Okaloosa County BOCC — December 16, 2014 — reading text

authorized by statute. Crime Lab Funding: SUPPORT additional funding for locally-operated crime analysis laboratories. Copper and Other Metals Thefts: SUPPORT legislation strengthening laws related to copper and other metals thefts and secondary metals recyclers to deter thefts from local governments, businesses and individuals. SUPPORT legislation increasing the penalties for illegal purchase of scrap metals. OPPOSE legislation preempting local scrap metal ordinances from being more restrictive. 25 Packet Pg. 450  2014-15 Legislative Program EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance (EMPA) Trust Fund: SUPPORT maintaining the original intent and purpose of the EMPA Trust Fund, which is to serve as a funding source for state and local emergency management programs, by ensuring that all monies collected for purposes of funding emergency management, preparedness and assistance are deposited into the EMPA Trust Fund and spent on emergency management activities. Accordingly, FAC’s OPPOSES legislative sweeps of the EMPA trust fund for non-emergency management purposes and SUPPORTS an increase to the county base grant funding, which has remain unchanged for nearly a decade. SUPPORT changes to the EMPA trust fund by ensuring the $2.00 and $4.00 annual surcharge on all homeowner and business insurance policies is assessed on either a per-parcel or per-unit basis of coverage, rather than on a single policy. SUPPORT a repeal of the service charge to general revenue on the EMPA trust fund and redirect these monies back to the counties in the same manner in which the EMPA base grant is distributed. Shelter Funding and Standards: Consistent with the provisions of s. 252.385, F.S., which states that it is the intent of the Legislature that this state not have a deficit of safe shelter space by 1998 and thereafter, SUPPORT additional state funding for hurricane shelter spaces, including retrofitting existing facilities, and providing for the increased cost of construction for Enhanced Hurricane Protection Areas (EHPA) associated with new school construction. SUPPORT statutory revisions requiring nursing homes and assisted living facilities to have back-up power supply sources that operate a majority of the mechanical systems in the facility for a minimum of 72 hours. SUPPORT state funding for county and regional special needs patients and shelters. Background Checks for Emergency Volunteers: SUPPORT a legislative review of the intent of background screening requirements of Chapter 2010-14, Laws of Florida with respect to volunteers in emergencies. Persons with Special Needs: SUPPORT legislative changes to s.252.355 F.S. that provide additional privacy protections to all individuals who voluntarily register with local emergency management agencies. Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs): SUPPORT continued state funding for county EOCs to ensure each is able to meet the minimum structural survivability and operational space criteria established by the state and federal government and the American Red Cross. Disaster Funding: SUPPORT a 50/50 cost-share arrangement with the state for the non-federal portion of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). SUPPORT the 26 Packet Pg. 451  2014-15 Legislative Program current HMGP fund allocation and project selection process defined in Rule 9G-22, Florida Administrative Code. SUPPORT the creation of an emergency bridge loan program for counties to provide a source of expedient cash flow to counties impacted by a major catastrophe. Alternatively, SUPPORT expanding the current Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program by making counties eligible applicants. Emergency Management Credentialing: To strengthen the professionalism of County Emergency Management Directors, SUPPORT efforts that provide enhanced training and education opportunities for County Emergency Management employees. OPPOSE any state mandated training and hiring requirements for County Emergency Management Directors. 27 Packet Pg. 452  2014-15 Legislative Program Lisa M. Hurley, Esq., Legislative Director lhurley@fl-counties.com Federal Phone: 850-922-4300 Fax: 850-488-7501 Eric Poole, Assistant Legislative Director Email: epoole@fl-counties.com Phone: 850-922-4300 Fax: 850-488-7501 WATER Waters of the United States (WOTUS): SUPPORT legislation that clarifies that local streets, gutters, and other stormwater infrastructure are excluded from the definition of “Waters of the U.S.,” while also requiring federal agencies to consult with state and local officials to identify which waters should be federally regulated and which should be left to the states. TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE MAP-21 Reauthorization: SUPPORT passage of a new surface transportation authorization bill that provides long-term funding certainty, restores solvency to the Highway Trust Fund, and distributes to high growth states like Florida at least 95% of all highway funds by formula. FEMA Mapping Procedures: • As FEMA amends flood hazard maps for Florida’s counties, SUPPORT the agency’s full coordination with local governments and technical experts to ensure technical and scientific accuracy of any final maps, which have the potential for negative economic impacts. Monitoring Issues NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Reform: FAC SUPPORTS legislative efforts, policies and programs that ensure all property owners can receive affordable flood insurance within a program framework that helps the NFIP become financially stable. 28 Packet Pg. 453  2014-15 Legislative Program ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA): SUPPORT revisions to OPA to provide for greater participation from local governments as primary first responders in the protection of local communities. Offshore Energy Production: Monitor and report on the potential for expansion of offshore energy exploration in Florida’s federal waters. Numeric Nutrient Criteria: Monitor and report on activities associated with proposed numeric water quality criteria for lakes, flowing waters and canals. TAX REFORM Tax-Exempt Status of Municipal Bonds: SUPPORT the preservation of the existing tax-exempt status of municipal bonds. Oppose legislative provisions that would repeal or eliminate the tax exempt status of municipal bonds. Oppose legislative provisions that would repeal, limit or “cap” the deduction for interest earned on new and outstanding municipal bonds. Marketplace Fairness Act: Monitor and report on the status of legislative provisions for the collection of sales and use taxes from remote sellers and the effect on a state’s ability to enforce state and local sales and use tax laws. ENTITLEMENTS AND APPROPRIATIONS Block Grants: Monitor and report on the status of funding for the Social Services Block Grant, the Community Services Block Grant as well as the program’s formula grant structure. Oppose any efforts to eliminate or reduce block grant funding. Immigration: Monitor and report on the status of federal reimbursement to counties for all costs related to detaining, and transporting undocumented immigrants. Monitor and report on the reauthorization of the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), to reimburse state and local costs of incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens. HEALTHCARE & HUMAN SERVICES Health Care: Monitor and report on implications of health care reforms for potential fiscal and health delivery impacts. Monitor and report on implementation of the Patient 29 Packet Pg. 454  2014-15 Legislative Program Protection and Affordable Care Act and changes to Medicaid that would further shift the financial burden to states and counties. Veterans Health: SUPPORT NACo’s efforts to assure that: • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funds are made available to reimburse counties for the services provided to veterans eligible for VA services and for services provided to veterans awaiting determination of eligibility. • VA funds are made available to reimburse services provided to veterans eligible for VA services by public and private providers under contract with the VA. • U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) funds are made available to reimburse counties for the services provided to veterans eligible for DOD services. • Appropriate county level data are available so that counties know how many veterans are returning to their local areas. 30 Packet Pg. 455 State Legislative Priorities – BCC priorities also identified by FAC • Support legislation to amend Section 403.0893 F.S. to provide authorization for stormwater utilities to charge and collect fees from all beneficiaries to include non- profits, schools, churches, etc. of the stormwater utility system. • Support increasing the cost cap (from $400,000 to $750,000) for counties to self-perform road improvement projects using the Constitutional Gas Tax proceeds. • Support legislation allowing Strategic Intermodal Systems (SIS) funds to be used on roads and other transportation facilities not designated in the SIS network if the improvement relieves congestion on the SIS. • Support State funding of derelict vessel removal and the Boating Improvement Fund program. • Support legislation that reduces County jail expenses by setting the amount paid by Counties to medical providers for health care services for inmates and arrestees at no higher than the established Medicare rate plus 10%; the same rate as currently charged by the State Department of Corrections. • Oppose any legislation or rule that would change juvenile detention cost share assessment as determined by the recent DOAH order • Support legislation that would have DJJ assuming responsibility for all secure juvenile detention – predisposition or otherwise • Support increased funding for core mental health and substance abuse programs. Increased funding may improve early identification, intervention, and treatment of mental illness. Having effective mental health programs should also decrease populations in State prisons and County jails and juvenile detention, as well as homelessness and the costs associated with these programs. • Oppose any legislation that would increase the