SPECIAL MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
August 16, 1999
The Special Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on August 16, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room, with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman Frank Davis
Vice Chairman Wilbur Dean
Comm. Don Foley
Comm. Lillie Rooks
Comm. Sammy Yearty
Also present were:
Clerk of Court Douglas M. McKoy
County Administrator William C. Cobb
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m..
BUDGET
Mr. Douglas McKoy, Clerk of Court presented a review of the proposed budget and advised the General Fund is currently $302,040.00 out of balance from revenue. Mr. McKoy said there presently is not a contingency reserve in the General Fund.
AGENCIES
Mr. Lannie Cardona, Executive Director of the Levy County Development Authority presented an outline of the present work in progress and a copy of the proposed web site page. Mr. Cardona said his proposed budget has been presented to the Finance Department and the Development Authority and is not requesting any additional funding.
Ms. Donna L. Fagan, Executive Director of Another Way, Inc. said a request had been submitted for funding in the amount of $1,000.00. Ms. Fagan said she was amending the budget request to $2,500.00. Ms. Fagan said the funding has been able to assist Another Way in providing assistance to the women and children in need of their services. Comm. Dean said the finance committee will review the request.
LIBRARY
Mr. Ted Wilkins presented a proposal from BellSouth allowing a leasing agreement for telephone service to the local libraries through the Florida Information Network which allows for discounted rates to public libraries. Mr. Wilkins said once the system is implemented cost savings will be realized by utilizing the services provided by BellSouth. Mr. Wilkins said we will be unable to enter into the contract with BellSouth for approximately nine (9) months and Marion County has agreed to allow the libraries to continue the current telephone services with an interlocal agreement. Mr. Wilkins said a decision not to buy the used equipment from Marion County and to proceed with an interlocal agreement for communication services with Marion County until the agreement with Florida Information Network and BellSouth is implemented. Comm. Yearty moved to enter into an interlocal agreement with Marion County for communication services for nine (9) months and then to enter into the agreement with Florida Information Network and allow for the E Rate discounts and to apply the current refund of $10,000.00 to pay for the telephone costs during that time period. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Wilkins said the Library Board is requesting additional funding to provide a vehicle for the Library Director’s position. Comm. Yearty moved to increase the Library budget an additional $25,000.00 for a vehicle and additional start up funds. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Comm. Yearty moved to allocate an office in the Baker Building for the Library Director. Comm. Rooks seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
JUDICIAL
Mr. Ted McFetridge presented the proposed budget request for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Courts for 1999 - 2000. Mr. McFetridge said increased case loads are requiring increased staff and costs to the courts. Mr. McFetridge discussed what costs should be assumed by Article V and be the responsibility of the State. Mr. McFetridge said the grant allocating $100,000.00 per year will continue for an additional three (3) years. Mr. Douglas McKoy requested Mr. McFetridge to provide what expenditures related to the court can be expended from these grant funds.
Mrs. Mary Lou Gardner said with the increasing costs for conflict attorneys a review of considering contract attorneys for some cases may assist in cost containment and should be considered. Mrs. Gardner said contract services could be piggy backed with Alachua County.
Mr. McKoy said there needs to be more accountability on the submission of the legal fees from conflict attorneys.
BUDGET
Comm. Foley moved to tentatively adopt a millage rate of 9 mils. Comm. Dean seconded and the MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. McKoy reminded the Board the TRIM hearing will be held on Monday, September 20, 1999 and the final budget hearing will be held Monday, September 27, 1999.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Frank Davis, Board Chairman
ATTEST:
Douglas M. McKoy, Clerk of Court