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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01-16-2009 CITIZENS’ BUDGET COMMITTEE Meeting Date: January 16, 2009 Conference Room 3 Meeting convened at 7:30 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Carl Hensley, Chairman Bill Casey Edward Lounds (7:31) Craig Mundt Nathaniel “Nate” Wells (7:35) Bobby Rodriguez Richard Pancoast MEMBERS ABSENT: Barry Schrader Thomas Hickey Michael McKinnon Jeremiah Johnson Patricia “Pat” Ferrick Randy Ezell Jay L. McBee Steven Messer OTHERS PRESENT: Faye Outlaw Lee Ann Lowery Marie Gouin Jennifer Hill Bill Hammer Susan Kilmer Paul Hiott Carl Holeva Roger Shinn Leo Cordeiro James David Diana Lewis Debra Brisson Roberta Breene Lauri Case Beth Ryder Anita Neal Kathryn Hensley Daniel Kurek Don West Bill Hoeffner Mike Monahan Sophia Holt Citizens’ Budget Committee January 16, 2009 Page 2 Carol Alberts CALL TO ORDER Mr. Hensley called the meeting to order. Since there was not a quorum, he skipped to item number five on the agenda. Mr. Hensley asked Ms. Outlaw to open the meeting with a few words. She said we all are going to have to huddle down and work together to get through this. We are in a good position but have some rough patches to get through. Working together she thinks we can do that. ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKET – FAYE OUTLAW Ms. Outlaw wanted the Committee to be aware of what the County has submitted (see attached). The criteria have not been defined. Mr. Casey asked if she was aware of what other municipalities were in the competition for the money. She does not have the list but there were not a lot, maybe 80 counties nationwide, which had submitted projects. Mr. Casey asked if that was good for us. Ms. Outlaw answered that it was hard to say before the criteria was defined. Once it is, there will probably be a chance for the other counties to submit their projects. After the criteria are seen, we may then know how we will fare. She thinks it shows that we are ahead of the curve, if that counts for anything. It won’t hurt. Mr. Anderson was very good about the County having their projects in a good position if an opportunity opened up. TH DECEMBER 8 BUDGET WORKSHOP POWERPOINT – MARIE GOUIN & FAYE OUTLAW Ms. Outlaw wanted the Committee to be up-to-date with the information that had been presented to the Board of County Commissioners. Ms. Gouin presented the PowerPoint th that was shown at the December 8 meeting (see attached). Mr. Mundt expressed his concern about the taxes on the 10,000 foreclosures. At a meeting he attended on Wednesday, an attorney told the homeowners who are having foreclosure actions to stop making payments. Ms. Gouin answered that we are not behind on collections. Last year, 96% of tax revenue was collected. At this time last year, we were at 70%. We are now at 68%. Mr. Hensley asked if it was true that the mortgage holder has to pay the tax regardless if the payment is made or not. Ms. Gouin believes that banks are paying the taxes. Ms. Outlaw explained that Mr. Davis confirmed that the amounts of the taxes would hold steady because if the banks do not pay the taxes, the properties go up for tax sale. Mr. Casey added that more might be collected. In a good year, you would probably collect Citizens’ Budget Committee January 16, 2009 Page 3 the projected taxes. In a bad year, you may collect taxes and fees. Anytime the title changes, the taxes are paid first. Mr. Lounds asked if there were state laws concerning franchise fees on satellite television. Ms. Outlaw answered that they could check with the Attorney’s office. The fees are charged to the cable companies because they use the right-of-ways for laying their lines. There are taxes but not franchise fees on satellite services. Ms. Outlaw explained for the new member that a 24-month budget was done using the 13.6% decrease. They were projecting to go into 2009-2010 with a surplus. Since the projected level of decrease has changed, all the numbers presented to the Committee and Board of County Commissioners have changed. A preliminary property value number will be given in June. July 1 the final number will be announced. Ms. Outlaw said we could not control the economy. Mr. Casey asked if there is a plan if the reduction goes to 25%. Ms. Outlaw said they just got their hands around the 20%. The Property Appraiser’s best estimate is 20%. They will continue to watch and adjust. It is possible that it may get worse. That is why they are talking about putting some projects on hold. The County agreed to look at the Jail Medical Wing but did not agree to fund it. Mr. Mundt asked if there was a time frame with the agreement. Ms. Outlaw does not believe there is. Mr. Mundt asked why it cost so much to move Community Services. Mr. Shinn explained there are a lot of soft costs, engineering, permitting, furnishing, data, and phones, besides construction. Mr. Mundt asked how many square feet. It was answered 10,000. Mr. Lounds asked about the purpose of a building permit. Is it to generate tax revenue, or enforce codes? Ms. Outlaw answered that it is a combination. If building start-ups are down, folks are doing more renovations for themselves. They still need a permit. How do we find the ones who do not have a permit? Ms. Outlaw answered that if you are engaged in illegal construction and a neighbor reports it, an inspection will be done and there will be a citation and a fine. Mr. Lounds asked if Code could be more proactive. Ms. Outlaw answered that if the inspectors are in the field and they see what appears to be a violation, they are required to investigate it. However, we are down to four inspectors, and they each have a large area. Mr. Mundt asked about the positions being funded last year. Ms. Outlaw answered that they are making cuts in incremental steps. Mr. Casey asked if there is a fast track program now for permits. He hears complaints about how long it takes. Mr. Hensley answered that staff has been reduced. Mr. Casey thinks it is also the requirements, rules and regulations. The quicker projects are done, the faster they get into the County’s revenue with taxes. Ms. Outlaw is not aware of any major Citizens’ Budget Committee January 16, 2009 Page 4 delays. There is not an overload of permits now. They may be speaking of site plan reviews and permits. We want to improve and are open to doing better. She is not aware of a backlog of building permits. Mr. Hensley said one case does not make it true for all. Mr. Casey asked about the reserves being gone by 2019. Ms. Outlaw answered that they hope to cut back and not dip into reserves. Mr. Lounds has talked to contractors and there have been so many changes since the 2004 hurricane season, they cannot keep up with the changes. The contractors have to redo. The applicants do not have totally prepared permits. It takes time to redo and get back in line. Ms. Outlaw is continuing to talk with Mr. West and Mr. Lestrange about a staff reduction. Mr. Hensley asked about a limit. Mr. Casey asked if they could shut it down. Ms. Outlaw answered that there are other operations run by that department. They will continue to watch it. Mr. Mundt believes the economy will turn around before the reserves are depleted. Mosquito Control raised their millage in 2000. Ms. Outlaw said it is similar to the Building Code Fund. Mr. David, Ms. Outlaw and Ms. Hill discussed that a tax increase would be a tax rate increase, but the tax dollars the County receives would still be reduced. People are going to want to know what it will cost. It would be $4.50 per $100,000. Mr. Casey asked what the reserves are for. Hurricane liability for Cat 3 and above would be about $10 million. One single area adulticide of the district in the case of an emergency outbreak would be about $175,000. $120,000 was cut from salaries and benefits and $630,000 was cut from operations. There is no place else to take it from. The new chemicals are more expensive and much less risky. They would not want to drop the reserves below $1.5 million because they would not be able to match the liability requirements. Mr. Wells asked how fuel is budgeted. Ms. Outlaw explained the procedure. They did try to top off the tanks when the prices were down. Mr. Mundt asked how much the better pesticide cost. Mr. David answered about $400,000 to treat one million acres. Mr. Lounds understands that the new product is safer and more efficient. But would you have to spray more often? Mr. David explained the procedure. They are used one time. Mr. Lounds asked what an early spring would do to reserves. They try to budget 1.5 million acres. They have hit that in extremely wet years. Last year they did a little over 1.3. A drought year would be 1.1. They cannot predict the weather. They use population and history to make their estimates. They are working with South Florida Water Management to get grants to help. They have eliminated one species. Mr. Mundt asked about hurricanes and FEMA reimbursement. Mr. David answered that Citizens’ Budget Committee January 16, 2009 Page 5 they have to provide a 12.5% contribution. Mr. Hensley asked Ms. Outlaw about a recommendation. Ms. Outlaw does not know what her recommendation will be at this time. It will come through the Committee. The landfill generates about 38,000 gallons of leachate per day per Mr. Cordeiro. Mr. Mundt asked about the effect of geoplasma. Mr. Cordeiro answered that it would probably be 15 years before it was seen. Geoplasma would stop future production of leachate; but it would be a long time before the current “big sponge” dried up. The Economic Development function has been transferred to Grants. They will process the incentives. The current Economic Development Manager will retire in March. The Economic Development Council (EDC) is doing the recruitment. That does not sit well with Mr. Lounds. Nobody knows the County better than the County. A County person would focus on the entire County. He thinks there should be more development north of Midway Road. He thinks the County should take the $250,000 and do it themselves. Ms. Outlaw responded that she thinks there is a role for the EDC. She feels there is a gap between the scientists and everyday-working individuals who are trying to put food on the table. She feels the County needs both. Mr. Lounds feels a county employee would be concerned about projects at the Airport, Kings Highway Industrial Park and other smaller parks. Ms. Outlaw believes the EDC has gotten the message and realizes the County is north and south of Midway. Mr. Mundt asked about another position in the Grants Department to help with Economic Development. Ms. Outlaw explained that the Board of County Commissioners agreed to fund a position; but it has not been formally approved. It will be one of her priorities to get her hands around the division and make it more effective. Mr. Lounds feels one of the most important things they can do to help the economy is getting industry and jobs into this County. Ms.Outlaw agreed with Mr. Lounds. Mr. Rodriguez thinks the Chambers could help with economic development. Mr. Mundt asked about the new Tourism Manager. Ms. Outlaw answered that the position is in Administration. In summary, Ms. Outlaw said the budget is a moving target that we have to keep our eye on. She will bring updates to the Board of County Commissioners and the Committee so they can adjust where needed. GENERAL FUND PRESENTATION – FAYE OUTLAW & JENNIFER HILL Ms. Outlaw wants to make sure the new members and seasoned members have a good understanding of the fund budgeting process so they will understand where changes and suggestions can be implemented. Citizens’ Budget Committee January 16, 2009 Page 6 She started with the information on the General Fund (see attached). The Department Directors were there for questions. Each month Ms. Outlaw will provide material on the next fund. By the time the budget is presented, the Committee will have reviewed each fund. OTHER ISSUES Items two, three and four will be delayed to the next meeting. Mr. Lounds said the Committee has been discussing port taxes for about 18 months. He’d like ideas to be formulated and sent to the Board of County Commissioners. He feels the money generated should be spent on port development. He doesn’t feel it will happen if the Committee does not encourage it. Mr. Lounds asked Mr. Shinn about the last jail expansion. He asked if they did not go to bid, could they do the work within their departments. Mr. Shinn explained the State statute limit. The rules are different for inmate medical and inmate housing. Mr. Lounds wanted to make the point that anytime you can keep the project in-house with cooperation from other departments, it is money well spent, because you keep it here. Mr. Shinn said they do that as much as possible. Mr. Lounds asked if there is room to raise the sales tax. Ms. Gouin answered that it is but you can’t use it for operations. It must be for dedicated funds. Mr. Lounds thinks the Committee needs to look at anything they can do to help the staff. He thanked the staff members for being at the meeting. The current staff is the best. The County is the best on the east coast, if not in Florida. There are some problems; but as a team, we can make it happen. Each one brings a lot to the table. Collectively, we can’t be beaten. Support, don’t fight each other and the Commission. Each one has creative skills and it has to be done as a team. Ms. Outlaw pointed out the proposed items for the February meeting at the bottom of the agenda. She asked if there were other items the Committee wanted to have included. Mr. Hensley asked about progress on the staff health clinic. Mr. Holeva said the top bidder was selected a couple weeks before and they planned to take it to the Board of County Commissioners on January 27. Mr. Shinn is working on an agenda item to get construction started. They are hoping to have it in operation by June or July. Mr. Shinn added maybe later. Mr. Lounds would like to have things brought to the Committee that would need to be considered if we were hit by hurricanes like in the past. Ms. Outlaw will plan that for the March meeting. Citizens’ Budget Committee January 16, 2009 Page 7 Mr. Hensley asked the members to send requests to Ms. Outlaw or Brenda. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Hensley adjourned the meeting at 8:50 a.m. Respectfully submitted by: Brenda Marlin