Indian River County

Administration Complex

1801 27th Street, Building

Indian River County Florida

Vero Beach, Florida,

32960-3388

Meeting Minutes - Final

www.indianriver.gov

Board of County Commissioners

Susan Adams, District 1, Chairman

Joseph Flescher, District 2, Vice Chairman

Joseph H. Earman, District 3

Deryl Loar, District 4

Laura Moss, District 5

John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator

William K. DeBraal, County Attorney

Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

9:00 AM

Commission Chambers

Budget Workshop

1. CALL TO ORDER

5 -

Present:

Chairman Susan Adams

Vice Chairman Joseph Flescher

Commissioner Joe Earman

Commissioner Laura Moss

Commissioner Deryl Loar

2.A. A MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEMBERS OF

THE ARMED FORCES

2.B. INVOCATION

Chaplain Lou Tropf, IRC Jail

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Commissioner Susan Adams, Chairman

4. GENERAL OVERVIEW SESSION

John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator

Attachments: Budget Message

County Administrator John Titkanich opened the Budget Workshop meeting

with a message that the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 (FY 24/25) budget would

emphasize customer service, employee development, implementation of the

County’s Strategic Plan, public safety, execution of a compensation and

classification study, and investment in infrastructure and capital needs. He

detailed the initiatives focusing on investing and planning for the future

including the organizational restructuring with new hires, facility and building

department collaborations, economic development, and master plans for

growth, stormwater, conservation, and utilities. Mr. Titkanich continued on to

provide details of the progress made to build additional fire stations in growth

areas, and investments in leadership training. He announced the total

proposed budget for FY 24/25 was $524,719,875, a 3.5 percent increase

over last year’s planned budget.

The slide presentation continued with highlights of the major impacts to the

budget: a tax roll increase, the initial year of the land acquisition bond, the

sheriff’s budget, and a variety of compensation costs. A pie chart illustrated

the budget percentages allocated to fulfilling Strategic Plan goals, with the

lion’s share of funds dedicated to infrastructure.

Next was the General Fund taxable value with a proposed millage rate of

3.5475 for the sixth straight year, and a valuation increase to $29.3 million.

Commissioner Loar entered into discussion with Administration Titkanich

regarding OPEB’s (Other Post-Employment Benefits) ongoing maintenance

costs which were fully-funded by the County.

Ad valorem revenue was estimated to be $189 million. The millage rate

remained unchanged at 3.5475, which was the lowest among comparable

counties. The approved land acquisition bond added .0639 for a subtotal of

3.6114. Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) and Emergency Services

District rates remained unchanged producing an aggregate millage rate of

6.118.

He concluded his presentation showing the impact of the tax increases on a

typical homeowner in the unincorporated area of the County.

5. GENERAL FUND

001-101

001-102

001-103

001-107

001-109

001-112

001-113

001-118

001-119

001-201

001-202

001-203

001-206

001-208

001-210

001-211

001-212

001-215

001-216

001-220

001-229

001-230

001-237

001-238

001-241

001-246

001-250

001-251

001-283

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

COUNTY ATTORNEY

GIS TRANSFER

COMMUNICATIONS/EMERGENCY SERVICE

MAIN LIBRARY

NORTH COUNTY LIBRARY

BRACKETT LIBRARY

IRC SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

LAW LIBRARY

ADMINISTRATOR - OPERATIONS

COMMUNITY SERVICES

HUMAN RESOURCES

VETERANS SERVICE

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

PARKS

HUMAN SERVICES

AG EXTENSION

CONSERVATION LANDS

PURCHASING

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

BUILDING & FACILITIES SERVICES

FPL GRANT EXPENDITURES

EMERGENCY BASE GRANT

IS/TELECOM TRANSFER

INSURANCE PREMIUMS

COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL

MAILROOM/SWITCHBOARD

LAGOON

24-0572

Attachments: General Fund

Administrator Titkanich next presented the General Fund Budget overview

showed an ad valorem tax increase to 10.3 percent, with an unchanged

millage rate. Part of the County’s restructuring plan included a compensation

study which, when implemented, added $1,443,406 to the budget. An

additional 16 positions were added as part of the County’s restructuring

which amounted to $1,234,530 in salaries.

The next chart illustrated expenses by category, with 61.2 percent dedicated

to Constitutional Officers, and 21.2 percent allocated to fund County

operations and services for residents. Commissioner Loar received additional

regarding the rationale and methodology for the choices made regarding

staffing increases, and the long-term plan to address emergency services’

salaries. Chairman Adams received clarification that the compensation study

funding also included a 20 percent contingency. Discussion ensued regarding

the completion of the compensation study. Administrator Titkanich provided

in depth information regarding the study which was still in the process of

addressing the best way to make employee salaries more competitive.

Commissioner Moss received an update on the additional staff and programs

implemented in the Veterans Services Department.

Administer Titkanich continued the presentation by highlighting line items from

the General Fund expenses including a rollover of funds to the County

Attorney’s budget from records digitization; an increase in

Communications/Emergency Services for security equipment upgrades;

additional staff for Administrator Operations; Community Services increases

due to restructuring personnel; additional personnel for Human Resources;

Emergency Management saw a decrease due to a bond, and reclassifying

personnel. He continued with Facilities Management’s equipment needs, and

the newly created Building and Facilities Services Department which needed

to be staffed with leadership roles.

Commissioner Earman commended the creation of the Building and Facilities

Department, and received information regarding the Indian River Lagoon

Restoration Plan which would implement an oyster restoration project, and

receive funds from Capital Improvements. Vice Chairman Flescher received

confirmation that the unapproved funding for Children’s Services was

returned to the General Fund.

There were no questions from the public.

24-0573

Attachments: Constitutionals

A slide with the proposed budgets for all the Constitutional Officers showed a

total of $93,127,063, a 6.3 percent increase over last year’s starting budget.

Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Ryan Butler requested a 3.85

percent increase over last year’s budget, which reduced funding expenditures

while still allowing a cost of living increase for employees. He reminded the

Board that in 2005, the State shifted the burden of Information Technology

costs to the County, and for the past 19 years had been paid through trust

funds which were running out of money. Clerk Butler anticipated increasingly

larger budget requests starting with fiscal year 2026/27, dependent on revised

revenue allocations.

Chairman Adams noted the Tax Collector’s budget was not due until August

1, 2024; an estimated 6.1 percent increase was included for planning

purposes only.

Property Appraiser Wesley Davis discussed technological upgrades his office

employed which allowed faster reporting, and the plan to offer Homestead

Exemption filings online. The Appraiser’s office requested a 7.6 percent

increase for technology improvements which would reduce staff time and

expense.

Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers recounted meeting with County

Administrator John Titkanich to negotiate a feasible budget increase. The 6.5

percent increase brought the requested budget total to $78,911,955. Sheriff

Flowers noted last year’s budget increase went to employee salaries, as

would this year’s. He also cautioned that this number did not fully fund the

Department to be able to meet all of its goals. In response to Commissioner

Loar, Sheriff Flowers informed that in the face of a tax revenue decrease, he

would protect employee salaries and make cuts from the operations.

Chairman Adams added a reminder that the Board had many mandated

funding obligations to consider and balance.

Supervisor of Elections Leslie R. Swan noted the November 2024

presidential election cycle would bring high voter turnout and require a

two-card ballot, meaning higher printing and postage costs. She requested a

budget increase of 3.8 percent which included money to upgrade their

discontinued operational system, and the cost to purchase additional precinct

tabulators.

Commissioner Earman informed that the Value Adjustment Board requested

an additional $1800, or 2.9 percent budget increase, for legal and business

expenses.

There were no questions from the public.

7. MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNIT (M.S.T.U.)

004-104

004-105

004-108

004-115

004-116

004-161

004-204

004-205

004-207

004-231

004-400

NORTH COUNTY AQUATIC CENTER

GIFFORD AQUATIC CENTER

RECREATION

INTERGENERATIONAL FACILITY

BEACH PARKS

SHOOTING RANGE

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

COUNTY PLANNING

CODE ENFORCEMENT

NATURAL RESOURCES

TAX COLLECTOR

24-0574

Attachments: MSTU

Administrator Titkanich reviewed highlights from the MSTU (Municipal

Service Taxing Unit) budget which included an ad valorem tax roll increase of

10 percent which would generate $1.6 million in revenue; an unchanged

millage rate of 1.1506 (7.24 percent above the rollback rate); transfers out to

fund transportation and law enforcement; Rate Study implementation; and a

recreational fee increase.

At Chairman Adams’ request, Administrator Titkanich informed that MSTU

taxes were used to fund services normally provided by a municipality such as

parks, recreation, and code enforcement. He then discussed and highlighted

projects from the line item chart of fund expenses. Discussion ensued

regarding last year’s suggestion to upgrade the audio-visual system at the

Intergenerational Center to allow recording or streaming of meetings.

Administrator Titkanich explained that based on a needs assessment, funds

were directed to upgrade meeting rooms in the County Administration

complex where the committees met. It was suggested that meeting software

could increase public outreach efforts by recording and posting presentations

such as the State of the County Luncheon.

There were no comments from the public.

8. TRANSPORTATION FUND

111-214

111-243

111-244

111-245

111-281

ROAD AND BRIDGE

PUBLIC WORKS

COUNTY ENGINEERING

TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

STORMWATER

24-0591

Attachments: Transportation Fund

The Transportation Budget overview showed an increase in retirement and

worker’s compensation costs, Compensation Study implementation costs of

$1,097,528, flat gas tax revenue, and transfers from the General and MSTU

funds had increased by $2,445,420, or 13.9 percent. Administrator Titkanich

reviewed the fund's line-item expenses, noting extensive capital improvements,

additional staff, and higher costs for materials and fuel. He expounded on a

line item for the Florida East Coast Railroad (FEC) which represented costs

incurred during crossing maintenance.

There were no comments from the public.

9. EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT

114-120 FIRE RESCUE

24-0575

Attachments: Emergency Services District

Administrator Titkanich displayed the Emergency Services District (ESD)

overview which showed a 9.7 percent increase in the ad valorem tax roll,

generating additional revenue of $4,750.341 with an unchanged millage rate

of 2.3531. He reported the largest expenses would be due to additional

personnel, and increased retirement and worker’s compensation costs.

Discussion ensued with a requested update on the status of the fire stations

which were in various stages of development. It was reported that Fire

Station 7 was accepting bids for construction; Station 15 was in the final

negotiations for land purchase; Stations 17 and 18 had secured parcels; and

the process to identify a location for Station 16 was underway. Commissioner

Loar and Administrator Titkanich discussed the use of ESD funds and the

possibility of enhancing salaries for fire rescue personnel.

There were no comments from the public.

10. NON-DEPARTMENTAL STATE AGENCIES

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001-252

001-901

001-903

001-904

001-907

NEW HORIZONS OF THE TREASURE COAST, INC.

STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT

TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL

IR LAGOON NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM COUNCIL

DEPT. OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

MEDICAID

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD

CIRCUIT COURT ADMINISTRATION

GUARDIAN AD LITEM

VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

STATE ATTORNEY

PUBLIC DEFENDER

MEDICAL EXAMINER

24-0576

Attachments: State Agencies

Administrator Titkanich continued the presentation by expanding on funding

for State Agencies including New Horizons, Medicaid, and the State

Attorney’s office; he provided a rationale for increased allocations.

The Chairman opened the floor for comments from representatives of State

agencies, noting that Diamond Litty expressed her appreciation for the

Board’s support.

Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Patricia Aronica provided an update on the

planning for her department’s new building. Vice Chairman Flescher

commended Dr. Aronica on her success in tightening her department’s budget

which only requested a one percent increase.

Heather Parker, Circuit Director of the Guardian ad Litem Office thanked the

Board for their support.

Miranda Swanson, Health Officer for the County’s Health Department,

provided information regarding several programs at the Wabasso Office

including diabetes prevention, nutrition education, congregate meals, WIC

assistance, and expanded food pantry offerings. She expressed appreciation

for the Board’s support in renovating and funding the Wabasso location.

11. NON-DEPARTMENTAL

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

SEBASTIAN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA

FELLSMERE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA

24-0577

Attachments: Non-Departmental

Non-Departmental Agencies were the next sector up for discussion, starting

with the Economic Development Division which requested a 16.6 percent, or

$33,899, increase to their budget. Administrator Titkanich informed the

County had a contractual relationship with the Indian River Chamber of

Commerce (Chamber) for economic development, marketing, and business

recruitment. Helene Caseltine, Economic Development Vice President for the

Chamber, entered into discussion with Chairman Adams regarding the search

for her replacement after she retired. Administrator Titkanich confirmed the

Chamber would continue to work as the County’s marketing and business

development partner.

Next, the Children’s Services Grants budget of $3,020,541, representing an

8.4 percent increase, was announced. There were no comments regarding this

line item.

Lastly, the two Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) budgets were

displayed showing a 10 percent increase for Sebastian, and a 27.4 percent

increase for Fellsmere. Under discussion, Management and Budget Director

Kristin Daniels clarified the valuation for the CRAs, noting the numbers were

determined by the Property Appraiser’s Office.

There being no further comments, the Chairman closed the floor.

12. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

001-110

MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

UNITED AGAINST POVERTY (fka HARVEST FOOD)

211 PALM BEACH/TREASURE COAST

CTC-SRA-SENIOR SERVICES

24-0578

Attachments: Non-Profit

Administrator Titkanich reviewed the budget requests for Non-Profit

Organizations which averaged a 3 percent increase per agency.

The following representatives discussed their agency's programs and

expressed appreciation for the Board’s support:

Dr. Philip Cromer, CEO, Mental Health Association

Lindsey Sumpter, Grant Writer, United Against Poverty

Ty Barnes, 211 Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast

Chris Stephenson, Director of Transportation, Senior Resource Association

Gabriel Pedrero, CFO, Senior Resource Association

There were no questions or comments from the public.

13. QUASI NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

001-206

001-110

VETERANS COUNCIL OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, INC.

COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR (SRA)

GIFFORD YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT CENTER, INC.

PROGRESSIVE CIVIC LEAGUE OF GIFFORD

HUMANE SOCIETY OF VERO BEACH, FL

TREASURE COAST HOMELESS SERVICES COUNCIL, INC.

24-0579

Attachments: Quasi Non-Profit

Administrator Titkanich read the Quasi-Non-Profit Organizations funded by

the County, explaining the decreases for SRA (Senior Resource Association)

Transport and a $50,000 (52.6 percent) increase for Treasure Coast

Homeless Services to provide matching funds for housing and domestic

violence grants.

Representatives from the following agencies addressed the Board with

information regarding their services, and expressed appreciation for the

Board's support:

Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director, Veterans Council of Indian River County

Chris Stephenson, Director of Transportation, Senior Resource Association

Rayme Knuckles, Visionary Leader of the Treasure Coast Homeless Services

Council (HSC), entered into a lengthy discussion with the Board, first

expressing miscommunication in the organization’s funding. Discussion

centered on his presentation informing of the implications and cost of

implementing House Bill 1365 which prohibits public camping and sleeping.

County Attorney Bill DeBraal informed of the County’s responsibility and

exposure to litigation, noting the Bill was still unclear in many areas. Jane

Snead, Development Director for United Against Poverty, shared a story

illustrating the rise of homelessness among senior citizens. Chairman Adams

agreed the County needed to do more to provide homeless resources. She

offered to facilitate a homeless services workshop in the near future, and

directed staff to research the latest on the Bill.

There were no comments from the public.

The Chairman called for a recess at 12:07 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 12:16

with all members present.

Yvonne Steer, Board Chair of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, discussed

the Board’s previous constructive criticism and thanked them for their support of the

arts.

The Chairman called for a lunch recess at 12:25 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at

1:30 p.m. with all members present. The Budget Workshop continued with Item 18,

Time Certain Public Hearing for the Solid Waste Disposal District.

14. STREETLIGHTING DISTRICTS

179

180

181

182

183

184

186

188

189

190

191

192

193

194

195

196

197

198

199

OCEANSIDE

OSLO PARK

GIFFORD

LAURELWOOD

ROCKRIDGE

VERO HIGHLANDS

PORPOISE POINT

LAUREL COURT

TIERRA LINDA

VERO SHORES

IXORA PARK

ROYAL POINCIANA

ROSELAND ROAD

WHISPERING PINES

MOORINGS

WALKER’S GLEN

GLENDALE LAKES

FLORALTON BEACH

WEST WABASSO

24-0580

Attachments: Streetlight Districts

[Clerk Note: This item was heard following the SWDD public hearing]

Commissioner Loar read aloud the rates for all the Streetlighting Districts in

the County. Director Daniels noted that some rates had increased due to the

higher cost of electricity. Administrator Titkanich offered to have staff look

into whether the power company had plans to replace standard bulbs with

LEDs.

15. OTHER M.S.B.U.

171

185

EAST GIFFORD STORMWATER M.S.B.U.

VERO LAKE ESTATES M.S.B.U.

24-0581

Attachments: MSBU

Administrator Titkanich reported rates for the two MSBUs (Municipal

Service Benefit Unit), Vero Lake Estates and East Gifford Stormwater,

would remain unchanged at $50 per parcel acre and $10 per parcel acre

respectively.

16. ENTERPRISE FUNDS

418-221

418-236

471-218

471-219

471-235

471-257

471-265

471-268

471-269

471-282

471-292

474-235

475-235

GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE

CLUBHOUSE

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

UTILITIES – WASTEWATER TREATMENT

UTILITIES – WATER PRODUCTION

UTILITIES – GENERAL & ENGINEERING

UTILITIES – SLUDGE OPERATIONS

UTILITIES – CUSTOMER SERVICE

UTILITIES – WASTEWATER COLLECTION

UTILITIES – WATER DISTRIBUTION

UTILITIES – OSPREY MARSH

UTILITIES – SPOONBILL MARSH

UTILITY WATER IMPACT FEES

UTILITY SEWER IMPACT FEES

24-0582

Attachments: Enterprise Funds

Management and Budget Director Kristin Daniels led discussion of the

Enterprise Funds, noting the golf course would implement higher greens fees

and ID cards to raise $500,000 needed for the clubhouse remodeling. The

Building Department's budget showed an increase of $644,558 (10.2

percent) due to additional staff and building inspectors. The Utilities

Department's projections included adding ten positions and production of a

master plan which resulted in a projected 3.7 percent, or $2.3 million increase

to their budget.

Vice Chairman Flescher inquired whether the County's shooting range should

be included in this category as had been previously discussed. Deputy County

Administrator and Director Daniels informed that capital project and

maintenance costs prevented the range from being able to cover its own

costs. They confirmed it was still the County's goal to move the range toward

sustaining itself.

17. INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS

501

FLEET MANAGEMENT

502

RISK MANAGEMENT (SELF INSURANCE)

EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE

504

505-103

505-241

IT - GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

IT - INFORMATION SYSTEMS & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

24-0583

Attachments: Internal Services

Management and Budget Director Kristin Daniels announced the proposed

budgets and rationales for the Internal Service Funds, which increased by an

average of 6 percent. Notably, Risk Management increased proposed budget

by $1.1 million, or 13 percent, due to the addition of a compliance officer.

There were no comments from the public.

18. 1:30 P.M. (PUBLIC HEARING) SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT (S.W.D.D.)

PROOF OF PUBLICATION FOR THIS HEARING IS ON FILE IN THE

OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD.

The Board of County Commissioners reconvened as the Board of Commissioners of

the Solid Waste Disposal District. The minutes will be approved at an upcoming

Solid Waste Disposal District meeting.

411-217

411-255

SANITARY LANDFILL

RECYCLING

24-0584

Attachments: SWDD

[Clerk Note: This Item was heard following Item 13. Quasi Non-Profit

Agencies]

Administrator Titkanich opened discussion of the Solid Waste Disposal

District’s (SWDD) proposed budget with the landfill's costs, which were

projected to decrease by 28 percent for a total of $18,583,419. He went on

to detail the upcoming projects, and increased capital expenses. Additionally

Administrator Titkanich noted the recycling budget increased by 9.4 percent,

and reasons for the $1 million increase were discussed. He went on to

discuss the rationale for an 8 percent increase in the Residential ERU

(Equivalent Residential Unit) and Commercial WGU (Waste Generation

Unit); the Readiness-to-Use Fee would increase by $3.54, for a total of

$40.30.

Administrator Titkanich confirmed for Commissioner Loar that the budget

included consideration for the recently negotiated Waste Management

contract.

The Chairman opened the public hearing for comments. There being none, the

Chairman closed the public hearing.

The Board of Commissioners of the Solid Waste Disposal District adjourned

the meeting and reconvened as the Board of County Commissioners of the

Budget Workshop meeting, continuing with the Streetlighting Districts.

19. MISCELLANEOUS FUNDS

102

103

104

108

109

112

117

119

120

121

123

124

127

128

130

133

135

136

137

138

139

140

141

142

145

147

TRAFFIC IMPACT FEES

ADDITIONAL IMPACT FEES

TRAFFIC IMPACT FEES 2020

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

SECONDARY ROAD CONSTRUCTION

SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

TREE ORDINANCE FINES

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT FUND

911 SURCHARGE

DRUG ABUSE FUND

IRCLHAP/SHIP

METRO PLAN ORGANIZATION

NATIVE UPLANDS ACQUISITION

BEACH RESTORATION

NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION 3 PLAN

FLORIDA BOATING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

DISABLED ACCESS PROGRAMS

INTERGOVERNMENTAL GRANTS

TRAFFIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

ARP – AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

CARES ACT & COVID-19 RESPONSE

COURT FACILITY SURCHARGE FUND

ADDITIONAL COURT COSTS

COURT TECHNOLOGY FUND

LAND ACQUISITION SERIES 2006

OPIOID SETTLTEMENT FUNDS

24-0585

Attachments: Special Revenue

Management and Budget Director Kristin Daniels reviewed the line items for

each Miscellaneous Fund category, explaining any notable changes including

modifications to the traffic impact fees and districts. The Tourist Development

Fund disbursements had previously been approved by the Board. The Florida

Boating Improvement Plan reduced their budget by $381,000 as the

Environmental Learning Center's dock replacement project was completed.

There were no comments on this item.

20. DEBT SERVICE/CAPITAL PROJECTS

204

255

308

DODGER BONDS

LAND ACQUSITION BONDS 2024

JACKIE ROBINSON TRAINING COMPLEX

(fka CAPITAL RESERVE FUND)

OPTIONAL ONE-CENT SALES TAX

315

24-0586

Attachments: Debt-Capital Projects

Budget Director Daniels next reviewed Other Debt/Capital Funds budgets.

The Dodger Bonds debt service payment remained unchanged, and the bonds

are set to be paid off by 2031 via State-provided funds. Funding was

included to service the debt payment for the Land Acquisition Bond - Series

2024, in the amount of $1.78 million. Jackie Robinson Training Complex

(Complex) saw a decrease of $3.5 million which was expounded on by

Deputy County Administrator Michael Zito; he explained this was part of the

County's long-range plan to decrease the annual investment in the Complex.

There were no comments.

21. AGGREGATE MILLAGE

AGGREGATE MILLAGE RATE IS 6.1198

22. RECAP – TOTAL PROPOSED BUDGET AND PROPOSED MILLAGE RATES

JOHN A. TITKANICH, JR., COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

24-0589

Attachments: Recap

County Administrator John Titkanich reviewed the final proposed budget

numbers:

OVERALL BUDGET

Total proposed budget for 2024/25 is $524,719,875, a decrease of

$107,923,737.

GENERAL FUND

Proposed millage is 3.5475, 7.77% above rolled back.

The proposed budget is $145,834,204, an increase of $2,476,638.

MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNIT

Proposed millage is 1.1506, 7.24% above rolled back.

The proposed budget is $54,368,135, an increase of $2,338,366.

TRANSPORTATION FUND

The proposed budget is $25,881,721, an increase of $1,985,043.

EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT

Proposed millage is 2.3531, 7.31% above rolled back.

The proposed budget is $66,824,334 an increase of $3,498,330.

LAND ACQUISITION BOND - SERIES 2024

Proposed millage is 0.0639.

The proposed budget is $1,778,092.

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by

Commissioner Earman, to approve the millage rates for the 2024/2025

fiscal year proposed budget as presented. The motion carried by the

following vote:

5 -

Aye:

Chairman Adams, Vice Chairman Flescher, Commissioner Earman,

Commissioner Moss, and Commissioner Loar

Following the vote on the proposed budget, Vice Chairman Flescher initiated

discussion regarding reporting for Non-profit and Quasi non-profit agencies. He

requested transparency of the executive salaries and administrative costs to better

identify how taxpayer dollars were being spent; his concern was ensuring the public's

funds went to programs and not salaries. A discussion followed with Director of

Management and Budget Kristin Daniels who proposed bringing back to the Board a

revision in the Outside Funding Policy which would require salary disclosures during

the application process.

Commissioner Loar wanted to see more forecasting done in the departmental budgets

to reduce leaders and staff coming back to the Board mid-year for additional funds.

He was concerned for the possibility of a slowdown in growth and the mid-year

requests which skewed the budget and planning.

Chairman Adams mentioned a desire to focus on the County's needs first as opposed

to last after outside agencies had their needs fulfilled. She noted there were plans for

infrastructure improvements, staffing requirements, and unfunded State mandates that

were being put on the back burner in favor of other's needs and she requested a shift

in to prioritize the County's needs.

ADJOURN – 5:00 P.M. -- RECONVENE 9:00 A.M. JULY 11TH IF NECESSARY

There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the Budget Workshop

meeting at 2:26 p.m.

ANNOUNCE:

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

5:01 P.M.

PUBLIC HEARING ON TENTATIVE BUDGET AND PROPOSED MILLAGE RATES

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

5:01 P.M.

FINAL BUDGET HEARING AND ADOPTION OF MILLAGE RATES

* SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING UPON THE TIME NECESSARY TO

REVIEW THE BUDGET.

Except for those matters specifically exempted under the State Statute and Local Ordinance, the Board shall

provide an opportunity for public comment prior to the undertaking by the Board of any action on the agenda.

Public comment shall also be heard on any proposition which the Board is to take action which was either not

on the Board agenda or distributed to the public prior to the commencement of the meeting.

Anyone who may wish to appeal any decision which may be made at this meeting will need to ensure that a

verbatim record of the proceedings is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal

will be based.

Anyone who needs a special accommodation for this meeting may contact the County’s Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at (772) 226-1223 at least 48 hours in advance of meeting. Anyone who

needs special accommodation with a hearing aid for this meeting may contact the Board of County Commission

Office at 772-226-1490 at least 20 hours in advance of the meeting.