SPECIAL MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

August 14, 2001

            The Special Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on August 14, 2001  at 1:00 p.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:

Chairman Sammy Yearty
Vice Chairman Don Foley
Comm. Tony Parker
Comm. Lilly Rooks
Comm. Danny Stevens

 

            Also present were:

County Attorney Gregory V. Beauchamp
Clerk of Court  Danny J.  Shipp

 

Chairman Yearty called the public workshop to order at 1:21 p.m. to review the proposed 2001-2002 budget.

BUDGET

 

Mrs. Sheila Rees said the adjustment for the insurance increase has been made by reducing the line item for equipment and those affected departments have been notified.

MAINTENANCE

Mr. Jim Jones explained the Construction/Maintenance budget reflects an increase for two (2) new employees and the increase in insurance.  Mr. Jones said the court room roof needs new shingles, there is a need to replace some carpet in the courthouse and this needs to be included in the budget.

Comm. Parker explained a memorandum had been sent to all Department Heads requesting them to provide proposed capital improvements for the 2001-2002 fiscal year.

VETERAN’S OFFICE

Mr. Major Stroupe explained the increase in his budget allows to hire an employee during the summer and the increase in health insurance.  Mr. Stroupe said he was not aware of any capital improvements needed in association with the Veteran’s Office.

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Mr. Rob Corbitt said his budget increase allowed for increasing the number of  Board of Adjustment members, a new building inspector, legal advertising, additional software and a new vehicle.  Mr. Corbitt explained he did not include for the Code’s Enforcement Officer as he did not know which Department the Code’s Enforcement Officer would operate from. 

Mr. Corbitt said have discussed locating a portable building on the rear of the property for the Planning Department to allow additional expansion for the Development Department.

Mr. Corbitt said the Development Department building needs a new roof and has not included that expense in his budget.

Mr. Corbitt explained he has funds remaining in the 2000-2001 budget to purchase four (4) computers, three (3) printers, a plans examination table, a desk and chair and would like to expend the funds for these purchases.  Chairman Yearty advised Mr. Corbitt to proceed with the purchase as it was included in this year’s budget.

Comm. Parker recommended transferring a vehicle from the Emergency Management Services to the Development Department and allow Emergency Management Services to purchase a new vehicle through their grant funds received from Florida Power Corporation.

Chairman Yearty directed Ms. Rees to budget for the new roof in the Construction Maintenance budget and to place the Code Enforcement Officer position under the Development Department and there will be no action on reducing the proposed budget from the Development Department until further review of the overall budget.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Ms. Krista Kelly explained the 2000-2001 budget included for an additional employee and for planning commission expenses which were not needed this year.  Ms. Kelly said the budget included for legal advertising, possible increase of the Planning Board members and additional Planning Commission meetings.

COUNTY AGENT

Mr. Albert Fuller said the 2001-2002 budget allowed for fencing to prevent pilfering, vandalism and children on the property unsupervised, includes funding for computers to replace the out dated computers currently being used by the clerical staff with additional allowing for salary increases, an additional employee for the summer.

Chairman Yearty requested the expenditure for the fencing be transferred to the Construction/Maintenance budget and further review is needed to determine if any other deductions can be made.

Mr. Fuller said the alteration for the restroom needs to be included on the capital improvements plan. Chairman Yearty directed this to be placed in the Construction/Maintenance budget.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Ms. Paula Edwards said the principal increase in the budget were executive salaries and wages.  Ms. Edwards explained the budget could not be below the previous year or funding would be lost.  Ms. Edwards said the capital improvements requests could be covered through grants.  Chairman Yearty requested the budget be retained at the same amount as last year.

MOSQUITO CONTROL

Chairman Yearty said this budget has tentative approval and has  been filed with the state.

ANIMAL CONTROL

Mr. Wayne Hardee explained the increase in the budget allowed for the additional employee and for a new vehicle.  Mr. Hardee said kennel space was limited but was not being addressed in the 2001-2002 budget.

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

Mrs. Rees said the budget request included a $3,000.00 increase principally for salaries.  Mrs. Rees said the salaries will also be funded by Dixie and Gilchrist counties.  Chairman Yearty directed the budget to be retained at the 2000-2001 budget until final review.

WELFARE SERVICES

Mrs. Rees said the budget is state mandated.

AUDITS

Chairman Yearty said this will be negotiated prior to the end of the fiscal year and may has a 2% or 3% increase.

MEDICAL EXAMINER

Mrs. Rees said the budget has been retained at the same amount of the 2000-2001 budget.

MENTAL HEALTH

Mrs. Rees explained has been increased to $1,755.00  for North Florida Council and $57,000.00 for Meridian.

AGENCIES

Chairman Yearty said funding for the development authority will remain the same as 2000-2001.

Mrs. Rees said Levy Association of Retarded Citizens (LARC) has requested a $1,000.00 increase.

Mrs. Rees advised the $1,500.00 has been deleted from the budget for the Suwannee River Fair as they did not request anything from this amount for 2000-2001.  Chairman Yearty advised Mrs. Rees to notify the Suwannee River Fair Association that they will be removed from the budget.

Mrs. Rees reported the Community Development Block Grant has been deleted, Another Way has not made a request and Nature Coast Services remains at the same funding level. Chairman Yearty explained Nature Coast Services provides transportation, meals, house care for senior citizens.

CLERK OF COURT/TO BOARD

Mrs. Rees said the Clerk’s budget was adjusted for salaries.  Mrs. Rees explained the adjustment on insurance has not been made and the constitutional officer’s budgets have not been reviewed with a commissioner yet.

JUDGE

Chairman Yearty advised the budget for the county judge remains the same.

PROPERTY APPRAISER

Mr. Francis Akins said the Department of Revenue amended his budget to $838,000.00 as this was submitted prior to receiving the insurance increases.  Mrs. Rees said the budget was scheduled for $875,000.00.  Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Akins to contact the Department of Revenue to request a review of the budget to address the increases necessary to operate the office.

TAX COLLECTOR

Mrs. Rees report the Tax Collector’s budget is based on a fee system.

SHERIFF

Sheriff Smith advised he has a tentative budget and is reviewing for additional adjustments.

Mrs. Rees said no payments were made on Levy County Crime Watch for 2000-2001.

BOAT RAMPS/DOCKS

Chairman Yearty said this is operated on collections and that amount is disbursed.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Mr. Hardee said the budget was increased from  2000-2001 by $275.00.  Mrs. Rees said the line items for equipment and insurance were adjusted.

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

Mrs. Connie Asbell said the 2001-2002 budget has been increased to provide for  and additional full time employee, software and insurance. Mrs. Asbell said the  additional training for poll works and for contract services that has been state mandated are responsible for the Elections budget increase.  Mrs. Asbell explained the county is responsible for the costs incurred for voting and redistricting.

BUDGET

Mrs. Rees reported the County Court budget may need adjusting due to an increase in case load, Forestry Fire Protection remains the same, State Attorney Office and Public Defender Office is for paying some expenses.  The Criminal Justice Trust Fund reimburses some expenses.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Ms. Kelly said a budget for Devil’s Hammock  is being established in conjunction with the Water Management District.  Chairman Yearty explained a plan is being devised in cooperation  with Water Management and Florida Wildlife Commission for Devil’s Hammock.

Mr. Hardee explained the Wacassa Park Improvement was a grant and the funds have been expended.

BUDGET

Mrs. Rees explained the budgets for the following:

License Plate Program - will remain the same.

Law Library - based on fees from the court system.

Anti-Drug Abuse grant - a grant to the Sheriff.

Victims of Crime Grant - a grant to the Sheriff.

Mitigation Strategy - not funded.

State/Local Assistance - an old FEMA grant, not funded.

COPS grant - completed.

DUI Enforcement grant - completed.

911 - fees.

 

ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

Chairman Yearty explained the Road and Bridget Department budget is funded by the six (6) cent gas tax. Chairman Yearty said the expenditures need to be reviewed to determine if they are exceeding the revenues.

SHIP

Mrs. Rees said this is provided by grant funds.

LIBRARY

Mr. Tom Reitz said the major increase was in salaries for  the addition of a full time employee, plans to extend the open hours of the libraries and to include hours for staff.  Chairman Yearty explained the initial library budget consisted of one time grants provided by the state for the start up of the library system and the county contribution was $146,000.00 and a requested increase of $35,000.00 to $40,000.00 would have to be amended.  Chairman Yearty recommended prioritizing projects and pursuit of grant funds.

MOSQUITO CONTROL

Chairman Yearty indicated this is a state grant.

SHERIFF

Mrs. Rees said the Local Law Enforcement fund is based on fees collected.  Mrs. Rees explained the budget  prepared by the 8th Judicial Circuit court administration is a portion of the Fine and Forfeiture fund.  Mrs. Rees said the Inmate Housing budget fluctuates from the number of federal prisoners housed by the Sheriff.  Mrs. Rees said  fees for conflict attorneys are increasing.

Mrs. Rees said the 911 Communications was generated through telephone and mobile phone fees.

LANDFILL

Mr. Hardee said the budget submitted was decreased by 2% and recommended continuing sufficient reserve for any unforseen contaminations.  Chairman Yearty explained the funds are from a special assessment and tipping fees and may only be used in association of the landfill.

RECYCLING

Mr. Hardee said the recycling budget increase for salaries, insurance and fuel costs.  Mr. Hardee reported the Class 3 site permit has been approved and it is almost completed.

SHERIFF

Sheriff Smith reported he had inspected the portable building approved for purchase at the August 7, 2001 meeting and advised it would be a bad investment.  Sheriff Smith said he will pursue locating a suitable building at an affordable cost and will confer with the clerk, Mr. Shipp to locate the appropriate funding.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Mr. Bill Beddow said a review of the fees currently assessed for rescue service is needed to be comparable to surrounding counties.

Comm. Rooks reported union negotiations are proceeding.

FIRE DISTRICTS

Comm. Rooks said the Fire Advisory Board will be submitting the proposed budget for the fire departments.

BUDGET

Mrs. Rees reported on the following budgets:

Article V grant - was discontinued.

CDBG grant - will not be funded.

Drug Task Force - funded by fees and forfeitures for the Sheriff.

Communications/Intergovernmental - fees from fines and used to purchase communication equipment by the Sheriff and Police Departments. 

Juvenile Justice - grant funds.

 

Comm. Foley inquired on the status of the Debt Service Fund.  Mrs. Rees reported the debt can be paid off after September 30, 2002 with a 2% penalty and after 2004 without a penalty.

UTILITIES

Comm. Parker said the water lines and meters need to be improved to allow for more efficient service and tracking of water use for billing at University Oaks.  Mr. Shipp explained it is being determined the extent of the water lines and to see if service can be expanded.  Mr. Shipp said determining improvements needed should be a priority.  Chairman Yearty requested Mr. Shipp, Comm. Parker and Jim Jones to investigate the water system and to report on their findings.

MSTUs

Chairman Yearty advised this is being reviewed.

COMMISSIONERS

Comm. Foley said a small reduction in expenditures may be realized by considering the proposal to increase the members on the Board of Adjustments and Planning Commission or by eliminating the two (2) boards.  Chairman Yearty said the Board of Adjustments could possibly be eliminated by an ordinance.  Chairman Yearty added the Planning Commission possibly could not be eliminated and requested Ms. Kelly to review the state statutes and report on her findings.

 

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

                                                                                                                                   

                                                                        W. S. Yearty, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

 

                                                       

Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court