HomeMy WebLinkAboutStrategic Minutes 05-28-2010BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISIONERS
ST LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
2010
Date: May 28, 2010 Convened: 1:15 p.m.
Adjourned: 5:00 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Chairman, Charles Grande, Dough Coward, Chris Craft, Chris
Dzadovsky, Paula A. Lewis
Others Present: Faye Outlaw, County Administrator, Lee Ann Lowery, Asst. County Administrator,
Marie Gouin, OMB Director, Millie Delgado-Feliciano
Opening remarks were made by the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.
The County Administrator recapped the remainder of the questions that had been asked
previously. She advised the Board they will putting the questioned as a report format. She
stated there was a question regarding the amount of funding that they would have with the
AIPPI Project.
The County Administrator stated that they have been approved projects in prior years and will
be moving forward. They were already funded and the 2% from those projects that are in the
general fund in County capital totaled $114,069. She also stated that the current FTE level with
the lay-offs that have been taking effect puts their current FTE level at 708 employees which is
the 1999-2000 staffing levels, and the County's population at that time was 192,000. The
potential lay-offs for October 15t of 45 employees will place the FTE count at 663 which will be
at the 1992-1993 staffing level when the population at that time was 158,937.
Com. Lewis advised those present the current population in Saint Lucie County is 272,000.
The County Administrator stated the reductions that are recommended, the County's budget is
being reduced another 17% having to build in the 3 million dollars increase in anticipation of
the increase for inmate medical. If they did not have to increase their budget to accommodate
the projected increase, it will then be a 20.7% reduction in the County's budget. If the board
were to approve the recommended budget they are going through in July budget reviews, the
budget would be further reduced 17%. Although the board has not provided direction, she built
in the 3 million to accommodate the increase being anticipated for inmate medical.
Based on what is going to be recommended, puts the County's budget at about 43% of the
general funds and fine & forfeiture. The Constitutionals at 52% of their budget. The statutory
mandated additional support about 1.6% of the budget. Also the statutory mandated state
agencies at about 1.3% of the budget. The non-county agencies will be the non-profits
represent about 1.2% of the budget. The CRA Agencies for the two respected cities which will
be 2.5% of the budget and the other agencies that include economic development council, the
Solar water conservation and the TPO funding at .2% there is a breakdown in turn of the
percentages of the County's general fund and fine & forfeiture budget.
Com. Coward stated that he has figured out the question when he was asking the Sheriff on
why the budget has doubled 2.5% times, the population increased during the same time frame.
One of the things was the jail expansion, and he also mentioned the figure from seven years
ago where the increase was about 2 million which led into a discussion of 20 to 28 million and
never answered the question. He stated that he found the memo from 2003 and the answers to
the specific questions and it states that the annual estimating expenses are estimated at 1.8
million. That's the additional operating expense that was estimated. It would be 3.8 million for
the two combined. Utilizing the second part for the federal inmates to show the income.
The County Administrator addressed the Board and presented her proposal regarding the
Sheriff's budget. She also stated that she had not articulated to the board exactly what she is
proposing to the Sheriff understanding the policy making body of the board they have the
discretion to do otherwise. She stated that it is very important that the board clearly
understand what it is that she is proposing and it is obvious that the Sheriff's budget is perhaps
the biggest challenge that they have to deal with. Given critical importance of law enforcement
within any County and trying to balance the level of priority when they are facing a 1/3 loss of
the upcoming revenue.
The County Administrator stated this is an entity (the Sheriff's department) that consumes a
large percentage of the operating budget. She questioned, how do you balance and
compromise with the Sheriff and what will help the board and also be part of the solution to
help them to get to that point? She stated she has placed a starting point of a 10% reduction
and would recommend to the board, based on discussions with the Sheriff, to allow a portion of
that reduction to betaken in FY11 given that they are balanced for FY11. This would give him
time for his union negotiations and then come FY12 and take the balance of reductions.
Budget. She stated she would support that approach and the 10% was a starting point. It
could be a starting or a stopping point; this is something the Board must decide.
Com. Dzadovsky stated he does not have a problem requesting 10% for FY 11 and does not
have a problem asking for another 10% reduction in FY 2012. His budget is the largest in the
county and he needs to take every step to protect this county as he did years ago when his
budget was 28 to 32 million. It is the Sheriff's responsibility to cut his budget where he feels fit
and he should take and manage his budget as the county has done.
The County Administrator stated she is recommending the 1.6 million in onetime money, there
seems to be the thought that this was going to be in addition to the operating budget and the
Board has never stated so.
The County Administrator stated the Sheriff requested that she make it clear that the increase
in his budget was due to the onetime money and if one time money is clear in the front end,
then she wishes to make it clear that it was one time money on the back end, and she cannot
take credit for that. She also stated that whatever the Board decides on how much of the cut
the Sheriff's budget will have, and if they go forward with the two steps, part now (2011) and
part in 2012 she would ask the Board to cut the budget for that amount for 2011 and take the
difference and put in a reserve fund so that in 2012 no one can say the operating budget was
left at that level and have him come back in mid year or quarter and draw down whatever that
difference is. We are at a point that whatever has to be reduced it has to be reduced and in
2012 they cannot say their budget was not cut.
Com. Craft stated at the end of the day they are not going to agree but they need to
understand what the best number is they can reach. He asked if the Sheriff was willing to take
another 7.5% away next year from the $65.1 million this year. This year he proposed a 2.5%
reduction over last year. A total of 10% over two years.
The County Administrator stated no, the difference was they had not come to an agreement on
an actual percentage cut. He is stating they have an 4.8% cut because he is building in credit for
the onetime money and she cannot concede to that, the Board approved that as one time
money and she cannot agree he is cutting his operating budget.
Com. Grande questioned given the 2.5% cut this year and talking about amulti-year solution,
he is going to cut another 7.5% for a total of 10% provided that is the figure the Board agrees
with.
The County Administrator stated they had not agreed to the percentage, but in concept yes.
2
Com. Craft stated in 2012 the Sheriff's budget should be $59 million.
Com. Coward stated he would like to have more information as to privatization of any jails in
other areas.
Com. Grande stated they needed to look at all options for the jail. He believes the SRO program
is another discussion for the 7th, they may need to put the SRO into the Law Enforcement MSTU
or a separate MSTU for the SRO's but clearly they need to fund them this year and next year. If
we come to an agreement that he will cut 10% by 2012, then there is no need to put anything
in reserves.
Com. Lewis stated they need to look at the the additional money comes to, if the sheriff pays
for it, we pay for it. The 1.6 we funded last year is not what is needed this year due to the fact
Port St. Lucie is funding, however she does not know the figure. There are quite a few
questions she has for the 7th. There are some issues that need to flush out from his side.
Com. Craft stated the Board has not determined where they are heading. This was a
recommendation made by the County Administrator. The bottom line is they are sitting with
$104 million in revenues with $154 million in expenses. He stated, if we are not getting
something back from everybody, and the easier it is to spread the pain, he stated he is
supporting the Board, but he felt they needed to make specific recommendations on what they
need and want to look at. He stated he would like an itemized detailed analysis of his budget.
Com. Dzadovsky stated he would like to see by June 7th the affects of Amendment 1 on the
county.
The County Attorney addressed the MSTU and stated it is only in the unincorporated area and
is a result of a double taxation lawsuit. It was settled a few years ago with an agreement. It
consists of road patrol and farm or citrus control which is minor component. They staged it
from 3% to 24% and it has been 24% for some time. He stated if they create a new MSTU it
would need to be done by July 15t and if it was to be countywide, the cities would have to
approve by Ordinance.
Com. Coward asked how many people has the county let go in the past few years.
The Human Resources Director stated in the area of 300.
Com. Coward stated this should not be directly affecting the sworn officers but should also
affect the Sheriff's administration staff. He stated he has a lot of Administrative staff that
should share the pain.
Com. Craft stated looking at the budget, it tells him there is a lot more that can be done with
this budget.
The County Administrator stated that in her opinion they have focused on the discussion on law
enforcement and the measure that can betaken. She does not believe that they should stay
behind based on what the statue says in terms of mandating the board fund it. The Sheriff is a
respected official of our community and suggested they have a discussion with the board about
the details of their budget. As part of the board's session, she suggested to have a discussion of
what the Sheriff has said regarding the next Strategic Planning session based on whether they
wanted to save money on the budget. Given that they are looking at everything, she stated
they have to at least explore whether or not there is another who can operate the jail. She
advised the Board they have done a survey around the state, and in most counties the sheriff
operates the jail. There are some counties that operate the jail themselves and there are some
counties that operate the jail thru a private contractor. She believes that they have to explore
every option and possibility, based on what decisions need to be made by being able to balance
in FY12.
3
The County Administrator asked whether there were any questions from the Board.
Com. Coward questioned the fact there were two counties in the state that operate the County
jail.
The County Administrator stated that she believes that there are three, but she did not have
the survey with her at this time.
Com. Coward asked whether they have a preliminary number such as the cost per inmate from
those agencies.
The County Administrator stated that they have quite a bit of information and stated that she
does not remember the cost per inmate. She did not wish to go public with the information
until she had discussed it with the board.
The County Administrator requested the Law Enforcement Discussion and the millage
discussion be handled separately.
The Board concurred.
The County Administrator requested the Board indicate support or non-support on the
sustainability measures narrative.
The County Administrator addressed the 7% salary reduction for herself plus the 5% she did not
take, and in addition to the furlough days.
Com. Coward recommended discussing this issue under furlough days.
Com. Grande stated they would need to go back and forth from line to line. The furlough plan
he is not sure this is the best approach although the goal is to save 1.4 million which is
necessary. It represents a 9.2% pay cut for employees. His sense is if they did a 10% pay cut
and eliminate the first 25,000 in salary from the 10%, or for example a $100,000 employee
would get a $7,500 cut or 7.5% and a $25,000 employee would get zero cut from their salary.
What they would not do is have any reduction in services if they did this opposed to furlough
days. He believes they need to change the proportionate percentage from the top to the
bottom and not do it across the Board. A 9.2% pay cut for someone making $35-$40,000 is
devastating opposed to those making $100,000.
The Human Resources Director stated salary cuts and furlough are different. A salary cut has an
effect on retirement and social security and affects an employee for a longer period of time.
This amount could not be put back once things get better. If you do a furlough, the salary stays
the same except the pay is less and they are not working on that day which is a benefit to the
employee.
Com. Grande stated the impact on the public and the staff, he does not feel this is the way to
save money and they could re-cap the salaries if they choose to.
The County Administrator stated the Assistant County Administrator informed her employees
prefer a furlough plan.
Com. Craft stated he was in favor of the furlough plan due to the fact it is easier to phase in and
there will be fewer services to the public and he explains this to the Homeowners Associations
due to budget cuts and he is inclined to support the County Administrator.
Com. Lewis stated she received information that they county has employees making less than
$20,000 a year and she cannot support a 9.2% cut on the employees. She stated those making
more than $164,000 a 9.2% reduction would not affect their standard of living as much.
4
She understand the retirement concept and she supports Com. Craft's concept and believes it
is time to look at diminishing some services since they have worked so hard to keep services
intact for a tong time. She cannot support a 9.2% across the Board pay cut.
The County Administrator stated they have had 17 employees (management) with pay cuts, the
high of which was $18,000 in cut of salary.
Com. Dzadovsky stated in looking at the information, there have been 1.8 million in total
employee cuts.
The County Administrator addressed this issue and how the downgrade in positions as part of
the re-alignment took place.
Com. Coward stated the across the Board cut affects someone who is living just above the
poverty level opposed to those who may $90,000 + and they need to consider this as they move
forward.
The County Administrator stated they had 11 employees making $100,000 or higher and as part
of the re-alignment, eliminated 3 positions due to the retirement of the Directors and one
position was downgraded and significantly reduced.
Com. Coward stated he had a problem with furloughing the County Administrator and the
County Attorney. He would like to keep them in the office.
Com. Grande stated he would not restrict that to just those two employees. He stated Com.
Craft was correct there will be service reductions but he believes the public will be looking for
them to minimize the reductions as much as possible. If they do the furlough they will be
looking at a big decrease in services. If they take the furlough off and talk about a salary
adjustment they would maintain a good level of service and this would eliminate the concept of
the County Attorney and the County Administrator being furloughed also. He stated he has not
heard a good reason yet why having the staff work 9% fewer days, this does not make sense to
him.
The County Administrator stated furlough is very popular amongst municipalities especially
when budget constraints are present. Also the employee survey showed the employees would
prefer furlough over salary cuts.
Com. Craft stated there are additional savings with furlough days for example the fuel saved
with the road and bridge department closing one day.
Com. Coward stated he did not wish to give any direction today due to the fact he would like to
wait to see what the other entities are willing to do to their employees. He will entertain this
idea only if they share the pain.
Com. Dzadovsky stated he concurred but also felt the five Commissioners should also equally
share in whatever the employees do, they should be doing in the salary cuts.
The County Administrator asked if they wished to discuss the unpaid holiday, or if she should
dispose of this issue.
Com. Craft stated he would like to have further discussion and deliberation on the holidays; he
is not fully there in eliminating all the holidays. They have not been able to give the employees
any raises and felt they should be able to keep some holidays in there.
Com. Grande concurred with Com. Coward's comments regarding the fact that all those who
participate in the county budget will also participate in this sacrifice. He believes the Board
should sit with them individually.
The County Administrator stated she has learned that it is very difficult to self mandate cuts to
other officials. She has put forth an approach for them to come back with a sustainable
measure and this was "dead on arrival". She informed them of the information she would be
presenting to the Board and they still are not there yet. She does not have the ability to
mandate it and it may have to come from the Board.
Com. Grande stated he believes she has done the best that she could extremely well and
believes they need to handle the questions with the Sheriff separately, not differently. They
need to advise them individually and make sure they have a full understanding where the
budget is and the level of participation needed.
Com. Coward asked if they were made aware of the parameters of what the Board is
attempting to do. He stated they need to mirror what the Board is doing collectively.
Com. Craft stated he agreed however there may be different angles on how to get there.
Com. Lewis stated defending the constitutionals, she had not heard the full extent of this plan
and she does not believe the constitutionals had the information when they discussed their
budgets. In all due respect they did not have the information when they started, they were
asked to cut the 10% and today the Board has not made a decision yet as to what they will be
doing and they cannot ask them to do anything until the Board makes a decision on what it will
be.
Com. Coward stated he believes this should be laid out what their intended cuts are and they
should be made apprised that they are expected to mirror what the Board may be doing in their
budgets.
Com. Grande stated he is hopeful they will be able to discuss the issue of the budget numbers
without bringing in editorializing and playing things out in the press and eliminate personal
comments.
Emergency Reserves:
Discontinuation of the annual $1 million funding for emergency reserves is proposed. Further,
it is proposed the Board reduce the current Emergency Reserve fund of $17.7mil.lion to $15
million and modify policy to maintain the reserve funding at 5% of the County's operating
budget.
Com. Lewis stated she believed this was a respectable level and is happy and comfortable with
what is being recommended and proposed.
Com. Dzaodvsky questioned the calculation came in for FY 11 and FY 12.
The County Administrator advised the Board for FY 11 based on what has been submitted; the
operating budget for all funds $313 million at 5% or $15.6 million we would be slightly under
that. If the Board wanted to keep it to the 5% with the first threshold of all funds, you could
make it the $15. 6 million and then $2 million on contingency as opposed to 2.6 million and this
would put them at the threshold.
Com. Grande asked if the norm is to put one million into contingency and if they were to do the
5% based on the new budget figure, they would be putting $2 million into contingency.
The County Administrator stated he was correct. The lowest amount the staff was comfortable
with was $12 million in the reserve.
Com. Coward stated he believes this is the Cadillac version of an emergency fund. If we have
the ability to pull out some of the reserve and leave it at an amount that staff is comfortable
with, and he understands its one time money, but they need to plug the one time shortfall until
6
the recovery fully occurs. They should consider the use of one time money so they can afford
to provide services and not raise taxes. He believes 15.6 million is a lot but this is an issue for
discussion.
Com. Craft stated he would like to have a better number than what there is. He would not
support raising taxes and would not support what it being recommended until he can review
those figures.
The County Administrator stated she would contact the rating agency and provide the
information for the June 7th meeting.
Quality of life Programs and Services Operations Reductions
Com. Grande stated he would like to group them.
Com. Dzadovsky stated on the Housing and Community Services he wanted to reiterate
Veterans Services would not be hindered.
Com. Craft stated he would like to see a presentation from the non-profits and justify the
matches they have, i.e. volunteer hours etc.
The County Administrator stated the Community Services Director is working on that item.
Com. Dzadovsky asked the Board consider placing the Special Olympics in that non-profit
group. Also, he stated he had made it clear that the county would not be able to fund the Zora
Neal Festival for the next few years. He stated they were disappointed but will be working to
get the funds with their foundation.
Com. Coward stated in looking at the figures in front of him, he does not wish to fire people
without knowing there are others sharing in the sacrifice. He believes they do not need to
make a decision today; he would like time to digest and then make a recommendation.
The County Administrator asked Com. Coward his position on moving two positions into grants.
Com. Coward stated he did not have a problem with that.
Com. Lewis stated she was not willing to base her decisions on what goes on elsewhere,
especially since the Board has not made a decision. She believes they need to step out as a
leader on this.
Com. Coward stated he suggested they use this as a frame work as to what they are prepared
to do so they can mirror it.
Com. Dzadovsky asked regardless of whether the Board does what is proposed and if the
others don't come in, would she support an across the Board 10% reduction in their budgets
from the Board funds and not have to worry about the issue going forward.
Com. Lewis stated she was not sure that would productive because the Board has certain
responsibilities to the community and stated she was not comfortable just moving ahead with a
10%. She would like to make a decision and ask them to join in and she does not believe that
if they slash and burn, everyone else should do the same.
Com. Craft stated there are 5 opinions and the County Administrator has made a
recommendation, he believes they should look at the figures and see what they can afford and
that is what they should write the check for. He will do what has to be done and he promises
when it comes down to the vote, he will do the right thing.
Com. Dzadovsky addressed moving the Arts in Public Places into the Arts in Cultural Alliance.
He asked the Arts in Public Places group be able to join the Cultural Alliance group.
The County Administrator stated they will look at that recommendation and consider
expanding the group and will come back to the Board.
Libraries
Com. Lewis stated she supported the recommendation made.
Com. Dzadovsky addressed the Hurston Library and the fact it is in a community where many
people do not have vehicles and he is concerned with the possible cut in bus service. He would
like the information requested for the June 7th meeting.
Parks
The operational budget calls for the reduction effective October 15t. They have 14 unfilled and
eliminated positions and this is the reduction.
History Center
The proposal is to close the facility.
Com. Craft stated this facility is mostly field trips and the school district is cutting back on these
trips. This facility is something they will be putting on hold for a year or two and once the
revenue comes back they can gradually add them back.
Com. Coward addressed the fact they are placing the wants on hold for a short term until this
economy recovers. He asked those who sent him a-mails to consider volunteers to help solve
the problem.
Health and Safety
Com. Craft requested to have a sign posted at each facility whether it is guarded or not and
which beaches are guarded.
The Public Safety Director stated he will be looking at the numbers on the Beaches as per Com.
Dzadovsky's request.
Economic Enhancement
Torrey Pines
Com. Craft stated this is another one of those funds that changes the 5°/u and he concurs with
the County Administrator's recommendation.
The County Administrator stated it would change the number they would need to back out of
the operating and come back with the new 5% number.
The Board advised the County Administrator this was what the Board had agreed on.
Mosquito Control District
The County Administrator stated the continuation of using reserves for 2011 would be 270,000
if the Board concurs with the operational reductions, if not they would need to higher.
Com. Coward stated he would like more details on the reserve account and schedule for
discussion in June.
8
Transit
Combination of operational and personnel changes. There was a total of 23 driver laid off and
18 personnel and reduction in routes and operating hours, and a proposed increase in fees.
The personnel are not county employees.
Com. Dzadovsky addressed the route being affected to the Hurston Branch Library.
The Community Services Director stated this was a popular route and it would not be affected.
Further information is pending and will be brought back in June.
Airport
Information will be coming back to the Board. The $975,000 is the match amount from the
general fund.
Sports Complex
looking to change from an enterprise fund to a revenue fund as part of Parks and Recreation.
Com. Coward stated they should look at the number and the fact that it is growing. They need
to look a the agreement and see if they can go back to where they were 5 years ago and figure
out what is happening and what can be done to move that number down. This is not an
acceptable number to him. $839,000 subsidy is not an acceptable number to be paid by the
taxpayers. They need to have a discussion with the MET's.
Com. Craft stated he would like to review the line items in the budget.
Com. Dzadovsky requested a copy of the agreement and line items.
There being no further issues to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.
9