Good morning.
>> Welcome back. For the
record. Again, we are public
hearing. I mean, public
workshops are in the public
and public workshop. So we
will not have. Public comment
as such. But if you want to
speak to an item that is
pertinent to the situation, if
you let us know be able to
speak. So at this commissioner
to Collingwood, you lead us in
prayer and commissioner, good
vantage, elitist and a salute
to the flag. If you'd stand
with place.
>> father, we thank you again
for another beautiful day here
could us you've been with us
this week. Listen to different
departments and Lord help us
to make good decisions work
together and do the best thing
for our county. If this is the
day. But the things you do
clarify you in Jesus name,
Amen.
>> allegiance to the flag.
States of America to public
for which it stands. Nation
under indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all.
>> Okay. We're gonna start
fire. Rescue. And that is on
Page one. 97.
>> Commissioners, before you
flip all the way to one 97,
you notice a new page on your
desk. There's page 15 16. The
change there is on Page 16,
Fire Rescue fund when 18.
There was air on the amended
budget for 25. 26. So that has
been corrected to show I
presented budget as is right
now is a 7% increase. As
opposed to 14%. That was on
the last page. That replaces
the page. Well, you know how
to start your presentation
off. I would like to shout out
to our budget Department for.
Very responsive budget season.
It's been absolutely wonderful
working with them season. Any
time we brought something to
them, they've not only been
receptive it. Quick to make
necessary corrections or
explain to me why I was wrong.
Was that that budget reserves
that thing that up.
>> Called you with the way
back from Orlando. Now it was
about the amended budget
number. Answering your
question for yes, okay. We're
page one. 97 now.
>> Yes, sir. So this is for
fire rescue has your where
fire rescue split into 2
separate funds, one for fire,
one for ems. That's based on
the assessments that are
collected for each. Addition
to those funds. We also
receive revenue its billing
and fire inspection services.
Also did just recently changed
our billing ordinance to
change our fees to to update
those to. So fire rescue fire
services. You see some capital
requests to hear fire towers
is funds that we have in this
current fiscal year that we're
working with cip right now.
There's nearing involved in.
Trying to get some of that
done has proved to be a little
bit more time consuming than
anticipated and not not that
I'm not at them because
they're doing it for free. But
kind trying to save money
there. And Justin Nelson and
his crew have been absolutely
wonderful to work with. We've
say a substantial amount of
money on the proposed
renovations to the fire
training grounds. So I'm
excited about that, but that
that is a rollover of those of
that budgeted money. So that's
capital expense there. What
are you doing with the fire
It's not the tower itself. We
we've completed those
renovations. We added lights.
>> And into your next year
lighting that was not put into
the tower and then we built a
pavilion. And next step we're
going to expand the fire
training grounds behind the
pavilion to include some fire
training props, actual live
fire, training, props, and
then also put restroom in the
pavilion.
>> provision was for work.
It's it's a shade structure.
The Yes, sir.
>> The idea there's also the
sheriff's office helped us
with civilian a lot. And the
idea there's also for for us
to be able to use that as a
facility there for our staff
to, you know, we've had
quarterly family nights and
stuff like that are are also
held in that The station for
improvements. Again, that's a
re budget from this current
year. If you recall last year
that was funded and we decide
to leave that in there as a
place holder more more or to
go towards the next fire
station. So instead of making
improvements at station 4 at
the commission's direction,
we're going to just roll that
funds into the construction of
the new fire station. Once we
once that starts. So again,
this is just a re budget from
the current fiscal year.
>> So your definition, so just
for the public's Opportunity
here. Your definition re
budget is just your role and
your your budget it last year.
You're just rolled it over to
this year. So that's not an
increase its funds that we
have not expanded. Just
reallocating to this current.
But right.
>> So the next to the brush
truck and the fire engine are
It's a new concept that we're
trying this year to reduce not
normally, especially the fire
engine would financed purchase
and we would pay loans
interest rate on that. The
last couple years the
commission has been gracious
enough for multiple
departments to pay off those
loans at a landfill trust fund
to save on the interest. So
mistress Eriksen. I thought
that this MAY be a good
opportunity to try. Let's just
purchase a out of the
Landfill. Trust Fund and Fire
Rescue will essentially use
that as a 0 interest loan and
pay that back over the next
mostly some you have a years.
We we appropriated for that 7
or 10. 10 years. You know. It.
We would just replace those
funds back into the landfill.
Trust fund. It is 0, 0%,
interest loan.
>> You pay those funds out of
as sounds. Or just certainly
fire or not this We're doing
the same thing for rescue in
the msi. But this would come
strictly out of 5 risk for
fire funding. Yes, sir. But
the pro struck the brush truck
is just is it.
>> And outright purchase. The
same way. But I am in the
process of working with the
grants department and we feel
extremely favorable to get
over half of that covered with
a with a federal grant.
>> And so the reason for the
The for the Brush Truck is
>> You don't have one. Our
units, a replacement. Yes,
there's repose. 2002. So the
that we have satisfied our
debt service obligation again,
that the landfill trust fund
in this current budget year.
And you can see the change in
our rates are proposed rates
there for fire rescue. I have
the clicker here. Winter
weather wasn't changing it.
All right. So any questions on
the fireside? So on emergency
ems Idamor to medical
services? You can see some
recap a rescue, our cap
request there. We haven't
rescue. The same concept as
the fire engine. That's
575,000. I do believe that.
That will be able to reduce
that. But that is the market
price. And it's just based on
what I'm able to negotiate
with the vendors when that
time comes. But the same
concept there would be a
landfill, trust loan and we
would pay that back over 10
years. The other devices you
see there are devices that
would go on that rescue. So
there's there are capital
expenses to put the stretcher
itself as $25,000 expense and
then the system that that
stretcher hooks into as
another $50,000 expense. And
then the life pack is the
heart monitor. The stared
chair is just a device. We
used to get people in and out
of. We use honestly using more
for single why mobile homes
that we do stairs. We don't
have a lot of high rise
buildings, but it's a very
narrow wheelchair. Basically
that can get down those single
wide hallways. And then the
Lucas devices did cpr machine.
That does the compression
chest compressions. And it's
just and saves us a lot of a
lot of wear and tear on our
employees actually by having
that machine to do cpr. You
know, when you're coming from
a if anybody's ever done cpr,
when you're coming from the
Prairie. 35 minute ride doing
cpr for 30 minutes with 2
people is a. That's a that's a
long ride. Done it a few
times.
>> But let's go back to well,
you don't have to go back to
this post on fire ems on
personnel. You have a 14%
increase just county. Give us
some idea why so, yes, sir, so
that the increase in personnel
is.
>> somewhat in part just to to
the increase personal
expenses, the budgeted raises.
And then we do have 6 new
positions that will be split
between fire and ems.
>> Those new positions, I will
be the first we've hired in
quite some time. We did have
16 in our five-year plan and
we have not heard any of
those. So this will be the
conclusion of our five-year
next year. So we'll be able
instead of 16 will be do. It
was 6 and the large part is,
you know, we've had an
increase in call volume. We've
taken over the city Fire
department, but there's been a
lot of services that we did
not offer it in the past that
we are offering now. Our
employees work. They're
scheduled to work. A 56 hour
work week. And right now I'm
running over time every day.
My pleasure. Averaging a 62.
Our work week with the amount
of overtime that they're
picking up. So this will help
reduce that overtime burden
and then it is also a
preparation for the future. We
do have a station prepared to
be built fan fire department
can't just hire an entire
station when the station opens
in these to gradual steps
because I can't you know, it
would take 15 people to a
minimum to open a new station
and half of those people are
officers. So I can't just go
out and hire supervisors in
the prior service. So Justin,
you're saying that.
>> If you are the 6 people
now, they will be 6 of the 15
for the new fire station. Are
you going to still? At our
intent is is to move some of
our current trucks that out.
But I'm not able to staff
right now like have a second
rescue station, too.
>> The 6 people will help
staff that are more regular
basis right now. There's all
most of the time. It's not
staffed. And then I have the 2
fire engines at station one
right now from when we assume
the services that the city. So
our intent would be to move
one of those fires engines to
the new station and the second
rescue. So it will be the bulk
of them. But I I'm not going
to tell you that I won't need
more people when that station
comes around. But this will be
people. Yes, sir.
>> And how far off in the
future and should already know
this? And I do how far off in
the future. We're looking at
that new station being up and
running. Is that 2 years from
now referred to just moment.
So commissioner, what once we
have the land acquisition, I
would say we're depending on
what design we we can come up
with that. We can find what
we're looking at pre designed
station. So we don't have to
have that one year. Plus and
design. We probably will take
about a year or a little less
than a year for permitting
with storm water and South
Florida water management. So
the goal is to be occupied
within the next 3 years. And
it's all gonna depend on the
sec funding. You know, we're
gonna try to roll some grant
money forward from the design
to use the minimal amount of
of the money that was
allocated through for the
design. So our goal is if we
can get this thing down would
be within the next 3 years to
the best case scenario is 3
years. Yes, sir, that that
would be that would be where I
would say we would be within
the next 3 years will have
that building occupied. I
would like to see it sooner.
But we're still in the
acquisition process. So we're
hoping to have that done and
completed here pretty soon.
Chair. Justin District, a
couple questions. One.
>> What are the additional
services that we're offering
that we didn't know before.
>> It's mostly in our risk
reduction agency where we do
community cpr. We're doing far
more inspections of commercial
buildings than we've ever
done. And including in the
city. When we tweak when we
took over the fire department,
we took over the commercial
inspections within the city
limits. So and then, you know,
we partner with the school. We
teach the teachers cpr and we
first date, we go out to the
H.O.A. Ys and 55 plus
communities and teach them how
to use their 80's and teach
them how to do cpr. And then
every every year we're going
to schools that those type of
of services are the ones that
I was referring to.
Commissioner.
>> All right. Secondly, when
you get the new brush truck,
are you going to surplus the
old one? Yes, All right. In
because you're gonna surplus.
The old one. Were you be able
to take some tools? Off of it
and put it on new brush truck
or the years because it's a
2002. Some of the things that
you have to outfit. List here,
MISTER Chair and wife Packery
those things Hl. I don't know
what.
>> Yes, sir. So those those
specific items go on an
ambulance we will move some
things over. The ama says is a
little bit different we will
be one, but it's all the
equipment on it is outdated.
The brush truck specifically
doesn't have a lot of
equipment on carries water and
pop. But we do. We do take off
anything that before it goes
option we take off anything
that we could think we can
use. Yes or
>> Justin with the hiring of
the 6 new employees this and
cutting back on overtime. MISS
That about a Washington way
over. It is not a wash. It is
a reduction in the cost to the
to the department MISS Lisa
work. Those numbers up for us
and we did see a reduction.
>> And the total cost is not
even close to 50%. It's it's
not a wash on that. But it is
it is a. I want get. The one
of the one of the reasons is
the burden on our employee
6.62 hours a week on average
for employees. Some of them
working substantially more
than that you know it. Comes
to a point you know, we start
worrying about their their
their burnouts and stuff like
that or just simply losing
them to these other
departments around us that
work far less hours. Are you
still?
>> Are you? Are you better
retaining these guys now away?
Just came up a little bit.
Yes, sir. We are doing better.
>> We used our by the end of
this summer, I hope to be
fully staffed. Are put an icon
plus that one time for about 3
weeks. I think during his
tenure and before that, it had
been several years prior
before we since we had been
fully staffed. So I wouldn't
be up here asking for new 2
positions. If I didn't think
that I could feel them. So we
we are we'll be fully staffed
by the end of the summer. Some
of those will be the trainee
positions of allowed me to do
so by the end of this year,
those will be transitioning
and we'll use that trainee
position probably to fill some
of these 6 positions as well.
So it MAY be it MAY be a
little bit less in the initial
hiring face to put those
positions on, but they will
will be back to that hiring
local candidates program. The
House short of a full
compliment. Are you right now?
>> 2 and how much is that
affecting that 6 hours of
overtime for those other guys,
if you had those 2 positions
filled?
>> And did you crunch those
numbers to see if that?
>> So right we allowed to
people off per shift. It's
that that gone on vacation.
Whatever the leave, maybe.
>> That number actually been
the same since I got hired.
>> well, experiences the
usually the overtime is caused
by, you know, someone to be in
school. Someone falling out
sick. This an anticipated. Pix
examples of leave that we're
that we're having to fill over
time for. I don't have any
shifts right now that have
automatic overtime. We did. At
one point we had so many so
many vacancies that I just had
a new that on a ship that was
going to have to run over
every day, regardless of who
was off. So we're not at that
point right now, but certainly
any vacancies do contribute to
the amount of overtime. Well,
and if you have 6 new hires, I
assume they're going to
>> have a spot in a shift of
their own. You'll still have
people falling out sick.
You'll still have people go
into training. I mean, they're
not going to be sitting on the
shelf. I wouldn't think to be.
That actually that actually
kind of the concept. The Esser
is they will be in addition to
we will not increase minimum
staffing with these people.
>> And that's why I in
reference that rescue. 22,
it's not minimum we staff so
we don't required to be
staffed. It's only staff want
to have enough people. So if
if certain people are off,
then we don't staff that truck
to reduce the amount of
overtime I would I would have
to pay overtime every day.
Multiple spots every day to
keep that truck in service. So
this will help do that. But it
won't be. My minimum staffing
right now is 18. It will
remain 18. This will just be
an extra person per shift. To
help maintain that. And so it
if 3 years from now that is
their norm and what they're
used to. Just can't Poland, 6
out of it to stick at the new
station at that and say my.
>> I mean, in concept back and
see it. But then in can he's
going to transfer the units
air. They'll go with their
units. The go with the truck 3
years now. But the unit, we
have the units, but they're
just move them and that we not
don't have a different Ask 3
years from now for. A new
truck for that outfit. A car
truck into ambulance. We've
already got. Yes, sir. To be
asking for as we work to this.
You have replacements to
those.
>> As we go through it. So,
Justin, talk a little bit the
why. Because a lot of people
when listening to us, are
watching here. They don't
really understand why
sometimes. So we talk about
who you're staffing. That one
vehicle were there because you
don't have enough staff. But
on the same instance, we're
running some level of overtime
because you've got to an
enormous amount of calls. So
let's talk about those kind
described the number of calls
and what the how the increased
over say the last 2 years,
roughly yes or so.
>> We actually an end 2021. We
ran about 7500 calls. That was
during covid. It was obviously
a huge peak for us. It went
from somewhere around 6800
calls to that number. It
dipped back down after that
and we have climb back up. We
are on track this year to
around 7800 calls. Which is I
think it's about 7, 7, or 8%
increase.
>> Over last year. So the call
and I don't anticipate that to
slow down. You know, we see
the community building. We see
the community growing and, you
know, my my increased work in
the community development
department. I know that there
are several other subdivisions
coming in. And to your point,
we know that all of those MAY
increase our call volume and
we work with those those
developers as well to help try
to fund some of these things
up front. But the impact fees
have changed that somewhat.
But we do have some developer
agreements in place already
pre impact fee. That to help
cover some of these costs.
>> So if you so if you ended
up having just go down the
path to only had the ability
to get 3 people out of the 6.
What we do with those 3
people.
>> If I had to take 3 people,
I I would still do the same.
The adding to the the force
and not the shift supervisors,
but both of those are in
extreme need for me. And I and
I know everybody comes up here
with extreme needs. You know,
nights and weekends, I don't
have a supervisor able to go
to the calls as they as or
because they're assigned to
fire truck. So if they're on a
call and something critical
comes in, they're not able to
respond to that. So 3, 8, 3,
of these people would allow
that person to being a truck
by themself and respond as a
supervisor to these major
cause. That's what I'm getting
to is I read this. There's 3
people and there's 3.
>> Lieutenant, yes, sir. And
what what I'm trying to avoid.
I'll quite frank you. And I
talked today. I'm trying avoid
building the hierarchy. That
looks like an upside down
triangle. Everybody
understands that when we get
to to have you at the top. The
people down here below. You
have a smaller number of
people, so from a managerial
standpoint, I think I
understand where you're 3. The
3 lieutenants are going to
You're using them as managers
on each individual shifted my
correct?
>> Yes, sir. So they're
actually going to take the
place of my 3 ship captains.
So the shift capital be on a
truck could be a super the
ship captain will oversee 3,
4, lieutenants. Each
lieutenant overseas 3 to 4
other people. So span of
control is well within the the
even now outside of. Public
safety. It's all within. Well,
that's what I'm getting into.
The right is I'm trying to get
you to talk about your span of
control. Yes, sir. That's what
I'm after. Right now. Span of
control to me is is an
essential.
>> Component of when you look
at the number of people you're
hiring is if I got a one to
one ratio and that's not a
good span of control. Yes,
sir. Now I don't know from
afar. Stand when I just I know
previous history and the
previous history, some time
serve you correctly that are
span of control. At one time
was an 8 to one ratio prayed.
So that MAY not be applicable.
In a fire rescue scenario.
Yes, sir. So what's your span?
The span of control in the
fire rescue standpoint.
>> 3 to 3 to 6 is standard
throughout the industry. And I
said where we will be at that
3 to 4, depending on what
shifter station they're at and
also keep in mind that these
are. It's more like a crew
leader. You know, so these
these crews go off. It's not
they're not sitting in an
office where they're able
supervise multiple people.
They're all supervising a crew
full crew and then the ship
captain is supervising all of
the crews. And then all 3 ship
captains report back to the
deputy chief.
>> So you have 3 ships,
captains. And the shift.
Captain. Support time of the
lieutenants for for yes a
lieutenant as as a lieutenant,
as for say how many people
support 3 to 4 remaining their
stations all right. So I we
were going to see these charts
appear what we just showed
that there's a on the
personnel services like that
are almost with a 14%
increase. Is that is that
Epps? Is that correct or
incorrect? That one is
correct. Yes, sir. That is
correct. Commissioner to color
where you finish. Yeah. Just
trying to keep I didn't know.
What do you like? He has
something on trying to keep
>> anyone else. Going go to
ship. And so what pages at
dawn today?
>> Just a couple pages after
our rescue, showbiz on 205, To
own okay, MR. Chair. So as
that conversation done, wars,
that's something that's going
to be part of a Friday. Part
of a Friday. Time I'm sorry,
MISS. And time to give us a
minute pace we need. You need
to decide which way you want
to go with it so we can give
direction.
>> If you want roll back with
a different number, need to do
that. Now. Otherwise they have
nothing to bring back Friday
and that should give direction
on what you what you're
looking to do.
>> Well, I wasn't sure if
Commissioner Burrows, he had
asked the question about if
you could only have 3 and that
seemed like a leading
question. So I didn't know if
if if we just get past it or
not?
>> No, I'm I'm trying to
ascertain the. Can just be
quite frankly. I'm trying to
ascertain the the span of
control. And the issue boils
down to is you know, we're
adding quarter 6 people and
what I I had the conversation
with Justin earlier is that.
Given the fact that we're at a
point now that we don't know
what. Everybody looks at as
about adding people adding
cost weather is arm or whether
it's a special assessment they
look at is from the standpoint
are you doing the right things
for the community? And when we
take take that approach to
say? We're expanding the
number that were expended were
having more coal or were on a
We're track to have more calls
and whether or not they have
to transport somebody, you
don't transport somebody.
That's immaterial to me. That
means have to have a somebody
to roll with Trump. So if have
3 people, if you put 3 people
out there, does that help you
with your overtime? Obviously,
6 people don't help you with
overtime because of Henri said
that that doesn't it's not a
wash. Do listen. 50% of the
cost. So my point that this is
just that. We've got to be
very cognizant as a toll just
in this morning that said
potentially what we should do
is maybe wait on these people.
Tunnel member. And my thought
was who is focused on? Trying
to prepare for the future on
the building them there. So
you asked a question. He
answered it a three-year time
frame and I was going to
continue with that. I didn't.
You jump to the next one, I
didn't realize we were done
with that one. So I apologize
to that you're standing up
there, but I wasn't quite
through. Can we that police
have I'm sorry about that? We
jumped and I didn't realize we
were jumping. Okay, because I
still have a couple additional
questions. But Please
continue.
>> So that was the point that
when you asked a question.
There's 3 years a three-year
time frame. Can we wait until
the three-year time frame for
adding new people? If we're
looking only just to focus on
the future. That's one point.
The second point is that his
commentary was that not only
were looking for the future,
but he's looking to figure out
how to reduce the number the
amount of overtime now. So
it's people working to fire a
correctly think has said the
62 hours averaging you're
averaging 62 ours. Yes, sir.
He's averaging 62 hours a
week.
>> 8 hours of overtime for man
right? So
>> are we looking to?
According Burn out. A crew
which we do not want write
that we don't want to do.
>> Vs. Brazen attacks, but
raising the ems or fire ems
tax in order to compensate for
that. The point was, is that
what's more important? Right
at the present time
lieutenants what's more
important right now is not
burning the crew out. It
services. If you this service
calls are expanding. Now give
We're I'm thinking just
written and I know some of the
stuff is hypothetical. I just
read another planning board.
Petition last night, 192
homes. 32nd. It's not include
is collusive of some of the
other smaller developments.
300 homes is other. How how
quickly they're going to
build. Who knows. But we do
know there are some going to
be built very shortly because
as we saw in the building
permit process on MAY. I had
170 something. Plus cool. In
one month. Versus what I had
17480, whole year. So we start
thinking through this. I can
almost understand. Why we need
to put these people. To reduce
the number of people are the
overtime going work. So it MAY
not be a total wash. But it it
helps it helps. All right. So
that's where I was at. When I
asked all those questions to
him. To talk about the number
of Kohl's. What it does to his
people and how it helps the
people today and get away with
thinking about moving 2, 3,
years down the road because
I'm not going think about 2 in
3 years down the road. Think
about NOVEMBER. 4th through
8th or whatever. Data that is
when somebody comes up with
with voters start coming up
and we don't want property
tax. That's in my mind today.
About everything that we do
from from. In this budget
process that to reduce costs.
Every single time. Somebody
comes up in front of us, we're
going to reduce cost unless
they have a valid reason to
increase the cost. And then
invest dollar reason. Maybe
the physical attribute the
employees that we have. That's
that's that's kind of where I
was going. And that is that is
one side of the coin. And it's
certainly a good one.
>> But then if in the same
breath, we say those 6 will be
for the new fire station in 3
years.
>> That goes back to my point.
If they are needed. To keep us
from having the overtime to
keep from burning out. The
current employees, then
they're going to still be
needed there 3 years from now
when the new fire station you
move just says to the building
and apparatus, we're just
getting the running because we
don't currently have it staff.
But if you staff and with
this, then they go to the new
building.
>> So so think about this. I
have an apparatus. That's it
This is we're just go We have
an apparatus sitting here in
this not being used, right,
because we'll have a staff
report. It could be this. If I
had staffing, then that would
help reduce reduce the number
of hours or potential overtime
hours that I I could be
running things. So that new
building its new fire station
gets built. I think this
apparatus, those people move
it there. And if that
>> promise certain.
>> When we didn't want let me
that's not the only thing
you're gonna have to move
there because those 6 people
are not gonna be a full
complement. So in the next x
amount of years, you're going
to have to have. X. Plus, y.
Yeah, I just want make sure
you understood get all that
part. It's it's the aches. Its
the x. As of now.
>> And if it's an additional
crew running in additional
truck. And somebody calls out
sick, you're still going to
have overtime on that other
crew. So I don't I know that
on paper. This should
alleviate the overtime Nano
will to some degree. But if
they are staff to be doing a
job and there's base beer for
their 54 hours and some of the
calls out you're still going
to have over time. You're just
gonna have been 4 spots and
said the 3 spots ensure
Manning a 4th crew. I'm not
seeing that room. Try to it. I
think for staffing 3 vehicles.
Now this is going to allow us
to staff for vehicles, right,
which we will do. And then all
4 will be available if anybody
calls out for many of those
crews. You still have an
overtime is just in 4
different spots now instead of
3 different spots, CHAIRMAN.
>> So the you're here, you're
in your stereo there. The 4th
one is not going to be
mandatory field. So it will be
filled when we're staffed.
When people call call out sick
or are off, it won't. We won't
have that truck available.
>> And those people that would
have been scheduled for
Wednesday on that rope. We'll
just fade into the other ones
to help out or
>> they'll go home. They they
would not be there. I mean,
there's only 2 people on a
truck. So. If I had one extra
person yet they would
generally what we do is we put
them on a 3rd person. Our
rescue, and that reduces
amount of times that my fire
engine has to go with that.
Trump on certain calls.
>> Filling the gaps and a new
she is obviously way above my
head. And you certainly know
what you're doing there. I'm
just trying to look at it. If
I was on the other side of
that camera watching I'm
trying to get as much
explanation out there as
possible.
>> And and our our call volume
has increased commissioner
versus current. We're
currently experiencing it. So
it's not a matter Not that we
anticipated 3 years from now.
We anticipate a new station 3
years now because that's how
long it takes to build it. But
the call volume has increased
currently. So this will allow
me to keep that extra truck in
service. More often than not.
But it will also reduce the
over time because I won't
require when the news stations
built it will be required. I
will have to and I regret and
I fully understand that point.
We have a new station. We have
to staff that new station and
that
>> increasing employees is
going to got off of that year
everybody is going
>> Theres going to be on as a
result separated.
>> You don't have a stud, but
i tell there's a around fire
here. So you do have something
from. But you catch me from
behind from a buzzer separated
for because there you can't
just combine all that stuff
together.
>> But the new station versus.
>> The fixed. The expanded
number of calls. And I don't
think that was clear. Wasn't
going out and clear until
asked him talk about. And I
certainly feel better about it
now than I But I worried about
was and I realize that fire
and ems are not part of the of
the warm. So we kind of have
to have that out mind.
>> But if we're looking holy
at a tax bill
>> For the people who are our
>> That number goes up every
single year. Goes up at a
faster rate than waste
management. And I realize that
there's more people requires
more firemen, more. It's.
Nothing ever goes down. Seems
to continue to go up looked
down. Sate 6 new employees.
>> And before this
conversation, I look in 6 new
employees. Well, if times get
lean and we have to thin the
herd, GOD forbid. That's
that's a lot more difficult
then. Just grit your teeth
again. Pretty this
conversation that's more
difficult. Then grit your
teeth and doing it with less
people. Now. Other thing in
this, this honest in truth, we
hired some of the new of fire
and ems. That is a person
who's going to get a 5.8%
raise every year. Whether we
like it or not, because the
union contract. So we also
have be mindful of that. At
7%, something doubles every 10
years. So it takes roughly 12
and a half at 6%. A double. So
every person you hire unless
you eventually fired in which
we don't want to do. That
salaries. Double. And 12
years. And if any of us are
still sitting here, think
about that number that time.
So. I know that small-ball
thinking. If really step back
and look at it, it's not. So
every employee that we take
there is a 6% guaranteed year.
And that doesn't include fica.
And that doesn't include
insurance and all that. So
looking at got a mighty look
at our tax bill. I'm just
trying to make sure we don't
put our self and I know that
it's not ad valorem, but it is
still something that our
people pay. And I just want to
be transparent, mindful as
possible. Not to let that
number get. So insurmountable
that that. There's nothing we
can do about it.
>> I appreciate your
conversation because I think
that's necessary for the
public. I'll add to this rose
to 2 core services. So let's
assume that NOVEMBER, they
pass this amendment. For
services or what you're going
to be funding tax. These with.
And then you'll have your
special assessments over here
on the other side, a core
services as we sit here today
is defined as public safety.
So we talk about. Hypothetical
Wells, as you talk about as we
move into the future, we come
down. We have downturn in the
economy and we don't sending
her does I think is your usage
of of of laying people off?
The one thing you would not
do. He wouldn't do Notley and
law enforcement. In a fire and
ems person. You'll play off of
the people before you get
relative to whatever passes in
NOVEMBER. Because those are
core services. Which is why
you cannot lay them off once
you've hired them. You realize
you're making it permanent.
>> For ever higher of those 6
additional people held today
for the we build that station
years from now or not. That's
true. Very true. And tears and
that's to reason want to have
this discussion more in detail
to make people understand that
this is not about the news
station. This is about making
sure that we have. Group of
people that are confident and
not burned out. And based on
the fact of the number of
calls and then a number of
things because ultimate, you
heard you heard what I said
the first day of this.
CHAIRMAN. I have a really
interesting debate about
mileage rates. Cut taxes
somewhere one way or the
other. Some people going to be
unhappy. Applauded the bocc
county administrator for
coming in 4%. Good people
didn't didn't pay attention
that I got some people that
come. But 4%, which was
appreciated. And that's reason
asked him about the 14%.
Because we have to validate
while we're doing that. If
you're if you're taking a look
at this pro approach that
we're taking on these on these
particular things, like, for
example, we got. In 2021 to
level say 2021 at 7500 calls a
bit into down. 26 years. 68 or
7800. That's 300 calls. 7, 6
year period. But we do have a
gross very much in that
either. So now we're seeing is
that we're going to have to
focus on what whatever the
health of the of the
employers. Bottom line is
that? I'm not crazy about
having. Hired 6 people.
Because at the end of the
collect some of the stuff I
was working with last night.
People are freezing. You got
to do what to do with. We
could take that approach and
the next thing I know he'll be
in front of me. Or whoever it
MAY be says my I got a person
who for our her ends. And with
that clearly. Is important.
That's the dilemma that and
that's the dilemma. And like
you said, we're sitting here
trying to be stewards whether
its ad valorem.
>> Or otherwise. Our job is to
be stewards of this money.
Like you. If there is a good
calls and thereby GOD is a
good cause. And if the voters
don't like it well done. Vote
us out. If we did right, if we
did right. With what we
believe with this money, then
that's all we can do. 6 at
once just isn't. Is a painful
pill I am or sold on it than I
was. I am certainly not going
I mean we don't tend to sit
here and take votes as we go
through. This was a go back
sharpen your pencil and so
forth. If the rest of the
board is satisfied with this
as it is clearly the equipment
go, oh, my GOD. That's up.
Another $600,000 If you have
to have the equipment, you
have to have the equipment. If
you have a truck that you
replace and and the stretchers
got to go in the truck and
takes machine but stretcher in
there. And that's $125,000.
And that's just what it is.
It's like making with the
software it costs what it
costs. And if they triple a
dawning, he's got to have a
software to do. His business
wing set up here and my GOD,
that's ridiculous offense what
it calls. That's what it
calls. Well, you and I are on
the same page about the people
piece of it. There's no doubt
about that were on the same
page about adding people. It's
it's heartburn, right? Present
time. He's Hartman at the pro.
Right? So
>> what I'm trying I'm trying
to provide. Some analysis so
that we can be comfortable
with the decision that we make
here on the sport. And if
anybody and I know this
conversation been back and
forth between you and I, but
just so if anybody else wants
to jump in here, that's fine.
But I think at the end of the
day is that we got to be
caucus is what we have blow a
little. Will say this one
thing in the front. Senate
Bill, 180. Had a pair that
just. It's not I'm not happy
with we try to get out of But
group with the baseline it was
recommended that cities and
counties go to a 42. Our work
week. That's a lot of money
for us for for fire and ems.
Something we cannot afford. I
could I think we can afford 6
people vs going to a 42. Our
work week.
>> And if that 42, our work
week gets implemented. Having
6 additional people on hand
too, down to that would make
that any easier transition as
well. I think what dish the
reason I'm bringing this up,
you can just jump in if you
like.
>> I think that some of the
commentary late it's been
happening in the
administration is previous
administration has been trying
to get to a 52 hour work week
so that we can start. Manage
it better from an overtime
standpoint. My correct or
incorrect yester current.
Currently. We're at a 56 hour
work week again. Put not
counting the additional
overtime.
>> We do pay them overtime
after 53. And the 6 people
will get us to that. 53. So
that's another good tailing
feature. You get go. Help that
it's far from the 42 it and
and quite frankly, I have no
interest as your fire chief to
come back and recommend that
we even attempt to get to a
42. Our work week. I don't I
don't think it's achievable.
Not only cost wise, but I
couldn't hire that many
people. I would have to hire
20 plus something people. As
we sit and I don't I don't
know that I could hire that
many if allow me to do it. So.
Frank, Frank, with volunteer?
Its Jessica.
>> On the assessment, define a
mass assessment. And I know
that we've we have studies and
tell us do that had that we
take into account for the new
construction. I mean, from
what you know, Commissioner
Burrows mention how many
houses next to you. One 92
when 92 between you and the
Pizza Hut. There's that many
more. I can name you but
basics. It's cut numbers in
there that as some point with
under deal less. So when we
take those and there is there
a chance that that we could
the big level on increase on
assessment.
>> So I know in the current
fiscal year proposed budget,
we do have a some funds
allocated to start. A new one
so that way. It can include
some of these items. I'm not
necessarily sure maybe chief
can speak on it more in terms
of the Stan Tech study.
>> On, if it included, I know
there are some things left
out, but I'm not sure if this
is one of them. CHAIRMAN, the
concept behind it is that.
>> It's based on the need per
unit.
>> An additional units would
include additional needs.
>> But the plan that was put
in place 5 years ago was
that's how the Stan Tech study
was based on. And it was based
on that growth with what they
estimated to be the growth.
But I mean you know, I don't
know that anybody expected us
to go 3 or 4 years with no
growth. And then all the
sudden c this this rapid
growth right here at the end
of it. But I do see your point
at some point. And I do
believe with impact fees and
all of this new growth. I
believe that we will large
reduction in our capital
budget, which reduce the need
to raise assessments.
>> In fact, these are going to
help in terms of that. 2 of
the building of build out.
Yes. So I mean, I think the
reasons why we did right and
and what one of the reasons we
went 100%. Versus 60%. Correct
is the reason just what he's
standing in front of that they
would help pay for this. They
would help pay for that at
100%. We would not have to put
money into it. And that was
the whole reason. I kept.
Batteries. You end This what
pay the assessment too. So I
just think in the long run we
take a look at the from a pro.
You approach to budget wise. I
can accept the 6 people today
relative to what you just
talked about over that over
the period of time. Not get
into. And we can validate,
like I said, you know, going
to the 50 look at 2 workweek
whatever, it MAY 3. Yes, sir.
53. It still has a reduction
in overtime which has
production and the potential
health of the employee. And
with some assurance to me that
when that 4th station gets
built, that it's
>> these existing extra units,
they go there and that at that
time were not standing here
asking for additional units to
go to stage. Yes. All right.
Or as many.
>> I something just for
second. I want to praise your
little. The last meetings,
sensitive took this position.
To waive handle Dust I got
family in the fire department.
I don't know if the public
always they don't get to maybe
hear the stories. I get to
hear about the fire and the
baby that. Was trapped in the
car. Other thick things they
do. All other think I hear on
Facebook, you know, who else
we should outsource this and
outsourced Why are we paying
for them to sleep at a
station? I don't think they
get it. Yes, sir. But there's
a lot more to this fire
department. Public really
realizes. And just want to
thank you for what you do.
>> I appreciate that. I do
want to give a shout out to my
cruise. I mean, they're
absolutely amazing. We had.
>> a call.
>> Last last believe it was a
pediatric drowning and the
child was lifeless. No pets,
no restoration got there. And
I just got to pick Trevor this
week where she's sitting in a
wheelchair. Awake and talking
to our want to bring that up
before the budget because
that's not what a a.
>> That there's hundreds of
the story. Yes, and you
clearly know, Justin. I mean,
you know, all have done more
with helping with deadpan.
Then I could. So, you o'Neal's
sister. Most of the reason
that conversation was just had
its own people out there,
naysayers. You can see the
sausage get made. The get the
full explanation. And get some
promises. To that future that
we're working towards its not
just going to be a snow ball
on top of it. And whether j#
#
standing there Wheather Onthe
even sitting here 3 years from
now. Whoever is I hope they
hold. I hope they they hold
that from Yes, sir. And and
you can. You can ask MISS Lisa
staff. I have given my staff
clear direction.
>> To look for alternative
sources of funding, whether
that be grants or or
partnerships or anything else
where? I'm a taxpayer here,
too. And I be firm believer in
being stewards of our money.
So I would ask for something
if I didn't think it was
critical. So.
>> So commissioner summer and
I'll shut up I want you to
realize one other thing too.
And I just thought that is
that this witness additional
station has been, quote,
unquote, build. There's
there's additional opportunity
for. Fire and ems assessments.
Little bit further south.
>> And counting on that. And
and I don't talk about out
loud because it's nothing
that. As a guarantee.
>> No, but I'm sure that is
being worked. Yes, we're
working, right. Just want to
make sure that we. It's just
not that we're going use exact
our existing. People here to
do that. We're working on
helping other areas that
currently are providing they
pay are currently let's
spending that money. Yes. And
we get compensated for and we
get compensated for it. What
we should be getting
compensated So. Just wanted to
that end. So it's we if you
didn't remember that, not can
we talk about the sausage?
>> I am thank you so much. So
it was a told told you this
morning it was going make all
kinds of sausage, big and
small. Well, I'm glad we had
that conversation. We did just
get just get Apologize for not
making sure buddy was killed
on so anyone Thank you, ok? So
are we ok? What would Thank
you, Commissioner. Thank you.
Okay. MISS An ace. It's your
second time. Welcome back.
>> This is my second time. And
I think this is my last time.
>> He said that yesterday
every time I see her, she's
walking out with a box with
its I were good about going
have to start following are
out and see which open spot.
Yeah, small is going to
disappear, though.
>> You'll see tomorrow for
regular bocc meeting with this
is my last budget present.
You're going to be stuffed
with no chandler instead Think
those who know cameras much
better She got down Wofford
and then cool.
>> I mean, you said I'm going
from the frying pan into the
fire, a
>> And I want to get friend of
mine so I can tease quite a
bit.
>> And no and his kidneys.
Couple months older me, And
you never let him forget it.
That's
>> I think, know, there's
anybody older than you, but
is. All right. Go ahead. I'm
sorry. All right. Before I get
started, I want to echo Justin
his leave sentiments on the
budget process this year. What
the public doesn't realize is
that.
>> From a staff perspective,
we start this process back in
JANUARY. So this has been
something we've been dealing
with now for several months.
And I can't give Lisa and her
team enough. Kudos. Justin
Nelson, Lisa and I have been
meeting since JANUARY with the
leadership changes, Justin,
he's Leaf and Jessica added to
that group and we have met at
least monthly if not more
often, to make sure we're
staying on process. So this
year's process has been the
smoothest. I have experienced
in the 8 years. I've been here
and I have to give Lisa and
her team kudos for that.
Despite leadership changes,
despite her department
changes, this has been a
really amazing process to
bring budget to you in a very
challenging time.
>> Would you mind articulating
what you told me a study what
what the staff is being going
been going through with that
with the reductions the 5%
temperature you mind repeating
and my staff, my staff
specifically and I can't speak
for for the rest of the team,
but my staff specifically
>> have gone through their
own. Expect it experiences of
drafting this budget and then
looking at what a 10% decrease
of 15% decrease. And even a 40
or 50% decrease would look
like they understand how
important it is to be fiscal
stewards of taxpayer dollars.
They're all taxpayers
themselves. They understand
how important it is to respect
this budget and to not be
wasteful. And so they are
already anticipating what it's
going to take to make those
decreases. And I will tell you
these departments have for a
long time understood how
important it is to stretch the
dollar and they stretch every
year they returned to reserves
when they can, but they really
do make effective use of
taxpayer dollars. They are
always mindful of can we do
this cheaper? Can we do this
more effectively? Can we find
creative solutions? Can we
find alternative funding? They
work very hard at that. So I
understand the public's
perspective isn't always.
>> a knowledgeable think
opponents say. And I encourage
them to ask the questions.
They're asking to the people
who understand the answers.
>> Instead of the Facebook.
Face wonder about their one
thing you have bailed on in
and your whole time here.
Right?
>> You have never made her
smile. Sitting in the budget
meeting.
>> We scared. Are scared?
She's going she's going out to
smile a little bit each and
every time because we're not
all hours that they're still
it because this.
>> You've got to have some,
you know, level of
conversation here and make
this easy because this is not
easy, I will say in the 8
years that I've been here,
I've seen some pretty amazing
hires. She is top of the list.
>> She has really been a
phenomenal addition to our
leadership team. She her
knowledge on both the hr side
and the finance side is has
really added a lot of value
and she doesn't get get the
credit she needs to get for
that. So.
>> She is very good. By the
see it. And I've told that to
rest race not only was mix of
the tire, but she does a good
job of hiring said that
absolutely Contrary to what
the public might think. We
don't do the She looks that
are new hire right next to it.
>> she is she has been truly a
phenomenal guide for the
leadership team to be able to
come to her with personnel
issues with hiring issues,
with budget issues that I
couldn't imagine the job that
she has.
>> I truly and I didn't come
up here just sing her praises.
But truly, she has one of the
most difficult jobs in the
county to handle both hr and
budget. I don't know anyone
else who could do it with the
grace and poise that she does
with She has assured me she's
not interested in working for
the city. Yeah.
>> So So you into border. But
I will be calling her for
advice. And Rick, what And a
ship. Thank you for that. A
little soapbox. I appreciate
your your patients with me.
>> Ship is our state Housing
Initiative program. This
funded through state
allocation. Okeechobee County
is a small fiscally
constrained county, receives
the lowest amount of
allocations by the state,
which is $350,000 with a few
other revenues that come in
here to take us up to 3.89.
That's intrest in some payoffs
on some loans and things like
that. So we are looking at a
projected revenue of $389,200.
10% of that 350,000 that comes
in can be used for
administrative costs. And what
we recognized over the past 2
years that I've been involved
in this department is that we
were not allocating that
correctly to salaries. So we
were taking that $350,000
putting it in contracted
services and not utilizing it
for those salary costs. We
also a couple of years ago
before I joined the department
before least so is here. There
was a little bit of a
discrepancy in how we handled
some of the balance forward
funds. So in the ship
accounts, we have 3 years when
someone comes in or when we
get our allocation, we have 3
years to spend that money. So
there's a lot of kind of roll
over and moving forward and
things that are very
confusing.
>> In this budget line. So you
see that we have operating
expenses last year of
$336,142. This was us making
some adjustments. So that's a
lower amount than normal that
470,344 operating expenses
back into a more of a normal
normal operating expenses that
we see the non-operating. You
see that we are trying to kind
of get that that reserve that
cash, that balance forward
fund back in to where it's
supposed to be. So Lisa has
done a lot of work. When I
give her kudos, she has earned
especially in this account to
try and get this back where it
needs to be and get everything
kind of moving forward for
Justin Hayes, a leaf to take
over in a better place there's
still a little tweaks that
need to happen. But at this
point, I'm confident that we
are back in a better place
with this. So we are looking
at a 21% decrease in our total
budget. But again, this is
funded through ship funds,
affordable housing funds. So
this isn't a ad valorem our
general fund account at all. I
probably confused the heck out
of me. Me any questions. You
have.
>> So your cash balance this
year's what 79,000? Yes,
that's and that's that. And so
the 3.50.
>> What does that come a
usually comes in AUGUST,
SEPTEMBER someplace in there.
So it's what we're budgeting
for for the next fiscal year
starting in OCTOBER. So
usually OCTOBER NOVEMBER is
when we start being able to
offer those funds. How do you
distribute that? I mean, what
was criteria terms of
distributing the 350,000 So
it'll be closer to 3.15,
because clouds are going to
come out of that were allowed
to use 10% of that allocation
for administrative costs. The
rest go through an application
our affordable housing
coordinator, which is vacant
right now. So anybody wants to
work in field, please reach
out to the county, but the
Affordable housing coordinator
basically opens up an
application process. They have
to meet the criteria that set
in the l hat, which is the
local housing
>> I know prove plan. Other
assistance plan. Thank you
>> so they do have to meet
that criteria. There are
several ways that this funding
can assist them. It can
through emergency repairs. It
can be through foreclosure, an
eviction prevention or through
Like first home buyer type
situations.
>> When we have the Affordable
Housing Committee, it we need
to 2 years. Yes. And I have
people volunteer for that one.
Like that from made that much.
They do. A sea of the county's
actually bring the ship
program that bucket
applications to the
commission. And I'm not
advocating a net, but it might
be time to send it to that
Affordable Housing Committee
and let them review on before
we. Give a lot of funds see a
lot of foreclosures.
>> It might be good to at
least convene that committee a
few times this year and let
them see what the applications
we receive are what's been
approved. Usually that
committee convenes to go over
the l Happ. The plan itself
and to make any changes to
that plan. That plan also has
to get approved by the state.
So there's a lot of processes
with that. The committee is
one step in that process.
>> And I know the emergencies
huge. You have to do that. But
I mean, get The committee and
they brought it to the
commission and we were paying
first last and security. So,
you know, and that affected a
lot of landlords because it
the Randleman that go to
Commissioner good bridge get
all that paid up front. So we
changed said I think now then
we can pay the security that
we can pay first and security.
Abe is was it the first and
last but not whichever
whichever way it is because
somebody have some skin in the
game. Might be something we
want to talk about. Thank you.
Any questions comments for
that one? Thank you so much.
>> Our next fund in your
budget Workbook should be on
Page 209. Is the community
development block grant. These
funds receive due to
completion of a previous cdbg
disaster relief program and
which homes were rehab due to
damages from Hurricane Wilma
in 2005, you can see
year-over-year these funds
don't change. It's $61,553.
>> questions? So what can we
do with it?
>> We are still researching I
know prior administration had
they've had some turnover with
when this. Program came
Implementation and we are
reaching out to that prior
administrator within the
Florida car, Cdbg area
identify how they can be used
has not been clear to on how
they can be used. But what we
do know it can be used for
affordable housing. It's just
a matter of what you think it
has before double housing. I
think it can't be repairs.
>> I'm thinking about if we
could use it every day, Hrs
bill, what it what it can do
that health department
building follow the things
you're doing, did it. Justin?
So that would that would help
tremendously. You got to just
pay attention to what are the
guidelines no hurricane
repairs. And so this is going
to be in preparation for. As
shelter.
>> But hurricane repairs going
to referenced to.
Constituency. I believe when
you read community development
block grants. Not 4
infrastructure, infrastructure
for the county is descendants
ask in this. Ask.
>> mean, if could use it for
something to The benefit the
tax payers would be good.
>> Only a problem. People
which Thank you, MISS What
else?
>> Our next fun is the
Landfill Trust Fund, which is
page to 13 in your budget
workbook. This is a special
revenue fund used to account
for a portion of solid waste,
host fees to the private
contractor operating the
Okeechobee Landfill. These are
committed by the county
ordinance to a reserve to
allow county funds to provide
the service. Should the
landfill be reverted back to
the county? So our current
budget for the fiscal year
proposed. 26 27 operating
expenses are $606,667. The non
operating costs for the sick
out. Our 2, 10 million,
675,000, $171 for a total
budget of 10 million, 681,000,
$838, which is a 0.5 5%
increase.
>> How much do we owe it to
much of we've taken out of
there. So in loans longer
things that we take out like
for the boat ramp and things
like then much to really. It's
still Would you like for me to
provide you that don't know.
It's okay. I'm I'm just say
I'm not trying on the spot.
I'm just trying to have a
discussion. So, you know, the
we we had discussion of the
day is we don't have too many
reserves. Will it
>> Repay the money we take and
hear your reserves would be
inland and you still have. The
fund there could be used for.
Multiple things. I was under
the impression that. For the
time of the air ramp. So that
was alone. And we're going to
repay through. The money we
could get from the boating
Improvement trust fund and
money from Bass Pro.
>> What that would that we had
to take out of here. But it
won't. It wouldn't pay the
whole out to do that. We would
take many other finance a fire
trucks things like that.
That's a lie. That's always
voted on day was to take the
money out of there to fund
that.
>> going question it was
alone. We're going to play it
back pro closing money and the
boater Improvement Trust fund.
>> That was put that money
back where they just so. That
was a model. He was right.
Mark this down.
>> What we can use the city.
>> Bpg. So it can be used on
public facilities. Okay.
Here's some money for you.
Have over there your
conditions or whatever you
have. You will have repay the
landfill. Trust. The
pardoning.
>> a Category 4 or whatever.
>> Anything else on this one.
Okay. Next to have MISTER
Nelson for the cemetery.
Trust. That would be to 18
street team. So.
>> Good morning. CHAIRMAN
Commissioners County
administrator. In front of you
presenting for the cemetery
trust fund. So im personnel
services. We have an increase
of $3,864, which is an
increase of 4.9 0% operating
expenses. We have an increase
of $9,284 at 13.7, 8%. And I
just want to bring up the
reason for that kind of
increase for that, that will
be this will be a single year
increase because if the
capital items are approved,
some of that is too fund the
furniture. And some of those
items that would come out of
that non capital for that
renovation or that
improvement. That is it. That
is shown within our capital.
So some of this will to be
like the fte in some of those
items will be coming out. That
said this is kind of just a
one-year increase. That's
significant increase this
year. Capital expenses we are.
We're looking at it. $67,000
and capital moving forward for
that. And that would be for
the office. We've course built
the building over the last 2
years. We've got the building
built, but this would be for
the actual bill doubt of the
building. That would be the
ada compliant restrooms that
we will have an ad, a restroom
at that site and it would be
the office building for the on
site Cemetery office. And
other than that, we have at
Fort Drum there says they've
done a lot of fence repairs
there previous years, but we
do have a divider fence. We
need to keep people. We kind
of have an issue with some
people they currently living
behind the back side of it. So
they've done a really good job
of clearing most of that
property now. But we do need
to divide that property off
and that would be for the
divider, fence gates and stuff
for that area. So and and
total when you look at it in
total, our total operating and
non-operating. We've got a
reduction of 2.0, 8, 5, 0%. I
do want to bring up when I
took over the cemetery in
2021. Myself and Shelley
Mitchell took over the
cemetery. We put David Jay
Cups and there is a cemetery
running and operating the
cemetery. At that time. The
county's contribution to the
cemetery around $60,000 a
year. When we look at it after
these last few capital
expenses are done the cemetery
revenues. We'll cover the
cemetery operational costs. So
we are almost at a break-even.
We're real close this year,
but we will have these flash
few capital we would have last
year except for we did. Have a
vehicle purchase and some
other stuff that had to happen
last budget year. But you will
see. This fund moving forward
into the next years will cover
with their revenues. So we're
pretty excited to see it go
from that 60,000 Ish and comes
out of the small county cert
taxes. Covered this budget for
multiple years. 60,000 we've
we've seen reduce over the
years of 60,000 the first
year. I think 50,000 next
year, 30,000 and then and then
so on and so forth that has
reduced every single year. And
I'm confident the next year
when we bring this budget, he
all it will be a
self-sustaining department. So
I got give kudos to David and
to Shelley to making this
department more efficient and
doing what they've had to do.
That was my main goal. When I
took department over what's
how do we make it
self-sufficient? And we are
almost there. So I think
coming into next year, we will
see that happen along with the
fee increase that that's very
promising. I just wanted to
definitely let all understand.
That's been the goal from day
one with this. Big deal. You
and the governor over the head
because your final resting
place. You don't have to
>> We ought pay taxes on So
he's got he would be really
happy. He has a thought about
this
>> Good.
>> Any other any questions?
Anything but ok?
>> Did that did I MISS
Something about your 67? That
sorry.
>> The 67,000 has my total
capital. So 62,000 of that is
for the build out of the
building that we put on site 2
years ago.
>> restraint yesterday will be
it'll be the buildout for the
on-side office. What noticed.
>> David
>> Jacobs has to make those
trips back and forth to town
to meet with clients. So they
they meet at the office at the
annex building. They take out
there and then they want to go
back to the office, reviewed
the maps or look at sites
sitting air-conditioning with
the clients. 2, 3, years ago,
we did a build-out of the shed
that was on site so that David
could just an air-conditioned
office space. So David can
meet with the clients out
there and it made a huge of
just travel time. His time to
get spent on site. That was
the main purpose of pushing
forward for the new building,
the new maintenance building
out there and adding this
office space there along with
those restrooms of any of you
have ever used restrooms out
there. Your knees hit the door
when you close the door,
literally, I'm not. I mean,
your knees are touching the
wall to sit on the toilet. So
we really needed additional
restroom side out there. And
that will be funded. Also with
the ada compliant bathroom.
And then, of course, I said
the fence at Fort Drum would
be the other 5,000 of that. I
finally found the back on the
last. One of All right. Cool.
>> The question, did kind of
come in impasse? One out 98
fast, but that's or cemetery.
We're trying to get some
property there to that for
reach an impasse. Well, you
Yes, sir. The property sold
but I can tell you we will
keep working with those
landowners that are adjacent
to that to try to figure out
how we can get the main goal
out there. If we could break
it into just a big box because
we kind of got some jogs and
that property. It's kind of.
Built like a Tetris z the goal
would be the kind of build
that property out into a
single box. But we were trying
to work something out with the
previous landowner. It did not
come to fruition before the
whole entire property sold.
But I can tell you as soon as
we have a little extra free
time and we get things changed
around, we will go back to
talking with the 2 adjacent
landowners to see if we can
get that piece brought into a
box. But I will say that.
David Jay Cups, Shelley and
myself have added sites to
their sellable sites again by
looking at an utilize space
David did that last year. And
those sites are now available.
So we do have available sites
out there. That space that
were never built out for
sites. So it there is some
additional sites that came
into play. Some of them are
only be used for cremation
because there's kind of how it
fits within the site plan. But
those sites are now available
in a show on on our website
are on our cemetery software
program to wear those sites
are available and what those
sites are. So means Throw a
monkey wrench in the blasts
are hearing that just popped
in my mind to.
>> I think your time at the
Texas it was an access issue
that. Yeah, that that we have
no legal right back to get be
ever looked at the deed to Cs
for it.
>> We've we've met with legal
multiple multiple times, tried
to figure out how we could
make that work in the radiator
previous board had had signed
the property over legally to
the adjacent landowner. We do
have all the records that
reflect that and we've tried
to figure out how we could
make that work. But I think
with our new. If we can make
this other deal work out, it
would help with that traffic
pattern. We would be able to
put a circle road in to come
back out. So there is some
thought process that was in
that next land acquisition
part that we thought we were
working on before the whole
property. And that's on the
one owner. Yes, or any other
questions. Impressive when the
people go there, the kiosk
fund.
>> Fun to graze and know that
they knew they say they can
read in a vehicle in there Cam
right to it all in and the
maintenance out there They've
done a great job. We
appreciate what you've And
thank you, Michelle Lee, for
they didn't charge. It's all
on them to they've done it.
I've just been there to
support him.
>> So
>> our next fund is page to 21
in your work, folks. It's the
driver Education Safety Trust
Fund established as a result
of Florida statute. 3, 18.1,
2, 1, 5, the Dorie Slosberg
Driver Education Safety Act.
The proposed budget for fiscal
year 26. 27 is $153,745, which
is a 2.0 2% increase.
>> It's still don't have any
cars right? This is a special
revenue fund, correct. There
is no cost to the county.
Those were there and have a
new automobile says that the
one that we have its driver,
safety education and the name
of the automobiles. According
to this, you can't.
>> Receive the funds
initiative 30% of the students
time being spent and the
weave. Guess it's a no go
then. School doesn't have
cars. And if you read your
requirements here, you that
had 30%. Behind the wheel. I
don't know what the electronic
things you're sitting in.
>> And Melissa Layer I don't
know if it know that's
something I even as as behind
the wheel. More the center
later, is that remember, that
was explained couple. Maybe
they have I just always stuff.
That was a big. The big toast
of We didn't have any course
for drivers, education. We
might leave that one You we
don't know your stories. Know.
Okay. MISS Lisa. Our next fun
is court innovation.
>> So these are court costs
imposed by county ordinance
2004, Dash 0, 5, to establish
and maintain innovation and
supplemental court funding
trust fund the remaining
balances of the law Library,
legal aid and teen court funds
are transferred to court
innovations. A portion of the
court administration budget is
budgeted in this fun for
equipment. So the operating
cost in this fun or 80,000 for
fiscal year, 26, 27 capital
outlay is $18,630, not
operating as $208,365 for a
total budget of $306,995. This
is a 0.6 1% increase.
>> what are the What type of
equipment are we talking
about? Heard the indicate.
>> They did not know.
>> This is interesting.
Equipment out Lee is the same.
For the last 4 years.
>> It's the same budget
request year-over-year.
Commissioner, like for me to
have specific information.
Back to you on that chair.
Commissioners, I know that
this fund.
>> Sometimes is majority. This
is for security equipment, its
replacement of the key pads
cameras, some of that. That's
that's the majority of what
I've seen this fund used forth
because they do come through
facilities for approval
whenever they do that. And I
know that that's part of what
this is used for, ok? I'm
trying to understand who
housing get approved. What is
what is it used for?
>> Because it's just odd that
it has the same amount every
single year.
>> I will state that my
predecessor put in play that
they have to have that
approved through facilities
before they can make those
purchases. And jj and staff
have done a really good job of
making sure that when those
things come up come about that
they do it so and and there's
some years that it doesn't get
used to just it's just they
budget and they don't use it.
So it's it's based off of the
need. They're doing repairs on
buildings. It's only security
stuff. They are responsible
for part of the security and
this covers that security. But
we it's it's all it related
security stuff. Cameras that
keep at all that they did. It
handles that for pretty much
that contract for county wide
on anything. It's under their
contract. Anything else. Game
is Lisa.
>> Next we have the legal a
trust fund that this accounts
for the $5 filing fee for
civil actions filed in the
county court, a $10 filing fee
for civil actions filed in the
circuit court and a $5 fee for
all probate cases. This fund
provides legal aid services to
residents of the county and
assist in providing legal
services to indigent residents
of other county when the venue
is located in Okeechobee
County per ordinance. 2004
Dash, 0, 5, The total proposed
budget for fiscal year 26, 27
for operating is $12,535 for
Non-operating is $1454 for a
total budget of $13,989. This
is a flat budget over the
prior fiscal year. And we do
have a representative here
from the legal a trust fund.
>> Commissioner than Farden.
In Florida waiting patiently
it Florida ruled legal
services or is here to pretty
much answer any questions. We
were requesting remain the
same. We were looking to
utilize the funds they managed
to increase our attention
across the matter. Over the
past, we have seen an increase
and the amount traffic from
Okeechobee residents. We had
187 calls last year. We that
number that the 2.20 6 this
year, as you mentioned
earlier, CHAIRMAN, that there
had been a increase and
foreclosure is that of an Our
clients are. Methinks
survivors. We are very
passionate about we are
increases due financial
constraints. We that our funds
remains there. Gary new didn't
ask me to say hello to.
>> You can do all that on.
$14,000. We actually use our
county money, federal funding
where lse funded as well?
>> So this is we try to use
>> federal or state funding
before even reach into the But
but that is there for.
>> Specifically for our county
residents.
>> That makes a lot more sense
than Tony can would like it. I
argue Other questions Thank
you very much. Thank you for
coming to Who get it where you
come from. I came from poor
things. Okay. I actually feel
good town or ok? Thank you
very much. Have a safe trip
going home.
>> Next one is teen court,
which is page to 33 and your
budget workbook. Senate bill.
Not 2, 9, 6, 2 of the 2004
legislative session allowed
for the circuit court in
counties to use accumulated
teen court money until its
depleted Okeechobee County
collects fees for teen court
and juvenile programs.
Pursuant to Florida Statute,
9, 3, 9, 0.1, 8, 5, the clerk
of court less the 5% income to
the clerk per county
ordinance. 9, 6, Dash 0, 5,
This program is under the
supervision of the Florida
Department of Juvenile
Justice. Partnering with other
agencies in the community. The
total Budget Ques request for
this fiscal year is $13,988,
which is a flat budget over
the prior year. Self
explanatory. They will said,
ok, what's next? MISS Lisa?
Our next fund is our special
grants. Fun. Which is page to
37 in your budget Workbook. So
this fun, the majority of
funding prior to the current
fiscal year was from Cares.
Act. The American Rescue Plan
Act and House Bill 3, the
majority of this funding now
comes from House Bill 3 for
law enforcement. As you can
see, our current non operating
costs for this budget. Our
2 million, 303,440 dollars for
a total budget of the same,
which is a flat budget over
the prior year.
>> Which was a cash balance
forward or to come from.
>> So the cash balance. Ford
is a projection for the ending
fund balance that's usually
provided in our financial
budget and are sorry in our
annual financial report. We
are projecting based on our
prior year as our current
audit is still in progress,
ok?
>> That's what I thought it
was from the audit. So you
haven't read is up. Yes, sir.
Okay. Ok, Lisa?
>> Our next fund is with
MISTER Nelson. It is the solid
waste management. Fun one. 33.
Well, good morning again,
>> as
>> you're seeing here is a
solid waste, which is fun one.
33 personnel services has a
reduction of $2149, which is a
1.5 9% decrease operating
expenses has a reduction of
$1415, which is a point 9, 0%,
decrease. Capital outlay, as
you see, would be 100%
decrease based off for years
we have no capital, no capital
purchases for this year. And
this fund.
>> Other than that, our total
total expanding budget
increase due to non
operational.
>> Of $17,499, which is a
change of 1.0, 3, 0%. And then
progress. As you can see,
we've the capital items we
have uncovered this year that
are moving forward is the the
new the maintenance building
or storage building. We did
purchase truck out of this
account this year. That helps
us with that kind downfall.
Are that that backup from the
solid waste, of course, with
the the issues we have with
the dumpsters and everything
else to be able to get out and
inspect those. And then the
also we have the what we call
the solid waste office and
storage building that
acclimate, a storage building
renovation is also and
progress.
>> who's the 0? One person?
It's my salary that you're so
yes, sir. Yeah. So maybe had
some Byron around here was
very small. No, No, sir. A
portion of my salary comes out
of almost every department
underneath self. He's in this
working that
>> Well, going to be working
Just struck me as funny.
Funny. It's appoint one
person. So I'm like.
>> I felt told us because of
the claiming this of the
landfill we didn't have to
testing near me more. Is i
wrong or not? Russell? Have to
I didn't hear you chair. I
felt that we didn't have to to
Landfield anymore. I thought
we had that. Clean bill of
health. There. I just was some
of the old landfill tips that
we still have do testing at
that. You told us we got
10,000 here for that. Well,
if. The county just last if
the county ever decides to
>> go in there and
>> you know, do a site plan or
do things too. To stir the cap
landfill? We would be required
to do testing, ok? So he's got
Nikkei. Should we do that? As
long as we don't touch it, we
It. And maintain the
appearance of it. But won't
you stick a shovel in the
dirt? Then? The people come
back choir to the test.
>> So you just have it.
There's an insurance policy.
And that what we're doing?
Yes, Thank you, sir. I got a
question Russell Stiller. He
MAY know. A few years ago we
were still waiting on getting
paid from fema for some
hurricane cleanup. We ever.
Did we ever get paid for that?
Want to say maybe DECEMBER
last funded final close eye on
As far as know, we got all our
funding for Irma. Completed
the sign off on And just to to
close out on it. Monday. So we
should have almost 9 a 5 to 90
6% of all our money for
>> This was something it's
like, oh, maybe it was 10 or
15 years ago or something. And
we still hadn't been renew
rated for expenses from fema.
We talked about it several
times. So evidently one of
those hurricanes we've there
so can you not there's
Francis. That's all I know.
>> According to all the
information and I see of fame,
we have been been reimbursed
for everything sense. You
know, 2004. Those are they're
still working on Milton
>> but that that is that's
almost complete as well as
just waiting on them, too.
Reimburse or other 50% of
cost. So it sounds like
answers. Pretty close to us
that.
>> Just good. For a few years
ago, we were like what pretty
big chunk of our member
correctly that from fema.
>> The only thing I can think
of is with Hurricane Irma.
When the structure up on 300th
and Fort Drum Bucs forward.
That was up there. It billowed
out and we put in to have it,
you know, get reimbursement
only on the repairs. And it
was like little over 1 million
dollars. Based One theme of
for the national informations.
For that repair. They wanted
to see 15 years of bridge
reports and how the county
maintained. Well, based on the
5 year, the every 5 years a
bridge report was done. And
there was some. Issues that
appeared in the bridge
reports. That fema used
against us. Justify them not
having to pay us for the
repairs. Of the hurricane.
Damage due I made several
appeals. And they continue to
deny it and staff Mathis, we
worked on it. He helped me
with. Language to try to
justify the reimbursement and
help us. I total project we
got to. Well, $60,000 and
emergency repairs. All right.
Thank you, sir. Yes, should
have went there.
>> It meant that moment that
day that she too, to sell. She
told us water flows Yeah. And
a last chance. Yeah, let's
We've got 2 more. And will get
over to the other part?
>> Just and I are doing a
little back and forth this
morning for you. We can tell
we're at the Crime for
Prevention Fund, which is to
47 in your work book pursuant
to Section 7, 7, 5, 0, 8, 3
Florida statute port cost for
this fun are assessed and
collected in each instance of
a defendant. But please, no lo
contender or is convicted of
or delinquent of a felony or
misdemeanor for a traffic
offense. The county in
consultation with the sheriff
expense these funds for crime
prevention programs in the
county, including Safe
neighborhood programs.
Pursuant to Florida Statute.
1, 6, 3.5, 0, 1, So this fund
has a non operating cost of
$247,632. And the total budget
is the same for a 3.0. 4, 1%,
increase over the prior fiscal
year.
>> Lisa, if defenses, $250,000
is crime prevention. What
would it cost levy a crime?
>> I'm sure a significant
deal. Blunt. We might want
look at that. But okay with
this thank you, ma'am. You're
welcome. Next, we have Justin
with Fleet Services. Yeah. See
it now. I haven't from you our
fleet services which would be
one, 35 dash, 8, 4,
>> So in front of you, as you
say, the personnel that is up,
there is not correct. It
somehow we pulled a person out
of that. But the personnel
isn't an increase of 5.0, 6,
3%, based off of the true
numbers operating expenses is
89,008, 30, which is a
reduction of 5,700 and $39,
which is a reduction of 6.1
6.0 1% capital outlay. We do
have some increases this year.
As you all know, the
electrical upgrades has been
rolling forward. Multiple,
multiple years.
>> We really are trying to
focus on getting that project
completed this year with the
full design. We're hoping we
can get it done within the
dollar amounts. We have
allocated to that. So you do
see an increase there based
off of that 32,000 that you
show in the previous year was
for that project and just a
roll forward to this year. So
it's just reallocating that so
that did not get expense last
year. Under Non-operating.
We've got to balance showing
their of 665,007 88, which is
an increase of $4. Pretty 0%
increase. So in total net
decrease of 1.0, 5, 5%.
>> You had a pretty good bump
on your insurance this year.
Any reason want shop
liability? I can guarantee you
that's probably wasn't.
There's sure to sign it. Shop
liability seems to racing at a
higher rate than most anything
else. 1.76%. 6,000 booked
almost. And I'm sure MISS Lisa
can probably have a little
better explanation. But I can
tell you, based off of
experience, shop liability has
increased significantly more.
Because if you're looking back
to 2023, is only $9700. You're
up to 20,000.
>> Now.
>> Just in this. Get them to
check on that. Recycling
Knoll. I thought Jimmy told me
that he doesn't have to pay
for them to come. Pick up is I
can I can find out. But we do
pay throughout.
>> The $4,000. I would just
make sure that you're you
know, that there's the
complete awareness that some
people do have a free pickup
service.
>> But their services, not
adp. Epa approved pickup
service. And we require that
for our tracking so that we
don't have to do is
environmental to study later
on because that will trigger
one. I will say that could be
some of what we're seeing.
Very well. Could be good
answer. Any questions,
comments. But okay, yes. Thank
you, Justin. Thank you. You
keep the wheels. Roland, we
appreciate what do there. They
it's good to
know. There's one think
there's probably a couple
meeting. Max orders usually
law. As Jessica. We have to
sit up straighter now pay
attention
>> good morning. Good morning.
I'm going to see this.
>> All the way through since I
impact fees started.
>> With me and next here
during the proposed budget
will have the department or
MISS Lisa present on it. And
so the next 8 funds are going
to review the impact fee
categories due to the Florida
chart of accounts, there was a
reporting update in fiscal
year 2019, 2020, which added
additional requirements to the
dl code and fund reporting
guidelines. So you'll see
throughout that. There's quite
a few gl accounts with impact
fees. There's over 60 Gla
counts.
>> Each.
>> Fun is going to be specific
to that category. So, for
instance, for corrections, we
have. We see. So I'll kind of
give you an idea on what it
entails. The first 6 numbers
are the impact fee itself. So
that identifies the category
and the fund within you have
the funding. You have the
impact. Fees are their own
department, which is 54. Then
you have the uniform chart of
accounts gl series in those
first 6 digits. Identify the
impact fees. So that's whether
its residential commercial and
then the type if it falls
within public safety, physical
environment, transportation,
so on and so forth, the
remaining 4 digits. So the
next 2 digits identify what's
called the dwelling code. So
it's the specific purpose. So
is it office building, a
residential building
educational building? This is
all again, part of the uniform
chart of accounts. And then
the last 2 digits identify the
How it's being multiplied. Is
it based on? Is it based on
square footage? Is it based on
room? So that's that gives you
a overview on how this do you
have so. Next year we will
have more of a detail on what
has in terms of the impact
fees themselves. But for this
budget year, we're only
budgeting each individual. 9
item by one impact fee. So,
for instance, for corrections,
you'll see that yells listed
there. That's one impact fee
amount for each of those gl
We're budgeting for fiscal
year. 26, 27, 16,802. And
since this is a new account,
there's no percentage increase
or decrease. We are working to
hopefully have an update on
Friday on where we're at
currently with the collection
of impact fees regarding the
county and the city because we
have been collect collecting
impact fee since MAY 14th. So
any questions on? Corrections?
The bill stands for General
Ledger. Yes, okay. Thank I'm
going to be the same. Aren't
they?
>> Yes, sir. So the next 8
again, just each individual
line item is just one impact
fee within that specific
category.
>> How we come in with the are
they collecting? Yeah. So
we've worked together
collaboratively to implement a
process. We've created a
>> form and calculator for
them too, for their reporting
structure as well. And they've
been actively communicating
with community development on
updates and impact fees that
they're collecting.
>> Has that word that people
write the check to the city
and then the city accumulates
in sense. That does yes, sir.
So we'll have some but would
have somebody what you to with
So right now the city collects
the full impact fee and the
full 3% administration fee.
>> And then they retain the
1.5%. Due to them. And the
rest comes to the county that
the 3% does not. In addition
to the impact fees is is
portion of its additional
fortune, says additional. It's
103%. Yes.
>> And the only change that
you'll see within these
accounts, as we do have to add
the gl for the administrative
fees. So will be budgeting
that through these next couple
funds as we move forward
through the budgeting process
of the final budget work. But
>> any questions, comments. So
that a curse on the way
through. All of to 47.
>> So debt service 203 is
where we will be next. Unless
you have any questions on the
other ones. Yours was
shortest.
>> Around issues go carries
all the way through get there
and cheat.
>> I think the just endure end
of longest. I feel like as
true today. Yes.
>> They make make you MR. Not
be the overall longest.
>> Okay. MISS Lisa.
>> Our next fund that we will
be discussing is our debt
service fund which should be
page to 91 in your budget
workbook. So the current year
proposed budget for our debt
services. I wait for you all
to get there. Now you find
that said their fight.
>> Is 1 million, $511,552 are
non operating costs are
$234,199.
>> For a total budget of
1 million, $745,751. It's
important to note here the
decrease of 33% over the prior
fiscal year is due to the fact
that we pay this fund down
with a million dollars from
the landfill truss. And this
was a recommendation from our
outgoing county administrator
to save the county quite a bit
of money and interest over the
term of this pollen payment.
>> Going away. Present from
Debby is at And so that it be
MAY be a good one of our bonds
is that we're down to one now.
>> So we still have the 2
bonds, but it eliminated quite
a bit of interest that we will
be paying on the beeb they are
Yes, We paid it down. We
didn't pay it off. Do it.
>> Do we still have about And
you pay it if we.
>> We only could utilize the
bond pre payment schedule if
we received an act that was in
alignment with what our
defeats schedule is and those
would have defeat since.
That's what it's called to the
fees on the deceased. Know So
season's would require us to
receive grant funding or a
legislative appropriation for
that specific projects. That's
the project is completed. I do
anticipate we'll be able to
pay down the bonds any longer.
>> After what we've said about
the governor that's going to
happen was like, oh, Florida.
We could just.
>> Any questions about that
service. Our next fund is
capital improvement projects.
And I'll turn this over to MR.
Nelson.
>> Back in front of you again.
In our capital improvements,
as you can see, there's under
under capital outlay. You see
a $60,000 that it that is are
surveying services that are
provided through Cip that we
budget for every year.
Normally we expense every
dollar that. So the majority
of those are for survey items
that are needed for pre grant
applications pretty
improvement projects. Before
we get into the design phase
or we get into something where
we need to execute a full
design. There is a lot of
survey work that normally
comes ahead of those items. So
that's not a majority of what
that funding and you is used
for. So moving forward from
there, if you see under
capital projects projected
this year, we've got $1018.68,
which is a reduction from the
previous year of 8. 81.9 5%.
So non-operating. There's an
increase of 4,280 and that is
an increase of 67 point to 3%.
So the total budget coming
into this year's 11 million,
11 million, 275,881 dollars,
which is a net decrease of
2.8, 2%.
>> One of the things just and
you MAY want to emphasize is
that when people look at the
some of this money that you're
spending on capital
improvements. Most some of
that are all of this under.
Been received via grants,
correct.
>> a significant amount of
money is in their areas as
grants. And also when, you
know, I think from the
public's perspective. It
appears when you look a total
budget dollar amount of
11 million dollars, the public
looks at that is we are
expensing 11 million dollars.
That is not. We have 1 million
$78,000 in total expenditures
that are allocated a budget
for this year. It's the cash
balance forward and
non-operating. The kind of
gives the appearance that
there's large amount of money
being expensive capital.
That's not really being
expenses. Covered. Other
words, yes, right. So just,
you know, sometimes they're
looking at things. They like
what you spent, you know,
6 million last year, whatever
it says, it appears 12 million
last year. They look at that.
So, you know, I think
sometimes it's just a little
bit of clarification of what
the actual dollar amount, this
budget number this year. Some
of those items, like I said is
we've we've got that are
moving into the next year.
Would be, you know, the clip
that spark will have that
money. Encumbered this year is
our hope. We're working on
trying to get that finished up
contract back and forth. But
moving into next year, you'll
see that the Douglas Brown
restroom renovations as one of
the items we have budgeted for
next year. And then we'll be
working for day out towards
the fire station. 4
professional services and
improvements. So those those
items will star see moving
coming into the next budget
year.
>> Just touching on the
projected cash balance
forward. That is one of the
items that going to true up
the value once the audit is
complete. And so there could
be a change are likely to be a
change due to the amount of
projects that were completed
this fiscal year or that
fiscal year of 24. 25 so just
we will provide updates once
the audit is complete, but
just wanted to to let you know
that that's still not a true
true value. There.
>> What is the interest,
including profit work? Where
is it coming from? Which under
miscellaneous second lawn.
>> We will.
>> Provide an update on Friday
on with that. Includes.
>> Justin does have anything
do with these services all in
Rolla and did not need to hear
from stepping back. Yeah, MR.
Ridley, tell us all the good
things you're doing more just
the county's projects from
concept to close out into an
operation. When I came on is
The construction manager. I
thought that was the extent of
it. As I got more involved, I
see that I get to work with
all the departments in the
county. And on this
exceptional our team supreme.
When I say that I'm just
talking about my direct staff,
it kept improvements know
Susan Thomas Asiatic as Ida
status melt. They all the
great. I'll talk about the
county as a whole. When I work
on projects, different
apartments, fire Department
road and bridge. Facilities.
Any development everybody
steps in and does their part.
You know, it's like a family
and I enjoy that. We get these
projects on the way in we plan
to. Market started the like
these and for the public.
>> budget director, keep you
in line smile. But nobody is
saying nobody is safe at that
podium. You know I know. I'm
telling dozens Masi like you
just Miles and obvious that
perfect do you get she gets to
brag about a graduate that you
MAY have in family. So. Yes,
my daughter, guys way. She's
Phd. Very
>> I MAY, I just want to thank
for for his partnership and
collaboration with the grants
Department out with some of
the changes that we have made
in grants. I can really see
the initiative that he's been
taking, especially wanting to
learn the software that we
haven't and understand the
assurances as well as the the
weight that a grant carries to
ensure that all the
deliverables arm and tasks our
Matt as well. He's been
working great with our grant
specialist in terms of of
getting that the information
she needs to do the reporting.
So just want to thank him for
stepping up in that manner
because it is a lot,
especially with 304, fund. And
then now taking on the airport
as as a main point of
communications. So thank you.
>> She ate what you do for
Thank you. Anymore. Questions
comments about Okay. Onto the
304, which is a road
improvement capital projects.
>> As you can see, moving
into.
>> operational expenses, we
have 1.5 million dollars
budgeted this year. That is
far road improvement. That is
our paving improvement
projects that we do every
single year. That is a
decrease. But that was based
off of some changes to the
board had made the previous
year. So. Other than that
under capital outlay our
capital outlay projects. We
have 18 million, 752 dollars
and 8 million, $752,623, which
is a reduction from the
previous year of 2 million,
902 dollars. And that's a
13.4% reduction. And non
operating. We have a change
from 1.5, 9, 5, That's a
change to 1 million, 18 7.57,
which is a reduction of our
non-operating by 576,000,
which is another reduction of
36%. So total budget this year
for for that department, which
would be 21 million sept.
21 million, $271. $30338,
which is total reduction of 14
point 1, 0%. And for the
record, these are restricted
fund. See, yes, sir, to be
used for restricted grounds
and 99% of projects besides.
>> The 1.5 million that is out
of restricted funds are grant
funded projects these are all
projects that are funded.
Their grandson road
improvement. Yes, or road
improvements. Road
improvements. Signals ation
improvements. Those types
projects. Any questions,
comments. And as and as we
move through the year, you'll
probably see some more
amendments to this budget for
some other ones that are and
the works right now that we're
talking with fdot. About. So
they MAY be some projects that
are not budgeted, of course,
is we've we've talked about
previously not budgeting for
projects until we have to
grant in place. There is some
grant applications out there
right now that this department
would handle. And that's for
some other capital outlays.
Apparently I'm going to finish
it out. So moving into the for
a one 20 I'll take it
normally. Denise takes us one.
I'll go ahead and take it now
because this is a parks and
recreation site. Was through
She said she was done some
going to take up a
>> in the 4, 0, 21. There's no
personnel services operating
expenses for that for that
site or for that part of that
site has increased to 54,000,
2.59. And that is a change in
increase of 9.3, 1% from the
previous year. That total
total budget increase would be
9.3, 1%. That is a total
budget and the authority of
that is just the utilities in
operation to keep that
facility up and running. There
is some revenue that comes in
there. But of course, we know
we're doing that on a
month-to-month basis depending
on this when the sale comes a
kind of problem have of the
best rooms there that they
vandalized. Those very bad.
>> We barely have operational
bathrooms there. We have quit
making repairs at that site
because as we replace a
replace urinals are replaced
toilets. When we come back,
they're busted off. We don't
even have dividers in the
men's restroom at all. So the
toilet is just sitting out in
the wide open because every
time we replace it, it gets
vandalized. We did some. We
actually took some material
out. Another restroom moved it
over there. Did some repairs
year or so ago and then they
got vandalized again. We
pretty much or more running on
minimal operations. There. So
it's it's got a point where we
just were not making repairs
there because it was too
costly. We did not have the
budgetary dollars and then
even in the vacant buildings,
we get a significant amount of
vandalism. They have broke
into the old restaurant
building pretty much on a
monthly basis were back over
the re securing that building,
cutting through the roof to
get into it. I mean, from
every which way the every
window and it's been busted
out, they've cut through the
roof to get in. It's
significant. The amount of
vandalism that happens at that
site. We've decided even if we
shut this down, we can't shut
package that down because its
services, Scott driver. You're
exactly right, sir.
>> Yes, its services, Scott
driver, we cannot shut the
package plant down. It has to
be operational.
>> And and as I stated
previously and Mondays. You
know, our utility costs here
are significantly high based
off of the Mir size that's
required to operate that
facility. That is one of the
one of the highest expenses at
that site under the
operational side.
>> Could the gate being moved
from out back? When you go in
the entrance and turn right
like you're going to the boat
ramp, could that be gated,
right? There's a lot we could
do. We fenced.
>> Fenced a lot of the
facility off last year. The
Old campground campground, the
the problem we will have if we
fence that facility off is
that we still have. Tenants
leases going on. So until the
board says shut it down, shut
down. As we know the boat
ramps are shut down. One is do
low water. Its actually I was
out there yesterday and the
water is actually past the
shear. The sheep, It is
actually a drop off at the Now
she pass completely exposed.
The other 3 ramps. There's a
significant erosion issue
underneath those. I've been
there myself. You can crawl
underneath the back system
ramp so they had to be shut
down due to that.
>> As the vandalism coming in
by boat or
>> No most of it comes in by
vehicle Yes, sir. Joining by
vehicle. And we've done a
really good job. Facilities is
involved. Parks is involved
were all involved about trying
to keep people out. We have
people who camped there. We've
put up new signage. Every time
we put new signs, a tear him
down. But but I go myself
every single Monday at 5.30,
or 6 o'clock in the morning. I
go down there and I do a drive
thru. And if somebody is there
camping overnight, I give
them. A notice. If there's
nobody that will answer the
door. If I get answer the
door, I will explain to them.
They cannot do it. There's no
overnight camping there. They
cannot be their camping
overnight because the majority
of the vandalism is some of
those people who are living in
their car. They're down there
there plugging in. We
literally have someone that
we've had to run off multiple
times who has an extension
cord plugged into the
restrooms with the wind, the
units the window, their car.
And we've had to run them off
a few times. And now we're at
the point where they'll be
trespassed. What about that?
Yes, yes. Yeah. Very
resourceful. They've they've
come up with some great ideas.
But I will say that the
dumping of the dumping of
trash has gotten much better.
In the back of the facility.
We still have the issues of
trash cans where the people
come over from Glades that
just dropped bags of trash
throughout the weekend in
front of the trash cans and it
sometimes it could be
significant amount of bags of
trash that come from. And what
we've learned now, that's
people who are not paying for
trash service in Glades County
coming do charity and dumping
it there. There's another
>> If if I can just add really
quickly, just so to give you
some reference, we do have
active boat slip rentals at
the location right now. But we
are going month by month. So
we only have rentals up
through the end of JULY and
they're only 4 slips being
rented right now. We're in the
offseason. Pick up as we go
into OCTOBER or NOVEMBER.
We're going to start seeing
those increase. But right now
there's only 4 slips being
rented. So if we decided to
make a the decision. We're
only displacing 4 people at
this point. It could you give
them for kids lock it. But so
many people want to fish. Say
they want shut the bank down
there.
>> And we actually do. That's
that clown fish to them. A
call. That's where they like
to be is right in that Marina
side, we actually You say what
you say, but a trial clown. I
fish. He's one of those
invasives. It's a big, weird
looking fish and they like to
hang around there in that
basin. I mean, pretty know.
>> We're talking about boat
slips, but they can still put
in at Scott driver and access
that area by boat.
>> Yes, yes, yes. But like in
that case, we don't bring the
boat. We just a code word. Sit
on office it. Wasting time his
or Dressed in a clown suit
catching a fish. Thank Justin.
Well, I got one more for you.
We're not finished containing.
So, but no, she him.
>> question
>> on Thomas Lee. Lauren. The
21. But for what I want is the
parkside. And then we have 66,
which is the maintenance side.
There should be a I mean, 66
slide. Also. I did. I keep
pushing it. We pay Yes, sir.
It's contract mode. There we
go. As the chair just stated,
the majority of the
operational costs that are
that are at this site are
contract mowing.
>> We this this out that did
go out for bid 2? I think
we're 2 years into that
contract. That did go out for
bid. They were by far lowest
bidder. So the majority of
what's expense there is
contracted mowing at that
site. The other stuff is just
general repair items that we
have to make just to be able
to keep the park open. And
it's very minimal of what we
expense. 43,000 of that
$45,000 budget. Is
contracting. That riverside,
yes, sir. Riverside has that
contract. They have all the
county stuff outside of the
thing make. Yesterday. They
do. They do 5. I think 5
facilities now. Commissioner
to cuddle.
>> While we're on that, you
want talk about the fans at
the ag Center. The defense
said the egg center.
>> Just one part of the
Accenture before the 4th of
JULY, kind of scope of the
scope out the set up and think
Jen that were not maintaining
the. Taking care of our feed.
Lot Fence line with 4 finals,
3, 4 feet high offense which
fence line 77, 10 on 7.10, out
be the victims are down 70
Make sure that that's on our
spray schedule.
>> We'll get that taken Really
pet? Yeah. So and their
contract they don't have to
mow those tents. Are we this
fence lines? We do that
chemical. So I will make sure
that that's on the schedule
will get the handle. We did.
Just for reference, we win a
significant amount of time
without a licensed. Someone
who was licensed herbicides.
So that's taking a little bit
of time to get someone who has
the licensing and we don't
want another issue like we had
at cemetery few years ago. So
we will make sure we're doing
it the right way. One of them,
one of the but as we pay for
somebody for less. And so
assume that's what it was for.
Yes, or somebody that was road
department. Yes, sir. We do
read department and
facilities. Both both licensed
herbicide. And then we also
contracts a certain amount of
it. We do now contract out you
know, one of the examples see
Scott driver. We contract out
that Bird sanctuary area and
some of the stuff down there
with the contractor just.
Being on the lakeside. I feel
more comfortable knowing that
we're using the right types of
chemicals and someone who is
very for fish very well versed
spring. Those types other than
that, I think I've finished up
the whole budget. I'll close
it out. Thank you. Okay.
Commissioners, anything we
want to specifically come back
to look is Jessica's got
something she's bringing
Friday.
>> I think she brought some
today for us to get to review
>> Yes, I do have that. If you
have anything from today that
you'd like to take some notes.
>> I think overall we've been
through this whole budget. It
looks fairly decent. There's
some things that I think we
really need take a look at
continue to try to. Maybe a
work toward. I want win back
to it last night and the
numbers make proposition
recommendation to the board.
Is that anybody? It's over 5%.
Increase. They need to bring
it down to 5%. Because I think
that's something reasonable
because the bocc is it for
4.2. Right. You don't get down
roughly 4%. 4%. So I think
anybody, anybody that we went
through here today and
yesterday and the day before.
I think that they need to take
their country sharp it up. Get
it down to 5, anything. It's
like anything. We're 5% get
back down to 5%. Because at
the end of the day, is that?
We only have x amount of
money. And I think that one
thing I want to bring back up
also, I think that we kind of
missed today. And Justin, this
is on your side of the House.
I think that we we missed
really articulating that yours
is only what, 5. But me out
here.
>> It's 7% total with the
landfill, trust loans. So I
have without those actually
budget reduction of about 2%.
>> Okay. So you're going make
sure that that's out because
we missed kind of making sure
that that was demonstrated
that it's not what we saw on
the board. It's just basically
we're moving money around and
makes it a little bit
different. But I think from my
perspective, I think we should
tell anybody any of the
constitutional Ys, any of us
us over 5%. We need to forget
about the 5%. And I think you
want to remember when the
sheriff's department 6.8 to
her, I think you had the clerk
of court was 6.1, the cause
and the sheriff of 6 point,
the 2 of my members to
correct. And I believe those
are I don't know if there's a
look over the sheriff in a in
a minute. But I just finish
but I think that's what that
would be. My My head.
>> I have a hand out here. I'm
going to go ahead and pass
down. Based on the closing
yesterday. We needed to
identify what the amended
number actually was as well as
adopted, as well as what's
being proposed. So
>> the first she is going to
be. A few numbers. You have
what was initially requested.
25 26 then the board
direction. Then at that time
was have them tighten their
numbers. So then they came
back and it was adopted. So
you have that number there at
29 million, 990,000, 702. We
did look in atg because that's
our financial record that we
use when we budget. 4 within
the budget office. So within
atg, the number that has been
updated since the budget book
is highlighted there in Orange
for corrections. But that
brings your atg amended to
31 Million 2, 0, 4, 108. What
the sheriff's office
presentation provided. Was
here in Pink. So you Cso
amended. 25 26. That does
include an additional
$183,075. There was a comment
mention that there was going
to be a budget amendment soon
in regards to implementing the
increase in Frs further
quarter, as well as the fuel
expense. So that's what that
$183,075 increase from the
presentation. So this should
be the amended number. And
then you have what was
proposed originally and then
what they proposed at at the
meeting in their
presentations. So you'll have
the percentages, its color
coded to reference what
percentage it goes back to if
you wanted to know what the
percentages from adopted 2,
the proposed. It's all
referencing the proposed from
presentation of 33 Million.
283. And 24. Additionally,
your second handout. Attach
their to talks about health
insurance and workers
compensation. We talked about
this extensively staff and I
Lisa specifically in terms of
trying to find a number
relative to fsa for the bocc
or relative to for the
sheriff's office for workers
compensation. And there's just
too many variables that come
into to have an apples to
apples comparison on workers,
compensation. So if the board
does want us to go out and get
quotes go to through a
competitive process. We can do
that just we would do it for
next fiscal year. So just
wanted to provide you where
we're at. We did get that per
full-time employee number for
health insurance. But again,
there's other variables.
They're dependent on the plans
that they're offering. If it
is an apples to apples
comparison. So if this is
something a direction from the
board, we're more than happy
to move forward. I just didn't
want to provide a an accurate
number for workers.
Compensation due to all the
variables that come into play.
One of them being the what's
called the experience
modification rating. That's
basically the risk rate and
our Chris great is 0.8, 9 and
anything below one is better
than average, which typically
provides lower premiums. We
don't know what that
modification rating is for the
sheriff's office. And if we
are added to that poll pool
within workers compensation,
then we then have that Chris
great applied as well. So it
could potentially increase our
premium. So there's just and
you'll see of the list here on
how the calculation is for the
premiums as well as what
factors come into play when it
comes to workers.
Compensation. Typically the
policies are bundled with your
property and casualty. So you
have your health insurance,
then you have your property
and casualty with workers
compensation. So
>> they're 2 different
processes. And functions that.
That come into play when
trying to get a quote for
premium. And I'll stop there
as your value 18.
>> Thank It was good. Very,
very good. Must hold up.
>> Could we lower their risk
rate we can mine?
>> I don't. I don't know that
be a question because it's the
5th Florida Sheriffs
Association said the entire
state. So it's it's I group,
correct? And there's
different. It gets very
convoluted. There's different
towers that you can be applied
to. So just dependent on how.
How it's invested.
>> And that last amended
numbers. Don't know the
bottom. Bottom, right? It has
it as the percent change of
county sheriff's in the
budget. Plus one 83 75. Help
me. Is that one? 83 75
included in the 6.1 8.
>> So there presentation. Had
a
>> one 11,000 for it for us.
>> So their budget
presentation had just did
budget total of 33 million to
83, 0, 2, 4, which is what is
shown there. But you'll see at
the top line, 20 million 3.74,
where the total net adjustment
was added. From their
presentations. So that's where
the increase took place. As
far as the one. 25 when it
comes sorry. But that's that's
not your question. Sorry.
>> Going back, the amended
here. The one 83 0, 7, 5, was
added to the law enforcement
because of frs and the fuel
expense and their 4th quarter.
What was your question? I'm
sorry.
>> I was just want to see if
that was the weights as
percent change. Plus one 83 as
should say, inclusive of the
one 83. Yeah. So that's just a
ok? I if I needed also add
that no, that that's been
added. That's just letting you
know, that that's part
inclusive or yes, because
presentation.
>> When you look at the
amended budget slide that they
had their amended budget on
their presentation. Had
31 Million 1.64. To 36. So if
you saw discrepancy by looking
at their presentation, I
wanted it to be clear that i
then added the one 83 0, 7, 5
based on discussions with the
undersheriff that that that
and ask for that gradual fuel
for correct.
>> So with that, what what is
there?
>> Bottom line percent
increase in budget.
>> depends on what you're
looking at. Against 10.9 8%
against what we adopted. 6.6,
6% against. The bet budget
book. 6.1 8% against
presentation that let's go
back to one thing. It when we
talked about the amended
budget for 2025. This the pink
piece of it.
>> The pink is is so you'll
see here less other revenue
debt service amendment. And
prior year we incumbents.
That's not something that we.
We understand in terms of the
budget office when we're
putting together, we go off of
atg. That's us telling you,
this is what how we got our
numbers. And then this is the
sheriff. What the sheriff
resented at the meeting. So
they they have their own
finance department. So we go
off of atg, which is our. Our
record of.
>> Right. But with my my point
is, is that when you look the
adopted budget. For 2025,
2026. And you take that. In
totality to 29 mil. From
OCTOBER one of last year until
today. How many amendments and
was the cost of those
amendments that we put on to
that budget? Because my issue
is the question to development
budget. On new budget on the
amended budget verse is being
amended. Excuse me developing
a budget. Hopefully you're
adopted budget. In the budget
could include grants that are
not focused on personnel
whatever. So my problem trying
to understand this, is it.
You're adding a lot of money
in between OCTOBER to JULY of
this year. What how much money
is that? That is. That is
grants.
>> And it grants I would have
to identified. But
>> the from the adopted to the
amended its it ranges from 4
to 4 and a half percent, which
you can see those numbers
change from the adopted to the
amended and we in law
enforcement and corrections.
Okay. So.
>> still stand by. My
suggestion starts. I think
people who are over 5% should
sharpen your pencil. And come
in at 5% over the budget.
We're in new port where the
right now. If you take a look
at it across state. People are
reducing their budgets.
They're sharpening their
pencils work we cannot
continue to do that. If you
can do it from the bocc
standpoint. And you get to 4%.
I think everybody should be
able to get at least a 5%. So
MR. Commissioner Burrows, are
you saying? 5% from?
>> The 25 26 adopted. Are you
saying 5% from the amended?
>> Say that is a proposed. His
proposed budget 33 to to 4.
>> Which is 6.1 8%. Adjusted.
But it's 10.9% above the
adopted. So when you are
asking for a 5% only increase.
Increase off of which one. The
adopted you have to. You have
to look at 5% proposed.
>> Maybe mention your point. I
think you are. If you've got.
$100 and you say I don't want
to be more than 5% come back
at $105. We've got 2 different
$100. We've got 100 that we
approved. But in 102 was
spent. The adjusted. So are
you looking for a maximum of
5% above the 102. Are you
looking at a maximum of 5%
above the 100? Based on my
simple. No, I think what what
I'm saying is that whatever
your proposed budget is today.
Get a 5%. If I'm 75, what if I
MAY?
>> Most of the percentages
that he's referencing are
based off of the adjusted. So
it's my understanding that he
might be referring to the
adjusted because what he's
referencing the bocc 4%.
That's that's off of amended
not are adopted.
>> our amended. 4% higher than
or about. I would have to
check on that percentage.
>> So your recommended comes
down. 1.18%.
>> That's what I'm saying
right now. Yes. That's where
we are. All my hand corner of
the bank. I think an 8 I can't
ask him. I can't asked.
Somebody to Co go from the
adopted budget of 25 2026. I
can only go from what he's put
in today. Well, that only but
you just said few moments ago
that some of that could be
grants and so forth that are
one time only. He's and I
don't. And I don't know how
much that is because I'm going
figure it up this afternoon.
But when you figure that up,
then what are you going to be
asking And I made me tell you
that it will be all for that
number.
>> Well, if if we're asking.
For him to come back with a
different number. It be nice.
Be new, which number to be
shooting for so much It would
be a service to 2, but
actually telling what we're
asking for. Understand that.
But here's what so I agree
with your your comment. My
point I don't know what that
percentage is or what the
dollar amount is that
associated with.
>> Grants that are just
one-time grants. Because why
should I build a budget off of
a one-time grant? That's my
problem. If I-5 got x amount
of dollars. Outside of the
grant and that's what should
build be. Building my budget
Not adding grants to it. Just
so it looks good on number.
Well, especially for the one
times if you've got a
recurring one that comes every
year in JANUARY and he can't
budget for, but he knows it's
coming every year in JANUARY.
>> That's a legitimate number.
Absolutely. If there's a
one-time, here's 200 grand
for. Fleet tires. That's a one
and done. Then you can I I'm
agreeing with what you're
saying. That doesn't become a
something you budgeted for. It
say. One over. If these
numbers are correct and we
need one that 1.18% of their
we ask in in Re used $292,739.
>> In 68.0, $0.32. If numbers
correct. Fact numbers. Critics
what you're looking Free
night, little under 400,000.
Yeah. Because here's here's
the thing. Commissioner summer
brings up a good point. You've
got it. You know, the dot, the
budget. Next, you get all
these particular grant or
whatever, whatever, whatever,
amendments, to the sheriff's
budget during the course of
that year, various things.
Some of could be a one-time
grant. Some could be a
reoccurring grant. The
reoccurring grants should be
applied. 2, the amended, but
due to the adopted budget, the
one-time grants should not.
That's that's what I was
trying to get right. I don't
have that number. And that's
to that's the key to this is
that. I can ask and did. I can
just make this blank statement
I should come down to 5%
whatever your your proposed
budget is after Monday's
grants. Minus non-recurring
grants. You can do that. But
we still have to understand a
number. And that was what
post. Unfortunately. Thank
you. Through this last night,
MR. CHAIRMAN. It's occurring
to me that. We have things in
here that or not that are
one-time deals. I think I MAY
be wrong. But I think there's
its when you look through the
amendments over a year, I
think you're going to find.
And all I'm looking to do is
making sure that we have a
valid number. What's really
required to do the job?
Shortchange not get more. But
what is required to do the
job. And then outside the
one-time grants and stuff of
that sort. That doesn't, you
know, to me, you and you know,
on the other. Problem I had
was the fact of trying to.
Match the firemen. Their race.
I think that we have the union
we deal with on the far side,
I don't have a union to deal
with on the bocc side. We've
agreed it is 2% plus e p a
right, mark. Correct on that.
So I think 2%, merit. What and
whatever the cpi. I think
those are should be a
baseline. My my opinion only.
MISS Jessica.
>> We updated number on the
impact fees to date.
Collections.
>> So today we have collected
for impact fees. Sit spore
that have been. Applied for
since MAY 15th. We did the
application been approved. So
all 4 of those were single
family residence. 3 of them
were under 1500 square foot.
One was over 1500 square foot.
So if you want to run down the
list of accounts and their
balances for you.
>> Yes, just the total. You
have have a total
transportation is and isn't
16th. I do not have a total of
all of the impact fees have
per account. Okay.
>> But transportation is
16,000 Library, $670.
Corrections is $800. Law
enforcement is 6,000. Fire and
ems is 2800. Public schools
are 8500. Parks and rec. Our
2200 public facilities are
5200 action. Do have a total
total with administrative fees
as $52,000.
>> Just for quick. Add on.
Leaving the grants part out of
If you're asking. For that
reduction down to 5%. Did
cause you said to be nearly
400 grand? It's 3. 68 3.47.
Leaving out the. What's real
and what's member part of it,
if you did it straight off of.
The adjusted. To the ask
you're asking for abduction
over there. 368,000. Open it.
And that's just.
>> really as it goes back to
the clerk of court, too. He's
6.1.
>> Yeah. And that number. We
flipped that it would take for
the second. Some of dresses.
Clerk, 6 point want to think
figure to those Tate.
>> 1.1% off of his was it
comes to him. Purcell, Well,
yeah, to make it 5% whatever.
Gotten out of what what? It
would be ones.
Are going
transfer the Curtis?
3 Million? 40 ish 1000?
>> 3, 0, 9, 4, $37,560 is what
ubs commander Days over
3 Billion 3 million. 94.
Taking 2, 3, 1, 89, one 97,
which is a reduction 37,005,
6.
>> And it you know, that's you
know, that's not a lot of
money. I'm not if you of the
money is just looking fight.
5% above what you your budget.
5% cut.
That's just me. Guys debate
that if you want. I don't
care. But that's my. That's my
thing.
>> It's hard to put an
arbitrary number on it. But
obviously the anything that
can be done is helpful. If as
a total board, which is
inclusive of the fire
department. We stated 4%. I
don't think it's a huge ask.
>> To ask anyone else to top.
There's at 5. So I don't
disagree with you.
Commissioner. I MAY be a
little simple sometimes
compared to some of you.
>> Mathematicians and things.
I look at it kind of like
this. If you're 2 income
family and they were to live
from income. I mean, you know,
taking a few less trips, the
town are. Maybe not going out
to be tough. Just cutting back
a little we can just find that
somewhere. Little bit here a
little bit. There MAY be. Next
year we don't fall off the
cliff. Everybody help a little
bit. I guess.
>> If they can, could down 5%.
That would be that would be
nice. Also talk about people
that were bulletproof vest to
work. You know, I don't want
to I don't want to that's
going on I don't want to.
Product cut. A little bit of
money off decreases. They're
effective mission protecting
and serving the public. You
know, If there's Fluff in
area, I believe that we
should. You know, push to do
the best to win of that out.
It's so close that I don't
know it's worth. Than the
optics. This is not she's real
dollars. No, no, no. Israel
dollars. I know it's but I
just this is just my thought.
If there's if there's fluff,
yeah, we should. Who should
cut it out. I don't want to. I
don't want think it makes them
less effective. Doing her job.
Protection, serve the public
That's where I'm at
>> We do have some you're
going to say or I agree. It's
a high risk and it's well
needed. I got relatives in
that space, too. Close I
appreciate that. Appreciate
everybody. But maybe they're
somewhere else without getting
rid of writ of the bullet
proof vest, so to speak that
there's something they can
find. We'd appreciate it.
That's all we're saying
everybody. Try to help. We've
got a problem. We're not in
control of that. That's what
they're doing in for
government decision. Now the
people are going to decide it
sounds real good to the
taxpayer know fact we don't
have to keep paying for
houses. You've heard it. So we
got to deal with that. We've
got to prepare little bit.
>> not asking for abduction.
Still saying you can go up 5%
on your budget. That's not.
That's not saying. Take away
of a vest or don't give a
raise. That's that's not. What
Commissioner Burrows I'm
trying to put words in your
mouth, but if you can hold
your increase to 5%. Yeah. You
know, if my daughter start
spending more on a credit card
at Gainesville, then she
should and will say you need
to. Whether it's not getting
Starbucks coffee. I don't know
sharing Starbucks coffee, but
but that example years if. You
can spend a little bit more
because everything does cost a
little bit more than it did
last year. There's not a
dollar sandwich of McDonald's
anymore. We know that. But
asking somebody to to take
their growth and capped at 5%.
I don't think is an
unreasonable ask.
>> And agree with that. But if
their Starbucks coffee, we
just use that as a. It's a
place, example, in your
budget. It needs to come out.
Only agree with that.
>> Well, it's a total the, for
instance, on our side, the
fire department did go up. But
we came down on some other
stuff to make up for it.
Workout, 2 percentage well
know that there have about 2
trucks and that's a real notes
it would be. But for the
trucks. So your partially But
overall got feathers and all
one dollars where that a 4%
increase. So all doing is
asking everybody else to
sharpen their pencils nearly
to the same level that we did
if our numbers are right and
all I can do stresses book
that handed to me. So numbers
are correct. Then that's all
we're asking. If you can't do
it, you can't do it. Come here
and say, look, I can't do it.
This is why then played the
case at the time. But if you
can. Please do for the sake of
the public, for the sake of
the doe's crowd, we can. I
mean, again, like I said 3
more months ago, we are a
bunch Republicans were not big
government people. We're not
big spending people. Our job
is to give as much service as
possible with his little cost
as possible. Well, is this
does this I know for a fact
they're working on it.
>> this time last year, we
said that, you know, help us
out and that, you know, and
that was That was on
Wednesday. And they came by
Friday morning and we had a
compromise. So if you nothing
came back and say, again as
this money for bulletproof
vests and we're going say, of
wager to say that if they come
back and say, hey, we'll
tighten belts and we'll make
this work them with puppets.
Okay to that. So but I'm
confident and all the county
departments constitutional
employees know that everybody
the same. Page that we are to
do is good to service is
possible for the least amount
of money. I'm suggesting we
let them come by Friday
morning see what the
temperature is
>> And I would like to add an
additional thanks again. To
those constitutional came in
at a flat budget from last
year. We we asked and they
absolutely performed and I
can't. We couldn't get down to
0 wish we could, but we could.
But 3 of them did. With a
that.
>> I think everybody has to
remind you. So one thing.
We've heard this over and
over, that's not our money. I
don't care who you are. Give
your constitutional if you're
if you're. The occ or
whatever, it's not our money.
>> And at the end of the day
we're been put appear in order
to be the steward to that
money.
>> I'm not saying that we need
to throw take away proof vest.
Not We have seen in the past.
There's places where people
can reduce or budgets without
hurting themselves. And that
was we put on her. You come
through. With only 4%.
Increase. Given the gas, given
all the other stuff that went
in into that calculation this
year. What she got 4% So i
don't think it's I don't think
it's out of the realm, covers
responsibility to ask
everybody else. To try to
coming in at 5% over what in
the flow for anything could
cut out? Yes, absolutely.
>> But you cut it out.
>> But I'm I'm Mike with the
CHAIRMAN This week and see
what happens. I think the
message should, you know, the
the hurt if they're watching,
they heard the message. And
they heard the debate. That
goes for the judge for the
clerk of court. And that goes
for the sheriff. Anybody else.
So they heard debate so their
little work on this. He
wouldn't come up with.
>> Just for the second part of
the conversation in terms of
workers comp and health
insurance. Is that something
you want us to go through the
competitive process coming
here for? It's it's over next
years for next year's
consideration. Answer if
you've got the time, the can't
hurt to ask the question. Some
of it. And make a project is
today. It gets pretty
extensive because if you're
trying to compare apples to
apples, there's going to be
different. Insurance plans and
workers compensation.
>> Rates so.
>> And I want is for was that
can. But, you know, were just
in for impact fees with Justin
for a new budget director.
We've got so many things going
on right now that.
>> But pay attention to the
tax issue to yes, yeah. We
don't know what's come a
couple met. It MAY not be the
opportune time.
>> tackle that.
>> let me ask it this way. If
we're if I go to shop, new
insurance companies for my
family, they do the work of
putting together the bid. I
mean, I realize there's some
coordination that from my and
to be on the phone with them.
But I don't have to compare
the apples to apples. They did
us. They bid the as so. The
other company bids 2 of got
the best bid. His answer, but
they don't be. This is like
the life Insurance Company We
have now.
>> My coverage goes down every
year. The other one MAY not.
So there's so many things that
you've got to take it. Lace-up
would be. 24 hours a day
trying analyze that with We
would also be analyzing.
>> portfolio. So in terms of
the towers that we would be
placed into and how how much
risk we would be associated
with based on the poll that
were and so even though they
provide us that information.
And still there's a lot of an
allegation that we would have
to do on our end to ensure
that we're in a where with the
right provider that is not
going to put us at a large
risk to then increase our
premiums over time.
>> So in other words, the
juice at worst, the squeeze at
this point just think we have
so many things going on right
now as don't overload the
wagon. I don't get Elamine.
And that hopefully help the
budget process goes goes a lot
differently. You know, we've
got. The computer programs is
not driving. We've got a major
win over there that, you know,
we've agreed to go or
something. And I think we've
got a lot of things going I do
have one question. It was our
life insurance. It goes down.
Older you get in mind to get
pretty low. Does that mean
Commissioner Burrows doesn't
0. So exposure
>> it was the guy that, you
know, Lee said, do know they
don't care about has been, but
the cemetery cash. But we've
been so got talk to him to
Because think got a site you
can to up I almost just looked
at, not cover smile. And so I
didn't want to aggravate
storage is asked if I'd ever
heard anything back. And we're
talking savings accounts
versus the Aflac.
>> And we're talking about
death, a little yes, you're
still that we're looking
everyone. Do you going to add
you a solution this fiscal
year for another option with
MetLife?
>> Which is just another
supplemental. Yes. We have
done some research that we
plan on bringing to the board
sometime next fiscal year.
>> question all right, for the
record. Budget workshop will
be. Continued until Friday
morning. 9 o'clock, a regular
commission meeting will be is
scheduled for 9 o'clock
tomorrow. Things couldn't have
been more. So we're adjourned