Okaloosa County BOCC — January 30, 2013 — Budget Policy Workshop Apr 9 2013 — reading text

the manufacturer of this equipment has gone out of business. Mr. Lux said given the move for election reform, the looming deadline for specific equipment for voters with disabilities, and the age of current equipment, the purchase of all new voting equipment may be necessary. He advised the costs will be amortized over several years. Mr. Lux noted that electric poll books are being used in half of Florida’s counties. He said Okaloosa County is still using paper. He stated we may be able to get funding assistance from the Americans Vote Act to help modernize this area of the process. Mr. Lux reported elections in Okaloosa County are running fine and people are happy. Undersheriff Don Adams came forward to speak on behalf of Sheriff Larry Ashley. He said the Sheriff’s staff has reviewed the Budget Policy Document. Mr. Adams reported the Sheriff’s preliminary budget numbers indicate a $3 Million increase over last year’s budget. He acknowledged that $1.7 Million (SRO Program) of that figure is included in Mr. Curry’s report. Mr. Adams explained that the Sheriff’s Office, like the county, needs to replace vehicles and has found that six of the positions eliminated last year are critical positions and need to be reinstated. Mr. Adams encouraged the commissioners to look at revenue enhancements. He said he doesn’t know if they can continue to make reductions and still be able to provide services. Mr. Harris asked Mr. Adams if he is referring to a tax increase. He responded, “I think that is what it is.” Mr. Harris said he is not certain any decisions can be made tonight. He stated there are many hard decisions to be made and he would like time to sleep on it. He asked Mr. Curry if there are any questions which must be answered tonight. Mr. Curry said it would be helpful if the Board can give some marching orders on whether or not to increase the millage rate. Mr. Amunds said he is not interested in increasing the millage rate. He also considered franchise fees “off the table.” Mr. Amunds felt any action to increase gas taxes would be a rush April 9, 2013 -6- Minute Book 69, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners job. With regard to a sales tax increase, Mr. Amunds said he doesn’t see anything happening on that front in the short term. Mr. Curry reported the timeline for gas tax implementation is July 1. Mr. Harris commented the people traveling through the county would be contributing. Mr. Windes said he is looking at increasing the gas tax. Mr. Curry asked for comments on the target for General Fund Reserves. Mr. Harris said he would like to see it stay at 8%. He again voiced support at looking at implementation of additional gas taxes. Mr. Amunds recommended this subject be placed on the next agenda (April 16) for discussion. Mr. Boyles said he has been hearing from his constituents they don’t mind paying their fair share but don’t want to pay any more than they have to. He felt the burden should be shared broadly. Mr. Boyles advised that he is not supportive of an increase in ad valorem taxes, noting that is a very narrow revenue base. He stated that earlier he heard franchise fees were “off the table” but again said the burden should be spread. Mr. Boyles expressed his concern the cost of living continues to rise but there are no increases for employees. He added that he gets more calls about roads than anything else. Mr. Boyles agreed there are many challenges and said there are more problems than money to solve them. Mr. Parisot said his calculations show that by not increasing the millage rate since 1992 it has saved the taxpayers $75 Million but that is a revenue stream the county has given up. He also said he does not see how a 3% salary adjustment is possible without enhancing the revenue stream. Mr. Parisot stated he was supportive of some type increase. Mr. Curry suggested letters be mailed to the utility companies to determine their position on possible imposition of franchise fees. Mr. Amunds replied he has no problem with that recommendation. An extended discussion ensued regarding franchise fees. Mr. Amunds asked Mr. Curry to draft a letter to be mailed to the utility companies. He also asked for the attorney to provide bullet points on the issues concerning franchise fees. Mr. Curry also asked for guidance on employee compensation. Mr. Parisot asked how the Board can support this without a revenue April 9, 2013 -7- Minute Book 69, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners source. Mr. Harris expressed his concern the county will begin to lose employees as the economy picks up. He felt the Board should look at some type of increase. Mr. Amunds stated he would love to give everyone an increase but he is hesitant at this point to make that commitment. He said he doesn’t want to get hopes up. Mr. Curry agreed that is a realistic approach and it sounds like the Board is telling the budget team to hold the line and to look at new revenue sources. A comment was made about providing salary adjustments for those on the lower end. Mr. Harris quickly said he disagreed with this approach and termed it “income redistribution.” Mr. Boyles said he is not done with that conversation and would like to see compensation for employees who have been identified as being near the poverty level. Mr. Amunds noted the idea was considered a few years ago but he remembers the end result was a statement from HR saying the Board could not do that because everyone must be treated the same way. Mr. Curry advised it is problematic to draw a line to determine who would be qualified. Mr. Amunds said he is confident the information HR presented a few years ago is still available and asked for staff to email that to the commissioners. Mr. Windes said he is distressed that so many county employees are within 20% of the poverty line. Mr. Amunds stated he believes the commissioners have given Mr. Curry all the direction it is going to tonight. He then asked Mr. Ernest Padgett, new County Administrator, if he would like to address the Board. Mr. Padgett thanked the commissioners for their votes of confidence and he believes when everyone gets to know each other, the commissioners will feel they have made the right decision. He felt the Board was headed in the right direction by looking at other revenue sources and pointed out Santa Rosa County implemented franchise fees when he served that county as County Administrator. Mr. Padgett said he is looking forward to coming on board on April 17 and looks forward to working with Mr. Curry during their overlapping days of service. Mr. Curry stated they will use the overlap time wisely, adding that he will still be available to assist. April 9, 2013 -8- Minute Book 69, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. _____________________________ _______________________________ DON W. HOWARD DON R. AMUNDS, CHAIRMAN CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Teresa Ward.) **** April 9, 2013 -9- Minute Book 69, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners