Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 09-20-06 special minutes — reading text

49 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 20, 2006 INTRODUCTION A special meeting of the City Council of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was held on Wednesday, members September 20, 2006 at 5: 30 p. m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, with the following present: 1"'- Mayor Pro Tern Bob Campbell Councilmen: Mike Holmes, Bill Patterson, Jim Tucker, Dr. Wayne Pullen, and Mike Minich. Absent: Mayor Mike Anderson, Jim Hartwell Also Present: Joyce Shanahan, City Manager; Finance Director (Position vacant); Helen Spencer, and Media City Clerk; Toni Craig, City Attorney; Department Directors; Finance Staff; CALL TO ORDER The Mayor Pro Tern called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. He requested anyone his who wished to address Council to approach the podium after being recognized, and then state or her name and address for the record. The Mayor Pro Tern also announced that Mayor Anderson was attending a conference, and Mr. Hartwell was out of town on business. PLEDGE The Mayor Pro Tern led in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC HEARING- RES. 06- 23. FINAL MILLAGE The Mayor Pro Tern read the resolution by title. A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE FOR THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING ON OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The Mayor Pro Tern stated the Final Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2006- 2007 is 4. 6458 mills, which 0 above the rollback rate of 4. 0746 mills. is 14. 020/ The rollback rate is the millage rate that will The 14. 020/ provide the same Ad Valorem tax revenue as was levied during the prior year. 0 increase is the percentage increase in property taxes. is to fund The Mayor Pro Tern stated the purpose for setting the millage rate at 4. 6458 mills October 1, 2006 and ending expenses of the General Fund for the Fiscal Year beginning September 30, 2007. if anyone The Mayor Pro Tern opened the public hearing relating to the final millage rate and asked from the public wished to speak. BJ Chandler, 5 Bay Drive, Fort Walton Beach, expressed his concern that the tax increase will be felt by the renters and low-income citizens of the city, and asked Council to consider revising the budget to maintain the services the City provides while at the same time, reducing the budget so the community can live within their means. Mr. Tucker appreciated the comments by Mr. Chandler. Mr. Minich called for a point of order, stating only questions by Council should be asked of Mr. Chandler, and not any comments that Council members might have.