SPECIAL MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

September 16, 2002

 The Special Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on September 16, 2002  at 7:00 p.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners' meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:

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

 Also present were:

Clerk of Court Danny J. Shipp
Assistant County Administrator Fred Moody

BUDGET

Chairman Parker called the TRIM hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of establishing a millage rate for the 2002-2003 fiscal year and a tentative budget approval.

Mr. Danny Shipp explained the 2002-2003 budget has been estimated on the approval of a millage rate of 9 mils which is greater than the roll back rate of 8.437.

Mrs. Sheila Rees said the budget has been established on a rate of 9 mils and leaves a contingency reserve of $300,000.00 with this proposed rate.

Comm. Foley moved to adopt a millage rate of 9 mils for the 2002-2003 fiscal budget year.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Shipp said the proposed budget for the fiscal year of 2002-2003 from ad valorem revenue is $45,246,976.00 and is balanced.

Mr. Shipp explained increases in Worker's Compensation, liability and health insurance premiums, housing of inmates in Bradford County as a result of jail overcrowding, increase in overtime for employees and estimating a return of ad valorem revenue to Cedar Key Redevelopment has had a severe impact on the budget and the reserve.

Comm. Yearty said the Sheriff's Office was in the process of selling the helicopters and had proposed to purchase a fixed wing aircraft with some of the proceeds from the sale and was concerned that funds were not included in the budget for this purchase.

Sheriff Smith explained they would be returning the proceeds of the sale from the helicopters to the Board at the regular meeting of September 17, 2002 and would like to use a portion of the funds to purchase a fixed wing aircraft and a boat for an estimated cost between $80,000.00 and $90,000.00, however, the purchase was not calculated into the Sheriff's Office budget.

Mrs. Rees said the funds had been calculated as revenue to balance the budget.

Comm. Stevens said the Fire Departments have a serious need and the delay in being able to address the special assessments is having a severe impact to the Fire Departments who need new and additional safety equipment and vehicles.

Mr. Shipp explained the millage rate was 8.905 for General Revenue and .095 for the Health Department a total millage rate of 9 mils. Comm. Foley moved to adopt the millage rate of 8.905 for General Revenue and .095 for the Health Department a total of 9 mils.  Comm. Stevens seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Foley moved to adopt the proposed budget for the fiscal year of 2002-2003 at $45,246,976.00.  Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Comm. Foley explained the TRIM hearing is primarily to address the proposed budget and any inquiries by the public concerning their tax assessments should be directed to the Property Appraiser's Office and Tax Collector.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mrs. Pam Dischino recommended setting up a We Care Program for medical assistance to low income residents.  Mrs. Dischino said the program is operated by doctors who volunteer their services.

Mr. Shipp said a review of the liability insurance provider premiums could provide a possible source of savings.

Mr. Bill Durfee said sources were needed to generate revenue for the growth that is occurring within the county.

Mr. Fred Moody explained a number of Departments receive grants to provide certain services and some grants are unattainable due to the  amount of matching funds required. 

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

                                                          
Tony Parker, Board Chairman

ATTEST:

                                                      
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court