SPECIAL MEETING

LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

September 20, 2004

The Special Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on September 20, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:

Chairwoman Lilly Rooks
Comm. Danny Stevens
Comm.  Nancy Bell
Comm. Sammy Yearty

 Also present were:

County Coordinator - Fred Moody
Deputy Clerk Of The Court - Sheila Rees
County Attorney- Anne Bast Brown

BUDGET

Chairwoman Rooks called the TRIM hearing to order at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of establishing a milage rate for the 2004-2005 fiscal year and a tentative budget approval.  Ms. Sheila Rees explained the milage rate had been previously approved at nine (9) mils, which is a 12.99% increase over the roll back rate of 7.965 mils.  Ms. Rees stated the extra revenue is needed to balance the budget.  Ms. Rees further stated within the nine (9) mils rate, the General Fund receives 8.923 mils and the Health Department receives .077 mils.

Chairwoman Rooks explained for public information the milage rate has not  increased from nine (9) mils for a number of years.

Chairwoman Rooks called for public comment regarding the milage rate.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Mr. Dan Holland of Cedar Key inquired, the milage rate that is being proposed, is the taxes for this year based on that rate.  Ms. Sheila Rees explained the proposed budget rate change for the tax bill is based on the nine (9) milage rate. Comm. Yearty further explained if you have a rate increase, it is based on the value of your property, which is assessed by the Property Appraiser and not the milage rate.

Ms. Barbara Stetchel asked if her taxes will increase by two hundred dollars ($200.00) without property value increase, if the milage rate is passed.  Chairwoman Rooks explained, by reviewing Ms. Stetchel’s property tax bill, that the assessed value of the property increased which made the taxes increase for 2004.

Ms. Velma Jarvis stated she had two (2) lots with well and septic tanks on both, and asked why she has to pay water taxes.  Ms. Jarvis further stated she does not use County water.  Chairwoman Rooks explained the South West Water Management District and five (5) other water districts, that were developed by the Governor of Florida, established their own milage rates.  Chairwoman Rooks further stated the County has no control over that rate. Comm. Yearty added that these districts control water quality and consumption permits. Comm. Yearty further stated these taxes are applied to all Levy County property owners.

Mr. Don Nelson of Williston and Mr. Willard Smith inquired their property value had gone up. Chairwoman Rooks suggested calling the Property Appraiser’s Office and/or possibly filing with the Value Adjustment Board.

Mr. Quimby inquired the value of his property went up fifty-four percent (54%) and expressed concern about the mailing addresses used.  Comm. Bell requested he speak with the Property Appraiser’s Office. 

Comm. Parker moved to accept the milage rate of nine (9) mils. Comm. Bell seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

Ms. Sheila Rees requested the adoption of the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2004-2005. Ms. Rees stated the proposed fiscal year budget is $49,066,134.00.  

Comm. Bell moved to adopt the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2004-2005. Comm. Yearty seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED.

                                                          
Lilly Rooks, Chairwoman

ATTEST:

                                                          
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court