Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 08-11-08 special minutes — reading text

201 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 11, 2008 INTRODUCTION A special meeting of the City Council of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was held on Monday, August 11, 2008, at 5: 30 p. m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, with the following members present: Mayor Mike Anderson Councilmen: Mike Holmes, Dennis Reeves, Bill Garvie, Dr. Wayne Pullen, and Mike Minich Absent: Virgil Miller and Jim Hartwell Also Present: Joyce Shanahan, City Manager; Helen Spencer, City Clerk; Brandy Wunker, Finance Director; Toni Craig, City Attorney; and Department Directors CALL TO ORDER The Mayor called the meeting to order. PLEDGE The Mayor led in the Pledge of Allegiance. TENTATIVE AD VALOREM MILLAGE RATE FOR FY 2008/ 09 Consideration of setting the tentative ad valorem millage rate for FY 2008- 09. Charlotte Dunworth, Budget/Grant Manager, gave an overview of the budget process, explaining that the tentative millage rate is the rate that will be shown on each property owner's Notice of Proposed Taxes" ( TRIM Notice) sent by the Property Appraiser, and that the tentative millage rate is important because once it is set it cannot be increased without the additional expense of formal re- notification to each taxpayer. However, the tentative millage rate may be reduced without formal re- notification to each taxpayer. Ms. Dunworth advised that Staff proposes a FY 2008-09 tentative millage rate of 4. 1986 mills, which is the same as the FY 2007 -08 millage rate. Ms. Dunworth advised the roll- back rate is 4. 6883, and explained because of the decrease in taxable value, the roll- back rate is actually a roll- forward rate this year, as a higher millage rate is required to generate the same amount of tax revenue due to the lower taxable value. Ms. Dunworth explained that the Florida Legislature requires adoption of a millage rate dependent upon the affirmative vote of the governing body, and that a maximum millage rate of 4.4190 can be adopted with a majority vote of Council ( 4 votes). Ms. Dunworth advised the Staff recommendation is to retain the millage rate at 4. 1986, which would result in $ 410, 727 less revenue in the General Fund, and to set the dates and times of the public hearings for the budget on Monday, September 15, 2008 at 5: 30 pm, and Monday, September 22, at 5: 30 p. m. Mr. Minich questioned whether a millage rate of 4.4190 would mean an increase or decrease in taxes for the average homeowner. The City Manager responded it would probably mean a decrease in taxes, and would depend on the assessed value of a homeowner' s property. 202 Special Council 08/11/ 08 TENTATIVE AD VALOREM MILLAGE RATE FOR FY 2008/ 09 ( CONT) The City Manager continued that State Statute states that if ad valorem taxes are not adjusted by cost of living, taxes can be adjusted by 30/0, so depending on whether a homeowner is eligible for a homestead exemption, a homeowner could see an increase because the property appraiser would have automatically increased their assessment. The Mayor opened the public hearing. As there was none, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Minich moved to set the FY 2008- 09 tentative millage rate for ad valorem taxes at 4. 4190 mills. Mr. Garvie seconded motion. Mr. Minich stated he appreciated Staff' s efforts in preparing the budget, but the higher millage rate will allow Council room to work with while discussing the budget, and that the millage rate can be lowered. Mr. Garvie stated that 670/0 of the citizens voted for the amendment to lower taxes, but there are consequences and reminded citizens will not receive the services that they higher taxes would provide. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, and Minich in favor (Miller and Hartwell absent). The Mayor asked for a vote to confirm the dates and times of the public hearing for the budget. Mr. Minich moved to confirm the dates and times of the public hearings for the budget as follows: Special Council meetings on Monday, September 15, 2008 at 5: 30 pm and Monday, September 22, 2008 at 5: 30 p. m. Mr. Reeves seconded motion. Mr.Garvie advised he has tried to set his schedule around the meetings, but with the change in days from Wednesday to Monday, he will not be able to attend the meeting on Monday, September 15. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried by a vote of 4 to 1 with Holmes, Reeves, Garvie, and Minich in favor and Pullen opposed ( Miller and Hartwell absent). ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p. m. APPROVED:~~ Cq , Y-6bP MAYOR: __----= ET., C CITY CLERK cr41/~ Ive