BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA

SEPTEMBER 26, 2017

The following is a non-verbatim transcript of the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING OF SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA, held at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, in Room 1028 of the SEMINOLE COUNTY SERVICES BUILDING at SANFORD, FLORIDA, the usual place of meeting of said Board.

Present:

Chairman John Horan (District 2)

Vice Chairman Brenda Carey (District 5)

Commissioner Robert Dallari (District 1)

Commissioner Lee Constantine (District 3)

County Manager Nicole Guillet

County Bryant Applegate

Deputy Clerk Kyla Spencer

Absent:

Commissioner Carlton Henley (District 4)

Commissioner Dallari led the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC HEARING

FY 2017/18 FINAL BUDGET

Proofs of publication calling for a public hearing to consider the Seminole County FY 2017/18 Final Budget, received and filed.

Chairman Horan announced that this is the second public hearing regarding the budget. He advised that the Board of County Commissioners does not have any control over the tax levies or budgets of the School Board, the Water Management District, or any of the seven cities in Seminole County. Questions regarding property assessed valuations should be addressed to the Property Appraiser, David Johnson, who is present. The Board of County Commissioners has limited authority over the budgets of the Constitutional Officers of the County which include the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Property Appraiser, the Sheriff, the Supervisor of Elections and the Tax Collector. Chairman Horan described how the budgets for the Constitutional Officers are reviewed and approved. He pointed out that the purpose of this public hearing is to receive comments regarding the tentative millage rates and budget, any amendments to the budget as desired by the Board, and to adopt the final millage rates and County budget for Fiscal Year 2017/18 as required by Florida law. Chairman Horan announced that this budget hearing and Seminole County’s intent to adopt the final millage rates and budget for FY 2018 were advertised on September 24, 2017.

Edward Bass, Resource Management Director, addressed the Board and displayed a PowerPoint presentation (received and filed) for the Second Public Hearing FY 2017/18 Final Budget. He advised at the First Budget Hearing to approve Seminole County’s FY 2017/18 tentative budget and millage rates, the Board approved a tentative budget of $755 million based on maintaining the current property tax rates. Tonight the FY 2017/18 proposed final budget includes decreases to the tentatively approved budget totaling $133,000, which is shown on page 25 of the Second Public Hearing booklet (received and filed). Mr. Bass stated these changes primarily include a reduction to the General Fund balance of $133,000 based on an updated Reserve balance and adjustments that split fund some positions in Emergency Management and Environmental Services.

Mr. Bass stated by Florida law, the first issue required to be discussed at the budget hearing is the percentage of increase in the millage rate over the rolled-back rate necessary to fund the budget and the reason for the increase. He advised that the FY 2017/18 tentative budget, as amended tonight for final adoption, is based on maintaining the current year property tax rates. Mr. Bass displayed the Millage Rate Summary and reviewed millage rates for the Adopted 2016/17 Budget; Tentative 2017/18 Budget; Rolled-Back Property Tax Rates; and the Percentage Change in the Proposed Millage Rates over the Rolled-Back Millage Rates for Countywide, the Fire Services District, and the Roads District.

Mr. Bass stated the tentative aggregate millage rate for all BCC taxing districts is 6.9261 mills, which represents a 10.69% increase over the current year aggregate rolled-back rate of 6.2574 mills. He discussed the 2017 Change in Taxable Property Values. Mr. Bass stated the tentative countywide General Fund budget is balanced based on maintaining the same operating millage rates levied last year. The $9.6 million increase is attributable to growth in taxable valuation for the General Fund budget. This increase is used to provide essential services to the citizens of Seminole County.

Mr. Bass reviewed the Property Tax Revenue slide. He concluded his presentation by reviewing the Tentative Budget Summary by Fund Type and stated the total countywide budget for FY 2017/18 is $755,321,456 (which is detailed on pages 20 through 22 of the Second Public Hearing book).

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Joe Wheeler, 2664 Creekview Circle, addressed the Board and thanked them for everything they do. He explained he attended the first hearing and learned a lot about the Fire Department. He is usually not in favor of raising taxes, but every situation is different. Mr. Wheeler mentioned ISO ratings and stated if he is going to be paying money out, he would rather pay it to the Fire Department to improve the training and equipment than he would to his homeowner’s policy. He expressed tax increases adversely affect people that are on a fixed salary, but balancing the needs of a few against the needs of many is a job that the Board is called to do.

John Horvath, 1004 Bradford Drive, addressed the Board and stated he has been coming to these budget meetings for 30 to 40 years and he has complained the last few years that the County is too tight with the budget. After ten years of the County underfunding the Fire Department, he is glad to see them fund it properly. He discussed the need for Station #29. He mentioned ISO ratings, staffing at the Sheriff’s Office, road projects and infrastructure. Mr. Horvath talked about the need for a Medical Examiner’s Office in Seminole County.

Bill Hyde, 2379 Audley Street, addressed the Board and stated he is here to oppose the tax increase. He opined that the increase is wanted but not needed and discussed the reasons why. Mr. Hyde compared the sales tax increase to the Fire Fund increase. He completed the Citizens Fire Academy and saw no shortage of very fine equipment. He also watched the Budget work session and listened to the blame being put on other Constitutional Officers for having to raise taxes. Mr. Hyde attended the Seminole County Public Schools Leadership Academy and learned that almost half of the county’s students receive either free or reduced-cost meals at school. That doesn’t sound like a community that can afford yet another tax increase. He discussed how this increase will impact senior citizens on fixed incomes.

Leigh McEachern, 2205 Snowhill Road, addressed the Board and stated this is not a partisan issue. He discussed his history in the military and law enforcement. Mr. McEachern expressed he has come to fear his government because they have the power to tax private property; and if he can’t pay the taxes, his property will end up being confiscated and sold to the highest bidder within the circle of power. He explained in 2015, his taxes were just over $2,000 with an agricultural exemption. In 2016, he had to give up boarding horses and 4-H projects were no longer considered as a commercial agricultural activity so he lost the exemption. His taxes went from $2,000 plus in 2015 to $3,500 plus in 2016. He commended the Public Works Department for the work they have done after Hurricane Irma.

Matt Collins, 1733 Willa Circle, addressed the Board and stated he is the Executive Director of the Seminole Committee for Government Accountability. He presented petitions (received and filed) from residents of Seminole County who are opposed to tonight’s proposed tax increase. Mr. Collins stated the Fire Department does a superb job and absolutely should be given the resources to keep up the good work. He explained that can be done without a tax increase if the Commissioners would behave responsibly with taxpayers’ money. Mr. Collins shared comments from Seminole County citizens who shared their opinion on the Seminole Committee for Government Accountability Facebook page in opposition to the increase.

Shaun Kunz, 670 Venture Court, addressed the Board and reiterated his public comments from the First Budget Public Hearing. Those comments included his opinion that the _4‚1_idea _4ƒ1_of _4„1_a _4…1_tax _4†1_hike _4‡1_after the _4ˆ1_year _4‰1_of _4Š2_spending _4Œ1_frivolously _41_that _41__4‘1_the _%_County had _4’2_planned _4”1_is a bit audacious. He discussed the destruction from Hurricane Irma and how raising taxes right now is bad timing for many citizens. He commended the heroism of firefighters and claimed they do not show up to work to create revenue for anyone. Mr. Kunz noted the medical marijuana industry would increase sales tax organically. He added he is a Winter Springs resident; and since the Fire Fund increase will be on a referendum in Winter Springs, they should let his town decide if they want the increase or ask his town to fund their own Fire Department.

Steve Edminsten, 1047 Reading Court, addressed the Board and noted he is both a resident and a Lieutenant with the Fire Department so he understands both sides of the issue. He stated he thinks it is important for people to be educated on exactly what they’re getting. Mr. Edminsten explained that his taxes are actually going to go down next year. He discussed the rollback to the Fire Fund in 2008 and how that affected the Fire Department. He stated the Fire Department is CAAS (Commission for Accreditation of Ambulance Services) accredited department. There are only 15 departments in the entire state of Florida that have that accreditation, and Seminole County is one of them; that is what taxes pay for. He discussed the different duties with the Fire Department performs. Mr. Edminsten stated, as a department, staff did very well performing those duties on the resources that they currently have, but they were very taxed. He approves the millage increase as a citizen because he understands the importance of it.

Tommy Minton, 344 Timberwood Trail, addressed the Board and stated he is opposed to any increase in the County’s millage rate. Mr. _%_Minton discussed the proposed homestead exemption and explained while some may have an idea or _2Å1__2Æ1__2Ç2_feeling _2É2_of what might happen, no one _2Ë1_in _2Ì1_th_2Í1_e _2Î1_room knows for sure that such an amendment would pass and thus cause the exemption to increase. _%_He added_%_ assessed values are already increasing for some people, and the number of new homes being built around the county could account for a sizeable increase in tax revenue without the need to increase the millage rate. He asked the _%_Board to_%_ focus on the absolute needs and make fiduciary decisions based on projected revenues from the current millage rate and any possible reserves that are in excess of state statute wi_2Î1_th taxpayers' dollars that have already been collected.

Fanny Benites, 3419 S. St. Lucie Drive, addressed the Board and stated she is here with her mother and neighbors because they oppose the tax hike because it will affect her family. She discussed being a young professional and noted that this increase won’t directly affect her right now, but it will in a year or two. Ms. Benites stated one day she may be sitting in a Commissioner’s seat; and she hopes if her constituents went to her and told her how it would hurt their families, she wouldn’t let her head get big from fame or power. She concluded with a quote from the Republican Creed, “Government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn. The proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations and that the best government is that which governs least.”
Gladys Benites, 3419 S. St. Lucie Drive, addressed the Board and stated she thinks a 25.77% increase to the Fire millage is too much. She believes the County can find other ways to fund the money for the Fire Department. Ms. Benites stated government needs to be careful of what they invest their money in. She provided some examples of mismanagement of funds. She urged the County to spend money on their basic needs. She discussed rising property values and stated she does not benefit from that unless she sells her house.

Commissioner Carey stated before the meeting is over, she would like staff to display the chart that shows what taxes actually go towards because a lot of the speakers were not present for the last meeting. She explained 65% of taxes go to Public Safety, and sharing that chart with the public may be beneficial.

Isabel Neme, 3425 S. St. Lucie Drive, addressed the Board and Ms. Fanny Benites translated for her. Ms. Neme is a senior citizen and her resources are limited so this tax hike would be detrimental to her life.

Delia Hernandez, 3401 S. St. Lucie Drive, addressed the Board and Ms. Fanny Benites translated for her. Ms. Hernandez is also a senior citizen and it would be very detrimental for her to have her taxes increase.

Thomas Wilczak, 413 Boxwood Circle, addressed the Board and stated his parents taught him not to spend money if he doesn’t have money. He urged the Board to spend money on necessities. Their job is to manage the County and not to spend money. Mr. Wilczak expressed he is not against the Fire Department and agrees it is necessary, but there are other areas that the County is spending money where they should not. He stated he is opposed to the tax increase and this is not the right time.

Jim Turney, 668 Cortez Circle, addressed the Board and discussed a 7% tax increase in Altamonte Springs. He stated he looked at his bill and the Public Schools went down and the Fire District rate went up. Overall, it didn’t have much effect on him, but that means somebody else is paying a lot more. According to his math, on average for Altamonte Springs residents, about 18% more revenue is going to be taken from property taxes. He opined it’s a very good policy to separate the tax rates between Public Schools, Fire, and other categories. Mr. Turney stated the concern is where things are going with the General Fund. He asked the Board to consider very carefully the General Fund expenditures and save on every line item that they can. He noted every line item on his bill goes up except for the School Board, which goes down.

Chairman Horan explained the budgets of the Constitutional Officers are not within the control of the County Commission, and 65% of the General Fund pays for those Constitutional Officers. In regard to the School Board, the one mill that dropped off this year was a voted one mill. The voters approved that three years ago, so it went off by operation of law.

Pete De Rosa, 1612 Eagle Nest Circle, addressed the Board and stated he is surprised at how few people showed up. There was very poor communication, very little information put out, and the information that was put out was put out late. He explained he has heard nothing about controlling the costs that are causing these things. He wants to hear government say here’s what we’re doing to compensate, but he didn’t hear that. He suggested to the Board they concentrate as if they are a taxpayer and not a tax spender.

Chairman Horan noted the budget development that the County has gone through took several months. They had several public workshops that were all advertised in the paper where there was an opportunity for public input. Discussion ensued on advertising. Bryant Applegate, County Attorney, stated Florida law requires the County to advertise this hearing, which they did. The Trim Notice that was mailed out by the Property Appraiser’s Office had the date, location and time of the first hearing, which is required by law. At that hearing, the citizens heard when the next meeting was to occur. And because of Hurricane Irma, more people knew about this meeting than in the past because of the special advertisement and the special requirements imposed by the State. The budget is on the website, the information is available publicly, so the law was followed in the advertising of this hearing and the first one as well.

David Williams, 110 Sisso Cove, addressed the Board and presented General Millage by County 2017/2018 (received and filed). He reviewed the sheet which included the 2016 millage rate breakdown for each municipality. He discussed the petitions that Mr. Collins presented and opined the petitions didn’t include any information as to what the increase was actually for. Mr. Williams also commented on the fact that taxpayers are paying less next year than they are this year. He stated as funding decreased in 2008, the equipment and supplies have all increased. Call loads have also increased. He discussed ISO ratings, the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and all of the services that the Fire Department provides. Mr. Williams explained to continue to meet the growing needs of the community, they need to build more stations, add personnel, increase equipment and evolve as technology requirements continue to change. He stated he supports the millage rate increase and asked the Board to approve it at the proposed rate.

David Bass, 3424 Kayla Circle, addressed the Board and stated first responders are taxed in the area. He discussed impact fees and asked why they can’t go to the developer and say their growth is the reason the County needs public safety positions. Mr. Bass discussed growth control and the impact an increase will have on senior citizens. He agreed the firemen and policemen need help, but he urged the Board to go where the deep pockets are; go to the developers and not the taxpayers.

Stacey Yuan, 217 Springview Court, addressed the Board and stated she is a single mom with three kids, so a property tax increase would be a big impact to her. Ms. Yuan is a real estate agent and discussed how it will also impact her sales.

Commissioner Carey asked staff to speak to where the County is in the ranking of taxes compared to other counties in the state. Mr. Bass stated he can’t give the Board that exact information, but staff can pull that information. Ms. Guillet indicated one of the documents that Mr. Williams submitted had some of the surrounding counties. Chairman Horan stated the average unincorporated residential household tax bill in this county is the lowest rate in the region. Ms. Guillet explained at the top of Mr. Williams’ submittal, it shows the combined General Fund millage rate and Fire Fund millage rate for the respective counties. Commissioner Carey stated she believes the county is in the top four or five as the lowest-taxing county in Florida, and Ms. Guillet agreed.

A citizen who did not identify himself addressed the Board and stated he lives at 312 Tangerine Street. He asked the Board to vote against the tax increase. He opined the Fire Department is a bloated bureaucracy and provided some examples as to why he feels that way. He discussed his previous job at the Pentagon and offered to work for the County auditing all of the various departments.

With regard to public participation, no one else in the audience spoke in support or in opposition and public input was closed.

Speaker Request Forms and a Written Comment Form were received and filed.

Speaker Request Forms for Mr. De Rosa, Mr. Williams and the citizen who did not identify himself were not received.

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Chairman Horan recessed the meeting at 8:27 p.m., reconvening at 8:32 p.m.

BOARD DISCUSSION

Upon Commissioner Carey’s request, Ms. Guillet explained the budget process. Commissioner Carey asked when the County Manager’s budget proposal got posted on the County website. Ms. Guillet answered it is posted at the same time the Board receives it, so mid-July; and the work session documents are posted as well. Commissioner Carey requested that Mr. Bass review Expenditures by Service Area (a slide from the first Public Hearing PowerPoint presentation). Ms. Guillet stated this pie chart represents the percentage of the total funding of the budget, which includes Enterprise Funds and other funding sources. She explained if you were to look at a similar graphic of just the General Fund revenues, you would see that Public Safety gets an even bigger piece of that pie. Chairman Horan stated he doesn’t have the exact figures but the General Fund budget is approximately $170 million, and $110 million of that is the Sheriff, and 65% of the General Fund budget is actually for the Constitutional Officers.

Mr. Bass displayed a slide (not received and filed) showing that 65% of the General Fund expenditures goes to the Constitutional Officers and 35% stays with the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Carey noted those are the General Fund dollars, which is the biggest pile of money they have. She stated the only increase that is being discussed is the Fire Fund; and the Board has had a lot of presentations about the increase and they have asked a lot of questions about it.

Chairman Horan announced there was one additional request for Public Participation from Mr. John Leaman. He informed Mr. Leaman the Board already closed the Public Hearing, but noted Mr. Leaman is in favor of the Fire tax increase.

Fire Chief Mark Oakes addressed the Board and stated it is important to note that Hurricane Matthew, numerous wildfires and Hurricane Irma all happened within the same fiscal year. He commended his staff for the outstanding job they have done this year. He discussed how the Fire Department has changed and stated with change comes cost. Chief Oakes explained they have delayed a lot of projects that are needed in Fire Services; in particular, the radio system. He spoke to the efficiency of the Fire Department and reminded that it has been since 1999 that they have expanded service. He stated they are being fiscally responsible. They have done that not only through efficiency of service but also because of the first response system. The first response system in the county is second to none. It is not duplicated in the state of Florida. It started back in the 80’s with the city of Altamonte Springs and the city of Longwood joining into first response regardless of jurisdiction providing that service. Today all city Fire Departments within the county cooperate regardless of jurisdiction. Chief Oakes stated cooperation is an efficient way of delivering a service to two cities in unincorporated Seminole County. He indicated they are also trying to merge Station #17 with Station #24 to put in a better road network, not expanding service but taking the current service level and making it more efficient for all of the citizens of unincorporated Seminole County, Longwood and Casselberry.

Upon Commissioner Dallari’s request, Chief Oakes explained ISO ratings and how that affects the citizens and their insurance. Discussion ensued regarding ISO ratings and level of service. Chief Oakes indicated having a higher level of service will result in lower costs by paying the MSTU on the Fire millage versus the insurance companies. Upon Commissioner Carey’s request, Chief Oakes discussed the five-minute response time and level of service.

Commissioner Carey stated the Property Appraiser has been a great partner to the County, informing them what he thinks the future looks like as far as values and revenues so the County can plan for more than one year at a time, which is the right thing to do. She discussed consolidation and opined people forget the reason the cities asked the County to consolidate was because they could no longer afford to provide the high quality of service of what they were having to charge their taxpayers. Chief Oakes explained due to the consolidations, they have actually closed three fire stations since those merges with the cities and reallocated those resources to make it more efficient. He discussed road networks and placements of fire stations. Upon Commissioner Dallari’s request, Chief Oakes discussed sino kits and the Fire Department’s stroke protocol.

Chief Oakes stated everybody on the Fire Department is a basic level EMT, and in most cases over 60% of personnel are paramedics that can perform advanced-life techniques. With that being said, a lot of time the ambulances are tied up on transporting patients to hospitals. They have engines, tower companies, and special ops squads. Every one of the units has at least one paramedic on it; so if the ambulance rescue is tied up on another call, an engine will arrive and be able to have the same capability as a rescue truck minus the ability to transport. Then they follow in with a transport unit from another station.

Commissioner Carey expressed she is glad to see young people being involved but they probably don’t know that in 2004 the millage rate was almost 5 mills. The millage rate today in the General Fund is lower than it was in 2004. In 2008, the Board had to make a lot of tough choices. They eliminated over 260 positions, cut millions of dollars out of the budget, and rolled the taxes back to the bare bones to be able to continue to operate the county while giving a break to the taxpayers. She stated her job is to try to make the best decision to make sure that the citizens still receive the quality of service that they expect. She indicated because of that, she supports the budget that the County Manager has put forward. Commissioner Carey stated she is all for less government, but the Board’s biggest responsibility is public safety.

Commissioner Constantine announced he would like to hear from Mr. Leaman even though Chairman Horan already closed the Public Hearing.

John Leaman, 227 Royal Oaks Circle, addressed the Board and stated he very much appreciates Commissioner Constantine’s courtesy in recognizing him. He stated he would like to strongly endorse the Fire millage increase. The County has a Fire Department that is excellent and has been underfunded for many years. He suggested the Board consider having a fire-rescue individual stationed at hospitals so they could rapidly return a rescue to in-service status. He noted the County also has an excellent Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Leaman stated investing in positive relationships will pay dividends. He gave the highest acclaim to the Emergency Management Division and Health Department for the exemplary manner in their preplanning and service delivery during Hurricane Irma. Mr. Leaman opined the road district funds need to be reexamined as the Wekiva Springs Road Ultimate project, that the Board hasn’t heard of yet, will come in at a range of $10 million to $20 million. He proposed when the County is credited with having one of the highest median incomes in the state, why should citizens be so proud of having so low a tax rate where so much is put off and not done. He stated if the residents desire the benefits of a natural Florida with far superior services, they should pay for it.

Commissioner Constantine stated in the budget process, he was looking at trying to make sure that they reached a level that was going to continue the service that they have and ensure the quality of life that they have in the county. He indicated he would have gone for a little bit less instead of what they are looking at now; but at the same time, he was assured at the last meeting that if the homestead exemption doesn’t go up, they will be able to readjust this to a downward number.

Commissioner Constantine explained $748 million is the total amount of the budget of the County today, and next year the budget will be $755 million. That is an increase of .009, which is less than 1%, and the cost of living has gone up a lot more than 1%. He discussed the sales tax and how it allowed the School Board to eliminate their millage. He reminded that the Road tax is not increasing at all, the ad valorem of homes has not increased, the only portion of the budget that they are increasing is the Fire District which affects unincorporated Seminole County, and the cities of Altamonte Springs, Casselberry and Winter Springs. Commissioner Constantine stated he wants everyone to remember that the County’s aggregate millage rate is 7.64, Lake County’s is 8, Orange County’s is 8.5, Osceola County’s is 9.85, and Volusia County’s is 11.33.

In regard to the petitions submitted by Mr. Collins, Commissioner Constantine stated when he was in the Senate, he would get thousands of petitions a day where people would sign arbitrary petitions. It doesn’t indicate what people believe, it’s just indicative of somebody putting something together and getting others to sign it. Commissioner Constantine discussed homeowner’s insurance and ISO ratings. He explained for an average home, the Fire increase will be about $64.72; but if the ISO rating drops, homeowners will possibly pay an additional $80 to their homeowner’s insurance. Commissioner Constantine opined the reason the chamber is not packed is because the people of the county “get it.” He indicated if the increase isn’t passed, the Fire Department will still protect the citizens; but if it takes them more than five minutes to get to a call, there will be complaints.

Chairman Horan stated in 2010, the County was in bad shape. The tax base of the County had gone down 40%, they were looking at painful cuts to Public Safety and Public Health, and they knew they needed to move the green line. They needed to restore the County to a structural balance. In the most recent years, they have provided that structural balance to the budget in every one of the funds except for the Fire Fund where they are going to run out of reserves next year if they don’t do something about it. He explained they are trying to maintain a balance in the Reserves in every one of the funds for a rainy day, and they have recently experienced a rainy day. Sometimes they have to use those reserves to go ahead and fund things because they’re not going to get reimbursed for certain expenses until four or five years down the road. He indicated they have maintained their Reserves and given a structurally balanced budget since he has been in office. They have experienced an annual growth rate of about 6% over the last four years. They have also experienced an increase in economic development so that they have more sales taxes. They have been able to bring back structural balance to all of the funds except for the Fire Fund, and that is what they are trying to do tonight.

In regard to total revenue, Chairman Horan stated they are just now getting to the point they were at prerecession in 2008. Since 2008, the county has had tens of thousands of new residents, the scope of services has increased manifold, and yet they are operating on about the same amount of revenues that they were in prerecession. He explained thanks to all of this, the 2017/18 adopted budget maintains a General Fund operating millage that is the same that it has been for the eighth straight year. The average unincorporated residential household bill still remains the lowest of any in the region.

Chairman Horan expressed he is proud to be in this County because it is a leader in job creation and economic development, the schools are the best in the region, the neighborhoods are the safest due to the lowest crime rate in the region, and the infrastructure is maintained and endowed. He praised the penny sales tax and everything it has done for the County. He stated the only thing they have not been able to endow is the Fire Fund, and that is what they’re doing tonight. Chairman Horan indicated he understands nobody likes taxes, but his job is to make sure that the County is adequately funded and that the needs of the many are served. He stated he will be voting in favor of the budget and he knows that they set taxes at the lowest possible rate that provides an adequate level of service in all of the different funds.

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Motion by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Dallari, to adopt the FY 2017/18 General Countywide ad valorem tax rate of 4.8751 mills.