 2008/2009 Projected Revenues 6,988,435 Expenses: 2007/2008 Estimated Expenses $ 7,809,321 One Time Expenses (Capital & Equipment) (630.694) 2008/2009 Projected Expenses 7,178,627 Projected Revenue Shortage/Excess (190,192) Draft 2008/09 Estimated Unincorporated MSTU Gap Revenues: 2007/2008 Estimated Revenue $ 7,959,612 Property Value Decline (423,563) Tax Reform Reduction (350.070) 2008/2009 Projected Revenues 7,185,979 Expenses: 2007/2008 Estimated Expenses $ 7,959,612 One Time Expenses (Capital & Equipment) (217.088) 2008/2009 Projected Expenses 7,742,524 Projected Revenue Shortage/Excess (556,545) 7 Draft 2008/09 Estimated Stormwater MSTU Gap Revenues: 2007/2008 Estimated Revenue $ 11,739,023 Property Value Decline (504,450) Tax Reform Reduction (290,350) 200812009 Projected Revenues 10,944,223 Expenses: 2007/2008 Estimated Expenses $ 11,739,023 One Time Expenses (Capital & Equipment) (794,800) 2008/2009 Projected Expenses 10,944,223 Projected Revenue ShortagelExcess 0 aw n orcemen ap Revenues: 2007/2008 Estimated Revenue $ 3,181,233 Property Value Decline (374,367) Tax Reform Reduction (215,476) 2008/2009 Projected Revenues 2,591,390 Expenses: 2007/2008 Estimated Expenses $ 3,181,233 One Time Expenses (Capital & Equipment) (0) 200812009 Projected Expenses 3,181,233 Additional Shortfall for Road Patrol Based 156,219 on Projections for 2008/2009 Projected Revenue Shortage (746,062) 2 E ~ /09 Estimated t MSTU G Draft L 8 Draft Revenues: 2007/2008 Estimated Revenue $ 15,254,496 Property Value Decline ( 565,956) Tax Reform Reduction (381.093) 2008/2009 Projected Revenues 14,307,447 Expenses: 2007/2008 Estimated Expenses $ 15,254,496 One Time Expenses (Capital & Equipment)* N/A 2008/2009 Projected Expenses 15,254,496 Projected Revenue Shortage (947,049) 2008/09 Estimated Parks MSTU Gap Revenues: 2007/2008 Estimated Revenue $ 3,087,391 Property Value Decline (203,823) Tax Reform Reduction (137,246) 2008/2009 Projected Revenues 2,746,322 Expenses: 2007/2008 Estimated Expenses $ 3,087,391 One Time Expenses (Capital & Equipment) (0) 2008/2009 Projected Expenses 3,087,391 Projected Revenue Shortage (341,069) 2008/09 Estimated Transit MSTU Gap Draft 9 Draft Tax Revenue Calculations I . Go back to rolled-back rate- $7,061,924 (Includes 3% new construction) Draft Tax Revenue Calculations I Go back to rolled-back rate plus Per Capita Personal Income & 3% new construction - $14,741,442. 10 I' Guidelines for 2008/2009 Budget Preparation Draft No new positions or reclassifications, unless they are part of a reorganization proposal to reduce the total number of positions. Positions that are currently frozen might be eliminated to offset the reduction in property tax revenue if the referendum is approved and property values decline as expected. No new equipment. No increases in operating, except for utilities if necessary or contract increases. No other increases in operating expenses will be allowed, unless they are offset by decreases in operating expenses in other accounts within the same division. No new capital improvement projects except those that are already funded i.e. Midway Road widening or those resulting from lawsuit settlement, i.e. medical wing expansion at the jail. No increases in outside agency budgets and that we are recommending a 10% decrease from current funding. No out of state travel. Unless, it is for business recruiting purposes. *Exceptions to the above will be made only in cases where grants or other restricted revenue is received to offset the cost. Draft Qption 1 II Reserves: Fund 50% Remaining Financial Recovery Reserves verses 100% (General Fund) $ 2,750,000 11 Draft Option 2 I Continue hiring freeze: Fund General Fund Transportation Trust Fund Unincorporated Services Ftmd Drainage Maintenance MSTU Fine & Forfeiture Fund Mosquito Fund Impact fee Collections Fund Building Code Fund Total ~ $ 1,461.878 594,221 75,166 72,176 116,774 113.663 54.657 202.266 2,690,801 Draft Option 3 I No capital programs without federal or state assistance or grant assistance to leverage local funds. 12 Draft , Option 4 I No funding of School Resource Officers. I School resource officers - 2007/2008 funding sources: Orange Avenue Post Office Museum Sheriff Salary Increases - FY 07 Sheriff Salary Increases - FY 08 Delay Airport Land Purchase Retiree Insurance (OPEB) Law Enforcement Trust Fund Total Add: Repay Retiree Insurance Airport Land Purchase* Law Enforcement Trust Fund (Sheriffs Office funds) Total Net Savings to reallocate in the General Fund *lfBOCC want to proceed with the Airport land purchase. $ 400,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 100,000 100.000 1,300,000 100,000 500,000 1 00.000 700,000 600,000 Draft Option 5 I Outside Agencies - 10% decrease from 2007/2008: 2007/2008 2008/2009 Budget Proposed Difference ARC of St. Lucie County $ 72,838 $ 65,554 $ (7,284) Council On Aging 195,976 176,378 (19,598) Health Department 1,071,980 964,782 (107,198) Healthy Start 57,600 51,840 (5,760) 211 Info. Crisis Services 17,500 15,750 (1,750) New Horizon 748,452 673,607 (74,845) Executive Round Table 48,000 43,200 (4,800) Treasure Coast Homeless 25,000 22,500 (2,500) Total 2,237,346 2,013,611 (223,735) 13 Draft Option 6 I Libraries _ We are recommending closing each library, with exception ofthe Fort Pierce Main Library, one day per week. _ Also taking the bookmobile off the road June to September. - The estimated annual saving is $163,752. Draft Option 7 I Cancel right of way mowing/median - Current contract is costing $620,710 annually. 14 Draft Option 8 Ii No Increase for Constitutional Officers - This excludes fee based officers. - Supervisor of Elections, Clerk of Circuit Court went down in 2007/2008, which equals to impact on the 2008/2009 budget. - Sheriff went up $4,139,718 or 6.96% - No planned increase in his budget, which resulted in a savings as follow: 1\ General Fund - $2,724,688 I Fine & Forfeiture - $1,415,030 15 UFIFLÖRIöÁ J. Bernard Machen Presid en t Feb. 11,2008 ~\ [ r þ \lÞ ~V 0 V fA, If fn.1 'ð ~/ () \Ø".(P .1 ~ & tr t' (\?~ ( :P~rf;/ 226 Tigert Hall POBox 113150 G<1inesville, FL 32611-3150 352-392-13] I 352-392-5275 Fax www.u£l.edu State Representative Bryan Nelson District Office 409 S. Park A venue Apopka, FL 32703-5261 State Representative Debbie Boyd District Office 95 NW 1st Avenue High Springs, FL 32643-2653 Dear Representatives Nelson and Boyd, ] really appreciate your taking the time to meet with me on Friday regarding University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. As the state's land r mmitted to supporting Florida agriculture. The industry is e state's heritage and economy, and UP has a role to p ay III ces in the future. " But as we discussed, UF must make budget cuts of $50 million before July 1 to help offset the severe revenue. shortfalls the state is experiencing. That far surpasses the reductions of any other public university in No doubt, the prospect of budget cuts this size is triggering apprehension among those in our university family, the agricultural industry and Tallahassee. The budget decisions we have to make won't come easy. An across-the-board cut of this magnitude will severely affect the quality of the university. We are committed to making programmatic cuts that minimize the impact on education and research, including the ever-important piece of research helping drive the state's economic development. To do that, we are weighing the long-term costs of many different options. Clearly, all sectors of the university will be affected including IFAS. The discussion is ongoing, and we do not anticipate any final decisions to be made until spring. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, 1~4L J. Bernard Machen The Foundationfor The Gator Nation An Equal Opportunity InstitLltion t.age 1 üI L. Anne Bowers - Fwd: FW: IFAS Update Douglas Anderson Bowers, Anne 2/13/2008 4:58 PM Fwd: FW: IFAS Update 08budget IFAS Org Chart.doc; 08budget Research fac.doc; 08 budget. Biotech nologyandGenetics. fac.doc; 08budget. Emerging PestDiseases.doc; 08 budget.Florida's Environment and Natural ResourcesJac.doc; 08budget. Extension.PieCharts.doc; 08budget.Extension fac.doc; 08budget.County .doc; 08budget. MasterGardener. doc From: To: Date: Subject: Attachments: Please download. »> <elounds@aol.com> 2/13/20083:57 PM »> Doug, I know you're snow under with everything¡ but if you have time or can send this to someone to down load for you the info is GREAT. It is the U of F budgeting charts and I can explain some of it to you when I see you Friday. Look at the chart for extension as to county/state/Fed monies. ED Ed Lounds TKI, Inc 772-595-2525 158*17*2715 Nextel elounds@aol.com -----Original Message----- From: Mary Hartney <mhartney@ffaa.org> To: 'Lounds Ed' <elounds@aol.com> Sent: Wed, 13 Feb 2008 3:42 pm Subject: FW: IFAS Update Mary Mary C. Hartney Florida Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association P.O. Box 9326 Winter Haven, FL 33883-9326 0: 863-293-4827 F 863-294-8626 C: 863-287-8668 From: Dunaway, Shannan [mailto:shannan(cùlittleiohnmann.com] On Behalf Of Littlejohn, Chuck Sent: Wednesday, February 13/ 2008 10:35 AM To: ¡;)at.cockrell(CÙffbf.oro; iohn.hoblick(cùffbf.orq Subject: IFAS Update Attached is information on IF AS that Doug and I requested Jim Spratt to pull together. This file://C :\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4 7B3219... 2/13/2008 information was discussed with Representative Marty Bowen on Tuesday, February 12th for use in preparing for a meeting between President Machen and the Speakerâ€T s oHice scheduled for Thursday, February 14th, If you have any questions or need further at this time, please contact me at (850) 228-7203 or chuck@littlejohnmann.com. Thanks. Shannan Duna'way Little,john, Mann & Associates 310 W. College Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.7535 x4 ~ '~_'_'m"'__""~-~_'~~~,~",----,,',,"M~~"~""'_"'~_ "·""·'^~·'--~--~~-···'····-'-'___·__~'~'_"_'_Y~"=M~~_'~__~_ ·"--~'~_'_'_>>'_~"_·~'W^~~~'_""~'_"~"_"~.~..,.m'.._'_'"~'_.,,~_."M_""'..~__~m__"_" More new features than ever. Check out the new AO_L Mail! file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\47B32l9... 2/13/2008 UFjlFAS Science and Education in Protecting Florida's Environment and Natural Resources Examples of IFAS Research and Extension Results: ¡;. Fern for Phytoremediation -- In breakthrough research that received worldwide media attention, IFAS scientists discovered a fern that has an amazing ability to soak up arsenic from contaminated soil. Chinese Brake Fern not only absorbs arsenic from the soil, but does so with amazing efficiency - arsenic concentrations were as much as 200 times higher in the tern than in contaminated soils where the plant was growing. This fern has become a star player in the growing $370 million U.S. industry of phtyoremediation - using plants to clean up toxic waste sites. ;;.. Florida Soils Have Potential for Carbon Trading Systems and Markets -- In the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions world-wide, carbon trading systems are being established to allow entities emitting greenhouse gases to buy credits from entities that reduce emissions. Florida's agricultural and forest soils could be an economic and environmental player in this market. Recent IFAS research shows that Florida has the highest soil carbon density (grams of carbon per square kilometer) in the continental U.S. and ranks near the top among all states in its total soil carbon storage. Research is continuing to determine how much soil carbon is stored below the soil depths and to measure the change in carbon over time. ¡;. Lower fertilizer Inputs on Grazing Lands -- Bahiagrass is the most abundant crop cultivated in Florida with approximately 2.5 million acres in production. Historically, the cultivation of bahiagrass utilized annual inputs of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, As the use of phosphorus has now become an environmental concern, recent research on bahiagrass has refined nutrient requirements for the maintenance of healthy productive pastures. As a result, newly revised fertilizer recommendations target bahiagrass pastures with the greatest phosphorus needs, therefore reducing the acreage receiving annual phosphorus applications by an estimated 80%. This research has elevated the importance of maintaining optimal soil pH and recognizes the value of existing soil phosphorus reserves and plant phosphorus accumulation. This research has developed an integrated approach to determining and meeting phosphorus needs of bahiagrass. The new fertilizer management program will mean increased economic and environmental sustainability for Florida's grazing lands. ¡;. Protecting South Florida's "Liquid Heart," Lake Okeechobee - In response to a steady decline in one of the nation's largest freshwater lakes, IFAS has partnered with state and federal agencies to protect Lake Ocheechobee. Researchers discovered ways to reduce the phosphorus entering Lake Okeechobee to meet the 40 ppb goal for the in- lake phosphorus concentration. Results showed that phosphorus from various land use activities can be assimilated in farm ditches, isolated and constructed wetlands and riparian buffers. This reduced the cost of residue removal which was estimated at $60 per ton ($3,213 per acre). Extension demonstration projects showed cattle ranchers various nutrient and water management practices. This program has served as a model for other restoration efforts. >- Conserving Water _ New research shows that on average irrigation accounts for about 50% of total potable water use in Florida homes. New research shows that water used by homeowners to water their landscapes can be reduced by 50% if soil moisture technologies are utilized by homeowners. For example, in 2005, over 208,000 building permits were issued for single-family homes. If the irrigation controllers in each home were equipped with a sensor, the water savings would be over 5 billion gallons every year. Water bills would be reduced by $32 million. This research is being conducted in Orange, Lake and Marion counties. :.- Facilitating the adoption of practices for low-impact growth and development - Since April 2006, fifteen low-impact development programs in extension have reached over 1300 professionals whose decisions atfect Florida's water resources. The program targets elected officials. developers, growth management and planning staff, engineers, landscape architects and architects. The program is designed to facilitate the adoption of practices that will result in measurable water efficiency gains and slow rates of water quality and degradation resulting from new development. :.- Florida Friendly Landscaping - These programs are conducted for homeowners, builders and developers, landscape architects, landscape maintenance workers, and homeowners associations throughout the state by county extension faculty and their master gardener volunteers. One example of the program's success: One homeowner association in Sf. Petersburg with 22 waterfront and 51 non-waterfront town homes was alarmed at the irrigation costs of its landscapes. County Extension faculty provided the resources, training and recommendations to the community on Florida Friendly Landscaping principles. In one year, the average monthly water savings was almost 200,000 gallons. Approximaately 2.4 million gallons of potable water were conserved; 0 45% savings over previous usage. Illustration of the IFAS System Fiscal Year 2006-07 "' ( ) ~ -- $ 44,292,266 $52,960,415 yp~ ~)J "... ~ )( ) -- -- $24,076,306 Total Budget.................. ..... ...$300,437,726 Total Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Staff...2340 Research - $131.7 M - 48% 885 FTE's 13 Research and Education (Extension & Teaching) Centers at 19 Locations Citrus REC (Lake Alfred) Everglades REC (Belle Glade Fort Lauderdale REC (Ft. Lauderdale) Gulf Coast REC (Balm) Hastings RDS Indian River REC (Ft. Pierce) Mid-Florida REC (Apopka, Plant City) North Florida REC (Marianna, Quincy, Suwannee Valley) Plant Science Research and Education Unit RDS (Citra) Range Cattle REC (Ona) Southwest Florida REC (lmmokalee) Subtropical Agricultural Research Station (USDA-ARS) REC (Brooksville) Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory RDS (Ruskin) Tropical REC (Homestead) West Florida REC (Jay, Milton) $4,196,107 Teaching - $27 M - 12% 261 FTE's . Administration!Indirect Cost: 153 FTE's-6.5% . Grants/Other (Includes both Research and Extension): 494 FTE's $175,412,728 Extension - $72.9 M - 31 % 548 FTE's · 79% of all GR funds salaries, benefits and operating costs UF/IFAS Research Mission The IFAS Research mission is to invent, discover, and develop knowledge to enhance Florida's agriculture and natural resources. IFAS research was created in 1887 by federal legislation known as the Hatch Act, which was a follow- up to the 1862 Morrill Act that established US land-grant universities. Research salaries, benefits and operations are supported by state and federally-appropriated funds and used as infrastructure to draw grants and contracts. Faculty members pursue fundamental and applied research that furthers understanding of natural and human systems. The Florida Agricultural Experiment Station administers and supports research programs in UF/IFAS. The research programs support approximately 350 full-time equivalent faculty members in 16 academic departments on UF's Gainesville campus and at l3 research and education centers around the state. UF/IFAS strives to effectively preserve the diversity, build the strength and ensure the continued development and economic sustainability of Florida's agriculture. UFfIFAS research also focuses on natural resources and environmental systems to emphasize stewardship of Florida's land including finding novel applications to preserve, protect and manage Florida's ecosystems. UF/IFAS research focuses on human systems research on issues related to food, nutrition and energy. Examples of academic departments: · Microbiology and Cell Science - to pursue fundamental and applied research regarding basic life processes with a focus in two areas-microbial biochemistry and immunology, such as host-resistance to microbial diseases. One field deals with production of fuel alcohol and other useful chemicals from biomass using genetically modified microorganisms. Other fields include bovine brucellosis (cattle), food safety, and environmental impacts of viruses and bacteria. · Soil and Water Science - to pursue basic and applied research at multiple (molecular to landscape) scales to solve environmental problems and protect and manage land and resources. Maintaining soil and water quality is essential to sustainable agricultural productivity and protection and conservation of Florida' s natural resources. Examples of Research and Education Centers · Gulf Coast REC - Balm, Hillsborough County - An on-location multi-purpose interdisciplinary team of scientists who approach research and extension on ornamental, strawberry and vegetable (mostly tomato) crops to help fanners in the area remain competitive in a world economy. It also includes a significant amount of work on water issues for the area. · Range Cattle REC - Ona, Hardee County - An on-location single purpose team of7 scientists, designed to consider new ways of increasing net returns for the cattle industry including beef, forage and field crops and dairy production. Their research and extension of that knowledge help cattlemen in south Florida face the constantly changing economic and production challenges ofa growing state. One ranch in Florida owns the largest brood cow herd in North America. Florida is also home to four of the nation's largest cow-calf operations. UF/IFAS: Using Biotechnology and Genetics to Solve Problems · Improving thc Aavor of tomatoes - IFAS researchers have isolated the flavor- and aroma-enhancing genes of the tomato, and can thus construct totally new tomatoes with enhanced flavor and aroma. Extension of this research will help the Florida tomato industry lead the market by placing sweet tasting tomatoes in the marketplace that really taste great. · Improving the yield and germination of sweet corn-An IF AS researcher discovered new genes that enhance starch content of corn seeds. For sweet corn growers these new seeds mean faster and more complete germination of the crop. This translates to increased yields and more uniforll1maturity, thus better sweet corn for the consumer and more cash for our farmers. · Solving citrus greening - IF AS research has developed molecular methods for detecting the bacterium that causes citrus greening, a bacterium that can't otherwise be grown and detected. Several research labs are at work using these molecular approaches to create greening-resistant citrus plants. · Producing virus-resistant plants- tomato & papaya - IF AS researchers using biotechnology have produced a tomato that is resistant to begomoviruscs, a major disease of tomatoes and a cause of economic loss. The genetic manipulation results in eliciting a natural defense system in the tomato. This 'Iessens the need for pesticides, decreasing production costs and environmental costs. · Commercializing A Bio-Fuel Industry - Cellulosic ethanol- Scientists in our Center for Renewable Fuels and Chemicals have genetically modified a variety of bacteria to digest various forms of lignin and cellulose and to convert all kinds of biomass into ethanol for fuel. These bacteria will be used to degrade tree and yard waste, agricultural derivatives such as sugar cane bigasse and citrus pulp & peels, invasive exotic plants, and energy crops. · Creating quorum sensing systems in bacteria - IF AS researchers are deciphering the chemical language that bacteria use to communicate with one another and attack plants ( or animals). The goal is to create plants that are resistant to bacterial attack (e.g. soft rot of tomatoes) by disrupting their signal systems. · Genetically modifying plants - Fragrance in flowers - IF AS genetics research has led rose breeds and other flowers with enhanced aroma, and thus greater salability. Roses and many flowers had lost their fragrance due to intense breeding for traits other than fragrance, such as color, size, and longevity. · Mapping a Genome - Strawberry genome - IFAS research has embarked on mapping the strawberry genome. This achievement, when complete, will allow targeted breeding for specific desirable traits, and thus, enhance the production of strawberries in Florida. · Genetically Modifying Plants for Resistance to Nematodes - Nematode resistant peanut-Nematodes are a serious pest of peanuts in the sandy soils of Florida. IF AS peanut geneticists are incorporating genes for resistance to nematodes in modern peanut varieties. · Inventing New Methods for Packing Science - Remote sensing - IF AS researchers are developing remote sensors that can accompany food and medicines during transport and give information in real time. This will, for example, allow long distance shipment of fresh fruits and vegetables with less flavor and texture loss. The US Army has contracted with IF AS for $4 Million to further develop these technologies to feed troops overseas. · Investing New Mechanical Technology - Robotic harvesters-IF AS researchers are developing robotic harvesters for citrus. These mechanical harvesters rely on computer vision technology to select mature fruits. This research will be critical for citrus producers faced with declining availability of hand-harvest labor. County GR/FED Salary + Total County Marion Liberty Palm Beach Orange $ $ $ $ GR 145.174.58 35,931.78 312,49866 187,594.78 lÎ" Pederal + County $ 1,148.259.72 $ ·174,226.34 $ 3,031,528.66 . $ 3,331,099.67 ,;if; ,.;,ê' UF/IFAS Research and Extension EMERGING PESTS AND DISEASES . Solving insect transmission of plant diseases IF AS entomologists successfully introduced a parasitic fly from Honduras that kills a certain weevil, which destroys Florida's indigenous bromeliads; this will also be particularly useful in preserving the bromeliads in our state's natural areas. . Eliminating pests from human habitats and implementing integrated pest management IFAS entomologists have discovered a pesticide-free method of disinfecting motel/hotel bedding and furniture of bedbugs. The method will dramatically reduce the cost of eradicating bedbugs in Florida's huge hotel industry. About I % of Florida hotel rooms are infested with bed bugs annually. There are 250,000 hotel rooms in Florida so 2,500 rooms annually are infested. Treatment requires that adjacent rooms be likewise treated. The cost of treatment per room is $500, so this totals $6,250,000 in treatment cost. Each treated room is out of service for 3 days for an additional loss of rent totaling $1,250,000. Lawsuits for bedbug bites cost $5 Million per year. IF AS research has devised a 2-hour non-chemical treatment which does not take rooms out of service. For hotels alone, the savings from the IF AS treatment will be $5 Million annually. · Preventing transmission of animal disease Infectious disease and wildlife conservation - Collaborative research among WEC, the Vet School, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission revealed that wild turkeys and sandhill cranes throughout Florida have been exposed to infectious bursal disease (IBD). This is the first presence of this virus (which is common on poultry farms) in wild birds of North America. This finding has important management implications for the Whooping Crane Reintroduction Program as it is believed that exposure to IBD is responsible for 2 significant 'mortality events. The program is developing effective protocols to ensure that this virus does not impact the recovery of the endangered whooping crane or impact our strong turkey population either. · Eradicating Exotic Pests - · UF/IF AS working with the Department of Agriculture can boast that it totally eradicated an exotic tropical tree termite discovered in Broward County. This pest could have resulted of more than $100 million annually in damage. With an investment of $50,000 this pest was eradicated. . Partnering with Industries - · Florida's urban pest control industry, first in the nation, estimates the cost of termite control, repair and litigation at $2-5 billion, much of it originating in Florida. Partnering with FDACS and industry, UF/IFAS is doing research and training of the pest control operators industry to mitigate the potential damage to 8.5 million housing units. The training facility is located in Orange County at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center. · Reducing the risk of pests and unnecessary pesticide applications _ · Since 2004, UF/IF AS has worked in 30 schools in 5 school districts to reduce the risk of pests and unnecessary pesticide use in schools. In Brevard County, they reported an immediate savings of $50,000 in one year as a result of doing its own inspections and management. School districts have saved up to $65,000 from unnecessary pesticide treatments. In addition to economic savings, the districts are reducing the risks of school children and staff to pesticides. . Developing New Bio-Controls- lJF/IFAS researchers have found a natural enemy (bio-control agent) to the fire ant. The South American phorid fly decapitates fire ants and is being introduced to urban community pest control operators and citizens through Extension. . Inventing New Products- . Estimates for the economic impact hy subterranean termites was $11 billion: 80% of which could be attributed to building repair cost, or. ca. $8.8 billion in 1999. Florida probably accounted for ca. 20% of termite market in the US, thus the building damage cost in Florida could amount to $1.76 billion. The termite bait developed by a UF/IFAS researcher, the Sentrieon system claimed ca. 30% market share for subterranean tennite control in the US, thus we can probably say that we have saved $1.76 billion x 0.3 = $528 million for Florida citizen from the potential termite damage. This figure is based on the chemical sales in 1999, so today's figure may be much larger. . Another new bait system for termites has been developed that will be commercialized in 2009 by UF/IFAS. · Protecting Florida's citizens from Pests- . In 2005, a UF/IFAS extension specialist developed a first responder Africanized Honey Bee program. Already, more than 3600 first responders, extension personnel, outdoor and recreation workers, pest operators, and school employees have been trained on AHB. · Solving mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Fever, Dengue Fever, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and St. Louis Encephalitis Scientists from the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach have developed methods using water table hydrology, rainfall pattern, and biological factors to predict outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases in Florida, thus allowing control measures to be activated beforehand, protecting people and horses from potentially fatal illnesses. · Creating a secure homeland Florida is a sentinel state - we see bad stuff first! Prevention of international disease spread New computer models developed by Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory scientists enable predictions of mosquito-borne disease transmission around the world, thus protecting Florida from external epidemics. One disease alone, Dengue fever, present now in Puerto Rico, could cost Florida million in health care and lost tourism. lJniversity of Florida/IFAS Extension · The Florida Extension Service provides technology transfer and life-long learning to the people of Florida through education in agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and youth and community development. Extension helps Floridians improve their lives, their communities and our environment. · Established in 19]4 under a federal act, extension was formed to provide technology transfer for local communities beyond college campuses. The programming offered in each county responds to the local needs of that county's residents. · Extension is a three-tier partnership between county, state & federal governments (all three tiers provide both program and financial support). · Today, UF/IFAS includes 74 extension offices statewide with at least one in every Florida county. · ]n 2007 extension faculty delivered research-based information to more then 8.6 million Florida residents. · Last year over 66,000 extension volunteers expended more then].3 million volunteer hours. They made nearly 6 million customer contacts. · Florida's extension receives the majority ifit's funding through state and county governments. In 2006-2007,89% of the $72 million budget for extension in Florida was received from state and local governments. · The counties contributed 43.47% and the state 43.41% of these dollars. This support does not include their facilities, as those are paid for by the counties. Other funding comes from the federal government 10.63% and fees & grants 2.22%. · County funding and program allocations are determined by the funding received, directives from the county commissioners, volunteers and local advisory committees. This formula varies from county to county. · Extension's life-long learning programs were delivered in this way during 2007: 149 million-Mass media used (television, newspaper, radio contacts and web site hits) Over 8 million-Materials prepared, materials distributed and direct mail 7.8 million-Group events with group participants Almost 2.6 million-Letters, emails, office visits, telephone calls, visits to clientele · Some examples of extension programs: I. DDIS--Distance Diagnostic & Identification System (used as a first line to identifY exotic pests and diseases) 2. Florida Master Gardener Program - volunteer force for Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program ~ best management practices (BMP's) for residential lawns and landscapes 3. Florida Master Naturalist Program -volunteer force for environmental issues other than lawns and landscapes 4. Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program (BMPs for lawns and landscapes) 5. Florida 4-H 6. Green Communities - Energy efficiency programs and green building programs 7. IPM--National School Integrated Pest Management Information Source - for insect pests (pest control spraying of schools) 8. Debt Management for Families and Youth 9 Disaster Preparation, including four Hurricane Houses statewide lO. Nutrition Instruction and Food Safety Instruction for commercial establishments 11. Landscaping for Storms & Hurricanes Extension in Florida . Funding for Extension- Counties= 43.74% State= 43.41% Federal= 10.63% Fees & Grants= 2.22% , I 0 Slale . County III Federal CJ Fees & Grants II,: Examples of Extension Funding, Ii ¡, I, I' I,; ¡~ fi i f Urban vs. Rural Pinellas County · County Funding- 80.7% · State/Federal Funding- 19.3% · 5 Employees- jointly funded by state, county and federal dollars · 43 Employees- fully funded by county dollars · 2 Employees- fully funded by state dollars Calhoun County i ¡, !. · County Funding- 34% · State/Federal Funding- 65% · 2 Employees- jointly funded by state, county and federal dollars .1 Employee- fully funded by county dollars · 1 Employees- fully funded by state dollars UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Program Master Gardener (mas 'ter gard"n er) a qUDint name for a volunteer work torce wno teaches residential dwellers enVIronmentally-sound horticultural practices designed to protect Florida's nmural resources · Tne Master Gardener program teaches citizens environmentally-sounçl horticultural practices (residential 8MPs) to protect Florida's natural resources, The program is conducted by volunteer; that are trained oy IFAS faculty. These volunteers are provided research-based information that they use to instrùct others, They are and were also trained as 'Firsl Detectors' for dang'erous pests and diseases (homeland security). What do they do? Teach BMPs for urban areas (landscape and gardens) througr. the Florida Friendly Landscaping IFYN) program · Perform diagnostic tests for plant pests [The are trained in the use of the Digital Diagnostics Information System (DDIS) Conduct education programs for youth utilizing school gardens, community gardens, and classroom activities to teach youth about food systems and production. · Plant and maintain demonstra'tìbn gardens to better educate the public SIi best manogement practices for landscapes · Teach fhrough newspaper columns, radio programs, and TV shows Important Facts · There are 3,835 Active Master Gardeners STatewide They donated 425A45 hours in 2007 werking in extension offices · Velue of these volunteer hours is $7.98 million based on Department of Labor standards for volunteers (as a trained voiunteer), it is werfh $2.88 . million if you calculate this using minimum wages. Either way there time is worth a let of money to the state, · Steteinvestment ¡general revenue) is $308.725. .,-,':