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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget Workshop Minutes 07-20-2007~^ ..~~ ^~.~1 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA BUDGET WORKSHOP Date: July 20, 2007 Convened: 10:00 a.m. Adjourned: 4:30 p.m. Commissioners Present: Chris Craft, Chairman, Joseph Smith, Paula A. Lewis, Charles Grande, Doug Coward Others Present: Doug Anderson, County Administrator, Marie Gouin, Management and Budget Director, Millie Delgado-Feliciano, Deputy Clerk The County Administrator advised the Board the millage rate is the millage rate this year unlike previous years where we had flexibility, this year we do not and rather than have a special meeting on the 31St of July, the millage will be adopted on the 24~' of July at the regular Tuesday meeting as an addition. The County Administrator addressed the Board and stated this year they will have $120,000 in Contingency after Tuesday's meeting. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS Tax Collector- This budget request is not due until August 1, 2007 CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT This budget reflects a 4.1 % decrease. The Clerk of Court advised the Board they are at the 1997 staffing level for the Finance Department (Board budget). He has eliminated the enterprise accountant and a court clerk was shifted to the court funding side. This will make the staffing level the same as 2000-2001. He advised the Board there will be 70 employees moving back to the downtown courthouse from Orange Blossom Mall. There will be approximately 140 employees downtown. The county is presently paying for staff at Depot Drive and he will continue to utilize this area. Com. Craft recommended taking a look at Depot Drive and possibly moving them to the area that will be utilized for the coffee shop in order for the county to save on rental leases and requested staff return with the information on the cost of the lease at Depot Drive. * * It was the consensus of the Board to approve this budget. PROPERTY APPRAISER This budget reflects a 3.73% increase. This department is fee based. * * It was the consensus of the Board to approve this budget. SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS This budget reflects a 9.07% decrease. * * It was the consensus of the Board to approve this budget. SHERIFF This budget reflects a 4.94% decrease. Sheriff Mascara met with the Board on the changes implemented due to the reduction in the budget. He has placed wages and salaries in the fore front. He has facilitated fair and equitable raises for his employees. He advised the Board of the 59 new positions budgeted, 40 of them have been frozen effective May 1St. and will be carried over next year. Com. Coward commented on the $1 million + the Board set aside for the raises last budget year. These funds have not been expended and will be utilized for this fiscal year and some for next year. Sheriff Mascara addressed the helicopter and stated the newspaper indicated the Sheriff and the county had walked away from the contract. This is not so, discussions were collectively agreed upon to sell the helicopter. Lifestar will bill insurance companies for the services of the helicopter. Com. Coward stated the Fire District was supportive and believes it will be enhanced due to this private contract. The Fire District has $4 million approved to specifically deal with the helicopter should this contract not come to an agreement. Com. Coward also advised the Board there will be some costs for paramedics to the Fire District but it will be considerably lower. * * It was the consensus of the Board to approve this budget. The County Administrator advised the Board the cost of Depot Drive presently is $34,000 and next year it will increase to $38,000. Com. Craft asked they do a cost comparison and return to the Board. CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION This budget reflects a 6% increase. *It was the consensus of the Board to approve this budget. MUSEUMS This budget reflects a 2.1 % decrease. The County Administrator requested some discussion on the Orange Ave. Post office building. He advised the Board they have $2,442,812 budgeted for renovations. The air conditioning would cost $180,000 and the windows $125,000 bringing a total to $305,000.00. The County Administrator stated they would not have money to operate this facility after it is renovated. He recommended coming up with a plan and fix the air conditioning so that it does not get damaged further and stop there. He felt they needed to see where they were headed before doing anything else. Without the grant, the county would have to come up with $150,000 as well as the city having to come up with $150,000 also. 2 Com. Lewis stated she would be amenable to repairing the air conditioner and sealing the windows to keep the building from deteriorating. The County Administrator recommended having discussions with the City of Ft. Piece. Com. Cowazd stated he recommended keeping the existing money where it is and having a meeting with the City of Ft. Pierce. The County Administrator stated his concern was once this was complete who would pay to operate it the county cannot. The Cultural Affairs Director was directed to find out if the grant could be used for bits and pieces repairs (air conditioning, windows etc.), keep the existing money where it is from the previous year. A joint meeting to be scheduled with the City of Ft. Pierce and also the FDRA. No new monies will be allocated for this project. The monies from the previous years $526,893 general fund and $407,921 from tourist tax. This money is forecasted through budget year `08'. The UDT Seal Museum reflects a 1.5% decrease. Presently they have $280,000 for expansion plus operating costs. The $280,000 was to be designated for azchitect and engineering. They were to use $100,000 for S. Hutchinson Island, $50,000 for the museum, $50,000 for Pepper Park, and $80,000 for Community Center however this azea can be used as a community center. This is going to be a lazge meeting azea that can be used as a media room. The North Beach Association concurred with this recommendation. MARINE CENTER This budget reflects a 6% decrease. They have only one full time Senior Staff Assistant, one part time person and maintenance staff is split between the marine center and the museum. They give the bulk of their funds to the Smithsonian for their positions. It was the consensus of the Boazd to approve the budgets. VETERANS This budget reflects no increase. It was the consensus of the Boazd to approve this budget. GRANTS This budget reflects a 0.3% increase. This department will be giving back $3,928 to the County Budget. It was the consensus of the Boazd to approve the budget. LIBRARY This budget reflects a 16.48% decrease. The Windmill Point Library will not be constructed. Operating costs would be just over $ 1 million for start up. This would include 15 employees. The annual cost for employees and benefits would be $750,000. At this point the County cannot fund the operations of a new library. The State funded 10 projects and our project was listed at number 17 on the list. ...~.,y The Library Director advised the Board the Bookmobile is not used that frequently in the Darwin Square area. She recommended parking the bookmobile June -September and save the $2,000 a month cost for operating it. There are approximately 3,000 people using the bookmobile January through June and only about 920 people during the months of June through September. Com. Coward stated there are priorities the Board must make a decision on however, he sees an excess of million dollars that he would rather spend on libraries than on what staff is recommending. The County Administrator stated the million dollars is a one time availability. Com. Lewis recommended waiting until next year and see what happens in January with the tax reform issue. The Library Director stated if they wished to close a library that was in anyway funded by the state, then the county would have to pay that money back. Com. Coward commented on the airport and how much it was used by the people in the county and asked if they would rather have an airport or a library. He recommended selling the airport property rather than investing the 1.5 million. Com. Lewis stated she did not wish to have to reimburse the state for the monies they provided for the airport. The County Administrator stated next year he will not have the 6% increase in new construction that he had this year plays a part in the 1.5 million for the airport. Com. Coward pointed out the 1.5 million for the airport property and $526,000 for the museum in the budget. Com. Craft expressed his concern of having to cut libraries next year should this tax reform go through in January in the next budget cycle. The Library Director stated personnel and benefits make up 72% of her budget. The County Administrator stated they will be coming up with a plan after January. If the referendum goes through, the county will be on a skeleton crew. The County Administrator stated they are not recommending the building of any new libraries until they find the funding sources for operations. Staff recommends the bookmobile be parked June through September, a savings of $8,000 and this will be set a side for final discussion. The Librarian recommended one day closing per week per library and shifting the staff. Com. Grande sated he did not wish to make a decision on closing a library based on lack of staff. The County Administrator stated the libraries operated in the past not opening on Sundays, this was decided 5 years ago. Windmill point library start up costs salaries and benefits $1,434,000 1St year, $1,059,000 the second year. Seven days a week 12 full time positions needed and 4 part time. * * It was the consensus of the Board to wait until after January to make a decision on Windmill Point Library. 4 r.... .~~ ~...~ The County Administrator stated the salaries are in the budget to keep the existing libraries operating at their current staff levels. There are positions in the budget that they would freeze because they do not wish to have to lay off next year. The 16.4% reduction in the budget number was achieved without changing the existing staffing level. She will need the 3 positions to keep the library open on Sunday and keep the hours as they are. The County Administrator stated he had recommended closing the libraries one day a week not filling the positions at the main library and parking the bookmobile June through September and at this point the issue that is still on the table is the bookmobile. The Library Director stated they had $57,857 in the budget for Windmill Point and this was for books and furniture they did not pull out when they looked the money was still there. COURT ADMINISTRATION This budget reflects a 24% increase due to the wiring of the 1st floor of the old court house renovations as well as St. Lucie West they had to do some renovations to the space previously occupied by the Children Services Council. * * The Board requested this item be discussed once again on Monday at 9:00 a.m. GUARDIAN AD LITEM This budget reflects a 22% increase. This is due to being in a new building rent and the increase in the amount of children. They have doubles their numbers in the last two years. The Board requested looking at the lease and what would be the penalty if they found a new location with less rent. It was the consensus of the Board to approve this budget. MEDICAL EXAMINER This budget reflects a 3% decrease. The Crime Lab is moving out. It was the consensus of the Board to approve this budget. STATE ATTORNEY This budget reflects a 15% decrease. They are asking for some renovations and he believes they will be going into Central Services budget. It was the consensus of the Board to approve the budget. PUBLIC DEFENDER The Public Defender addressed the Board and requested 4 positions. This budget reflects a 21.4% increase. This increase would be if the Board funded 4 positions if they funded 2 positions the budget would decrease by 2%. The County has saved over $600,000 due to the Mental Health Court which eliminates the $125.00 per day per inmate cost if they were in the jai and this cost does not include ~~ ~~ ~~ intangible savings. If these mental health patients are out in the community the cost is $33.00 per day. The Honorable Judge Cox stated those who are mentally ill have los their benefits due to incarceration. The program works on reinstating their benefits, i.e. social security disability. Less than 50% are employed. Everyone that is employable they place them with vocational rehab and job training within 60 days after their release from the jail. It was the consensus of the Board to approve 2 positions of the requested 4. This will save $93,000 from the requested budget. MOSQUITO CONTROL This budget reflects a 5.8% increase and has its own taxing unit. It was the consensus of the Board to approve this budget. ECONOMIC STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT This budget reflects a 5.3% decrease due to an elimination of a position. Com. Coward stated the TDC requested he advise the Board that if there were any available money it be allocated to the Sports Commission. Mr. Colucci, Sport Commission, addressed the Board and stated the additional money would be utilized to bring in more events into the county. They anticipate they will have increased costs after January. The County Administrator stated the increase in fees will be determined after January should the tax reform be approved. The TDC which relies mainly in the bed tax has had to lower its expenditures due to the revenues being less. Com. Coward recommended staying behind the recommendation however he expressed his concerns with the shortfalls and would like them to be reviewed on a case by case basis. The Board concurred reviewing on a case by case basis and approving the recommendation. RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PARK This budget reflects a 39.9% decrease. There was a balance of $250,000 that was brought forward and used to balance the budget this year. Com. Craft recommended finding a way to allocate the revenue generated by the card games to the Research and Education Park. Com. Coward recommended asking the City of Ft. Pierce if they would be willing to give their fair share of the gaming revenue as a partnership. It was the consensus of the Board to approve this budget. GROWTH MANAGEMENT Administration This budget reflects an increase of 3% . Their operating costs have increased 13% however due to the reduction in capital it is now 3%. 6 Staff is presently constructing a resolution to increase the fees. The Board approved the positions recommended by the County Administrator. Planning This budget reflects a 12.3% decrease, there is no capital and there is 4.5% increase due to salaries and 20.7% decrease in operations. The Assistant County Administrator advised the Board they would not be filling the Bicycle Path Coordinator's position due to the fact they are not sure what will be the outcome in January and this would be the first position to be cut. It was the consensus of the Board to approve the budgets as outlined. TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION This budget reflects an 11.5% decrease. PARKS Administration This budget reflects a 1.8% decrease. Fairgrounds This budget reflects a 23.8% decrease This department is transferring positions, 1 to Central Services and 2 to the Special Needs Shelter. Golf Course This budget reflects a 4.6% increase Com. Craft questioned when they would start paying rent to the Airport. The Park Director stated it looks as if the will never start paying rent. The Golf Course Manager stated at this time and in the past years according to files it was set up to keep them in compliance with FAA regulations and it was to be that once the golf course started making profit they would start paying the rent, however, with the cost of operations, capital and employees, they are up to the point where they are running on a shoe string budget Com. Grande requested staff obtain how many rounds of golf the Stuart Golf Course does per day comparison. Lawnwood Stadium This budget reflects a 7.8% increase. Other Parks This budget shows an increase of 11.4% to the general fund and a decrease of 16.2% of the total budget due to capital. 7 ~~ ~~ ~~~ Com. Coward commented on the $500,000 allocated to the Boys and Girls Club for expansion. He asked the city be reminded about the use of these funds otherwise he would recommend it be used for another project. These are impact fee funds to be used in South County. He asked the City be notified of a window of time for it to be spent. Recreation This budget reflects a .08% decrease due to aquatics Savannas Camp Ground This budget reflects a 0.9% decrease South County Regional Soccer Football Stadium This budget reflects a 0.5% increase Special Needs shelter There is a half million dollar budget for this project. Funds have been transferred from other areas. Tradition Field This budget reflects a 3.3% decrease The County Administrator advised the Board the first two cents of the bed tax is allocated for the stadium. Parks Capital Lincoln Park Community Center Com. Coward recommended the money should be put back into the pot to be used instead of the money sitting in reserves especially since they do not have a willing seller. The Parks Director addressed the Lakewood Park Pool and stated staffing for the pool to be opened in the winter months would cost $85,000 this includes the electrical cost for heating the pool. The only pool opened year round is Ravenswood. Com. Craft stated he did not wish to discontinue services at one pool to keep another opened. The Parks Director stated swimming is primarily a summer activity. Com. Coward stated he is not against the Lincoln Park Community Center but they should use these funds that have been allocated. He is not making a recommendation as to opening pools he just does not wish to see these funds sitting around while other areas can utilize it. He does not see adding $175,000 to the $500,000 already allocated for Lincoln Park Community Center when it can be used elsewhere. It should be used for priorities and placed on the tentative list for future allocation. It was the consensus of the Board to add the $175,000 to the list. The Parks Director commented on a program called Kids at Hope they hope to implement in the future. The meeting was adjourned. 8