[2:12] >> Please fill out a speaker card.

[2:16] Each person addressing the board shall have three minutes

[2:19] to complete his or her comments on each agenda item for which he

[2:23] or she has filled out a card.

[2:25] The chair has the discretion to determine or alter the time

[2:28] limits on any agenda item.

[2:29] The Board of County Commissioners requests

[2:32] that speakers appearing under the public Comment

[2:34] section of the agenda limit their comments or presentations

[2:37] to matters relating to county business that

[2:40] are within the board's control, authority, and jurisdiction.

[2:46] >> Okay our invocation today will be given by doctor Bob

[2:49] Bostic.

[2:50] Technically where unable to start till 505

[2:55] so you have a long floor.

[2:56] You can give a long prayer.

[3:02] Thank you for --

[3:04] >> You're welcome let us pray heavenly father God

[3:07] we're so grateful to be here tonight.

[3:09] Thank you for your divine protection all day

[3:12] long and because of you we're here safe.

[3:15] And God tonight as we enter this meeting,

[3:19] we ask for your divine understanding and unity.

[3:24] And we thank you Lord for your divine wisdom.

[3:30] And God we just give you the glory

[3:32] for what you're doing within this board.

[3:34] We pray that you bless them individually.

[3:39] Bless their families, keep them safe, in Jesus name.

[3:43] And God as a county our children has gone back

[3:48] to school and Lord, we pray for blessings and protection

[3:53] for every school and in Brevard County.

[3:56] God we plead the blood of Jesus over them.

[3:59] That should keep them safe all year long.

[4:04] However they get to school, ride the bus, walk,

[4:08] mother father grandmother take them to school,

[4:12] God protect them and keep them focused this year

[4:15] God help them to be attentive.

[4:18] In the classroom.

[4:20] Bless the teachers God with divine wisdom.

[4:22] Help them Lord to help those that are in need

[4:26] of just a little extra help.

[4:29] Give to them that insight God.

[4:31] And we thank you for doing that.

[4:34] Of course, bless the superintendent.

[4:37] And his staff.

[4:39] And we thank you for leading and guiding

[4:42] them to help us turn this year.

[4:46] And God, of course our policeman's.

[4:51] And our firemen's.

[4:53] And our mayors and city commissioners.

[4:56] Bless them abundantly.

[4:58] Keep them as well.

[5:01] Safe Lord.

[5:02] As they do their jobs to keep us safe.

[5:06] And we give you to glory as a whole, as a county, for blessing

[5:11] this county Lord.

[5:13] And yes, the United States of America, we pray as a whole.

[5:18] Bring our troops home safe.

[5:21] And we just think thank you for what you're doing.

[5:24] Within us all in Jesus name I pray.

[5:26] Amen.

[5:27] >> Amen thank you so appropriate.

[5:30] School crossing guards are a part

[5:32] of this budget we're voting on today so.

[5:34] School prayer is very Appropriate.

[5:37] Okay.

[5:38] Today, we'll have --

[5:43] Commissioner Bridget lead us in the pledge.

[5:50] >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States

[5:52] of America and to the Republic for which it stands,

[5:52] one nation under God, indivisible,

[5:54] with liberty and justice for all.

[6:08] Chair Altman: Almost there.

[6:09] This agenda.

[6:11] >> Mr. Chair could I make a motion to allow Commissioner

[6:15] Goodson to participate by phone?

[6:17] >> I'll second.

[6:21] Chair Altman: Okay there's a motion

[6:23] in a second to allow Commissioner Goodson

[6:25] to participate by phone.

[6:26] All in favor say aye.

[6:29] Motion carries unanimously.

[6:31] Okay that works out perfect it's 505.

[6:34] So we can begin.

[6:37] So public hearing, we'll start with D1 the item agenda D1.

[6:44] Jim.

[6:44] Go ahead.

[6:45] >> All right thank you Mr. Chair.

[6:48] Item D1 allows for the reading of the tentative aggregate

[6:51] operated military to fund the portion of the fiscal year

[6:54] 2026 2027 budget.

[6:56] That is supported by property taxes.

[6:59] At this time I will ask the Budget Office

[7:00] to read into the record the tentative aggregate millage rate

[7:03] for FY, fiscal year 2026 2027.

[7:09] >> The aggregate quantitative military for 2026 2027 is 4.7492

[7:14] the tentative aggregate military represents a 6.12% increase when

[7:19] compared to the aggregate rollback rate of 4.4753.

[7:22] The tentative aggregate military represents a 5.75% increase when

[7:27] compared to the current fiscal year 2025 2026

[7:30] aggregate military of 4.4909.

[7:36] >> Commissioners as approved by the Board on July 21st 2026,

[7:40] tentative militias have been set at the rates required to fund

[7:43] board priorities.

[7:44] Including the Animal Care Center,

[7:46] roadway improvements jail infrastructure and other county

[7:49] facilities.

[7:50] Additionally tax rates are set to mitigate impacts

[7:53] newly mandated expenses while ensuring reserves

[7:55] are adequately funded.

[7:56] Agenda item D2, the board will hear comments from the public

[8:01] and then discuss the mileages and associated revenue

[8:03] and agenda item D three.

[8:05] >> Okay great no vote is required on this point.

[8:09] Our next item is agenda item d2.

[8:12] >> All right thank you Mr. Chair item D2 allows for the public

[8:15] to comment on the revised tentative county budget

[8:18] for fiscal year 2026 2027.

[8:20] Before we begin public comment I would ask the Budget Office

[8:23] read into the record the revised tentative budget information.

[8:27] >> The fiscal year 2026 2027 budget is $2,425,838,420.

[8:33] This budget represents a decrease of $161,915,446

[8:40] or 6.2.6 percent less than the fiscal year 2025 2026.

[8:48] Current budget of $2,587,753,866.

[8:58] >> And Mr. Chair we are now ready to set public comments

[9:02] on revised fiscal budget for year 2020 627.

[9:08] >> First comment is Richard Heffelfinger.

[9:18] >> Good evening couple Jennifer Drive district one.

[9:22] I'm going to make my final plea to try to help control some

[9:25] of the costs for our citizens.

[9:27] I believe that designating the animal facility

[9:31] is not a critical need or an emergency.

[9:34] And I would like to ask the board to remove $5 million

[9:37] designated for that.

[9:39] From the increase over the proposed millage.

[9:42] To the General fund.

[9:44] The reason that I say that it's not critical

[9:47] is it's an animal care facility that currently is one,

[9:50] yet it's 30 years old I realize that.

[9:52] But I don't see that as meeting the requirements of being

[9:55] critical or an emergency need.

[9:57] I also believe that the animal care facility back in, let's see

[10:04] we had a meeting on -- oh jeez when was it.

[10:11] Where we had a budget adjustment,

[10:13] a third quarter budget adjustment.

[10:15] And it was identified where you guys actually

[10:18] saw some general fund savings or I shouldn't say savings permit

[10:22] there were increases due to funds interest

[10:24] and you applied them at that time

[10:26] towards some of the stuff that was

[10:27] identified as critical need in the workshop.

[10:29] There was also one that identified

[10:31] at almost $5 million additional increase in what the Sheriff had

[10:37] in his 410 fund Mstu.

[10:40] And that has been added to the proposed budget.

[10:43] It shows that he's got a carry forward now

[10:45] of it's almost $8 million.

[10:48] And it shows that only about half of that was allocated,

[10:51] so there's this almost, that animal shelter

[10:55] funding in that Mstu fund that's not being expended this year.

[10:58] I think if it's a critical need and emergency

[11:00] and since animal care facility falls under the Sheriff,

[11:03] I believe that he could go back and allocate that money,

[11:06] you could get both things and reduce

[11:07] the cost in the general fund to the taxpayers.

[11:11] And that's what I would like to see

[11:13] happen is a motion to remove the 5 million

[11:15] and then maybe a recommendation to the Sheriff,

[11:18] I don't know who allocates this budget how

[11:20] those decisions are made.

[11:21] I know you give it to him.

[11:22] But I would like to see him say that that is a priority

[11:26] or critical for him since it's under his funding.

[11:28] And move some of that money that he does have.

[11:30] Thank you.

[11:31] >> Thank you.

[11:33] Dalton Simpson, our next speaker.

[11:41] >> Hey how are you guys doing tonight?

[11:43] My name is Dalton Simpson and I'm

[11:45] coming here to speak to you guys about the Strat League baseball

[11:48] fields.

[11:48] In cocoa.

[11:50] Recently come on a few pictures and stuff

[11:53] have been brought to my concern with they

[11:55] sword, the flooding, and baseball

[11:58] I believe baseball seasons, if it hasn't already

[12:01] started it's about to start.

[12:02] Right now with the heavy rain, it's

[12:04] starting to cause a lot of flooding, a lot of sod.

[12:06] I see that you guys and I'm just starting to get into this,

[12:09] I see you guys got like a deal with cocoa

[12:12] but they're more in supposed to take

[12:14] care of like the structures and stuff,

[12:16] and you guys are supposed to maintain

[12:19] the fields and irrigation and then any stuff like that.

[12:23] So basically, to get started, good evening my name

[12:26] is Dalton Simpson and I'm here tonight

[12:28] to speak about the flooding and ongoing conditions

[12:30] at Strat League baseball fields.

[12:32] This is about more than what grass or field looking bad,

[12:36] this is about a public facility that our children, families,

[12:39] coaches and community are supposed

[12:40] to be able to use safely.

[12:42] When these fields still flooded they

[12:43] can't be maintained properly.

[12:45] Practices and games are affected,

[12:47] the fields deteriorate and it creates safety concerns

[12:49] for the kids using them.

[12:51] What I'm asking the county tonight is simple.

[12:54] We need answers.

[12:54] We need to know what is actually causing the flooding, who

[12:58] is responsible for addressing it,

[13:00] and what the plan is to fix it.

[13:01] It is a drainage issue, is there a problem

[13:04] with the ditches covert swells stormwater?

[13:07] System or the grading of the property?

[13:10] I'm sorry.

[13:11] I'm a little nervous.

[13:13] >> You're doing great.

[13:18] You're finding your way.

[13:21] Maybe -- I have seen pictures of strategy as it's a mess and it

[13:26] is a public safety.

[13:27] I feel bad for those kids.

[13:28] Jim did you?

[13:30] >> Mr. Simpson I haven't read it but I saw part of the email

[13:34] and an email chain going through our parks folks have worked with

[13:36] the City of Cocoa in a bunch of issues.

[13:39] Flooding was in there, septic to sewer was in there.

[13:42] And that gentleman right there, where is he.

[13:45] Ian gonna if you want to meet with him as soon as you're

[13:48] done speaking, he can give you an update on what's going on.

[13:51] >> I've seen his name too and I also see you guys lost a lot

[13:54] of money these past few years on that part of funding to.

[13:58] So this is the thing.

[14:00] I don't -- I play baseball there my mom did as well.

[14:04] My child's young right now.

[14:05] I just see a lot of people talking about it

[14:06] but that's all they do is talk on the internet.

[14:08] I wanted to show them this is where you come

[14:10] and where if you want to see changes happen

[14:12] this is where you got to do it.

[14:13] So I appreciate you guys giving me that time.

[14:15] I found my spot if you want me to finish.

[14:17] If not -- I apologize.

[14:20] So pretty much here it is.

[14:22] This is the ending.

[14:27] And grading the property.

[14:29] Whatever the cause is I'm asking for the county

[14:31] to inspect the problem, give the community a clear answer,

[14:35] our kids deserve a safe playable baseball field,

[14:37] the coaches and parents who volunteer their time

[14:40] deserve better and the taxpayers deserve

[14:42] to know that our parks and recreational facilities

[14:45] are being maintained.

[14:46] I'm not here tonight just to complain,

[14:48] I'm here because I want to help get something done.

[14:51] So I'm asking the county to identify

[14:53] the department responsible, which you just did,

[14:57] and inspect the flooding engineering

[14:58] conditions at Bradley Park and provide

[15:00] the community with a real plan and timeline

[15:03] for correcting the problem.

[15:04] A lot of people in the community care about these fields

[15:06] and we're paying attention.

[15:08] We just want to see strategy become safe, usable baseball

[15:12] field for our kids and before I finish

[15:14] I want to say rest in peace coach Keith Warden

[15:17] his impact on these kids in this baseball community

[15:20] should not be forgotten.

[15:21] Thank you.

[15:22] >> Thank you for being here and I know I share your concern I

[15:26] know the commission as well up there.

[15:29] That district and anything we can possibly do.

[15:32] I've personally come up I feel your pain

[15:34] I live through the same thing with my kids.

[15:36] We had mud fields in Viera now look at them.

[15:39] Med fields and Med Island they've gotten better.

[15:42] So.

[15:43] This is important come out these kids

[15:46] so I appreciate you being here and bringing attention.

[15:48] >> I remember there was a time when Cocoa went away from being

[15:52] in the Little League World Series they produced a lot

[15:54] of good stuff so thank you.

[15:55] I appreciate everybody.

[15:56] >> Ian right there.

[15:59] Yes.

[16:00] Chair Altman: Thank you.

[16:02] Okay I think that's all of our cards in D2.

[16:05] Okay.

[16:06] We will move on to no vote required at this point.

[16:12] We'll move on to item, agenda item D3.

[16:16] >> All right commissioners item D3 is recommended,

[16:21] it is recommended that the Board of County Commissioners discuss

[16:24] a tentatively adopt the fiscal year 2026 2027 millage rates.

[16:29] This item reflects the rates that were approved

[16:31] by the board in July of 2026.

[16:34] The countywide General fund ad valorem military

[16:36] has been tentatively set at the critical need rate of 3.094 to.

[16:42] This rate will require supermajority vote

[16:45] for the approval and in accordance

[16:46] with the county's charter cap and the state statute.

[16:49] Additionally any millage rate set above the rollback rate

[16:52] now requires at least a supermajority approval

[16:55] as a result of recent legislation associated

[16:57] with property taxes.

[16:58] Any changes to the millage rates under this item's, excuse me,

[17:03] let me resay that.

[17:04] Any changes to the millage rates under this item

[17:06] will be recomputed and announced under item D4.

[17:11] Chair Altman: Okay we do have One card.

[17:17] JJ Wolsey?

[17:29] >> Good afternoon honorable commissioners,

[17:32] county manager and of course I can't forget County Attorney.

[17:35] My name is Josh Woolsey.

[17:37] I'm not only a staff representative

[17:38] for the coastal Florida PPA.

[17:40] But I am a proud retired member of the Brevard County Sheriff's

[17:44] Office where I retired after 32 years of experience.

[17:47] With, as a Deputy Sheriff.

[17:49] On behalf of the coastal Flor PBA

[17:52] and hundreds of members that we represent, several hundred

[17:56] with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office,

[17:58] we are proud to stand before you tonight.

[18:01] As a collective bargaining unit representative the Sheriff's

[18:04] office, we have been blessed to represent an extraordinary group

[18:08] of men and women who passionately work together

[18:10] every day to keep this country safe.

[18:13] We also consider ourselves very lucky

[18:16] to have exceptional leadership in our commissioners,

[18:20] County manager, and the Sheriff who considers public safety

[18:24] number one.

[18:25] Brevard County is very unique to manage.

[18:29] We understand that.

[18:31] But through the tremendous relationships

[18:33] we all have forged, your support, your leadership,

[18:37] and your faith in us means so very much.

[18:40] And we can't thank you enough for making Brevard the safest

[18:45] county in Florida.

[18:46] Thank you.

[18:47] Chair Altman: Thank you.

[18:50] I think that is our final card and this, now the vote

[18:54] is required to have a vote tentatively

[18:57] adopt FY 2627 millage rates.

[19:01] Motion to approve.

[19:03] Is there a second?

[19:04] Second.

[19:05] Any discussion, debate?

[19:08] All those in favor say yea.

[19:11] Opposed.

[19:13] Passes four one.

[19:15] With Commissioner Feltner voting against.

[19:18] I heard him.

[19:20] That was a yay wasn't it?

[19:23] Commissioner Goodson?

[19:24] >> Sorry that was a yay.

[19:27] Chair Altman: Thank you.

[19:29] Okay.

[19:30] Next item.

[19:31] Item agenda D for Jim?

[19:34] >> Thank you Mr. Chair.

[19:37] Item differ based on the approved changes

[19:38] and millage rates of approved on the agenda item D3 I would now

[19:42] ask the Budget Office to read into the effort

[19:44] the revised aggregate >> The aggregate rollback

[19:48] rate for the fiscal year 2026 2027 budget is 4.4753.

[19:53] The aggregate tentative millage rate

[19:55] for the fiscal year 2026 2027 budget is 4.7492.

[20:00] The tentative aggregate millage rate

[20:03] is 6.12% more than the aggregate rollback rate.

[20:09] Chair Altman: Okay.

[20:10] Do we have any cards?

[20:12] We have no cards on this item.

[20:15] And no vote is required at this moment.

[20:18] So we'll move to agenda item D5.

[20:20] >> Thank you Mr. Chair.

[20:22] In accordance with the Brevard County Code of Ordinances,

[20:26] a requested adoption of fiscal Year

[20:28] 2026 2027 budgets for the following agencies.

[20:32] A solid waste management, b stormwater utility department,

[20:37] c fire services Non-ad valorem assessment,

[20:40] and D Millburn Tillman Water Control District.

[20:44] Chair Altman: Okay board vote is required

[20:46] to adopt budgets for these districts and programs.

[20:49] >> Make a motion to adopt.

[20:52] Chair Altman: There's a motion to adopt

[20:55] solid waste stormwater (Indistinct) is there a second?

[20:59] There's a second.

[21:00] Any discussion debate?

[21:01] All those in favor say aye?

[21:03] Yay.

[21:04] Opposed.

[21:06] Carries unanimously.

[21:08] Okay we will move to D6 Utility services.

[21:13] >> Thanks Mr. Chair.

[21:15] It is requested that the governing

[21:17] board of the barefoot Bay Water and Sewer District

[21:19] approve a resolution adopting a budget for the fiscal year

[21:22] 2026 2027.

[21:25] Chair Altman: Board vote is required to (Indistinct)

[21:30] water and Sewer district.

[21:31] Motion B in order.

[21:33] A motion to approval.

[21:36] Second.

[21:37] All in favor say aye aye.

[21:44] Opposed carries unanimously.

[21:47] Thank you we will move to agenda item seven.

[21:50] D7.

[21:51] >> Thank you Mr. Chair.

[21:54] Based on the action taken during this public hearing,

[21:56] I now ask that the Budget Office read in record

[21:59] the revised tentative budget for the fiscal year 2026 2027.

[22:05] >> Chair and Board of County Commissioners the revised

[22:08] tentative budget for 2026 2027 is $2,425,830,420,

[22:14] this represents a decrease of $161,915,446.

[22:20] Or 6.26% less than the fiscal year 2025,

[22:27] 2026 current budget of $2,587,753,866.

[22:37] >> Mr. Chair I request tentative approval of a resolution

[22:40] adopting the fiscal year 2026 2027 Brevard County Budget.

[22:45] Chair Altman: A motion to approve is there a second?

[22:50] A motion seconded tentatively approve the resolution

[22:53] of fiscal Year 2026 2027.

[22:57] Budget.

[22:58] All in favor say aye aye.

[23:01] [Members voting]

[23:01] Chair Altman: Opposed?

[23:04] Budget passes for one with Commissioner Feltman

[23:07] voting against.

[23:08] That concludes the tentative budget hearing

[23:11] and now moving on to more reports.

[23:14] We have D eight.

[23:18] >> Sorry a typo D eight utility barefoot bay utility rate

[23:24] resolution.

[23:24] Sorry.

[23:27] Chair Altman: Let me pull that out here.

[23:34] >> Mr. Chair we have 85 --

[23:36] Chair Altman: For some reason my agenda --

[23:51] Eddie we're ready.

[23:57] >> Good evening.

[24:00] D eight is the approval of the barefoot Bay services rate

[24:05] resolution amendment encompassing the barefoot Bay

[24:07] Water and Sewer District.

[24:09] This is the public hearing, we've done the advertisement,

[24:14] we're seeking board direction on the amendment to the rate

[24:18] resolution.

[24:21] Chair Altman:

[24:22] Chair Altman: Okay.

[24:22] We have three cards.

[24:24] First is Sidney James.

[24:44] >> Good evening commissioners.

[24:51] I want to say, there's a reason why the other five wastewater

[24:57] treatment plants in Brevard County

[24:59] are integrated into county system.

[25:02] There's a reason why a decision was never made to pull one out.

[25:08] Or separate all of them.

[25:10] I don't know the reasons why.

[25:14] But it feels like just unfair, I have

[25:21] to go back to that issue of fairness and equality.

[25:26] I know that the commissioners have received letters.

[25:29] It's because you are all part equal members of the governing

[25:34] body of the barefoot Bay Water and Sewer District.

[25:38] It doesn't fall on Commissioner Atkinson.

[25:40] The person who spoke about baseball field flooding, that's

[25:44] one district.

[25:45] All commissioners agree they don't want flooded baseball

[25:48] fields.

[25:49] Even if it's not in your district.

[25:51] We don't have a great rationale that

[25:56] would save your commissioner, your constituents money

[26:00] to integrate us sooner or you Mr. Altman.

[26:03] Or Mr. Feltner or Mr. Goodman.

[26:08] We are in favor of the rollback of 2025 rates

[26:14] by 5.55% with no further rate increases through 2030.

[26:20] We have read the rate analysis and we are in agreement of that.

[26:25] So we are due to vote yes.

[26:28] We also ask that you consider sunsetting,

[26:32] we are pleased that you have voted to sunset our district

[26:36] and integrate us into the countywide system.

[26:38] We just ask that you reconsider, and we'll probably

[26:43] continue asking that to do it sooner,

[26:46] to provide some meaningful relief for us.

[26:49] I would ask a question though that I would love an answer

[26:53] tonight if possible.

[26:56] Mr. Fontenot said on the August 4th meeting here that

[27:01] our utility is not in compliance with the DEP.

[27:04] We would like to know if that's true

[27:06] or not, and if so in what way.

[27:09] And if fines are being paid because of it.

[27:13] And I would like to ask each of you

[27:16] if you would share why you were in favor of integrating us

[27:21] into the countywide system once the bonds are

[27:24] paid but not sooner and leave it letting

[27:27] us continue to pay our bonds.

[27:29] Thank you.

[27:36] [Applause]

[27:37] >> Will mark those questions in here after we hear

[27:39] everyone's input.

[27:40] Next is Hannah Rylander?

[27:52] >> Good evening Mr. Chair members of the Commission.

[27:55] I am here also to support the rollback of our fees

[28:01] for 2026 back to the 2025 rates.

[28:06] 5.15%.

[28:07] And also, hold on.

[28:12] I am used to this and I should have this information memorized

[28:18] by now.

[28:22] And no further rate increases as has been stated

[28:25] and we really appreciate that.

[28:27] I mean -- the biggest reason that we're so concerned about

[28:31] this is because we have a lot of low income people living

[28:34] in our community.

[28:35] And these are retirees who are on fixed incomes

[28:38] and they are, they're hurting and our economy

[28:41] is pretty bad right now.

[28:43] So that's our mission here.

[28:46] Is to see what we can do to help them.

[28:49] And we're very happy that you're going

[28:53] to sunset our treatment plant.

[28:55] But again, there has to be some way that it

[28:59] will be beneficial to the county at large

[29:01] as well as the barefoot Bay water Sewer District customers.

[29:06] To have us integrated sooner.

[29:07] And we're going to try to work on

[29:09] that because we have inundated Commissioner Atkinson with lots

[29:14] of data.

[29:15] And we're continuing to research this

[29:17] but trying to figure out the numbers and how do they mesh.

[29:22] How is it that it would be beneficial to both parties

[29:24] without incurring any additional costs for them.

[29:27] It's important to us.

[29:28] As well.

[29:29] And I know it's important to you as well.

[29:32] So let's say.

[29:33] And then the bond that of course.

[29:35] We are still committed and understand

[29:37] that that is our obligation.

[29:38] And that we will pay that.

[29:40] And so if there is the possibility of integrating us

[29:44] sooner, then the end of 2029 beginning January 1st of 2030.

[29:51] We really would appreciate if you continued to work on that

[29:55] and look into that, it's important, it's very important.

[29:58] And the only, and that we would look to the bond debt

[30:06] as a separate line item.

[30:08] We're committed to paying that.

[30:09] We absolutely are.

[30:11] So thank you very much for your time.

[30:12] Appreciate it very much and please vote yes. (Laughs)

[30:16] Chair Altman: Thank you so much.

[30:18] Thank you.

[30:21] [Applause]

[30:21] Chair Altman: John?

[30:23] >> Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

[30:32] Here's a copy of what I gave miss Atkinson is

[30:36] over 500 copies of petitions.

[30:38] For what we're talking about.

[30:41] I also agree, we want to be integrated as soon as possible

[30:46] and we are thankful for the sunset.

[30:48] And the rollback we'd like to say.

[30:52] What I do understand is the dilemma

[30:56] that you have with your constituents.

[31:00] And here's what I would say to them because you're

[31:03] going to have to say something.

[31:06] I would say to them that you inherit

[31:11] what your predecessors did.

[31:13] Which was the wrong thing.

[31:15] And for a couple dollars a month that it's

[31:19] going to cost you constituents, it

[31:21] would be an immense relief to the people of barefoot Bay

[31:24] to correct that wrong.

[31:26] That's what I would say.

[31:28] And I want to follow it up with this.

[31:30] I want to put more time on this last couple sentences.

[31:33] So I retire from federal police officer.

[31:36] And during my time of being a police officer,

[31:41] some officers came in one day and told me have been situation

[31:45] during in-service.

[31:46] It was very bad.

[31:47] It was so bad that the military would not

[31:51] participate in that situation.

[31:53] Because of the serious, it could of physical harm

[31:57] and possibly death.

[31:58] I wrote up that incident.

[32:01] And I sent it through the proper channels.

[32:04] It wasn't long after that that I got a visit at 430

[32:07] in the morning I work night shift from my captain, when

[32:10] a captain comes in to see you at 430 in the morning that's

[32:13] not a good thing.

[32:15] He proceeded to tell me that he believed I did the right thing

[32:21] and did it the right way.

[32:23] And it definitely is probably saved some lives.

[32:26] But the two sent him in to request a picture of myself

[32:31] to put on his dartboard.

[32:33] And it was a good thing that I had already got promoted.

[32:37] Because I wouldn't see one.

[32:40] Okay?

[32:40] And I had to shower the channels and defend my case which I did.

[32:45] And I gave him an alternative for the solution which they now

[32:49] use.

[32:50] Now that decision I made cost me thousands

[32:54] of dollars in my retirement because I never

[32:57] got promoted after that.

[32:58] And to this day, being retired eight years.

[33:03] I made the right decision.

[33:06] There are consequences for doing something right.

[33:10] And I, and they hurt, on my retirement check.

[33:14] But it was the right thing to do.

[33:16] I would do it again.

[33:17] So I understand you have consequences

[33:20] to your constituents for the decisions you make.

[33:23] And I wanted to share that story with you

[33:25] so you know I understand.

[33:28] Chair Altman: Thank you for sharing that with us.

[33:31] That's all our cards.

[33:34] [Applause]

[33:36] Chair Altman: Miss Atkinson?

[33:38] Vice Chair Adkinson: If there's no board discussion

[33:41] I'd like to make a motion to approve.

[33:43] Chair Altman: Motion to approve and what we are approving is

[33:46] the Board of County Commissioners approve

[33:47] the barefoot Bay Utility Service rate resolution and consider

[33:51] barefoot Bay Water and Sewer District which reduces

[33:54] and maintains reducing rate until sunset on December 31st

[33:58] of 2029.

[34:00] Okay is there a motion in a second all in favor say yay.

[34:07] Opposed nay.

[34:10] Carries unanimously.

[34:11] Thank you.

[34:13] [Applause]

[34:16] Chair Altman: Okay thank you.

[34:19] All right.

[34:23] Okay.

[34:23] I think that's it.

[34:25] Do we have anything else?

[34:26] So let's go to board reports.

[34:28] County manager.

[34:29] >> I have no report thank Chair Altman: County attorney.

[34:35] >> I have no report district chair.

[34:38] Chair Altman: I handed out an item for the

[34:43] >> I would like to direct staff to come back and bring us some

[34:45] information that we could maybe look at doing a local option gas

[34:49] tax of something so we could maybe look over the last next

[34:53] couple of meetings.

[34:53] A lot of that will weigh upon, if we get this

[34:57] and it's a user fee you guys next year would maybe

[35:00] not be able to have to do anything different with taxes

[35:02] or lower them if we get more money coming in

[35:04] with this to help cover roads infrastructure.

[35:07] So if you guys are willing I'd like

[35:09] to get a motion to set to staff to go put together

[35:12] some information for us.

[35:16] Chair Altman: Okay.

[35:17] >> I'll second the motion but I have a question if I may.

[35:23] My question would just be how does this plan come up

[35:26] because I don't know, how does this play into people who drive

[35:28] electric cars on our roads?

[35:30] It doesn't?

[35:31] So what do we do about that?

[35:33] Does anybody have any thoughts?

[35:35] >> Can I say one thing.

[35:38] I'm sorry Mr. Chair.

[35:39] Chair Altman: Yes go ahead.

[35:44] Commissioner Feltner: When gas tax was conceived

[35:46] this was an easy thing when the person who owned the pump

[35:50] was the tax collector.

[35:51] So it has changed drastically and so

[35:56] when you increase these things, you're

[36:00] continuing to get an increase share of declining market.

[36:05] So you're not really addressing the problem.

[36:07] Because cars are, I mean it's a good thing,

[36:10] are becoming more efficient they're more electric cars there

[36:13] are more hybrids.

[36:14] Rideshare, there's all kinds of things.

[36:18] So it's not a long term fix at all.

[36:22] You'll continue, I mean Florida Department of Transportation

[36:26] and Federal Department of Transportation officials

[36:30] are looking at something different

[36:32] because they know that gas tax revenue will continue to shrink.

[36:37] So that's -- I won't be voting for that but I just want

[36:42] to share with you that that's the problem with gas tax.

[36:46] >> I think if we just get some data back let staff bring us

[36:50] the numbers and the amount I'm not going to be here next time

[36:53] you guys do budgets I went through this one.

[36:55] It's tough it's either that or you're

[36:56] going to be cutting a lot of people's pace in.

[36:58] So I would rather just try to figure out

[37:00] a way we can do this because we can't keep taxing our citizens

[37:03] like we are.

[37:04] It's getting tough out there.

[37:06] And people are having a really hard time trying

[37:08] to pay their bills and it's not just on taxes it's everything.

[37:11] Peanut butter has gone from 378 to 7 something

[37:15] and it's just it's just wild so I thought it's something to look

[37:19] out for you guys in the future.

[37:20] And so I'd like to just have staff come back

[37:23] and find some data for us.

[37:26] >> Commissioner if I may.

[37:29] If I can just share about the timeline for this

[37:31] because depending on the direction

[37:34] the board looks at going, it could be important.

[37:37] There are two ways to unlock any of the gas taxes

[37:40] that aren't currently opposed here

[37:42] and one is by referendum and a general election.

[37:45] The deadline for 2026 for that passed in August.

[37:48] So no referendum this year and we're

[37:50] two years away from another referendum date.

[37:53] A supermajority, majority plus one vote could impose the gas

[37:59] tax, in order for that to be effective January 1st of 2027,

[38:05] the board would have to do that on or before October 1st of this

[38:08] year, we only have one regular meeting which is next week

[38:12] before then.

[38:12] So for anything to take effect 2027,

[38:16] next week's meeting would pretty much be the only opportunity

[38:20] to do that.

[38:21] If we're only talking about it for planning out into the future

[38:24] and if January 1st 2028 implementation date is okay,

[38:29] then we don't have that time pressure.

[38:30] I just don't want to bring back a lot of information for you

[38:33] at some point down the road and say but we didn't tell you

[38:35] it would be too late when we brought this

[38:37] to really do anything about it.

[38:38] So I wanted to share that timeline.

[38:40] >> I should have done this earlier but.

[38:43] Can a new board after they get the data look at it

[38:47] still like in December?

[38:48] Can they still?

[38:49] >> They can look at it in December but they wouldn't do

[38:53] anything that could take effect until the earliest would be

[38:56] January 28th at that point.

[38:58] >> You have another question.

[39:00] So if we did get the information right now,

[39:03] would it be outdated or useless?

[39:05] Later?

[39:06] Or would it still be relevant?

[39:10] >> I mean I assume it would still be relevant obviously

[39:13] the more data becomes the less relevant it is

[39:16] but if it's looked at, reasonable amount of time.

[39:24] >> But we could do it still put it on the ballot.

[39:27] Down the road to.

[39:28] >> Could put it on the ballot for the general election in 2028

[39:32] which means it can take effect in 2029 or by supermajority vote

[39:36] prior to October of next year the board could do something

[39:38] and it would take effect January 1st of 2028 but next meeting

[39:41] literally is the only opportunity if you want to do

[39:44] something for next year.

[39:45] >> So this can be something if amendment three goes through it

[39:49] will give you tools on the ballot later so.

[39:51] Just a thought.

[39:55] Chair Altman: I think it's prudent we could have had it

[39:57] on this year's ballot but there's

[39:58] a lot on this year's ballot already

[40:00] and I fear that we're overloading it.

[40:03] So we'll take a look at it.

[40:06] The electric car solution could be that service fee.

[40:10] Tax.

[40:11] That everybody would pay.

[40:13] You could put that on the electric bill

[40:15] and you could capture some of the road improvements

[40:18] from utilization of people with electric cars.

[40:22] >> Is it possible to do when they register their car?

[40:25] I mean I have no idea I just don't know.

[40:28] Chair Altman: If you're charging your car

[40:30] and you're paying a fee on the electricity and that money

[40:34] then would be going to roads.

[40:36] Then electric consumers would be paying more their fair share.

[40:41] >> Is that something staff could also look into in addition to?

[40:46] >> Can I say one thing about that just real quick.

[40:49] For the people who buy gas powered

[40:51] cars you would be taxing them twice because there's

[40:54] no way on an electric utility that you could just say well

[40:57] we're gonna charge the people who are

[41:00] charging the car in the garage.

[41:02] I'm not trying to be difficult. I'm just saying,

[41:05] Chair Altman: They would be paying more in electricity so.

[41:09] Because they're not charging their car

[41:12] they would not be charging as much.

[41:14] >> If you consume less electricity.

[41:17] You could say the same thing about the gas tax.

[41:20] I drive less or I drive for more efficient car

[41:22] and pay less gas tax.

[41:24] Chair Altman: It does help a little bit.

[41:26] It's not perfect.

[41:27] But at least if you're charging your car in your garage

[41:31] so you're going to be using more electricity than if you're

[41:34] paying on the electric bill you would capture that.

[41:37] >> But if there was a flat fleet at electric at registration

[41:41] of electric vehicle.

[41:43] Chair Altman: You could do that that would probably

[41:45] require state law.

[41:48] That's a good discussion we could have --

[41:51] >> The state has looked at that in a few legislative sessions

[41:55] it's been floated early on but has never gotten much traction.

[41:58] >> Didn't they have impact fee 30 years ago on new cars

[42:01] registered in the state and the court overturned that and said

[42:04] you can't do that, you can't charge a new person to the state

[42:08] more for their vehicle registration than somebody

[42:10] who's here currently?

[42:12] My vague recollection from 30 years ago was that was the case.

[42:16] >> I don't recall that but that would make sense.

[42:20] >> So I don't know how that's workable.

[42:23] >> I don't know about electric cars so I don't know.

[42:27] But you know about the stuff they plug in would there be some

[42:31] way to tap into that at different --

[42:34] >> Tax collector is going to say something but when you plug

[42:36] in to one of the charging things out there in the world,

[42:40] you might use your credit card or something like that.

[42:43] To pay whoever owns that because you're paying just like you

[42:47] would if you were going to a gas station.

[42:49] >> The 295 registration initial registration fee you discussed

[42:53] was ruled that it was creating two separate classes

[42:58] of taxpayers.

[42:59] And it was done away with.

[43:02] >> Is that by court or is that by --

[43:06] >> By court.

[43:08] You were in the legislature when it initially passed,

[43:11] I don't think you were there -- you may have been there when it

[43:14] was struck down.

[43:17] So that's what that was.

[43:19] It was creating two separate classes of taxpayers

[43:22] but you would also have to be careful of double taxation.

[43:27] >> Miss Cullen is there something that the electric car

[43:31] people, I'm sorry I'm really (Indistinct) have to do

[43:36] different to do any kind of charging fee at public places?

[43:39] That you know of?

[43:41] >> No we at the Division of Safety and Motor Vehicles we do

[43:47] not capture what type of power the car uses.

[43:52] So that would have to be a lot of legislation passed.

[43:57] Chair Altman: But if we did have that local service.

[44:02] Fee or tax.

[44:04] That charge for electricity it would capture some of it

[44:08] because an electric car users are going

[44:10] to be buying more electricity.

[44:14] >> I'm kind of thinking about the tourists that come through

[44:17] and they've got to pull over and charge up somewhere

[44:20] so that's what I'm thinking instead of it just being

[44:22] on the citizens here that everybody that drives through

[44:25] the area helps pay for it that's why I thought the gas --

[44:29] Chair Altman: Be a part of the service fee those charges

[44:32] in the county --

[44:34] >> If they have an electric bill yes.

[44:38] >> Looking at the numbers coming in this will help alleviate you

[44:41] guys for next year and hopefully we can not raise taxes next year

[44:45] at all and still be able to cover costs.

[44:47] But the amendment three is looking pretty daunting

[44:54] >> I'm not gonna call that one.

[44:58] [Laughter]

[44:59] >> Mr. Chair.

[45:00] Again not to be difficult but if you're charging electric vehicle

[45:04] with solar, there is no, there's not

[45:08] going to be a fee from a tax collector.

[45:11] Chair Altman: That's right that's exactly --

[45:14] and good for you if you're using solar --

[45:17] >> I'm with you I gave you guys a little solar panel

[45:19] to demonstrate that you can do this.

[45:21] And thankfully there's no one charging

[45:24] you to charge your phone up or what have you.

[45:27] So we would get nothing.

[45:29] You know for the electric vehicles --

[45:32] Chair Altman: That's not a lot.

[45:35] >> I can share that the last several years with

[45:38] the legislature they have had no appetite to increase fees.

[45:42] So I don't see that being something

[45:45] they would be in favor of.

[45:48] Chair Altman: Have an appetite because they've increased fees

[45:51] on counties and local governments.

[45:53] >> But not fees that are directly connected to them

[45:57] and those fees are.

[45:59] If you don't have any other questions I will sit back down.

[46:03] Chair Altman: You don't have to.

[46:06] >> I don't want to be up there.

[46:10] [Laughter]

[46:10] Chair Altman: Well we have a lot to talk about as we move forward

[46:13] additional budget workshops I think

[46:14] the commission's really done a phenomenal job up to this point.

[46:17] And we have one more budget hearing

[46:19] and if we get through it fine and Jim, I see you.

[46:24] >> Yeah Mr. Chair just a couple questions for you to make

[46:27] the vote is when would you like it brought back.

[46:31] Tax collectors correct but we'll look to see what some states,

[46:34] I vaguely recall some states charging

[46:35] registration fee we can always give you the information.

[46:38] I'll point out the, and I'm gonna

[46:40] get it wrong public utility taxed I believe

[46:42] that's what it's called.

[46:43] That's collected every city collects it

[46:46] with the county does not.

[46:47] So I don't know if you can use it for general funds

[46:50] so you might have some cities already

[46:51] using it for roadways improvements or transportation

[46:54] improvements.

[46:55] And she beat me to it.

[46:58] Third note tax collectors absolutely correct

[47:00] because I bought a car and paid the impact fee

[47:02] and then got it refunded.

[47:04] Those 36 years ago or whatever it was.

[47:12] Chair Altman: Okay.

[47:13] There's a motion and a second.

[47:14] Any discussion?

[47:15] All in favor say aye aye?

[47:19] Opposed?

[47:21] Passes -- Commissioner Goodson I didn't hear you.

[47:27] >> I'm sorry what --

[47:30] Chair Altman: Repeat that motion.

[47:33] >> Yes Commissioner Goodson I would just like to direct staff

[47:37] to come back with data for us next week so that come out this

[47:40] next week so we can look at it and maybe make a decision

[47:45] on whether or not we would be interested in the local option

[47:48] gas tax.

[47:49] Chair Altman: Okay Commissioner I voted yes for that

[47:52] and I'll vote yes again.

[47:54] Chair Altman: Okay yes thank you that's a four one

[47:57] vote with Commissioner Feldner voting against.

[48:00] Okay our next district two.

[48:03] Commissioner Goodson do you have a report?

[48:06] >> Not at all sir.

[48:10] Chair Altman: Commissioner Goodson.

[48:15] >> So I understand today it's the chair's birthday.

[48:18] Does that sound right?

[48:20] So I think we should all sing Happy Birthday.

[48:23] Chair Altman: Oh that would be wonderful thank you.

[48:27] >> Happy birthday to you.

[48:31] Happy birthday to you.

[48:34] Happy birthday dear (Indistinct)

[48:40] [Laughter] Happy birthday to you.

[48:44] [Applause]

[48:47] Chair Altman: Thank you that is a wonderful thought.

[48:49] Appreciate it.

[48:50] It's wonderful.

[48:55] >> (Indistinct)

[48:57] [Laughter]

[48:57] Chair Altman:71 today.

[48:59] 71.

[49:00] I'm thankful to be here.

[49:04] And thankful to all of you.

[49:06] Here today.

[49:07] And I have no report.

[49:09] And I think that's it.

[49:13] The meeting's adjourned.

[49:14] Thank you.

[49:17] >> The opinions expressed by any member of the public during any

[49:20] period of public comment do not necessarily reflect the views

[49:22] or opinions --

Brevard County Board of County Commissioners on 2026-09-08 5:05 PM - 1st Budget Hearing

Agenda

Transcript