Okaloosa County BOCC — October 20, 2015 — Sept 3, 2015 tentative budget — reading text

September 3, 2015 Tentative Budget Hearing The Tentative Budget Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2015-16 Budget was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Okaloosa County Courthouse in Crestview. Members present were Nathan D. Boyles, Chairman; Charles K. Windes, Jr., Vice Chairman; Wayne Harris; Carolyn Ketchel; and Trey Goodwin. Also present were Gary J. Stanford, Finance Officer, Clerk’s Office; John Hofstad, County Administrator; and Greg Stewart, County Attorney. Constitutional O©fficers in attendance were J. D. Peacock 1II, Clerk of Circuit Court, and Paul Lux, Supervisor of Elections. Mr. Stanford stated this hearing is being held in accordance with Chapter 129, Florida Statutes, regarding the budget process and Chapter 200.065, Florida Statutes, which details the legal requirements of setting the millage rate. Mr. Stanford said in addition to receiving public comment, the Board will: e amend and adopt a tentative millage rate e recompute any changes and e publicly announce the amount, 1if any, of the recomputed millage rate over the existing rolled-back rate Slides were displayed listing the legal requirements, as well as the millage information. Mr. Stanford stated this public hearing was advertised on the Truth In Millage notices or TRIMs which were mailed to all property owners. He announced the Final Budget Hearing will be held on September 15, 2015. The proposed countywide millage rate is 3.4308, an increase of 3.22% over the rolled-back rate. The proposed MSTU Parks millage rate is 0.2990, an increase of 2.54% over the rolled- back rate. The aggregate rate is 3.5720, an increase of 3.08% over the rolled-back rate. Mr. Stanford stated public input will be taken at this public hearing. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Board will need to adopt two millage resolutions and a resolution for the adoption of the tentative budget. If any changes are made in the budget, the rates must be re-computed and announced prior to addressing the resolutions. He also pointed out the proposed budget and summary pages are on the website. As in prior budget workshops, Mr. Hofstad outlined the process of preparing the budget from early spring to present. He September 3, 2015 -1- Minute Book 73, Page 201 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners identified the unfunded mandates and expenditure items which had to be addressed before planning how to allocate $3.3 Million in new money. Mr. Hofstad stated the savings regarding health care reimbursements in lieu of stipends will be unknown until open enrollment for health care has ended. He noted that while additional costs for the Supervisor of Elections Office have been planned with regard to the upcoming Presidential election year, no funds have been allocated in the FY 2015-16 Budget for new election equipment. The changes to the Sheriff’s budget were briefly reviewed and comments made addressing efforts to rebuild staffing levels in county departments. Mr. Hofstad stated monies received from a BP settlement were used to assist the Sheriff’s Office and balance the capital improvement account. $2.5 Million of the settlement was placed in General Fund Reserves. In conclusion, Mr. Hofstad said he would 1like to point out Okaloosa County has the lowest millage rate in the state. Mr. Boyles opened the floor for public comment. There was none. Mr. Harris made motion, seconded by Mrs. Ketchel, to adopt the tentative levying of ad valorem taxes for Okaloosa County for FY 2015-16 of 3.4308 mills which is greater than the rolled-back rate of 3.3239 mills by 3.22%. 5 yeas. RESOLUTION NO. 15-168 Mr. Goodwin made motion, seconded by Mr. Harris, to adopt the tentative levying of ad valorem taxes for County Parks Municipal Services Taxing Unit for FY 2015-16 of 0.2990 mills which 1is greater than the rolled-back rate of 0.2916 mills by 2.54%. 5 yeas. RESOLUTION NO. 15-169 Mr. Windes made motion, seconded by Mrs. Ketchel, to adopt the tentative budget for FY 2015-16 in the amount of $331,339.247. 5 yeas. RESOLUTION NO. 15-170 The flocr was again opened for public comment. Clerk Peacock stated the County Administrator’s Office and the Finance Department staff have done a great job in preparation of the budget. He also noted that earlier today he forwarded links to the commissioners for the new fiscal transparency program September 3, 2015 -2- Minute Book 73, Page 202 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners being initiated by the Clerk’s Office in partnership with the county. Mr. Peacock stated he anticipates this program to go live on September 14 and he will provide a demonstration at the September 15 Open House event for the new Shalimar Administration Building. Mr. Boyles stated he 1looks forward to that demonstration and believes it will be fabulous. Mr. Harris said he would like to echo the Clerk’s words regarding the good work by staff in preparation of this budget. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m. J. D. PEACOCK II NATHAN D. BOYLES, CHAIRMAN CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Teresa Ward.) September 3, 2015 -3- Minute Book 73, Page 203 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners