Okaloosa County BOCC — September 3, 2013 — September 16 Final Budget Hearing — reading text

he has been on the Board and believes there is twenty years of history to support it. Mr. Dowd stated he realizes the Deputy Clerk has said that but there is no formal policy. Mr. Harris stated it should be put in writing. Mr. Dowd replied it has never been necessary. Mr. Parisot announced he is ready to vote. He said he believes the Board made a commitment to the citizens with regard to raising the gas tax, saying it would be added funding to start getting a handle on stormwater. Mr. Parisot said he disagrees entirely with Mr. Windes’ proposal and listed the reasons he was in opposition. Mr. Harris again called the question on the motion to adopt the final millage levy. Mr. Boyles commented that Mr. Parisot may have his’ second. Mr. Harris made motion, seconded by Mr. Parisot, to adopt the final millage levy for FY 2013-14 as outlined in the previously read resolution. 3 yeas, 2 nays. (Mr. Windes and Mr. Amunds voted no.) RESOLUTION NO. 13-133 Mr. Stanford read the proposed resolution adopting the final budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14 in the amount of $279,897,664. September 16, 2013 -6- Minute Book 70, Page 43 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Mr. Harris made motion, seconded by Mr. Parisot, to adopt the final budget as described in the proposed resolution. 5 yeas. RESOLUTION NO. 13-134 GULF CONSORTIUM DISCUSSION Mr. Parisot briefly reviewed the creation of the Gulf Consortium which consists of the eight Gulf Counties from Escambia to Wakulla which were most affected by the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill. He spoke of what he considered an inequity in the funding. Mr. Parisot referred to a 75/25 split of the funding level but said 80% to 85% of the cost for FAC involvement in the RESTORE Act process has been contributed by the eight counties in the consortium. Mr. Boyles stated he does not feel Mr. Parisot, as the county's representative in these matters, should head south and damage the relationships with the other counties who are perhaps doing the best they can with their limited resources. He questioned Okaloosa’s approved allocation of $15,000 for the coming year in the grand scheme of just adopting a $280 Million budget. Mr. Boyles stated these eight counties are the ones affected disproportionately and should resist asking other counties to share in the costs. Mr. Amunds stated he spoke with Chris Holley at the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and was assured by him there would be discussion on this topic. He said we have good relationships with the other counties and if there is some way of developing a formula for payment among the counties, that will be fine. However, Mr. Amunds said the attitude should not be “my way or the highway.” Mr. Parisot stated he would like to see a more equitable distribution. Upon inquiry by Mr. Harris, Mr. Parisot replied that he is talking about Pot #3. Mr. Harris cautioned about being penny wise and pound foolish. He said it should be proportionate. Mr. Windes said we do not need to go down to the meeting with a chip on our shoulder. He felt we should try to get along even if it costs us more money. Mr. Harris said he feels the consensus of the Board has been expressed. Mr. Parisot asked about discussing a favorable percentage for the smaller counties. Mr. Windes replied that September 16, 2013 -7- Minute Book 70, Page 44 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners sounds okay but stated “don’t drive the bargain to the hilt and lose trust.” Mr. Boyles told Mr. Parisot use of a filibuster is not the way to do this and to make certain he does not get lost in the weeds over $15,000. Mr. Amunds asked Mr. Parisot if he has enough direction, to which Mr. Parisot replied “yes.” Mr. Steve Menchel, Destin, sent his best wishes to Mr. Padgett for a speedy recovery and wished Mr. Hofstad the best in his new post. He asked the commissioners to keep the citizens informed on the progress of the capital projects. Mr. Menchel stated the citizens want to know how the money is being spent. ADJOURNMENT The Final Budget Hearing was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. DON W. HOWARD DON R. AMUNDS, CHAIRMAN CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSTONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Teresa Ward.) September 16, 2013 ~8- Minute Book 70, Page 45 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners