1 00:00:01,550 --> 00:00:09,350 Ding, ding, ding, it is 530 ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Board of County Commission meeting. 2 00:00:09,930 --> 00:00:16,630 It is Tuesday, September 22nd, and we are going to start with our called order. 3 00:00:17,290 --> 00:00:22,710 So, thank you for quieting down so quickly. It's because we all can't get out of here fast enough, I think. 4 00:00:23,150 --> 00:00:25,430 Maybe we should start all meetings at 5.30. 5 00:00:26,190 --> 00:00:30,350 We're going to start with an invocation and pledge of allegiance with Robert Bradley, 6 00:00:30,530 --> 00:00:32,110 Brett of Christian Life Church. 7 00:00:32,250 --> 00:00:33,550 Thank you so much. 8 00:00:35,900 --> 00:00:36,340 Let us pray. 9 00:00:37,300 --> 00:00:38,140 He's not about our father. 10 00:00:38,240 --> 00:00:42,400 We thank you for this opportunity and privilege to come boldly before your throne of grace, 11 00:00:42,860 --> 00:00:45,620 that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. 12 00:00:46,160 --> 00:00:51,140 We thank you, Lord God, for all of today's efficiency of grace, mercy and strength. 13 00:00:51,480 --> 00:00:54,920 We thank you, God, for these people that have drawn here for this meeting, 14 00:00:54,920 --> 00:00:58,520 for the purpose of the betterment of the of Seminole County here in Florida. 15 00:00:59,200 --> 00:01:03,000 We ask your blessings tonight upon the proceedings of this meeting, the commissioners, and 16 00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:07,860 all that will play a part in this meeting tonight as we set forward, Lord God, the financial 17 00:01:07,860 --> 00:01:10,900 responsibilities for this county in this upcoming year. 18 00:01:11,480 --> 00:01:15,560 We understand Lord God that money answers all things according to the Scriptures, so we pray 19 00:01:15,560 --> 00:01:20,160 for your wisdom and sound discretion that it be used for the betterment of this county. 20 00:01:20,540 --> 00:01:24,580 We ask your blessings upon this meeting, the people of this county, and Jesus name we pray, 21 00:01:24,580 --> 00:01:32,160 amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republican 22 00:01:32,160 --> 00:01:38,840 for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. 23 00:01:41,930 --> 00:01:48,480 Thank you so much. Before we move on to the consent agenda, I'll start County Attorney, 24 00:01:48,660 --> 00:01:55,360 which, by the way, on three, we're all going to say happy birthday, Kate. Ready, one, two, three, 25 00:01:58,500 --> 00:02:01,360 to read the public participation rules. 26 00:02:02,760 --> 00:02:03,900 Thank you very, everybody. 27 00:02:04,160 --> 00:02:06,020 Board of law provides the numbers of the public. 28 00:02:06,040 --> 00:02:09,060 I'll be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard on propositions 29 00:02:09,060 --> 00:02:10,660 before the Board of County Commissioners, 30 00:02:10,680 --> 00:02:14,380 except when the Board is acting on emergency or ministerial matters 31 00:02:14,380 --> 00:02:18,080 or conducting a meeting exempt from the requirements of the sunshine law. 32 00:02:18,560 --> 00:02:21,480 Individuals shall be permitted three minutes each for public comment 33 00:02:21,480 --> 00:02:27,500 or six minutes when the individual is an official representative of a formal association or group. 34 00:02:27,800 --> 00:02:31,820 The Chairman may modify the maximum time for public comment at her sole discretion 35 00:02:31,820 --> 00:02:32,660 when appropriate. 36 00:02:34,020 --> 00:02:35,420 Thank you so much. 37 00:02:35,640 --> 00:02:35,900 All right. 38 00:02:36,040 --> 00:02:41,700 And I see that we have no public comment forms with regard to the consent agenda, County 39 00:02:41,700 --> 00:02:42,120 Manager. 40 00:02:42,380 --> 00:02:44,260 I'll turn it to you. 41 00:02:44,740 --> 00:02:45,380 Thank you. 42 00:02:45,480 --> 00:02:46,140 Madam Chair, Commissioner. 43 00:02:46,620 --> 00:02:50,000 There's no changes to the consent agenda, so we recommend approval. 44 00:02:50,860 --> 00:02:52,460 Commissioners, anything to pull? 45 00:02:52,620 --> 00:02:53,200 Nothing to pull. 46 00:02:53,540 --> 00:02:54,800 Madam Chair, may I have to make a motion? 47 00:02:55,160 --> 00:02:55,600 Please do. 48 00:02:55,700 --> 00:02:56,380 Move to approve. 49 00:02:56,620 --> 00:02:59,180 1, 2, and 3 on the consent agenda. 50 00:02:59,480 --> 00:02:59,960 Take it. 51 00:02:59,980 --> 00:03:01,040 Move a motion in a second. 52 00:03:01,220 --> 00:03:02,020 Any further discussion? 53 00:03:03,300 --> 00:03:04,000 All those in favour? 54 00:03:04,280 --> 00:03:04,600 Aye. 55 00:03:04,900 --> 00:03:05,380 Opposed. 56 00:03:05,660 --> 00:03:05,840 Hearing none. 57 00:03:05,940 --> 00:03:06,680 It passes unanimously. 58 00:03:08,560 --> 00:03:12,420 Move on to the public hearing portion of the agenda. 59 00:03:13,400 --> 00:03:15,860 Look at their proof of publication. 60 00:03:16,140 --> 00:03:16,600 So moved? 61 00:03:16,840 --> 00:03:17,220 Second. 62 00:03:17,900 --> 00:03:18,660 All those in favour? 63 00:03:19,220 --> 00:03:21,860 Opposed. Hearing none it passes unanimously. 64 00:03:24,360 --> 00:03:25,400 Exparta Disclosure. 65 00:03:25,840 --> 00:03:28,200 I have one of two items. 66 00:03:28,460 --> 00:03:29,980 I'll be submitting you for the public record. 67 00:03:30,240 --> 00:03:31,960 Thank you. 68 00:03:32,040 --> 00:03:33,400 I have none. 69 00:03:33,440 --> 00:03:34,200 I have none. 70 00:03:34,300 --> 00:03:35,380 I submitted all. 71 00:03:35,500 --> 00:03:35,740 Okay. 72 00:03:35,960 --> 00:03:36,360 electronically. 73 00:03:37,080 --> 00:03:38,280 Thank you so much. 74 00:03:38,640 --> 00:03:40,100 We'll move on to the public hearing. 75 00:03:40,140 --> 00:03:42,680 It's Tatra Town Home Reson. 76 00:03:42,960 --> 00:03:44,580 And this will be presented by Caitlin. 77 00:03:45,660 --> 00:03:46,500 Or not. 78 00:03:46,500 --> 00:03:51,420 I think Ms. Borkert will have the request. 79 00:03:53,800 --> 00:03:56,360 Borkert Deputy County Attorney for the record. 80 00:03:57,660 --> 00:04:00,760 This is the Tetra Town Home's Resone. 81 00:04:01,320 --> 00:04:07,680 The applicant after the project was noticed for public hearing has requested a continuous 82 00:04:07,680 --> 00:04:08,900 on this item. 83 00:04:09,240 --> 00:04:13,320 I believe they are asking for a continuous to a date certain. 84 00:04:13,320 --> 00:04:16,000 I'm letting you check with Mr. Rhodes. 85 00:04:16,740 --> 00:04:20,040 Mr. Rhodes, we're checking with you. 86 00:04:20,680 --> 00:04:21,520 Now, I'm Chairman for the record. 87 00:04:21,540 --> 00:04:23,260 Mike Rhodes, Director of Development Services. 88 00:04:23,880 --> 00:04:29,500 The applicant's requested the item be continued until the October 13th hearing. 89 00:04:29,900 --> 00:04:31,340 That'd be nice. Thank you. 90 00:04:31,680 --> 00:04:35,040 All right. So with all of that for the record, do we need to vote on that? 91 00:04:35,180 --> 00:04:36,500 Yes, please. 92 00:04:36,660 --> 00:04:37,780 All right. All right. All of the information. 93 00:04:37,940 --> 00:04:42,240 Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion to continue this to the October 13th meeting for the afternoon. 94 00:04:43,180 --> 00:04:46,260 We have motion second any further discussion? 95 00:04:47,460 --> 00:04:47,960 All those in favour? 96 00:04:47,960 --> 00:04:48,280 Chairman? 97 00:04:48,820 --> 00:04:48,980 Yes. 98 00:04:49,860 --> 00:04:51,720 Public comment on the continued with only please? 99 00:04:52,020 --> 00:04:54,020 We can take public comment on the continued with only. 100 00:04:54,180 --> 00:04:55,320 Do we have any public comments? 101 00:04:55,400 --> 00:04:56,300 No, ma'am. 102 00:04:56,600 --> 00:04:56,840 Thank you. 103 00:04:57,060 --> 00:04:57,860 Public comment taken. 104 00:04:58,440 --> 00:04:58,880 Thank you. 105 00:04:58,980 --> 00:05:01,280 We're going to close public comment now. 106 00:05:02,220 --> 00:05:02,480 All right. 107 00:05:02,620 --> 00:05:03,660 We had a motion in the second. 108 00:05:03,800 --> 00:05:04,600 All those in favour? 109 00:05:04,740 --> 00:05:05,200 All right. 110 00:05:05,340 --> 00:05:05,820 Opposed. 111 00:05:06,080 --> 00:05:07,280 Hearing not it passes unanimously. 112 00:05:07,940 --> 00:05:09,320 Thank you. 113 00:05:09,560 --> 00:05:10,180 Thank you. 114 00:05:11,680 --> 00:05:12,100 All right. 115 00:05:12,100 --> 00:05:14,880 That takes us to the legislative portion of our agenda. 116 00:05:14,980 --> 00:05:20,960 And this is the second budget public hearing on fiscal year 2026, 27 final 117 00:05:20,960 --> 00:05:22,580 millage rates and budget. 118 00:05:23,380 --> 00:05:25,520 I'll turn it over to the county manager. 119 00:05:26,220 --> 00:05:26,560 Thank you. 120 00:05:26,560 --> 00:05:30,600 Thank you Chairman and commissioners and good evening to members of the public. 121 00:05:31,280 --> 00:05:36,480 We are here for the second and final public hearing on the fiscal year 2026, 27 122 00:05:36,480 --> 00:05:39,160 budget required by Florida statute. 123 00:05:39,160 --> 00:05:44,920 Tonight, the board will consider the final adoption of the budget of the milliterates for our countywide 124 00:05:44,920 --> 00:05:48,640 millage, our fire MS-TU, and our roads MS-TU. 125 00:05:49,560 --> 00:05:53,600 This budget is result of six budget work sessions with the board this year. 126 00:05:53,920 --> 00:05:59,920 Throughout this process, our focus has remained the same, maintain essential county services, 127 00:06:00,280 --> 00:06:06,140 invest in our infrastructure, and continue to identify opportunities to operate more efficiently. 128 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:12,540 Some of our budget highlights is the proposed budget maintains that our countywide, fire, and 129 00:06:12,540 --> 00:06:14,940 roads, millage rates at their current level. 130 00:06:15,380 --> 00:06:20,560 It also includes a net reduction of five full-time positions, primarily vacant positions in 131 00:06:20,560 --> 00:06:24,580 our public works department that will result in savings to our roads fund. 132 00:06:25,600 --> 00:06:30,040 Now this is in our second year of our seminal moments and as the board knows this is our 133 00:06:30,040 --> 00:06:35,820 efficiency initiative, it continues to challenge employees to identify new ways to reduce costs 134 00:06:35,820 --> 00:06:39,380 improve operations and deliver services more efficiently. 135 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:47,740 These efforts have helped the county manage budget pressures associated with inflation and the rising cost of materials equipment and services. 136 00:06:48,680 --> 00:06:55,960 Our current several moments portfolio is projected to generate approximately $60 million in savings over the next five years. 137 00:06:56,440 --> 00:06:58,900 With initiatives across 12 county departments. 138 00:06:59,680 --> 00:07:04,740 These initiatives include our transition to our scout on-demand public transit system. 139 00:07:04,740 --> 00:07:09,060 It's projected to save approximately 15 million over the next five years. 140 00:07:09,700 --> 00:07:18,420 Also, with emergency response, our signal preemption, our recycling, service efficiencies, and building, and lighting improvements. 141 00:07:19,580 --> 00:07:24,420 We are also pursuing additional opportunities through technology and process automation, 142 00:07:25,160 --> 00:07:29,260 including a consolidated customer call center designed to improve how residents access. 143 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:35,920 This county services. All of these efforts help us manage writing costs while protecting the services 144 00:07:35,920 --> 00:07:42,180 our residents and businesses rely on. Most importantly, this budget fully funds are current levels 145 00:07:42,180 --> 00:07:48,320 of service, including public safety, transportation, and infrastructure, parks and recreation 146 00:07:48,320 --> 00:07:54,380 and other county services. The budget before you tonight is balanced and continues the 147 00:07:54,380 --> 00:07:58,720 conservative financial approach that has helped keep some of the county financially 148 00:07:58,720 --> 00:08:03,300 sound. Our first three budget work sessions focused on developing the fiscal year 149 00:08:03,300 --> 00:08:08,980 2026-27 budget, and as the board knows on the last three focused on something further 150 00:08:08,980 --> 00:08:14,000 ahead, the potential impacts of amendment 3 on future county budgets and services. 151 00:08:15,020 --> 00:08:20,920 Amendment 3 will not directly impact this budget tonight, but we begin planning now so 152 00:08:20,920 --> 00:08:25,860 Depending on the outcome of the November vote, we will be prepared to begin a more in-depth 153 00:08:25,860 --> 00:08:29,960 policy discussions with the Board starting in January of 2027. 154 00:08:31,020 --> 00:08:36,340 Finally I'd like to thank Mr. Jackson, our Director of Management and Budget and his entire 155 00:08:36,340 --> 00:08:41,480 budget team, as well as all of our directors and their teams for their tremendous amount 156 00:08:41,480 --> 00:08:46,300 of work that has gone into developing this budget and guiding us through our last six 157 00:08:46,300 --> 00:08:50,160 budget work sessions and two public hearings, and with that Chairman, I would like to turn 158 00:08:50,160 --> 00:08:53,460 it over to Mr. Jax to walk through the final millage rates in budget. 159 00:08:54,080 --> 00:08:59,380 Mr. Jax, before you begin, I would like to remind the Board of County Commissioners 160 00:08:59,380 --> 00:09:05,200 does not have control over the tax levies or budgets of the school board. The Water Management 161 00:09:05,200 --> 00:09:11,540 District, the property appraiser, the tax collector, or any of our seven cities. Any questions 162 00:09:11,540 --> 00:09:16,140 regarding your property valuations need to be directed to the Seminole County property 163 00:09:16,140 --> 00:09:20,140 Fraser's office, and they will answer them as quickly as humanly possible. 164 00:09:20,700 --> 00:09:23,340 With that, I would like to turn it over to Mr. Jackson. 165 00:09:23,880 --> 00:09:27,660 And before that, I will say a big thank you to the Constitutional Officers as well for 166 00:09:27,660 --> 00:09:30,480 the budgeting process this year was very smooth. 167 00:09:31,180 --> 00:09:31,760 Mr. Jackson. 168 00:09:32,200 --> 00:09:32,680 Thank you, Chairman. 169 00:09:33,160 --> 00:09:35,440 I'm Timothy Jackson, with the Office of Management and Budget. 170 00:09:35,880 --> 00:09:40,540 We're here for our final public hearing to adopt the fiscal year 2027, millage-raised-in-budget. 171 00:09:41,200 --> 00:09:45,740 The final budget is balanced, with revenues and expenditures totaling $1.27 billion. 172 00:09:45,740 --> 00:09:52,380 This budget includes $13.4 million in reduction adjustments that were approved at the first public hearing. 173 00:09:52,940 --> 00:09:56,500 There are no additional budget adjustments from the tentative budget. 174 00:09:57,180 --> 00:09:59,320 I will now present the final Billage Rates. 175 00:10:01,140 --> 00:10:05,320 The first column shows the current FY26 adopted rates. 176 00:10:05,660 --> 00:10:09,520 The second column shows the rollback rate, which would generate the same amount of ad-war 177 00:10:09,520 --> 00:10:12,400 and tax revenues as the current year excluding new construction. 178 00:10:12,400 --> 00:10:21,160 The next column shows the fiscal year 27 final millage rates and the last column shows the percentage of the final millage over the rollback rate. 179 00:10:21,780 --> 00:10:26,340 The FY27 final rates are the same as the FY26 current rates for all districts. 180 00:10:27,260 --> 00:10:35,160 The increase over the rollback rate will be used to meet state-mandated obligations, maintain public safety services, and offset cost increases for transportation. 181 00:10:35,160 --> 00:10:46,560 The general county wide millage of 5.3751 mills is 4.18% above the rollback rate of 5.1595 mills. 182 00:10:46,920 --> 00:10:57,840 The fire rescue MSTU millage of 2.7649 mills is 4.06% above the rollback rate of 2.6569 mills. 183 00:10:57,840 --> 00:11:09,900 The unincorporated road MSTU millage of 0.1107 mills is 4.24% above the rollback rate of 0.1062 mills. 184 00:11:10,300 --> 00:11:24,840 The final aggregate millage rate for all BCC taxing districts is 7.3620 mills, which is 4.01% over the current aggregate rollback rate of 7.071 mills. 185 00:11:24,840 --> 00:11:26,420 That concludes my presentation. 186 00:11:27,380 --> 00:11:27,540 Thank you. 187 00:11:27,840 --> 00:11:29,180 We'll go to public comment. 188 00:11:32,540 --> 00:11:35,360 Joe Humphreys, Nancy Harmon, and George Salary. 189 00:11:49,720 --> 00:11:53,100 Even chair Owen and commissioners. 190 00:11:54,800 --> 00:11:57,600 I think Joe Humphreys 83, going to point go. 191 00:12:00,060 --> 00:12:02,040 I understand this is very complicated process. 192 00:12:03,120 --> 00:12:08,220 And I appreciate the effort that staff and all of you have put into this trying to get this right. 193 00:12:08,860 --> 00:12:16,820 Unfortunately, we don't work in a vacuum and as we all know, there's a really 800-pound gorilla coming at us. 194 00:12:18,360 --> 00:12:22,640 I've had a lot of conversations with people about what's happening. 195 00:12:23,300 --> 00:12:27,620 And unfortunately, as you know, most people in the county, most people in the state, 196 00:12:27,840 --> 00:12:30,640 most people in the country don't pay that much attention to the details. 197 00:12:31,280 --> 00:12:32,060 They look at headlines. 198 00:12:32,060 --> 00:12:38,740 And I hear from people that I'm talking to is increasing, increasing, increasing, increasing, increasing, increasing, increasing. 199 00:12:39,120 --> 00:12:42,220 And anything that's an increase is automatically bad. 200 00:12:42,580 --> 00:12:45,040 And that's what I'm hearing from people across this county. 201 00:12:45,460 --> 00:12:46,260 And that's troubling. 202 00:12:47,100 --> 00:12:53,000 I'm reminded of a commercial from the 1970s that Jake and probably relate to. 203 00:12:53,160 --> 00:12:59,620 So for him, oil filter, a commercial about him and now for a pay me later, but you're going to pay me. 204 00:12:59,620 --> 00:13:02,100 And unfortunately, when I pay you later, it's usually more. 205 00:13:02,660 --> 00:13:03,900 And I think that's where we're headed. 206 00:13:05,060 --> 00:13:09,560 So we've pushed this state since 1968 for Home Rule. 207 00:13:10,740 --> 00:13:13,320 Everyone of this commission has done what they could 208 00:13:13,320 --> 00:13:16,400 to push back against Alahasif trying 209 00:13:16,400 --> 00:13:18,600 to take that home rule away from us. 210 00:13:18,920 --> 00:13:21,540 And that's unfortunate because that's 211 00:13:21,540 --> 00:13:23,840 where why we are, where we are. 212 00:13:24,420 --> 00:13:25,960 That's Commissioner Concenting knows. 213 00:13:26,480 --> 00:13:28,060 Allow the stuff that you guys get forced 214 00:13:28,060 --> 00:13:30,880 having to fund and deal with, you didn't decide. 215 00:13:31,280 --> 00:13:32,620 It's decided in Tallahassee. 216 00:13:33,560 --> 00:13:35,380 And that's the unfortunate part of it. 217 00:13:35,640 --> 00:13:39,200 We've constantly pushed for a home rule in the state, 218 00:13:39,540 --> 00:13:41,080 going back to when the Democrats actually 219 00:13:41,080 --> 00:13:42,160 controlled the legislature. 220 00:13:43,180 --> 00:13:45,960 But here we are with a Republican legislature 221 00:13:46,540 --> 00:13:50,500 about to do what I consider to be the most preeminent 222 00:13:51,640 --> 00:13:54,660 taking of home rules that you could possibly do. 223 00:13:54,660 --> 00:14:00,380 And you all are the ones that are going to have to scramble to try to figure out how to fix that problem. 224 00:14:01,280 --> 00:14:03,900 So I'm continue to push people. 225 00:14:04,220 --> 00:14:04,620 I'm sorry. 226 00:14:05,040 --> 00:14:05,680 Amendment 3. 227 00:14:06,240 --> 00:14:07,460 You all want to pay less taxes. 228 00:14:08,040 --> 00:14:09,940 But there's a better way to do it. 229 00:14:09,940 --> 00:14:11,020 And this is not it. 230 00:14:11,540 --> 00:14:15,880 So again, I wish all of you the best of luck in this. 231 00:14:15,940 --> 00:14:17,660 I continue to push against this. 232 00:14:17,900 --> 00:14:21,960 And I would urge everybody to try to continue to educate. 233 00:14:21,960 --> 00:14:25,860 because that's part of the problem, again, I hear from people. 234 00:14:26,900 --> 00:14:29,000 Well, where's the money going? What are we doing? 235 00:14:29,460 --> 00:14:31,600 Why are we keeping adding this up? 236 00:14:32,540 --> 00:14:33,320 And where's the game? 237 00:14:33,520 --> 00:14:36,200 And we don't see that, unfortunately, because, like I said, 238 00:14:36,500 --> 00:14:39,460 most people don't see what you guys are doing on a daily basis. 239 00:14:40,500 --> 00:14:43,400 So, again, home rule is important to all of us. 240 00:14:43,420 --> 00:14:48,340 I know it is to you, and let's hope that we continue to maintain that. 241 00:14:48,340 --> 00:14:52,380 We've got to stop sending people into our hassy that are going exactly against us. 242 00:14:52,560 --> 00:14:53,900 Thank you. 243 00:14:53,940 --> 00:14:54,240 Thank you. 244 00:14:54,240 --> 00:14:55,180 Thank you Mr. Home Priest. 245 00:14:56,480 --> 00:14:58,080 Mr. Sellerie? 246 00:14:58,080 --> 00:14:58,620 Thank you. 247 00:14:58,680 --> 00:14:59,240 Thank you. 248 00:14:59,240 --> 00:14:59,840 Nancy Harmen? 249 00:15:02,260 --> 00:15:09,980 Nancy Harman, seven-factor, pioneer wage, Geneva, Florida. You know what kind of follow-up with what Joe just said? Is, you know, 250 00:15:18,540 --> 00:15:28,280 Last year, we had gas, tax go up, utility tax go up, water tax go up, because we could, we had to pay for things, right? 251 00:15:29,420 --> 00:15:33,060 And we also had the millage go up. 252 00:15:34,460 --> 00:15:36,980 It concerns me, are we managing our budget, 253 00:15:37,240 --> 00:15:38,700 or are we just following money? 254 00:15:39,800 --> 00:15:42,420 Because now, as you see, 255 00:15:43,160 --> 00:15:44,140 these, you know what happened. 256 00:15:45,280 --> 00:15:46,440 I don't need to show you. 257 00:15:46,900 --> 00:15:51,200 Right now, we're talking about, 258 00:15:51,200 --> 00:15:52,260 okay, thank you. 259 00:15:52,280 --> 00:15:56,040 Right now, we're talking about about 260 00:15:56,040 --> 00:15:58,740 $20 million increase here, right? 261 00:16:00,400 --> 00:16:00,920 Why? 262 00:16:01,740 --> 00:16:04,360 And I know you keep saying, I got to pay this, I got to pay that. 263 00:16:04,820 --> 00:16:09,800 My question to you is are we following the money that's coming from the tax collector's 264 00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:20,860 appraisal with our millage, with that rate, to then give us $38 million in the offer, 9 million 265 00:16:20,860 --> 00:16:25,680 of that's going to go to the sheriff's department, some of that's going to go to pay everybody's 266 00:16:25,680 --> 00:16:31,040 retirement bills that have to be paid. My question is, is it there something in 267 00:16:31,040 --> 00:16:37,660 not amount of money that you cannot do and give us some money back? So we don't 268 00:16:37,660 --> 00:16:42,940 have amendment 3 approved. Is I going to assure you, the only reason why people want 269 00:16:42,940 --> 00:16:49,620 to get amendment 3 approved is because they're just tired of being taxed. And I 270 00:16:49,620 --> 00:16:56,700 I've been here before, and I was here last week, I know you guys are fiscally conservative 271 00:16:56,700 --> 00:16:58,240 in a lot of ways, okay? 272 00:16:58,520 --> 00:17:02,960 But I can tell you what, when I feel like I stop at Fox Tale, and I get a coffee for five 273 00:17:02,960 --> 00:17:03,500 bucks. 274 00:17:04,500 --> 00:17:08,240 Does the county have things in their budget that they say, you know what? 275 00:17:08,240 --> 00:17:13,480 I really like the feel of having that, like a conference or a book or something. 276 00:17:14,140 --> 00:17:20,220 It is much as I love parks. I'm even saying, do we really have to go in and do what we're 277 00:17:20,220 --> 00:17:25,380 doing there? Because it's general fun. I'm focusing on general fun because that's what is 278 00:17:25,380 --> 00:17:31,320 going to happen here. And all I'm asking, truly asking, is to give us a little bit something 279 00:17:31,320 --> 00:17:37,420 back to make us feel good about what we're getting stuck with. Because my checking account 280 00:17:37,420 --> 00:17:42,020 in my savings account is not getting 11 million dollars, which is what yours is going to end up 281 00:17:42,020 --> 00:17:44,740 in the revenue, a reserve, 282 00:17:47,330 --> 00:17:48,510 just asking, 283 00:17:50,740 --> 00:17:51,220 Mr. Salad. 284 00:17:52,020 --> 00:17:53,460 Oh, I'm this one other thing. 285 00:17:54,200 --> 00:17:56,380 And it's just, this is a public service announcement. 286 00:17:58,780 --> 00:18:01,260 It really for people in Geneva and everywhere. 287 00:18:01,720 --> 00:18:05,240 I know you guys have talked about publicly 288 00:18:05,240 --> 00:18:07,660 notifying us of things happening. 289 00:18:08,940 --> 00:18:13,040 If you look at your webpage, where at the top is public notice, 290 00:18:13,460 --> 00:18:17,560 On times like this when we're talking budget and things that are important, isn't there 291 00:18:17,560 --> 00:18:21,700 some way where we could put it down here, where people when they pulled the page open, 292 00:18:21,720 --> 00:18:28,000 they see it, so that perhaps they could just get a better view of where they could find a public 293 00:18:28,000 --> 00:18:29,040 notice if they needed to. 294 00:18:29,320 --> 00:18:31,360 And somebody said, okay, they could call it a 10. 295 00:18:31,360 --> 00:18:32,080 It's a wrap it up. 296 00:18:32,280 --> 00:18:33,080 Yeah, they could call it 10. 297 00:18:33,240 --> 00:18:37,500 I said, I know 10 because I've had conversation with 10, but most people don't do it. 298 00:18:37,500 --> 00:18:38,500 Thank you, Nancy. 299 00:18:38,780 --> 00:18:39,640 Thank you, Nancy. 300 00:18:40,640 --> 00:18:42,160 All right, Mr. Sellerie. 301 00:18:43,280 --> 00:18:44,980 We need all of your materials. 302 00:18:52,350 --> 00:18:55,250 Short salary, 52 31 shoreline circle. 303 00:18:55,630 --> 00:18:58,570 I'd like 10 minutes because I'm representing 300,000 people. 304 00:18:58,710 --> 00:19:00,330 I just wanted to see your expression. 305 00:19:00,370 --> 00:19:00,910 So hard. 306 00:19:00,910 --> 00:19:01,890 And give you a little humor. 307 00:19:01,890 --> 00:19:03,050 I'll give you a little new jersey. 308 00:19:04,570 --> 00:19:06,870 Anyway, let me put this up. 309 00:19:07,630 --> 00:19:09,430 First of all, I've been doing budgets. 310 00:19:09,730 --> 00:19:10,930 Y'all know from way back. 311 00:19:11,270 --> 00:19:13,430 I am adamantly opposed to two things. 312 00:19:13,490 --> 00:19:14,670 I'm them at three. 313 00:19:15,850 --> 00:19:16,630 I can come here. 314 00:19:16,630 --> 00:19:19,430 took me 15 minutes to drive down here to see you. 315 00:19:19,730 --> 00:19:22,250 It's a lot longer drive to go to Tallahassee to complain. 316 00:19:23,210 --> 00:19:27,710 So I want to have local control because, again, 317 00:19:27,950 --> 00:19:29,470 per the issue you guys got to realize, 318 00:19:30,730 --> 00:19:31,730 and I have the same issue. 319 00:19:31,910 --> 00:19:33,030 And I work for Charlotte Fesslinger. 320 00:19:33,050 --> 00:19:35,810 We've got to address this stuff, County Manager. 321 00:19:36,370 --> 00:19:38,210 We can't write like bureaucrats on this. 322 00:19:38,230 --> 00:19:40,650 We got to write a five page easy to read, 323 00:19:41,590 --> 00:19:44,450 message from you to the residents of Seminal County. 324 00:19:44,450 --> 00:19:48,830 If you look at next store, it's all over the place and that's what you've got a direct 325 00:19:48,830 --> 00:19:53,430 gemessaging tube to get to those kind of folks about local control. 326 00:19:54,090 --> 00:19:59,450 What I'm bringing to your attention is, and this is from your stats, rollback rate, which 327 00:19:59,450 --> 00:20:01,490 I also adamantly disagree with. 328 00:20:01,810 --> 00:20:03,110 Always have always will. 329 00:20:03,790 --> 00:20:07,990 It just starts you off, and you just basically have a little bit of money from new 330 00:20:07,990 --> 00:20:11,870 construction and reassess properties and stuff, but anyway. 331 00:20:11,870 --> 00:20:15,190 So that brings in $3 million, $3.4. 332 00:20:15,690 --> 00:20:18,010 According to this, this was from the budget work sessions. 333 00:20:18,050 --> 00:20:20,670 The figures may have changed a little, but not much, probably. 334 00:20:21,830 --> 00:20:24,290 The current rate brings in $15 million. 335 00:20:24,910 --> 00:20:26,910 Okay, and it's kind of like, okay, we'll just take that. 336 00:20:27,630 --> 00:20:31,050 All I'm asking is, is that you guys look at building towards that. 337 00:20:31,070 --> 00:20:32,430 Start it, roll back like foolish. 338 00:20:32,870 --> 00:20:35,670 And then Bill, say I got to add $8 million for the sheriff. 339 00:20:35,710 --> 00:20:37,390 I've got to add $4 million for this. 340 00:20:37,670 --> 00:20:39,310 Build up and show everybody. 341 00:20:39,950 --> 00:20:40,410 That's all. 342 00:20:40,550 --> 00:20:41,750 I know you guys can do that. 343 00:20:41,750 --> 00:20:44,490 You can show those figures easily. 344 00:20:46,230 --> 00:20:51,810 Right now, we're at 4.18% or 4.19 according to what Tim Jex said. 345 00:20:53,410 --> 00:20:59,310 Right now, they're projecting cost-deliving and social security next year, at 3.5%. 346 00:20:59,310 --> 00:21:02,950 Between 3.4 and 3.6, and they're all same 3.5. 347 00:21:03,410 --> 00:21:08,190 What I'm saying is, is, can you look at this budget a little bit and possibly bring it 348 00:21:08,190 --> 00:21:14,010 down to show a faith to folks like, hey, we do listen at the local level, you don't have 349 00:21:14,010 --> 00:21:18,730 to go to Tallahassee where they want listen to you, you can come here and we'll listen a 350 00:21:18,730 --> 00:21:26,230 little bit because I do think you would. This is the next slide and this is where I'm 351 00:21:26,230 --> 00:21:33,910 saying you can do it. Easily, you've increased, I don't know if you can zoom in, but 352 00:21:33,910 --> 00:21:39,410 You've increased and I get it, you've increased reserves, you're going from $69 million. 353 00:21:39,410 --> 00:21:44,810 This is in your second public hearing presentation, from $69 to $80, $11 million. 354 00:21:45,110 --> 00:21:51,250 I know there's ads and subtracts and all that, but that's a new record high compared to 355 00:21:51,250 --> 00:21:54,090 hurricanes, everything, FEMA issues, everything we've had. 356 00:21:54,510 --> 00:22:00,230 What I'm saying is, is why don't you do a $5 million reduction or something, just to bring 357 00:22:00,230 --> 00:22:06,550 down to show people that you do listen and you do feel the affordability issues that we do. 358 00:22:06,910 --> 00:22:07,590 That's all. 359 00:22:07,730 --> 00:22:08,970 Thank you very much. 360 00:22:09,590 --> 00:22:10,850 And I appreciate your time. 361 00:22:11,310 --> 00:22:13,110 I appreciate you being here. 362 00:22:13,550 --> 00:22:13,870 Next speaker? 363 00:22:14,250 --> 00:22:14,790 Leslie Gruble. 364 00:22:14,970 --> 00:22:15,710 Be the final speaker. 365 00:22:16,610 --> 00:22:17,050 I'm just... 366 00:22:17,050 --> 00:22:18,150 Miss Gruble. 367 00:22:18,630 --> 00:22:20,450 I'll hand over your stuff, George. 368 00:22:20,770 --> 00:22:21,430 Thank you. 369 00:22:26,670 --> 00:22:29,590 Yes, I am also opposed to amendments. 370 00:22:30,000 --> 00:22:37,960 That gentleman. Oh, Leslie Grable, 1841, Mr. Mornplace Longwood, Florida. Thank you. 371 00:22:38,380 --> 00:22:45,280 And particularly, because there is a map that's out there that shows the counties throughout the entire state. 372 00:22:46,600 --> 00:22:56,040 And the percentages in each general county as to how much just value of homes are. There are 29 counties in this state 373 00:22:56,040 --> 00:23:02,120 who will be in financial jeopardy because of the fact that they are rural, they have high 374 00:23:02,120 --> 00:23:08,500 homestead rates, and a lot of those homesteads are valued at less than $250,000. 375 00:23:09,580 --> 00:23:12,020 This is very difficult for us. 376 00:23:12,580 --> 00:23:14,500 This is tragic for them. 377 00:23:15,060 --> 00:23:21,380 And again, this is about the state overreaching and not looking at the bigger picture involved 378 00:23:21,380 --> 00:23:23,240 at the state level and the counties. 379 00:23:23,240 --> 00:23:30,780 The other thing, in terms of looking at some of the budgetary issues, we were looking 380 00:23:30,780 --> 00:23:40,120 the other day at the cost of seminal county and the fire trucks in the cost of the towers, 381 00:23:40,620 --> 00:23:53,120 the rescues, the woodstruck fuel, the CPI increase from 2019 to 2026 was 29%, but the 382 00:23:53,120 --> 00:24:05,060 increase in our fire trucks is 74%. The increase in the towers is 138%. So looking at what 383 00:24:05,060 --> 00:24:11,600 is inflation is doing to the budget and how this has to be measured into what people 384 00:24:11,600 --> 00:24:21,160 see as unnecessary increases. And also, I'm also mentioning that I'm looking at the various 385 00:24:21,160 --> 00:24:26,560 reports of all the departments and the things that they're going to have to look at cutting. 386 00:24:27,080 --> 00:24:27,480 It's scary. 387 00:24:28,780 --> 00:24:31,740 I'm looking at what Sheriff Leam said at the last meeting. 388 00:24:32,440 --> 00:24:36,240 A 20% reduction for him would be $40 million every year. 389 00:24:37,480 --> 00:24:44,140 And his comment is that there's a myth out there that public safety is protected by an amendment 3. 390 00:24:44,900 --> 00:24:46,340 And that is not the case. 391 00:24:46,340 --> 00:24:52,760 You would have to reduce staff even speaking of 300 people. 392 00:24:52,840 --> 00:24:56,820 Please, hiring to lay a replacement of vehicles and equipment. 393 00:24:58,060 --> 00:25:00,500 You would have to cut training for professional development. 394 00:25:02,500 --> 00:25:07,160 It would become one of those situations where we are working on, 395 00:25:07,160 --> 00:25:11,380 working on policing, not prevention, we said. 396 00:25:11,380 --> 00:25:17,000 We're not able to support those agencies that help to prevent human and drug trafficking, 397 00:25:17,540 --> 00:25:18,820 preventing drug drivers. 398 00:25:19,660 --> 00:25:23,300 When is that we protect seniors that they take care of them? 399 00:25:23,600 --> 00:25:28,360 When the other issue was with the fire department, besides the fact that the increase rates, 400 00:25:28,620 --> 00:25:31,240 they're cost of their equipment and they're supplies. 401 00:25:33,040 --> 00:25:37,600 They're concerned that it would be minus 33.8 million dollars. 402 00:25:38,020 --> 00:25:39,640 That's 23% reduction. 403 00:25:39,640 --> 00:25:47,280 So we have to look at not only what the increases are, but what impact it's having on each individual department. 404 00:25:47,740 --> 00:25:50,760 And that's very clear in your agenda packages. 405 00:25:51,900 --> 00:25:52,320 Thank you. 406 00:25:52,500 --> 00:25:53,360 Thank you very much. 407 00:25:53,540 --> 00:25:55,460 Mr. Gregory, do we have any further public comments? 408 00:25:55,560 --> 00:25:56,480 No, ma'am. 409 00:25:56,600 --> 00:25:58,820 All right, hearing no other further public comments. 410 00:25:59,100 --> 00:26:02,380 I will close public comment section of the meeting. 411 00:26:04,620 --> 00:26:09,040 Madam Chair, move to adopt the fiscal year 2627 Countywide Milage. 412 00:26:09,040 --> 00:26:13,760 as presented at 5.3751. 413 00:26:14,340 --> 00:26:14,740 Second. 414 00:26:15,420 --> 00:26:16,720 We have a motion in a second. 415 00:26:17,080 --> 00:26:17,920 Any further discussion? 416 00:26:18,680 --> 00:26:19,600 All those in favor? 417 00:26:20,820 --> 00:26:23,000 Opposed hearing none passes unanimously. 418 00:26:25,300 --> 00:26:31,500 Ms. Chair, move to approve the fiscal year of 2026-2027-FIRE-MSTU. 419 00:26:31,560 --> 00:26:33,280 I would rate as presented here tonight. 420 00:26:34,280 --> 00:26:34,520 Second. 421 00:26:34,520 --> 00:26:39,620 I have a motion in a second. Any further discussion? All those in favor? 422 00:26:39,900 --> 00:26:40,300 Aye. 423 00:26:40,660 --> 00:26:43,760 Opposed. Hearing none passes unanimously. 424 00:26:49,060 --> 00:26:52,260 I'm sure I move a motion to adopt the fiscal year 2627 Roads. 425 00:26:52,560 --> 00:26:54,280 MSTU Milijrate has presented. 426 00:26:54,920 --> 00:26:55,220 Second. 427 00:26:56,460 --> 00:27:01,040 First in a second, any further discussion? All those in favor? 428 00:27:02,940 --> 00:27:05,400 Opposed. Hearing none, it passes unanimously. 429 00:27:06,000 --> 00:27:08,840 Madam Chair, I make a motion move to adopt the fiscal year 430 00:27:08,840 --> 00:27:12,020 2627, final budget as presented. 431 00:27:15,120 --> 00:27:16,120 Motion in a second. 432 00:27:16,360 --> 00:27:17,160 Any further discussion? 433 00:27:18,140 --> 00:27:18,880 All those in favor? 434 00:27:19,200 --> 00:27:19,620 Aye. 435 00:27:19,800 --> 00:27:22,000 Opposed hearing none passes unanimously. 436 00:27:23,240 --> 00:27:25,060 That brings our meeting to a conclusion. 437 00:27:25,440 --> 00:27:27,680 I will adjourn the public hearing. 438 00:27:29,240 --> 00:27:29,840 Thank you. 439 00:27:29,840 --> 00:27:31,920 I do appreciate all of the public comments.