No, no, it's legit. It brings back memories. Remember the old we had the Polish-American Club, the Italian-American Club. At least the Pole At least the Polish still around. >> Poles, the Portuguese. The Italians, what are you guys doing? I don't
>> [laughter] >> We do it at our house. >> The Irish are at McGee's Pub. >> S Crane at Jude. >> It's a great joke. You know, in Ireland they drink to forget they're alcoholics. >> [laughter] >> I just wanted to say hi before this thing kicks off and I get
>> Hey, buddy. Everything well? When did you When did you Did you close yet? >> Uh Thursday. >> Thursday you close. Where are you going to go? >> Uh Martin Sanson's office. Uh storage. Yeah. >> That's actually That's unbelievable. I'm happy for you.
But once you move in, I'll come and see this house. It looks beautiful. Looks beautiful. Good to see you, buddy. >> Look at this guy. Oh my god. >> Ralfi. Ralfi. >> He's getting your physique. >> Unbelievable. I'm so happy for you. >> You're getting there. Ralph, baby,
you're there, man. >> How long you going to be there? And now it's just Yeah. >> Treat yourself. I would go for it, man. It's awesome. >> What do you need? >> You don't need to have any more. >> You can go to You'll go to Gulf Har- or Gulf Harbor's office. Gulf Harbor's
office. Yeah. Call me ahead of time or text me, will you, please? Okay? >> I'll get you a tickets. >> You cuz you give it to You give them that on top of your license. And then they usually start a conversation. Are you carrying? Well, yes, I've got three guns. One here, one here. >> And they forget about the ticket. >> Yeah, and then they They're like, thank you for carrying. Do you have anything
else? >> Good luck for me. >> What's up, brother? Good to see you, man. Good to see you. Yeah, no, I get I get I'm with you. >> Gotcha. Gotcha, buddy. Good to see you. >> I mean, these fancy chairs are like I think they brought that in from the clerk's office.
Hey Catherine, how are you? Catherine? >> Good morning. Good morning. >> No, it's not on yet. This is Floyd's on. >> Your mic is not yours. >> I'm on. >> This is Floyd. >> Big dick. >> to call order to the Pasco County Commission Constitutional Officers and
County Budget Workshop on June 18th, 2026. At this time, please silence all electronic devices. Please rise for the invocation pledge of allegiance. >> Good morning. Let's pray. Father, we have gathered this morning in
order to begin talking about the budget. Uh talking about the budget is always probably one of the more challenging things that we're faced with each year. There are always things that are changing and the needs seem to continue to increase.
And yet, we're also aware of the fact that property taxes may change, which is also going to affect our budgeting process. So, in the face of all of these challenges, I ask that you give us all wisdom as we try to come up with
equitable solutions. Solutions that are not going to overly impact our our county residents and yet at the same time are going to provide all the funds that we need for our ongoing services. So, we thank you for your presence as
always and ask that you just be in the midst of our conversation and guide and lead us in all the decisions we need to make. And I lift this all up in your name. Amen. >> Amen. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, sir. >> I would like to thank the staff for organizing some good discussions. And I would like to thank all our
constitutional officers for coming forward in the six year term as well. Um These are interesting times we're going to be dealing with depending on how this property tax situation does go. I think it's something that we keep mindful of everything we do as far as trying to work through our budget as
best we can and being kind of prepared for what may happen down the road. I think Pastor Connie's done a great job as far as responsibly listening to the citizens. I think the citizens have said they wanted better things and I think we've been on our way to deliver that. So I I think we've done everything
responsive to the people. At the same time we're going to deal with something that may be coming up and I think the good discussions we talk about and the responsibleness we've done with our budgets are going to carry the weight and hopefully we'll be in a good situation coming up. And I'm
Maybe we should go around the room if the powers that be at this table goes and pretty introduce themselves in case anybody is unfamiliar. Amy, we'll start with you. >> Good morning. Amy Farrell, budget director with Pasco County. >> Eric Brackin Bock, assistant county administrator with Pasco County.
>> Good morning. Mike Carballa, Pasco County administrator. >> Jeff Stein Snyder, county attorney, Pasco County. >> Colleen Sattler, district board. >> Jeff Arriola, chairman. >> Seth Weightman, vice chairman. >> [clears throat]
>> District two. >> District two. >> [laughter] >> Uh Kathryn Starkey, district five. >> Good morning, Nikki Alvarez, Pasco County Clerk and Controller. >> Good morning, Shawn Crane, Chief Judge, 6th Judicial Circuit. >> Good morning, Brian Corley, Supervisor of Elections.
>> Good morning, Mike Fasano, Tax Collector. >> Good morning, Mike Wells, Property Appraiser. >> At this point, I'll recognize Mike Carballo and invite >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and and thank everyone for for being here today. Um I agree that Pasco County has done a
done a wonderful job over the years, but especially as of late. This is the uh the third time that we have we've pulled our constitutional officers in um you know, in this in this effort of of providing more touch points on the budget, uh transparency, and and collaboration in building in building
the budget to uh serve our community to create a better future. And so um I I I I will ask that we I'm sorry, the the format of this is going to be a little different than than in years past. Typically, we we held a separate workshop with our constitutional
officers ahead of this. But as you point out, Mr. Chair, because of the uncertainty, we decided to kind of delayed that until we knew a little bit more about what was going to happen with the reform potential there. So, we've combined the budget workshop today. So, today, we're going to ask our constitutional officers to to first
present uh present their budgets or or their their challenges key issues that are that are there. Um we're limiting that time to approximately 15 minutes for each. >> 15 minutes, you said? >> 15 minutes, you understand. >> And then I'll we'll we'll take a brief 5-minute uh recess and then we'll take a
view. Uh and then we'll have uh Amy and the budget team come up and again present the operational side of the budget. Uh due to the time constraints, we will handle the capital portion of our budget at a July public meeting. I'm sorry, a public workshop. Um but uh we really
want to focus on the operational side since that is the most uh critical piece that we need to get information and guidance and discussion So with that, I would like to ask Matt Clark if you're prepared to kick us off today.
>> Yeah, thank you. So, my office budget for fiscal year '27 was submitted on April 30th. I don't know if you want to put the mic here. Um So, a lot has happened, obviously, since that time with property tax [clears throat] reform, and there are a
lot of unknowns as it relates to property tax revenue for the county currently. And the joint resolution has a couple of obstacles ahead of it. One with a lawsuit that's already been filed. There's others talk of potential constitutional challenges. And then you
have the voter approval in November. So, if passed, it will have a effect on future budget starting with fiscal year '28. With that understanding, my presentation will focus on what we knew at the time I submitted the fiscal year '27 budget.
>> [clears throat and cough] >> Do I control it or is someone else controlling it? Okay. Very good. >> [clears throat] >> So, before I dive into my budget request, I want to quickly explain the constitutional statutory services that are funded by the county for my office.
So, the county related services of my office which the county funds are services provided to this board, the county departments, and the county staff. The functions of my county funded budget are not to the public. They're strictly provided to Pasco
County government. Those services are mandated by Article 8, Section 1D of the Florida Constitution, and Section 218.3572 of the Florida Statutes, and they're provided on the slide. So, clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, the County Auditor, Custodian, and Treasurer
of all county funds, and other county related duties. Other county related duties are things such as my services to support the value adjustment board and 32 county boards and committees such as the planning commission and the tourist development council. If tax reform succeeds, the county will
need to make very difficult decisions about needs and wants. However, before you balance your needs and wants, you have to determine what must be done. The services provided by my office for the county are required by the Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes. Many
constitutional and statutory mandates impose penalties or liabilities if the functions are not performed. For example, as I'm sorry, was there a question? As [clears throat] county auditor, >> [snorts] >> the clerk has an affirmative duty to review expenditures for legality before
payment in addition to ensuring that expenditure is for a public purpose. The clerk is not simply a payment processor for the county. In a landmark case of Alachua County versus Powers, the Florida Supreme Court stated that the clerk has the authority and responsibility to audit functions as
a watchdog of the board in the case of pre-auditing accounts and determining the legality of expenditures. Florida law makes the clerk personally liable, both criminal and civil liability, for illegal or unauthorized county expenditures. Another example, Florida law requires
local governments to pay valid invoices within a prescribed time frame. When those requirements are not met, the county bears the financial consequences through statutory interest penalties. Efficient invoice processing protects taxpayer dollars by avoiding unnecessary
costs while ensuring compliance with state law. That's called the Local Government Prompt Payment Act, that we're all very familiar with. There are many other examples similar to the two I just have shared. In addition, there are functions my office performs to protect the county such as ongoing
efforts to protect against vendor fraud and other cybercrimes. The county is also required to fund specific court-related functions of my office pursuant to Article 5, Section 14C of the Florida Constitution and Section 29.008 sub 1 and sub 2 of
Florida Statutes. These services are listed on the slide. For clarification, [clears throat] communication services includes telephone systems, all computer network systems and equipment. The multi-agency criminal justice information system is also called CJIS for short. It involves technology,
however, it is a it's specific to court-related activity to ensure information sharing between local justice partners and reporting of information to the state. So, now that I have explained some of the constitutional and statutory services that are funded by the county for my office, I will go over my
office's fiscal year '27 budget that was submitted again on April 30. From an operational perspective, our office continues to focus on efficiency and cost containment. As a result, fiscal year '27 budget is one of the smallest increases since I became
clerk. For fiscal year '27, the board services and multi-agency CJIS component of my office's budget reflects a modest increase of 4.35% or around $436,000 compared to fiscal year '26.
The proposed increase is a is primarily driven by teammate salary adjustments and increases in operational expenditures. These increases are attributable to inflationary pressures beyond the office's control, including the rising cost of goods and services required to maintain day-to-day operations.
This request is not about growth, it is about maintaining capacity. Last year, at the request of the Board of County Commissioners, my office submitted a budget reflecting a 3% salary increase. At the time, I requested that if the board elected to fund its or any other constitutional
employees salary increases above 3%, that my office be given the same salary increase. I recently learned that the board funded 5% salary increases for other constitutional offices. My team is facing the same inflationary and operational pressures as other constitutional offices without a
comparable salary increase. Inflation has gone from 2.7% to 4.2% in this time while my team has received a 3% salary increase. Therefore, I'm requesting a 5% salary adjustment in fiscal year 27 to allow my office to continue meeting its
statutory obligations without compromising compliance, service, or accountability. >> [clears throat and cough] >> My office remains committed to effective and efficient operations. This slide provides a few enhancements and efficiencies implemented this fiscal year so far.
The Florida um FGF Awards, the Florida Government Finance Officers Association, I'm sorry, the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement in Excellence in Financial Reporting. We've received that award for 42 consecutive years and that carries a
significant financial and reputational benefits to the Board of County Commissioners. Most notably, it supports strong bond ratings as credit rating agencies view consistent high-quality financial reporting as a sign of sound financial management, transparency, and
robust internal controls. The Legal Resource Center, the Legal Information and Forms Education Program. In 2016, at the request of the Board of County Commission, my office assumed responsibility for operating the County Law Library, which was renamed the Legal Resource
Center. As Pasco County experienced rapid population growth, the demand on legal assistance has increased significantly. To help meet this growing need, my office partnered with Bay Area Legal Services to provide free attorney sessions to self-represented litigants.
This collaboration supports the county's statutory obligation to provide legal assistance. >> [clears throat] >> The electronic VAB applications, VAB stands for Value Adjustment Board. Historically, the VAB process has been entirely manual requiring significant
staff time and paper-based processing. This past May, my office successfully developed and launched phase one of the electronic VAB processing project, which allows taxpayers to file petitions and submit payments online. Phase two will focus on automating
hearing notices and electronically managing petitions, bringing the county closer to a fully electronic VAB process. Once fully implemented, this project is expected to streamline administrative workflows, reduce reliance on paper, and improve overall efficiency and lower operating cost.
The Ops Audit software has been renamed to the term Ops Optra now. This is a comprehensive AI-powered audit management platform used to plan, conduct, and report the operational audits. This program will increase audit management workflow efficiency and
enhance reporting capabilities. So, here are some future efficiency projects that are up on the horizon. Financial reporting funds consolidation. Pasco County currently has approximately 235 funds to manage its financial
activities. Maintaining such a high number of funds requires additional time and resources for administration, review, reconciliation, and financial audit. Our external auditor recommends and my office supports reducing the number of funds by using functionality
in the financial system such as using the sub-ledger. This will reduce administrative burden, improve efficiencies, and save time and cost for both organizations as well as the external auditor. E-recording for permitting customers. With the relocation of permitting services to the Citizen Service Center
in New Port Richey, customers who need to record a notice of commencement, also known as an NOC, After obtaining a permit, must travel between buildings to complete the process. My office would like permitting customers to customers to electronically record NOCs through Accela, which would
transmit to the clerk's electronic recording portal for electronic recording and then return the recorded instrument to Accela, allowing the recorded NOC to be attached to the online permit. This solution will support the county's mobile permitting events and allow customers to manage
full permitting process online through Accela application. E-inventory tracking. The county's inventory management process relies heavily on manual spreadsheets tracking and data entry for approximately 18,000 inventory items, resulting in
inefficiencies and potential errors. My office is in the process of implementing a new inventory management technology that integrates scanning equipment with the county's financial system. Once fully implemented, the new system will significantly reduce manual data entry while improving accuracy, efficiencies,
and timeliness of inventory management across the county. Debt management software. A specialized software to support compliance monitoring and reporting has been acquired and is in phase two of implementation. The system is now actively being used to generate required
post-issuance compliance reports, and efforts are underway to document procedures and expand access to the appropriate Board of County Commission departments. This will result in strengthening compliance with IRS regulations and GAAP, generally accepted accounting principles, improving audit readiness,
reducing the risk of adverse IRS impacts to the tax-exempt status of debt issuance, and provide system access and reporting to the BCC. Vendor onboarding services. To address the increased risk of vendor fraud and unauthorized payment activity, my office
currently relies on time-consuming manual verification process to validate vendor identities, banking information, tax documentation, and other critical data before vendors receive a payment from the county. Moving to a third-party vendor with
specialized fraud detection and verification capabilities streamlines the onboarding process while strengthening controls to prevent fraudulent vendors, payment diversion schemes, and other financial crimes while improving operational efficiencies. Digital evidence. As the volume of
body-worn camera footage and other digital evidence continues to increase, the justice system faces the challenge of securely managing, tracking, and sharing electronic evidence. To address this need, the other justice partners, such as the courts, my office,
uh the county IT, and the sheriff's office, the state attorney, public defender, we're all collaborating to implement a digital evidence management solution. Future investments in digital evidence technology will be required as part of the county's multi-agency CJIS funding responsibilities under 29.008
of Florida Statutes. So, I'm sitting here. As we look ahead, it is important to preserve funding for my office's constitutional duties. These duties include paying county employees, processing county bills, investing
county funds, managing county debt, auditing county departments, and preserving the official record of county meetings. The clerk is a constitutional officer with responsibilities mandated by Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes. Funding the clerk's office
means funding legal mandates. If property tax reform passes in November, my office will need to understand what changes the county plans to make and how those changes will affect my office's workflow. Uh my office remains committed to being
a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. Before budget reductions are considered, we must discuss the services required by law, the liabilities, penalties, and risks of reducing those services, and any county operational changes that will
impact my office's workload. I am confident the balance can be achieved, but it will require open dialogue, careful planning, and partnership. And I look forward to continuing those conversations with you over the coming year.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Boat. Um any discussion or or should we keep on going with the presentation? >> I pledge the board. >> Question. Thank you. >> Just wait. >> Yes, thank you, Bart. The uh It was nice to celebrate the
improvements made in the in the software platform for our VAB, which we just had. So, congratulations to you and your team. And um and same with the property appraiser's team in in trying to work together to keep unnecessary applications coming in,
which just drive the cost. Um question for back your name here. So, sound like a broken record on this, our unfunded mandate list, right? Hopefully, that's growing. That
way, we can share that with folks. Based on the legal definitions of statutory language, uh what's the unfunded mandate that is required to
fund the clerk's office? What I would like to know what that number is. Um that way, we can see it in the list. I think it's important that we break it down instead of having the
total list, but clerk's unfunded mandate obligation, Mr. Corley's unfunded mandate obligation, Mr. Wells' are mandate obligation, of course, and our ones and sheriff and and so on. That way we can show them
um And then after we identify those, I think we're looking towards the the future here. This is a question for the court. When you go to page four and
five and then we go to page six. Um these are all important duties of the clerk's office, but I'd like to understand uh that these are uh
unfunded mandates that the clerk has to comply with quarterly uh versus um I guess put that kind of in the wants bucket, so to speak, of what just makes better customer service,
uh more efficient work platforms. That way we can separate those out. I'm not saying they're they're bad things. I think it's just important that we understand you know, boilerplate of what's mandated, what's not, and then we understand
uh these additional uh best management practices that the clerk is using or just based on, you know, how the clerk chooses to do business of the the the office. So. >> Mr. Chairman. >> Yes.
>> So, um Commissioner Weitman, that's exactly what I was hoping you would say. I I greatly appreciate that. >> [laughter] >> I am I was hoping that that would be because I can support first what is what are mandated by the Constitution and statutes. We we need to know that
clearly from all of our organizations. And then what's going to be the cost if we could if we implement efficiencies. So, you're right on um what I was what what I was hoping we come out of this. So, I greatly appreciate that. I look forward to um providing this information
to you from my office and continuing the conversation because we need to have a clear picture of what those things are. So, we certainly don't want to have any sort of liability, penalty, or increased risk for for cutting an area. We need to know fully what what what decisions we're making. So, I greatly appreciate
that. Thank you. >> I'll I'll just add on to I think these efficiencies that you're going to put in in this the permitting part as well to touch on a specific but those efficiencies I think if we there's some way to relate those to what the benefit is for the citizens that would be good. >> Absolutely.
>> Okay, I just wanted to say >> Um and adding on that, is there a related reduction in FTEs that you can uh provide for when we do more automation? Uh do you do you break it out like that?
>> So, we can estimate but until it's it's in a cycle, I won't be able to know for sure but I can I can estimate. >> Cuz I think you've done some already and so maybe you have some idea of some of these other ones that you did. >> So, for for example, um
some of these efficiencies that I spoke about were because we're drowning right now and it was just to allow us to have capacity. Um for example, Commissioner Wakeman talked about the Value Adjustment Board. We have so many petitions now in the
recent years than we had just 3 years ago. It's been crazy and um it took us through May through May to get through last year's um petitions and it's just there's such a high volume and we all have limited
resources and staff to be able to process that. So, that um improvement is to allow my team to have more capacity so that we can process these items even quicker, you know, within a good amount of time. >> And on the legal resource center, is
that something statutory that we have to have? Because now >> You have to provide law library services in pursuit of statute. I can get you all of the statutory references, but yes, um what we did is in 2016, we entered into
an interlocal agreement because um I have economy of scale, so I was able to run it in the black. The county was running it in the >> I just wonder if we >> [clears throat] >> in this day and age if we still have to have it when there's so much information online. Is that an efficiency that >> So, that's why we call it a legal
resource center now because we moved online. Books are very expensive. So, we changed it from law library cuz the idea when you think of a library is you think books. Maybe it's changing this day and age, but we changed it to legal resource center because we provide
mostly everything is online legal resources. >> So, you have a person there that help Mhm. One person, maybe? >> Yes. >> In the in a room that helps people that come in. >> Yes. >> And helps them do things. >> Yes. And if you would like to come and visit, you're more than welcome and then
you can also >> I I actually used it when we had a library for some personal uh things. Um back back when it was the old style books. And it was helpful for >> Great. >> Okay, those were my questions.
>> Okay. >> Mr. Whitman again? >> Yes. So, to add color to the clerk's comment about VAB and the petitions, what's what's happening and what's driving up staff time and cost and what's led to the
the platform, correct me wrong on this, but the synopsis of it is we're just having people are just filing petitions for the sake of filing petitions. And most of the time they don't show up.
What's the percentage that show up? Virtually, remind me, please. >> Yes, we have probably Would you hold the phone, please? >> Yes, so maybe just I think it'd be good for the board, cuz Commissioner Oakley's not here, but explain kind of what's driving the staff time, the cost, and
related to the VAB, since the corps is responsible for it. Uh and it's these folks' legal right to do this. So, when it comes It's a I'm I'm bringing this in the because of the unfunded mandate list, and that way we can
truly understand some of these uh points that that are driving staff time and and and cost. So, I know we're a little bit ahead of schedule, but >> And if you would, name the position for the record, too. >> Uh can you hear me? Chief Deputy Property Appraiser.
Uh so, what we have in regards to the volume, uh what we're really talking about is tax representatives that are typically representing investment companies, uh and they own thousands of properties. >> my blood boiling.
>> Yeah, they own thousands of properties, these investment investment companies, and the tax reps, they just all of them are in adjustment or rolling all >> He was telling me about this, how it how they just >> So, they file on these thousands
>> Yeah, playing games. They play games. >> in years past, uh we were looking at 2 300, maybe. Um past 5 or so years, we're looking at thousands and 3,000 plus.
And that's a significant number. Um and there's another company that recently presented itself, and that is a company that basically says, "Any individual property owner can save
on property taxes if they use their services. So, and they don't charge anything unless they they actually do save you something on on on the property tax. Unfortunately, most of the folks that file, there is no adjustments to be
made, and that company typically just doesn't even present evidence, doesn't show up, um and you've got hundreds, if not thousands, of clients that they have, petitions, um that then we because of statute or changes recently,
we have to provide evidence, prepare evidence, um ahead of the hearing uh automatically. The clerk has to prepare uh you know, their side of things, hire the magistrate, and um
and there's a minimum fee uh just to have that the magistrate that day, 4 hours, right? >> Yeah, 4 hours minimum for the magistrate. >> Yeah. >> And and but then they don't show up. Um and that's that's a a serious issue. And part of the issue uh part of the reason, in my opinion,
that happens is that and I'm not saying anybody off the particular, but part of the changes that we've had recently where we allow folks to do uh the teleconference or by telephone, video, what have you. >> It's required by statute.
>> Right, so there you go. Um so that motivates a lot of different tax reps. They used to have to fly down from Texas or something like that. Um to just say, "Hey, I can do it over the phone. Win or lose, we don't really spend any money." >> Yeah.
>> But if they have to actually uh spend something because there is merit to their petition, they have to show up. Different ballgame altogether. They won't file, or if they file, they withdraw. Um so a lot of different things that have caused this issue, but definitely it's
been very costly for us and for the the clerk, for sure. >> So, Mr. Chair, a good question. >> So, have we looked at legislating what we think the changes should go back to or do a lot of that >> It They just changed
>> Yeah, the process thing. So, definitely there's an opportunity to look at the uh some reforms the statute. We typically shy away from putting so much emphasis on on the statutory changes because they think, "Oh, well, you have
a vested interest here, a conflict of interest." So, but we should. We We probably should have more emphasis on the potential uh changes in folks like, you know, the the clerk um and yourselves. Obviously, because ultimately you do pay uh for the
VAB services um and the measures. Um you do definitely have all of us essentially have a vested interest in making sure we can change statutory make those statutory changes so that we don't have these problems. And it's a recent phenomenon. >> I think legislative we can work together
and and work on these unintended [clears throat] consequences that are Mr. Chairman. >> Um I'm checking here with Naco with my contact at the community, but um there was a housing bill going through in Washington that would require large institutional
officers to be certified [snorts] by [clears throat] this. I can't remember if it's been signed or Um So, that's one thing that that we need to track. Um second, are we allowed to charge a registration fee um for anyone going and still
Okay, the two chambers have reached an agreement on the language. The Senate should pass it this week and the house next week. Um So, are we allowed to charge a registration fee with this and we could say if you're
successful, your fee comes out of it. If If then we need to get going on our our rent our registry because that's where we can recoup some money to help pay for this. >> Sure. I mean, yeah, that's how the house I'm not sure about the registration fee.
>> Um the only thing that's authorized by law is just by you charging a petition fee. Okay, okay. So, we could charge a fee and we don't we do we don't. Is it enough to cover? No. Do we have the ability to raise the petition fee?
>> Uh on our own not necessarily. >> No, it's it's it's in Florida statute. We have to um go to our legislators and ask them to increase that. >> Yeah, and it actually went recently from $15 a petition to $50 a petition. >> And that's not recent.
>> I don't recall >> And so that those large institutions, those large institutional buyers pay the $50 per It's not per paper, it's per per petition. So, for each residents they own >> It's worth it to them. >> Well, they all they they represent others
other land owners and other home owners as well. So, they're representing They'll go down the street and just have people sign up. But it's $50 per address. I guess that's my question. >> Right, per parcel. >> Not per >> Yes. >> Correct, it's per applicant. One petition, one parcel. >> Yep.
Um so, if you do the math if magistrate has to listen to one of them you're looking at about half an hour to an hour of paying to magistrate. Uh I think it's 160 180 I forget the number. >> I don't know that off the top of my head
for the hour. >> It's $50 for those folks to pay you on the petition, but if you pay $100 to the magistrate $50 that's not probably in that petition. >> That also does not include your offices
staff time in preparing for the quasi-judicial matter and the clerk's time. >> But that's true. >> And you're a volunteer on the board, and you're a volunteer on the board, so >> No. Compensated to be there, but there are
There are >> There are members that are You could [laughter] charge them enough to be on that board, I think. >> There are volunteers that are on on on that board uh too. uh
>> And the cost of the um value adjustment board, my understanding, part of it comes from the county, and the other part comes from the school board. But in 7 years, they won't at least the large ones, they won't be able to to uh have more than
I can't remember the number, but they're they're not going to be allowed to have >> Well, that I mean >> large ones in the Yeah. >> It's really become a drain on staff time. Yeah. Our meetings are really
the same amount of time, and these folks aren't not showing up, but frankly, it's it's pretty doggone rude, and um it's not fair to the working staff and or taxpayer to have
to fund, you know, these fishing expeditions exactly, that these groups uh are going on. And if, you know, you compound it statewide, it's a lot of money. >> Yeah, and the only possible immediate solution, and I don't know whether it's a successful issue or not, but
if they they don't show up. >> That is not um allowed. I mean, that's not provided, so you can't charge them. >> So, that's a possible solution >> That's another idea. Well, I think that needs to be on our legislative um suggestion list, I think.
>> But nonetheless, the VAB runs very smoothly. Always a very nice meeting and the collaboration with the clerk and the property appraiser and and the board members and the the magistrate have
well-oiled machine. >> Yes, thank you. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be here and be heard. Thank you to the board as well. Kind of dovetailing into what's some of the conversation we've had. I just wanted to stress and thank our clerk for doing and her staff for doing such
an amazing job assisting the courts. When we talk about efficiencies, one of the things we do on a regular basis, literally on a weekly basis, if not on a daily basis, is we meet with the clerk's office, our folks and their folks just to try to increase any and all efficiencies that we can. Operational
and otherwise and understanding what's kind of on the horizon. So, we try to be proactive and and understanding you know, what's what's out there, the digital evidence. We were we're collaborative and they did a great job with the legal assistance center. Mr. Starkey that you referenced
and I think that's a great benefit to our our citizens and our community and and part of that assists for instance people who are in difficult situations who come to get injunctions. Domestic violence injunctions, stalking injunctions, you know, dating injunctions and things like that. So,
that that's obviously a critical need within our county and we try to work together to make sure we're as efficient and as appropriate as we can with regard to those issues. And so, I so I thank them I I thank them for that. And and part of the the the stress on the system is to give you an
idea the last two years or so, our our filings have increased 60%. Through the court system, with 25,000 cases additional cases. Small claims is our people are defaulting unfortunately
on credit cards at an alarming rate. Um and that sort of thing and many times as we know, that's a little bit like the canary in the coal mine as it relates to mortgages as as we even look further down down the road. Uh we've come in and and much to everybody's uh
surprise I suspect I am not going to give you a PowerPoint about a courthouse >> [laughter] >> Uh I think you all kind of know that but I think we you know, once again try to be good stewards of the taxpayers' money. I think that the board's already appropriately pointed out this is a very
unusual and difficult time we find ourselves. And that's something that you know, maybe we can put on a pause, see what's going to happen with this with with November and the and and property taxes and that sort of thing. So, you know, really discretion being the better part of valor I think that that it is very
appropriate to pause that at the present time and kind of see where we're going to be in November. That being said, I'm not going to use anywhere near the the time I think allotted. We our budget's coming in flat. We're very appreciative of the
support the board gives us and to the clerk's office and really to all the constitutionals that we get on a daily basis. Um we're we're just making a single request for a single position or two positions actually, a family law magistrate and a general master and
their assistant. And the reason we're asking for that, we asked for it last year in anticipation. Uh for those of you who don't know, Judge Dan Diskey is retiring after many years with the court system of Pasco County. We are going to lose over three decades of family law experience. Um
you know, December 31st um this year and uh in order to kind of keep up with with that workload with with anybody who would be subbing in for him. Um we're that's why we're asking for this magistrate position, but other than that, our we're we're maintaining pretty much a flat budget
with you all and we're appreciative of the support and help that you give us. And uh like I said, we wish our best to Judge Diskey in his future as we do with our county attorney for future endeavors and travel and etc. Um,
but it seems to be the season of retirements and uh um, you know, we'll certainly miss him, but we'll we'll certainly miss the knowledge and efficiencies that come with the you know, 30-plus years of family law experience. Um, I'm certainly open to any questions
anyone anyone has. Like I said, [clears throat] we're we're just trying to maintain where we are and that's the only bit of increase we're asking for. Any questions? >> Chief Chief >> Chief Judge Maybe you have Judge Steinsnyder here.
>> Judge >> retirement He knows what's going on. >> I think he wants to de-stress. >> [laughter] >> Family law has never been one of the things I've done. >> Thank you all very much. Thank you. >> Thank you, Judge.
>> I'm going to appropriate this. >> What's that? >> It's a pleasure working >> Your last got you. >> Good morning, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners. I'm going to continue the trend of no PowerPoint, just me for a very brief time. Um, thank you for the opportunity to be here and hosting this this workshop.
These are indeed challenging times as we've heard in our invocation and a consistent theme. However, I will stress again the continued partnership between not only my office and the board, as well as my fellow constitutional officers. During my tenure, I think it's pretty safe to say we've shared a collective goal of serving the
citizens. As my good friend Mike Fasano would say, they make proud. Um, my office and its budget are unique. Some would say for a variety of reasons, but specifically with regards to the budgetary nature of our office, you know, we talk about the heavy versus less heavy budgets with overlapping
primary and general elections. And something I don't talk about often, but our unique staffing dynamic, you know, we very, very small full-time complement, but swells up in even numbered years to be one of the largest employers in the county with their outstanding election workers that help us deliver secure and accessible
elections in 122 precincts to nearly a half million voters. And with regards to our budget, I'm proud to say the trend continues that my office, of all the SOE offices in the state, my office consistently has been one of the lowest cost per voter with regards to our respective budget. This
particular budget submission at just over 4% increase, uh, the increase is due primarily to the following. Something we all know about, minimum wage increases. Of course, for us it impacts those thousands of election workers pay and training cost. We had multiple election related IT
services or computer services that had been previously funded by Washington, uh, the Department of Homeland Security, and the impact of those cuts are direct relation, uh, to that as well. We also had additional IT equipment replacements due to end of life and increased cost of
services. Uh, and one of the biggest concerns we had is coming to fruition and that looks like we're going to have a, uh, two-page ballot and that increases the the actual paper cost logistics, all that stuff. So, again, thank you for the opportunity to be here and I look forward to answering any
questions you all have. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Cooley. Um, question for you, and I think it's good for all of us to think about. You just mentioned something that has come up that's really an unfunded mandate. The minimum wage minimum wage increase cost. I'm going to say that cost us cuz it didn't cost us just with the base employee that gets the raise, but the
ones above them that should have opted out of the compensation as well. >> Oh, yeah, there's a direct I think it impacts literally everyone, um, public and private. It's undeniable. So, uh, the the good news is I believe we're we're maxed out now with the minimum wage increase, I believe. So, at least we can have some stability going
forward. >> Good if we could maybe get a calculation with them all. And especially with the county as well. Got to calculate that out. Thank you, Mr. Fasano. You've done a great job. >> Thank you. And one if I could add on to that, you mentioned the unfunded mandates, um, with the recent recent, uh,
redistricting congressional redistricting, um, that impacted about a quarter of Pasco's voters and legally statutorily I had to mail out voter information cards. That's going to be, I believe, going, I believe went before you all Tuesday, I believe, um, or it's going to soon. Um,
Tallahassee didn't provide the funding for those cards. It's about $120,000. So, there's Commissioner Whitman's point. There's an example right there of an unfunded mandate template. >> I believe that is going to be on the July 14th board meeting. So, I think that's when I don't know what people like you guys
>> It's off by a month, sorry. >> That's okay. You Well, okay. You thought we were moving real fast. >> [laughter] >> Um, can I ask you a question? >> Absolutely. >> Um, for raises and increases, what did you propose this year? >> In what you're holding shows 5%, uh, but
I adjusted to 3% after consultations with Mr. Kerbel. >> Okay. Okay. >> Yeah, what's the property appraiser >> Yes, I get to skip you. Okay. Okay. Thank thank you. Fasano said I'm allowed to go, so we're good. We're good. Just kidding. Um,
so just messing. Um, good morning, Chair and Commissioners. Um, I'm Mike Wells, your property appraiser. Uh, I appreciate the opportunity to spend a few minutes sharing how our office continues to keep pace with Pasco County's [clears throat] exceptional growth while remaining one of the most efficient property appraiser's offices in the state.
Today I'll [clears throat] walk you through our performance, the growth we've we're managing, how we compare to 66 other counties, and our preliminary budget outlook for fiscal year 2027. When I talk about delivering So, do we need it up or we're good? You
guys have it in front of you, so you don't need it. We don't >> No, there you go, Mike. >> There you go. Okay, got it. Okay. Um when I talk about delivering more with less, these numbers tell the story. Um we serve more than 348,000 parcels for what is likely now more than 650,000
residents, um while while maintaining one of the lowest costs per resident and per parcel in the state. At the same time, our team processes significantly more parcels per employee than the Florida average. Simply put, we continue to grow without asking taxpayers to show to shoulder a
disproportionate cost. Um [snorts] you see the key highlights on your screen here, and we're proud of those numbers. Um we have the second lowest budget per capita in Florida, fourth lowest budget per parcel in Florida, and we're top five in parcels
processed per employee. That translates to 41% lower cost per resident than the statewide average, 42% lower cost per parcel than the statewide average, and 47% more parcels processed per employee than the statewide average. We're [snorts]
doing We're doing more with less every day while still providing the level of service our residents expect and deserve. >> [snorts] >> This this chart here, yeah. This chart highlights the extraordinary growth we've experienced as a county. You can
see the bubble in 2006 and 2007, the decline that followed, and the steady and then aggressive climb in the market since. In 2000, Pasco's just value was 15 billion. Today, it's over 92 billion.
That's a 518% increase in just 25 years. >> [snorts] >> That growth reflects new development, rising demand, and the county's continued success. For our office, it also means more complexity, more parcels, and more responsibility.
Here you can see how just value, assessed value, and taxable value have all increased over the last several years. A snapshot looking back to 2020, while [snorts] market values have grown rapidly, statutory caps and exemptions help moderate um what [snorts] many property owners
ultimately pay taxes on. This demonstrates why accurate assessments remain so important. One of the most common questions we receive is why people see three different values on their TRIM notice, um or proposed taxes. Just value is the
market value, assessed value reflects any statutory caps, and taxable value is what's left after exemptions, and is the figure used to calculate taxes. Helping residents understand these distinctions remains a major part of our customer service mission.
>> [snorts] >> Unlike many local government budgets, our budget goes through an independent review process. Florida re- Florida law requires us to submit our budget to the Department of Revenue each year. They evaluate it to ensure it's neither excessive nor inadequate.
This provides an additional layer of accountability on top of the efforts we make on our own to be as efficient as possible for the citizens we serve and their hard-earned dollars. >> [snorts] >> So, why is our budgetary process different than so many others? The state
oversight process exists for two reasons. First, it helps ensure fairness and uniformity across Florida. Second, it creates a separation between the authorities that set tax rates and the office responsible for establishing values. That independence is critical to
maintaining public trust. Even with continued growth and inflationary pressures, we've challenged ourselves to remain efficient. My team looks for better opportunities, process, technology year-round. >> [snorts] >> Um our preliminary analysis indicates
that we can reduce our budget for fiscal year 2027 while continuing to meet service expectations and manage increasing workloads. Um the slide that may best may be a best example of our philoso- our philosophy would be this one. Over the last 5
years, we've returned more than 2 and 1/2 million dollars to you. I know it's nothing compared to Fasano, but um [laughter] but the Board of County Commissioners um averaging over half million dollars annually. Um despite continued growth, our fiscal year 2027 budget reflects a
reduction of approximately $172,000 or just over a 2% increase decrease, sorry. Um we believe that demonstrates responsible stewardship of tax- payer resources and a commitment we take very seriously.
And that's that's it. Any questions? >> [clears throat] >> What's it going to take for you to get to number one? >> Um we're we're we're working on it. We're working on it. Yeah. We're always striving to be there. Trust me, it's Lee County. It's Matt. I want to be able to Yeah. >> [laughter]
>> Well, there's a lot of Well, we can chat later, but Matt Matt does a great job. He's runs very efficient, so. >> Um so on the annual budget review, do do uh the property appraiser's office have to pay the state for that work? >> No.
>> No. >> That comes out of the state budget? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then um when you appraise when your office appraise values, it's at it's at 85%? >> 90. 90%. Yeah, per Department of Revenue.
>> So that's So, that percentage is based upon the state? >> It is, and keep in mind we mass appraise, so a lot of confusion is like somebody a homeowner will be like, "Hey, why is my number 110%?" Or why is my number
80%? And on average 350,000 parcels, we try to we hit the 90% number. So, it's it's a little It's not every single That's where the tax reps come in. That's why they make a big deal about it, cuz it's not a 90%, but on average with all every single parcel we're at 90%.
>> Is the property appraiser's office legally allowed to appraise, you know, obviously the the county budget begins with your work, right? So, are are you all legally uh permitted to appraise, say not at 90, but 80%?
Do you have What what level of flexibility, right? Because in that kind of controls where we go, right? Uh So, yeah. >> So, then you would again take that evaluation of the property appraiser. Uh to answer that question.
So, I think we need to focus back on constitutionally what we have to do, and that's assess at market value. That's what we're looking for. Um the 85% the cost of sales, what they call it, >> Right. >> um consideration is a statistical figure
to make sure that we don't on average exceed full market value. So, because it is a statistical figure, that 85% 90% number, um we're talking about a bell curve. So, the bulk of the properties are at that
85 and 90% number. Some are going to be less than that. Some are going to be higher than that. Um so, the core uh is what's audited essentially by the Department of Revenue um and approve the tax roll based on that statistical balance
of our assessments. Now, could we assess at 80%? Um, so we'd have to justify >> the question is is what kind of It's not necessarily the percentage, but what kind of
level of decision-making authority do you all have within the appraised >> Actually, we actually have 10% margin. And we're exceeding exceeding the market value by 10% or are below by 10%.
Um we're going to we're going to have to answer to the Department of Revenue. That's our margin in terms of statistical freedom, so to speak. So the way the statute reads and the
guidelines from the Department of Revenue >> We can't make an adjustment in that. >> 15% that's so-called the 5% >> value based on taxable value. >> Unless you got those 3% >> Let's just say for example We think the cost of sale the cost of a
transaction exceeds 15%. We have to provide evidence that this says, "Yes, it's costing X percentage to complete that transaction." The fact of the matter is that we generally don't even find enough support
or enough evidence to support 85% or 15% cost of sale. We probably could be at 90 95% on average. There are other counties that identify certain property types with only a 5%
cost of sale, so they assess at 95%. There are some that are 10% and they they assess at 90. We're at the the state average, which is 15%. We end up averaging at 85% ratio. >> [snorts] >> There's flexibility in those numbers,
but at the end of the day the Constitution goes back to the Constitution. We just can't exceed what is valid. That's really it. Surely not my opinion. It's not the government's business on how much somebody wants to pay for a piece of property. That's That's on them where they choose to buy it at whatever
price, right? So but but theoretically then the property appraiser [snorts] has in your your math theoretically appraise it 82% or whatever it is with a 10% over it.
>> Well, again, we'd have to justify to the Department of Revenue. We'd have to provide actual market evidence that says this is where we should be. Um and the likelihood of finding a transaction cost on average to be you you said 82% would be 18% highly unlikely.
>> I just find that very contradictory with what's going on uh in North Florida. Uh interesting. Thank you for that, by the way, Daniel. >> Thank you, Daniel. >> I just had a question. Um in your presentation you you didn't say anything about races. Are you
>> So we're going to do I think 10% commissioner. Just kidding. >> [laughter] >> Um I was just trying to get some reaction here. Um we we >> [laughter] >> We came in at 3%. 3%. It's my bad. My bad. >> [laughter] >> Well, I don't have a I don't have a
presentation, but thank you. We want you to feel special, Mike. >> Um so how quickly is this does a home sale's new price reflect on the property appraiser's data? I know there's software that automatically
reflects those sales. >> I don't have I don't have to say that. The sale price show up on our records. >> Yeah. >> So uh the deed is recorded with the clerk and within a day or so we get the deed in our office.
It takes about a day or so for us to process, so in terms of processing time, two to three days because of this there's a weekend in there. That's typically how it works. And you'll see it reflected in our online
parcel detail pages, you know, overnight. >> So if someone bought a house say for a million dollars and then you put put it on the tax rolls the next day at 15% does it go up a million dollars or do you put it on the market?
>> Oh no. >> If that's what it sold for isn't that the value? >> That's not how it would work. So we're mass appraising properties cuz we're dealing with over 300,000 parcels. We can't go and assess one parcel at a time and just say, "Okay, a million dollar
sale, we're going to assess it at 350,000." So that's actually called there's a specific term or phrase that called chasing sales which is actually frowned upon. It's illegal. It's not a professional practice. So what we do is we gather the
transactions for similar properties and we develop these base rates for that group that property type and we apply that base rate uniformly. We make adjustments the model that is makes adjustments for the different characteristics of the home like the
age, the size or whatever it may be. But we develop a base rate and then it gets applied to that population of properties. That's mass appraising. So yeah, I we we would never get through 300,000. >> No, yeah, is that done
manually or is there an algorithm that >> No, we have an appraisal model that but we look at the sales ourselves and then we have systems in place where I may take I don't know Metapoint for
example but you know, they were in Eastside pretty significant back in the day. There's more today than that, but better point thousands of homes. You know, >> [clears throat] >> back 10 years ago, 15 years ago, it probably took 2 weeks to get to the
thousands of properties, thousands of different businesses that is. And um today we can do that same neighborhood in a couple of hours. Um if there's problems with with sales or have to do more research, it may take
a little bit more than that. But that's where we are in terms of the efficiency of being able to appraise basically a thousand properties in like 2 hours. So versus a field appraiser, they do one property. >> Yeah. >> And that takes them probably a few days
and they they they charge $150 per property. I think we're at $1,000 I think the number was. >> Okay, so it doesn't go on each house doesn't go on on its market value. It's an average of a neighborhood.
>> Yeah, we develop the base rate. As long as our model is working, and that's part of our work is that we we make the adjustments to the model and make sure that our it's working with the sample. I think that's all So, thank you.
>> Do you all start your the appraisal process after the the home is CO'd? >> Uh yes, typically that's that's the way to do it. Substantially complete is the statute of the requirement. Once
it's substantially complete, we can pick it up for the tax roll. >> First year. >> So as of January 1st though is the key date, so it has to be substantially complete as of January 1st. Typically we're looking for that CO as of that date. If it's not there,
we're probably not not going to pick up that property that year. >> So your CO's trigger your portion of the >> The initial trigger is the final permit. That's the initial That's >> [clears throat] >> That's what we see and we we're picking up on the final permit. Because in our eyes, substantial
completion is a reflection of the final permit. >> Is the county getting the CO or the final permit information over to their team timely before January 1? Because if we dump I guess my question is if we dump in
uh by January 1 and it the end of normal Q4, we dump however many on them and then they're having to work overtime, double time, triple time to meet that January 1 deadline. Is the county's side of the house
efficient in giving them timely information that they can manage overtime or whatever goes in for them doing that work to help keep their costs efficient. >> I can help with answer that because we do have a really good relationship with the county and and
permitting. Um the uh Generally speaking, we have an automatic report from Accela uh that we receive. Um and I believe we're we're set on a weekly basis. Um but
uh there's no issue uh with us necessarily retrieving a lot of the data. It could be more efficient. It could be where we It's more of a little more automated. But in terms of um any delays Let's just say for example
January 1 is our assessment date. And then they give me the permits that were finaled the following week, the following month. It's irrelevant to us because again we're assessing as of January 1. So, as long as we get it within the tax
year, which is what we're talking about now for you know, the development of the tax roll for 26, we have essentially um to right about this time of the year to figure out, okay, what actually
finalized as of January 1 of 26. So, we have this 6-month essentially period uh from January 1 to make sure that we did get all the permits. Are there hiccups once in a while? Sure. But, for the most part, it's very efficient and we have a good gap of time
where we can catch up with anything that we may have missed or, you know, got lost in in the uh um communication. So, in terms of the efficiency, it's there. I mean, it could be tweaked. But, if you have a further answer to that, feel free. >> I mean, cuz you don't have a full 12
months to do this. You I mean, we October 1st start. Yeah, you have 6 months or less to pretty much have your final product ready ready to go and >> Yes, sir. >> with the you know, work between the the agencies, you know, it's our responsibility to get
you what you need on a timely basis, not drive up your costs because of something that our side of the fence is doing. And if we are doing that, be bluntly honest. And and we will fix it. >> Yeah, the the only the only
the only thing I would suggest is that we have just a a little bit more um cleaner connection to Ascella. Um that's really it. I cuz right now we're we're really I mean, we have access to Ascella.
We get a report essentially that's emailed to our office. Um but, if we work through, say, you know, something like an API um that we're have direct access to that database, um then, you know, it could speed things up um and probably automate a quite a
bit of items. But, that's more of an IT situation than >> Or ever wherever that wherever that >> Sure. But that I mean in terms of you know suggestion that that's probably
my only suggestion. I but I overall regardless they do a very good job and we do our best to make sure we we caught them all and we do some quality control and seems to be working. >> Well, we we I'm sure all of us here critical comments about Assessor first
time hearing it from the property appraiser's office. Uh so it's really becoming truly universal. So if there's a way to work with IT and continue to work the bugs out and make it more user-friendly. >> Sounds like it's an access issue which
sounds like that may be pretty pretty easy to >> to have access and now we don't. I Now's not necessarily the time but we used to have access and I'm not sure why why we don't anymore. There was some layers but yes it's not like we're going to go in there and mess anything up but >> Yeah. >> You know again your team does an awful
job. >> Mike, I don't know. >> [laughter] >> Well, I I think there's been a couple iterations of you know Assessor and whether that was a database database issue I don't know but they went from one phase one Assessor to
or whatever to the next version of it and the next and things got a little bit you know missed in translation in in those phases but I think you're at a pretty decent spot at the moment. Um but could it be tweaked obviously anything can be tweaked.
>> Well, if it adds if on our end we need to add efficiencies and it keeps staff time down and every little bit helps. >> Sure 100%. >> Absolutely. We'll take that for action. >> I think we got David Allen here and Todd Bailey here so message taken.
>> Oh yeah. Mr. Bailey there yeah. >> He can definitely help us out. >> Get you to the most efficient way way we can. >> I appreciate it and actually I'll I'll Mr. Bailey he's been really good with uh communicating with us. We've talked with him about Actually, we have a new product that we collaborated with that's
called the Vexcel, the imagery that we use for our aerials. Um and you know, we've had our hiccups for sure. Um but it looks like we we received our deliverables here recently and we're going through it. They're actually sending
the deliverable up to the Department of Revenue for their final check to make sure we can use it for certified aerials that we required by law to have. But part of the reason to have Vexcel in this partnership and and with the imagery with the county,
it has technology where we can automatically track changes year-over-year. Um and that's that's pretty big. Um because now we may not necessarily have to send a field man to go check,
physically inspect property, see if there was a footprint change when we can uh essentially part of it is AI, but uh see if the footprint actually changed through that aerial imagery. So, uh Mr. Bailey has helped us through that, but you know,
we continue to strive uh to improve those kind of relationships and technology, for sure. >> Well, I don't think our taxpayers would mind if y'all actually didn't didn't see something. >> No. >> I want to see >> [laughter] >> Very sure. >> it's it's a good thing to have the structural >> sword. >> structural changes, like where it pulls
up structural changes that you guys seen and I'm assuming you guys have seen the new Vexcel. It's pretty amazing where it's going to help your permitting folks for unpermitted work when they see it. It's it's it's a good thing. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Stark >> I I have one quick question. It's, you know, something that Sorry, I keep going
back to all the time to Mike. >> Um so we have some uses that are grandfathered in, um specifically adult clubs. Um and it just gripes me that that one in my district pays >> I understand.
>> $2,000 a year in property taxes. >> Yes. >> Um so I I'm just wondering if there if there is a um a grandfathered use there, does that raise the value of the land or it what where's that going to be captured?
>> that's something to consider. Um but we have to pay attention to what it the current use is um and the actual structure that's in uh you know, on the parcel. Um that affects the valuation process. Um could we
look into the future uh and and estimate what that property, you know, is what we would call highest and best use analysis. Um we can do that for up to, you know, maybe a year or so. But 5 years down the road, it may, you
know, for whatever reason, they may demolish it and something much better, more productive, uh ends up getting built there, there's going to be more value. We can't make that leap from what's possibly going to happen with this property next year to what it may
be doing 5 years from now. So when we talk about the potential use and use changes that we have to we have a very short leash as to how we can uh view that and and value it. >> Mr. Chairman, >> it was sold for a million and a half
dollars, does that not affect the value of it? >> What was the number? I'm sorry. >> 1.5 million a couple years ago. >> The transaction that I think we we discussed probably a couple years ago. Um and that was a a disqualified transaction. I think it related to
something to do with the mortgage or something of a foreclosure issue. So we would not use that transaction for valuation. It's it's not a qualified um sale. Uh if it's the same transaction we talked about a couple years ago. >> Oh, that's interesting. Not a qualified
sale. >> Mr. Starzyk? >> Okay. >> You need to You need to remember the property appraiser's job is to assess the value of the land, not potential revenue that may be flowing through a business. So, it's the
They're They're looking only at what >> construction >> the the what that piece of land >> is worth. >> As a mass appraisal is worth, not what the a particular business may be >> True. >> making an income.
>> You're absolutely right. We don't assess business value. >> Okay. >> Um Mike, I got a question for you. As far as the um growth in recent years, and I'll go back to 2020, it looks like the value was about uh 40 to 45 billion. Now, it's up much
higher than that. We had a lot of residential growth that was in there, but there's also a lot of commercial. Do you guys have a breakdown as far as what the commercial growth numbers were then to what they are now, and what of that is brand new buildings, and new commercial that you could show us? >> We can get you that information. We
absolutely have it. So, yeah, we can get We'll get it to you. I don't want to say today, but >> me today. I'm just interested. >> our our commercial um director is there, so we might be able to put something together. >> Don't need it today, but just something I'm wondering about for future conversation. >> Good. We'll do that, for sure. >> a great job.
>> Okay. Thank you. Thanks, Daniel. >> All right. >> Good job. >> tax tax collector, Mike. What's up? >> Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. Um thank you for putting this together as well. Uh uh a big shout-out to our my colleagues, I guess you could say,
the other constitutional officers. We all get along so very well. Sometimes. Um but we have a great relationship in helping each each out, and of course, the county is just outstanding as we reach out to them as well. Little uh Truly uh
I don't see this happening in other other counties. I don't hear from our tax collectors my co- other tax collectors throughout the state that they actually have these types of meetings. So, thank you very much. I can't present a budget to you because it's not due until July 1st.
Uh and I'm not coming back here after July, just so you know. But, uh uh our budget will probably be uh I mean no different than in the past. Uh haven't decided what a pay raise we'll put into the Department of Revenue. I will tell you that uh we're going to
spend a lot of capital next year. Uh and the reason why I need to do this is uh if the amendment goes pa- if the amendment passes, um let me put it this way. I'm going to give you a nice check this year. >> Ding ding.
>> It'll be the last ding. Unfortunately. If this amendment passes, uh it will hit our offices big time. And let me may may explain. I serve between 50 and 60,000 people in our five offices each month. That
doesn't take into account the thousands of uh transactions we do on our website or through the mail. 95% of the people that walk into our office, they're not there to pay their taxes. They're there for motor vehicle
services. You talk about on unfunded mandates. Somebody that walks into our office for a driver's license, which is $54.25, I get $6.25. The rest goes to Tallahassee. Mr. Cobala
walks into our office to renew his registration. It might be 50, 60, 70, $80. I get $2.50. The rest goes to Tallahassee. I lose $4 million a year on motor vehicle services. $4 million a year I lose.
But, it's a mandate that I provide those services. It's in Florida statute that the tax collector will provide those services. You talk about an unfunded mandate. So, let's say this amendment passes. And all these property taxes that are no
longer there, that I'm no longer collecting. People say, "Well, how do you make up that $4 million, Fasano?" I make up that $4 million by the property taxes that I collect. Now, all of a sudden those property taxes are no longer there.
I asked the legislature and they look at me and dumbfounded. And I asked, "Well, who's going to pick up this difference? Who's going to pick up this loss of $4 million a year?" Because even when property taxes go away, guess what? I still have to serve those 50 to 60,000
people a month in my offices. For [clears throat] what? Motor vehicle services. So, please understand that this will be the last check that I will give to you if this amendment passes. Uh I can survive probably at just under
250,000 exemption. I can survive. After that, we are now in the red and I have to start closing tax collector offices and laying people off. This will already happen in some tax collectors throughout the state even at
the $150,000. And I will give you for instance, Hernando County is a perfect example. Hernando County has very, very, very little non-homesteaded properties. It's all homesteaded up there. They will get hit big time. Flagler
County is another one. St. Lucie County is another. These counties will get hit big. We're fortunate, I have to tell you. I love now seeing apartment complexes being built. >> [laughter] >> Bring in those those car washes.
Storage units. I love them now. I used to get upset seeing them that Not anymore, man. Bring them on in. >> [laughter] >> Bring them in. Boom. This is what keeps us afloat in that county. And so when And And help correct me if I'm wrong,
Daniel. Where did he go? He left me. Uh I think we're about 50/50 as far as homestead versus non-homestead in Pasco. So we're fortunate there. I need to let you know though it's it's going to be a tough ride if this amendment passes. People need to
be educated to understand. It's very easy Look. The average citizen walks into the booth and says, "Wow, we're going to increase your homestead by 250 grand." They're probably going to vote for it. But the trickle-down effect uh not only to the county to our
constitutions, but to my office is overwhelming. Overwhelming. So uh we will see what happens, but I need to let you know that um my offices will have to Some of them will have to be closed down. People will be laid off. Um and that 10-minute wait
when you come in our offices is probably going to go to an hour an hour and a half. So anyway, there's my presentation. Any Any questions? Please. >> Mr. Wiles, thank you. Well, >> [clears throat] >> I'm going to offend your colleagues, but you run a second to none >> Well, thank you.
>> operation. >> That's what I say all the time. >> Truly mean it. Your team's fantastic. You walk in sometimes and it looks overwhelming and you're receiving service within 10 15 minutes. >> Thank you. >> Uh very personalized service by caring folks and
um you've just done a tremendous job um with how you know, with your team and how you how you treat people. So thank thank you for that. It's a >> Thank [clears throat] you. >> compliments all the time no matter where where your facility is. With your facilities,
does Pasco County manage and maintain those facilities or is that under his bucket of of funds? So that's the one piece we do do for the tax >> We maintain it. Yes. You You've been great. The county has been outstanding. Um we have five facilities. Uh soon we'll
have six with our new Angelina office being built. Uh and when that's built, there's a possibility I may close our Land O' Lakes office, possibly. I know that uh the county would love to have that parking area. Um but um yeah, they they pay they help us with
our our electricity, water, things like that. Uh they've been very very helpful. They're owned by the county, the buildings. Uh one of the things that we're trying to do this year and over the next year, uh I rent a lease, if you will, our Wesley Chapel office, our
support services office in San Ann. We lease that building. I'm trying to get out of the leasing business because if this amendment passes, I won't have the cash to do that. So, while I have cash now, we're trying to build a support services. We're trying
to in the process of building a Wesley Chapel office. Uh so, we can keep them going, not have to pay lease anymore, not have to pay our Wesley Chapel my Wesley Chapel off cost me about $150,000 a year in lease payments. Trying to get
out of that. Support services, the same thing. Um so, my goal is to before this amendment passes and has an effect on our office, try and get these buildings uh built so we don't have to uh pay any more lease. >> On our side,
board decision, but our customers have become so accustomed to the level of service they receive at the tax collector's office. I think it'd be important to understand what in within our budget and obviously
the scenarios that play out, what it would take to keep the doors open on the facilities that he's using. Um >> Mr. Chairman, if I may. >> Yeah. >> I don't want any money from you.
We'll we'll manage and I really believe that as I talked to our legislative leaders who realized the the impact that they've created for us. I mean, I tried to tell them in January, again before the delegation, explained to them this is what will happen to the tax collector's office.
Uh they were all like in shock. Wow, I never knew this. I never knew that. You're not funded with anybody else. No, we don't get any money from anyone. We live on our on when somebody walks through the door, pays their property taxes. I have a feeling that something's going to happen if this amendment passes uh
that they're going to have to do something, maybe increase the um the amount of money that we get to keep instead of sending it off to Tallahassee to the trust fund. Uh Representative Maggard has already called me about that. He said that he and his colleagues are
realizing the impact they're going to have this will have on the tax collector offices. Um I already know of one tax collector that's not far away who's a huge county has told me that even at 150,000 he's got to shut down offices and lay people off. He's now going to bring in private
companies to provide these services which by the way they charge a lot more than what we can legally charge. Um I think we're going to be fine. I don't want any money from the county. I would never ask for We'll we're going to survive somehow, but I appreciate that. >> No, it's when you have
50, 60,000 customers a month coming in. >> Yes. >> And that level of service and convenience goes away. Those folks are going to be calling. >> Well, if they wanted more they they're going to deserve it. >> I'm going to give them the legislators
and the and the former governor's phone number is what I'm going to give. >> We know how memories are regardless that level of expectation and customer satisfaction has been set. >> But you know, Mr. Chairman, this is not
this this amendment if it passes doesn't just affect us. It affects our property appraiser, our [clears throat] supervisor of elections. I mean, what's he going to do? Cancel an election because because they didn't have the money to to to keep them going? I mean, it's the most ridiculous thing what
happened in two days, two days in Tallahassee. Something like this went through no committees. It was thrown to the floor of the House and the Senate and passed. It was embarrassing. And people up there voted for it. Because you know why? Because they wanted to protect their their budget
items. So the governor wouldn't veto them. That's why it was done so quickly. It's things like this that it just embarrasses me as a former legislator for 19 years to see this happen. Um we're going to survive. Everybody will survive. But I will tell you at
some point because not only do you have it gets to 250 mark. You have also that percentage that increases every year. That gets us above the 250. If you notice on your tax notice, it's no longer $50,000 homestead. It's like 51,
52,000. It goes up a percentage now under the state constitution. So that's going to automatically rise after 250,000. So it's going to be a huge impact over the years. This is something that should have been put in place over a 10-year period of time increasing homestead
in a in a in a slow way and an easy way easy way so our counties and our constitutions can could handle it. >> And something that Commissioner Wayman brought up that I never thought about on Tuesday was that it's going to open the floodgates for people up north
to want to move down here where it's even cheaper. And so we're going to be flooded with people coming in and maybe not people buying, you know, $2 million homes, but the start the entry-level homes. And we're going to have to provide services
>> Well, let me if I may. >> of people that are going to move here. >> The 5-year >> scary. >> The 5-year, by the way, this 5-year thing where you have to live in Florida for 5 years >> window. >> Of course it is. You know, I've lived here 54 years. And and Mr. Commissioner
Starkey, your family probably remembers way back when it used to be back in the '70s and '80s in order to get homestead you had to live in Florida for 5 years. That was thrown out by the Florida Supreme Court as unconstitutional. So,
no doubt this will get thrown out as well. So, it's going [clears throat] to be a bigger impact than the estimate of what the what they're saying from Tallahassee. >> Well, I want to say you've done a great job putting your voice out there and actually you educated me a little more about the perspective of the licenses
and taxes collected and how that's going to affect you dramatically. We we looked at this when they first talked about the start of the session at a hundred thousand dollars of this reduction we could pay all the public safety we have to be
mandated. We don't have the money for 911 on top of that. We're like six million dollars short. When we went through '07-'08 when the tax bubble hit and we had to cut parks and libraries 29%. Remember people going to Hudson Beach or Green Key Beach, they couldn't afford to go
to spend the two dollars. And and the money we collected probably just negated itself anyway for the labor involved. But the impact is going to have with the the kids playing sports which our people voted, they wanted better parks and libraries. >> You've got you've got bonds. You've got Our tax notice has seven bonds on there.
Now, those are set by millage rates. Now, one of the you know, they're looking at us in New York wondering what's going to happen The bond The bond desk is looking saying what's going to happen to Florida with all these bonds that are out there. These counties and cities have them. There's no question. I can't speak on
behalf of Mr. Carballo or budget director. There's no doubt you've got to increase the millage rate on those bonds. You've got to to pay those. If you don't, they're going to go into default. We'll never get another bond again. The our rating will go down from A to who
knows what. There's so much that's involved in this that they don't take this into consideration in Tallahassee. >> And then like you said, to do this in two days. And they talked about they couldn't get it through. And I I I I get more complaints about insurance anyway. I mean, why why that is not the number
one, I don't know, but literally just to go with 100,000, never mind 150, 250 following, we can't pay public safety. >> That's right. >> The way they want us to do it. >> Yeah. Well, I I thank you very much. I can go home now, I think. >> I I thank you so much for
which put your voice up here to be helpful. Thank you. Okay. Sheriff Knight. >> Well, I appreciate it. So, uh Senator, congratulations. You had a How many people are there? We know we had a big win yesterday in court. So, that was a very big victory. And then um the other one too is I agree 100% if we were the
land of uh storage units and car washes, it'd be phenomenal. They do not call for public service. >> [laughter] >> Chief Glenn can attest to. They uh they're very great. They pay taxes and don't call us. So, I appreciate it. So, um I just want to start. I've been blessed um to have a phenomenal team. I want to
thank them very much. All the women and men in the Sheriff's office have been great. And the partnership with fire rescue has been growing more and more. As um our budget is coming coming up soon. But um as our budget will be proposed, it's from May 1st. So, there's a couple things that have come up before since then.
Uh one is 100% of our budget goes towards 80% of 100% of our budget, 80% goes to personnel, 20% for operating costs. Um there's one thing that's come up uh besides we talked about the tax issue, but the retirement rates. Uh we're waiting to see what happens,
but that could be a $2.5 million impact just to the Sheriff's Office alone because of Cola increases. So, we're going to wait to see what happens with that. So, as our budget was proposed, we do not know uh what happens with that retirement rate, but that could be another $2.5 million uh from our budget that we're going to
have to use towards uh that cost. And then, you know, the taxable assessment, we're waiting for July, Mr. Wells. Appreciate. So, we'll find out soon enough what those numbers look like. So, the biggest thing for us is pay raises. Um in our budget, you'll see there's no new deputies that we're asking for. It's
pay raises. And I'll get into the slides later on, but we're just trying to stay competitive with the other people. Uh two of our members were here back in 2012. You remember we lost over 100 members to different agencies. We were losing them left and right. And so, plans were in place to keep up our
budget. And you'll see, you know, we're trying to stay competitive everything, but it's not just sworn personnel. We lose civilians. Um we lose civilians to other county organizations. Uh the pay raises are higher. They make more money. And so, we're trying to stay competitive not even from from a civilian standpoint. Uh the other part
two is facing us is um you know, they have signing bonuses. We haven't done signing bonuses. We don't have the ability. The way they do signing bonuses, I'll get into that is they have vacancies. We don't have vacancies. Everything we get, we fill up as quickly as we can. And I'll explain a little bit further about that. So,
as I said, no funds are going to our certified personnel. For efficiencies, and I know this is going to come out. We'll see what happens with the disaster relief funds, but we'll talk about drone first responder. That's a partnership that would make our county way more efficient uh partnering with with the
fire rescue. But from that standpoint, you know, we're talking about how we consistently can get more efficient everything that we do. And I'll talk more about drone first responders as we get into the slide, but that is something if we can get the money through that disaster relief fund, that'll be great. So, just going to quickly go through the slides.
And this is where I need readers, but I don't have readers. >> So, total number of budget personnel FTEs 1223. Uh out of that 757, so that is everybody in uniform, every sworn personnel. The one thing that's interesting for Pasco,
it's not usually brought up, is the fact that that includes 35 SROs, school resource officers, three sergeants, and one lieutenant. So, in in areas like Pinellas and Hillsborough, they have their own school police. So, that's something that, you know, it's unique for Pasco County that,
you know, that is a budget cost to us that we take where in other places the school districts have that. So, the 124 detectives are included in that 757. The total number of civilians are 466, but keep in mind 120 of those are school crossing guards. So, that is state
mandated that is mandated it's mandated when the county when when developments are built up, you know, we get those assessments. So, every year, you know, it could be five, 10 different school crossing guards that we get required to hire. And so, there's a lot of things that come down on unfunded mandates, and so that's, you know, we talk about those
consistently, and that's one that comes down on us. Uh you can see our vacancies. Now, you see a lot of civilian vacancies, a lot of it are school resource officers. I mean, not school resource, I'm sorry, uh crossing guards. So, they're retirees. We recruit very heavily, but at the same
time is it's hot, they're tired, they want to spend more time with grandchildren, they want to do so. We have a lot of transition a lot of turnover sometimes. And so, that's the one thing. Um command staff gets brought up a lot, it's only 3% of the organization. So, only 3% is part of that, so actually low.
Uh the next slide is total personnel services. You'll see basically goes same as part of the county. Uh goes to, you know, insurance, goes to retirement, and it goes to pay salaries. So, anticipated spending, you know, roughly six 6.9 million
dollars, uh 5.9, so roughly 6 million is salaries, and I just got the nice word I got tapped on the shoulder, I appreciate it, that it may be 3%. So, that's going to go up slightly. So, we greatly appreciate it. We weren't, you know, expecting it, but any little thing helps because, as you'll see later on, you
know, we have to stay competitive. Uh contractual services, 1.2 million. Uh I I know you all feel that pain, too. You, you know, understand it, you know, you run the jail. You know those services can those contractual services escalate very quickly. So, you you understand the pain
of what it's like and to handle that. Um capital requests are low. And so, I I go back to there's no certified positions in this budget. One of the things in, you know, talk about efficiencies is that we do service aides. And so, we recognize there's position There's
positions that a gun and badge doesn't need to go out there a sworn personnel doesn't need to go. So, we hire civilians to do stuff. So, that's something that we've been doing is more and more The more we can civilianize positions, it's cost-effective for us. Um Going back to salaries of the other agencies, the next one. So, this just
goes hits just to hit home. You all feel it, we feel it. You know, when you bring in people, they're they're competitive. And I will tell you, it's not a Pasco thing. The state of Florida was behind the curve. So, when defund the police happened, everybody from up north wanted
to come south. They came to Florida. They wanted to come down here because the bonuses, because this is a place where, you know, the communities want us to enforce the law. We did that. The issue we face now is you know, people don't, you know, this next generation, not as many want to get in law enforcement. The numbers aren't
there. And it's I say, it's not a Pasco thing. This is a general consensus across the board. You talk to other sheriffs, you talk to other agencies, it's less people wanting to get into it. Um I I'll tease the chief. It's it's attractive now to be a firefighter. Very attractive. Um and so, that's where, you
know, people are are aggressive, they want to get in the public service. You know, do I become a deputy or become a firefighter? There's a lot more that are leaning to be firefighters now. And so, I understand that. And so, that's where I say, you know, we have to be competitive. And then you look at salaries. You know, Tampa PD is almost at $75,000 plus they get bonuses and
then more bonuses if you live in the city. Hillsborough is right up there, Pinellas, Polk County, you know, and they get up to $25,000 in bonuses. And so that's something they look at. It's I mean it's You talk about in sports free agencies, it's free agencies in in law enforcement, too. They want to They're
going to go where the money is. And so that I don't I don't want to blame them, either. I understand that you're out there risking your life doing things. And so that's why for years we've been trying to build a culture, but at the same time is we've had this People say it. I love the culture here. I love what's going on, but I got to put shoes on my kids' feet. They're growing. I got
to, you know, get new jeans. I got to put them in school. You got to get them in sports. So they understand and they say, "Look, it's just I'm going to get a few dollars more for going somewhere else." It makes sense. And And we can't argue that. >> Can I ask you a question? So where What is Pasco? Where do you guys start at? >> So we will be at if if everything goes
through, 65 and slightly higher if we get the 3%. >> Okay. >> So we'll be Yeah. So we're trying But the thing is, remember all these agencies, this is last year, they're all going up, too. >> Got you. >> So we're we're just we're just trying to catch up. >> Right. >> So that's that's a big thing for us is that
we're consistently trying to catch up everybody. Same as everybody in this room. Every Everybody feels the pain, but we're trying to catch up. And it's not just law enforcement, it's on the civilian side, too. So our biggest operating, retaining new members If If we lose, it costs way more to lose
members and have to retrain somebody else. That is probably from a business model is the worst thing we can do is start losing people because then, as we've talked about before in the past, you all understand, you're dealing with trying to recruit somebody, put them through the academy, cuz now nobody
really goes through unless we sponsor them. Now we're sponsoring through the academy. Now we're putting them through field training. Now by the time they hit the street, you're almost like 2 and 1/2 years later, they're on the street. You're way behind. And so it'd have been cheaper just to pay and give salary up front.
Um the capital costs, you know, a contract needs and state mandated retirement, went through that. But, the future of capital and needs. So, that's the one thing and I'll go through for drone first responder a little bit, just so you understand the efficiencies. If we can get a drone out there quicker
than we can get a human being as 100% and we can get oversight of what's happening. So, I'll give you a couple examples you may have heard of, um, but it illustrated it very well. So, we have a pilot program there in Holiday. There was a young teenager, he was about to he wanted to commit suicide. He ran from his house. It was
on the west side of of 19. Uh, units couldn't get there quick enough. They're going code, but they can't get there. The young boy's running. He's got a weapon in his hand. He The drone takes off from the school where we have the test pilot at. They're able to spot the kid. It's up high enough he doesn't realize it's there. They're able to find
him, spot him. He's hiding under a neighbor's house couple blocks away. And then our deputies are able to converge right on him, get him help, get the assistance he need. In If that drone hadn't done that, what would have happened is they would have went to the house, check the house, call units start a perimeter, start a perimeter. Now we
have multiple units on a perimeter. Then you call the dog. Then you call a unit with a drone to put the drone up. So, those are the type of things that would have taken hours probably to find this young man and it took moments. The other one too is you talked about efficiencies. We don't fly the helicopters except for
emergency situations. So, we only fly the helicopter when required. If we're working with fire rescue and we're putting a Bambi bucket out because there's a fire and we're dropping a Bambi bucket. If we're going into a location and we have to harness somebody down to save them, we drop the harness down and we save them. Uh, if we have to
have a tactical situation we have to go people up. That helicopter costs a lot of money. Is it critical? Absolutely 100% because if not, the fires in this county would have spread a lot quicker and a lot faster had those Bambi buckets not been there. But, if it's a situation we can throw a drone up, you're talking
pennies on the dollar compared. So, we're we're always looking at efficiencies and it will now because I appreciate y'all giving the money for the new helicopters. Those helicopters are 2006 year old helicopters but they will last a lot longer now because we're not flying them as much because we're flying the drones. The other one is the
partnership with fire rescue. We can fly those drones up if there's a fire we can actually go overboard and see what's happening get them perimeter of what's going on where the fire is. There was actually a warehouse that there was an air conditioner unit on fire. It would have taken hours for them to search the building but the drone was able to go on
top with a heat sensor see where the fire was and it was a it was an air conditioning unit that was sparking up. We're able to work together on that. The other one efficiency is when people call 911 we understand that they're panicking they're scared they don't know what's happening. So they may say oh my gosh
there's a crash at 1952 and there's bodies everywhere and there's cars all over the place. And they and then they drove past. Well the by the time you know deputies get there we're like okay there was one guy standing outside of his car it was a fender bender on the side of the road but fire rescue sending as many units as
they can we're sending units we're calling FHP to send the cavalry and then we get there and there's a fender bender or somebody standing outside of his car and everybody's kind of like what are we doing what we got called it. So if we can send a drone up the drone will see what's happening give a better response and then we can dispatch appropriately to what we need. So we're creating
efficiency so besides disasters and storms and planning things out the efficiencies are there so I said if there's a capital call need that comes out of the uh disaster relief fund that's something that would make us more efficient because I go back to we're not hiring we're not able to hire new deputies because of budget restrictions
but at the same time is we have to look at those false force multipliers that are making a difference out there. So I know I said a lot appreciate it. I know you're all tired but that's the budget and I'm sticking to it until [laughter] we get our 3% and Mike
will start giving us real numbers. >> Thank you. >> So uh thank you. Sheriff, >> it was in your procurement process. >> Um when you're senator, didn't you know the benefit of your
procurement process? City and county's procurement process is based on Eric and Carrie can give you all the bloody details that we have to deal with on how long it takes, how it increase cost on contracts, and
time is money. I guess it's probably a difficult question to answer, but how much money do you think you all save, if it's even possible, uh every year based on your less constricted procurement
process that sheriffs get to enjoy across this the state? >> So, it's So, uh Commissioner, I'll tell you that, you know, it's like crime prevention. You can't say how much how many crimes you stopped because you did crime prevention messaging, but I I will tell you that our procurement process is
extremely efficient um in the fact that we do still go out to bid. We handle the bid process. We look at things, but at the same time as the efficiency at which we can operate is extremely fast, and we've consistently heard that it's hard to deal with counties uh the counties in general because procurement processes,
the way things operate, the way the bidding process operates. The other one, too, is going to the lowest bidder isn't always the best best option. I mean, if you're building a building, and you know, a building literally costs $10 million, and then somebody bids 2.5, there's no way you a $2.5 million
compared to everybody's bidding at 10 is going to be good. So, that is something that, you know, common sense tells you that, but then also but unfortunately, the restrictions you all have is is tight, and so I I I I can you know, there's things, God willing, that when um
there is the hearings in November where you know county hearings that we talk about legislative issues God willing that day we can have another conversation but as for now as my position as sheriff I can tell you you're spot on I think it is way more efficient that the constitution that the
sheriff we can operate and purchase items than it is you know in the way the commission has to do it. >> It would be I know it's probably impossible but I'm sure just based on time alone and all the staff time and the processes that go along with it there's such a
significant savings and then it can take the public dollar and put it to work for what it's intended to in the procurement. um So that's I think that's incredibly important to all of us here we're we're ready to not be in staff to not be
handcuffed with the expense of the of the procurement process. With the SROs y'all your department absorbs it. Did I hear you correctly that that school districts could theoretically absorb the SRO cost?
>> So we're at we do it about 50% ratio because we estimate about 100 you know 180 days school and then the rest of time but training and everything else I I don't I can't speak for superintendent Lake I don't think they can I I don't think the way their current budget is now they can they can take it. Um you
know you're talking historically Pinellas has been doing it for years I think I forget how long Hillsborough's been doing it. But I don't know how I I can't speak on his behalf I don't think I'm almost positive that he can't just take it [snorts] over and absorb it now but I think you know that is especially the the school
crossing guards that like I mean that unfunded mandate when people are oh we need two more crossing guards I mean those things come out of our budget or we need three more depending on schools coming up online people don't consider that oh that's a that's an unfunded mandate on the sheriff's office to take care of. >> Is anybody from Do we know what you all
spend approximately a year on the program off the top of your head? >> Uh >> 2.5 million? >> 2.5 million. >> Is that just for crossing or is that everything? >> Crossing guards. >> Just crossing guards. >> Does that factor in uh head count for the 10 one or two a year, three a year, depending on how
projects Once a year the schools come based on the school. Okay. It's about 2.5. So I'm sure you guys are more your team's more comfortable having, you know, training those folks for >> And they have to fall under us. So even in even in Hillsborough and Pinellas,
they fall under the sheriff. >> So do they receive a reimbursement from the school district there? >> Uh I don't know how they're I don't know how they handle it. >> Hm. >> [clears throat] >> Interesting. I tell you very much appreciate how you all manage your head count. It um
It's It helps us see the actual picture and you you you use and hire folks that that you need and don't hold those vacancies. That's a big deal in the budget. So very much appreciate appreciate over the last couple years y'all taking a look under the hood and giving us giving us money back and
helping us as we navigate um the difficult budgetary decisions that we we are fortunate to make. But thank you, Sheriff. Thanks for being here. >> Appreciate >> So we're discussing and I wanted to get
your opinion on it on school safety cameras. Um with the research I've done um the school safety cameras, they're only permitted in operated F.O.T. defined school zones. Um there are some counties like
Miami-Dade, they've caught people speeding in the '90s, 93 mph. Um they would be on 30 minutes before, 30 minutes after when schools are present, never on the weekends, holidays, when school's out.
Um what are your thoughts on that? >> So, I can tell you is that speaking to my colleagues down in Hillsborough, they said it's been very effective. It works. Um they've caught speeds that are just I I was shocked when they sold the number. I'm like, I can't believe like people are actually flying through the school
zones that much. So, that is something that you know, if the board agrees and says they want to move forward with it, I would probably follow the Hillsborough model. >> Okay. >> Um only because the safety issues that I've seen down there, but it's one of those things that I don't know how I don't know much about how Miami works, but I would tell you that you know, we
can't be everywhere all the time, but the school school zones are I think one of those you know, I understand that people have issues about red light cameras, but I think school zones are one of those zones that it's like that's little kids walking like that is that is it's a sacred area that people are like, I get that. If it's 54 19, people are
kind of like, okay, it's a big intersection. People but if it's right in front of a school, I think people look at it differently. >> they give you like a 11 mile hour grace period. You know, what I'm saying? So, it's not even like they they nab you right away. >> It's better than troopers. >> And the other thing is >> [laughter] >> the other part of the I wanted to throw
at you was out of the money collected, you know, there's a breakdown that goes to the county, to the school board, to the sheriff. If I don't even know if you might not get any, but I was thinking that every penny that we collect could go to
sidewalks in school zones. And then once once they're you know, we can keep expanding the sidewalks out to make it safe for the children. >> Right. >> Because um you know, if it prevents one one fatality, they've done their job. >> No, I it's interesting Commissioner it's
interesting you say that because I was just thinking I was just thinking as you're saying that, you know, we have those 56 vacancies and most of them are school crossing guards. They may they actually may reduce our school crossing guards from leaving. That's actually one of their biggest issues. They yell at us. They don't want to be run over. Oh, I I tell you stories that
they pulled hair dryers out there pretending that they were doing running radar on people just to slow them down. >> [laughter] >> And we're like, "You can't >> That is great. >> Yeah, like you can't do that. So, >> [laughter] >> but they they get mad. So, if they know that, I think that actually helped me reduce the amount of people that leave
because they get mad. And they And I get it, rightfully so, they're upset. They want us to go out there. We don't have enough deputies. Even though over the past year we went from 20,000 traffic stops to 35,000 traffic stops because we hear the complaints, you know, the commissioners and everybody else saying, you know, "We need more traffic." So, we're trying to find efficiencies. And
to the other point is yeah, I don't think we, you know, it's the same as um, you know, with the tickets. Everybody thinks, "Oh, you know, they they remember years ago where people get tickets like, 'Oh, the sheriff's office is running tickets cuz you need to build your budget up.'" We don't get the money. I'm like, "So." The same thing with us. So, we don't get the money. So,
if it goes towards um, you know, cross to sidewalks, that's a that's a good thing. >> Okay. Okay. >> Let's start. >> Um, I just want to compliment the sheriff's office on and Chase, so I work with a lot in in my district, um,
catching the new phenomena of young young, mostly men, young boys, speeding on those motorcycle bikes, um, and going in in inappropriate places. We even had uh, some kids with four-wheelers with
Snuba Snuba snorkels, whatever they're called, going into the, um, the, uh, mitigation ponds and tearing them up in Long Leaf and, um, and just tear tearing up the community. So, we've caught quite a few.
And um, and also the racers on Strawber. Twice now we've caught the motorcycle racers going up and down Strawber cuz I can hear them from my house in Gulf Harbors. And they're on it and they've been given tickets. So, um, uh, it's it's been absolutely wonderful. So, thank you. Um, and I get a lot of
complaints about those. >> Well, it's interesting you say that. I mean, last year from the commission, there was over 1,000 calls. I appreciate Chase uh taking Yeah, he gets over 1,000 calls last year just from the commission alone. About that. Now, he's Now, he's facing over 600. So, you're going to You're breaking the record this year already. But, no, we we understand
that that's an issue, that's a concern. And so, we hear that directly that, you know, those calls, you know, people are upset and we The issue we have is that you know, we're on the domestics, we're on other calls for service, and we're trying to get there. And by the time you can actually get there, these kids are gone. But, I know those e-bikes, I think
from a bigger perspective, has to be addressed because those e-bikes is not just the kids, but these people are driving those things all over the place and it's horrible. >> So, the other number that, looking at your budget book here, that is really frightening, and we we hear it, is the um the increase in the schools with the
bomb threats. Uh do you see any decrease, or is it still escalating? And how What can we do as a society? >> So, the problem we face is the same. So, I can imagine it it's three It's technology that we're not able to um
fortunately deal with. But, I How many people in here have gotten a call for service about a warrant from the sheriff's office? >> Mhm. >> I mean, like everybody cuz that's a big scam now. I mean, everybody gets that scam that And it's it's people are calling from all over the world, they're calling from all different places, and they're saying you have a warrant from the sheriff's office, and people are getting scammed by it. The same thing um
with school threats. These are coming in from all over the world. They're coming from all over the And so, it's hard for us to catch up. We were able Actually, our our There's been several cases where I I know it's where we were able to identify people because of that. So, that's where we were able to catch them. But, the the I think there's over 420 school threats last year. Uh it
definitely went up. And so, we're seeing that the problem is it's just a lot of Some of these calls we're able to find out who did it. We're able to take care of it, but the majority of them are from outside the area, they're spoofed, and if this says uh we're going to shoot up SHS, you know, for us on like high school, for Hillsborough Steinbrenner.
So, everybody starts running to wherever it is. So, that that becomes a major issue, but the technology is just overwhelming. But, I will say this, the overwhelming response of the deputies have been great. I mean, we get Everybody's like, "Hey, what's going on? What's that?" We get that cuz people are concerned, but at the same time is the response has
been great, and it goes back to it. Um now, what we're seeing, you know, with the teen, and I hate saying teen takeovers, they're not takeovers, they're riots. Um like when they're taking over streets and they're not So, that has been the next phase, but that's a technology issue, too. Because now they're going to using technology to
[snorts] go now. The one thing is people show up, and when they show up, we can handle it. But, at the same time is trying to catch technology ahead of time to stop them from trying to stir everybody up. >> It's a problem. >> Okay. >> Okay, that was it for me. Thank you. >> it. Thank you. >> So, I'm going to I'll come back to you,
Brooke. >> Okay. >> Um So, I'm glad you brought up the school related expenses that we've got. So, I think we should be studying into what others are doing because if we're shouldering the burden and again with this budget amendment coming forward if with the ones eating up all the have to eat
eat the big cuts coming up that we need to go look at what others are doing because others are doing it differently. We've just done it because we thought it was the right thing to do and efficient to do, then we shouldn't be penalizing ourselves coming up and let that be put on the state. Let them go put it back in the school's budget as
opposed to us where they do set what their budget's going to be. Um I know when like Commissioner Weeden brought up as far as like bidding cost, etc. When you're running the jail, you could probably do things a little bit cheaper than we could do it. And I think from the numbers we're seeing
that 10% change is probably closer to 13%. So, we're trying to work our way through that. We will get some better results coming up, but we're going to shoulder that money, and frankly, as I as I mentioned earlier, when they put the $100,000 number they were floating out there earlier this
year, we did our number calculations, just funding public safety. I just you, uh that's the sheriff's office, but the fire EMS, We were $6 million short, not counting 911. So, this budget of 150,000 is going to be huge. We're going to need your help up there as far as really looking at
what they're doing to to try try to get these things squared away so that we're not going through cuz you know, we work very closely together trying to make sure when we had the deputy shortage when everyone was leaving, that you put a three-year plan together to go increase the salaries. We can't help with that every step of the way cuz we don't want to see it. Just
like our we approved the fire EMS on our that we got to you got to pay people and get salaries. We I we got salary increase, too. So, why we're being hit so hard um is like it's been because we've been so efficient. I mean, it's not just one department. I think the whole county has
been very efficient on how we spent our money. And being 91% unincorporated, we don't have the extra budget that the cities get when they put their their numbers in. So, while our people are actually paying a worse, but when you look at it just the chart to say, look at the numbers here for the growth, and we're getting whacked for it. And
it's going to it's going to hurt us harder than most counties in the whole state. So, we're going to need your help as we go through that. Commissioner Yeager. >> So, I have a question um for the drones. Um how many schools do you currently have them on top of the rooftops? >> Just it's a it's a test case on top of one.
>> Okay, so one. So, my question is like if we could expand the drone program and and we you had a drone [snorts] within a certain mile radius of of the schools because like if you have an active shooter or something like that, that drone's there in a heartbeat, you know? And I I worked at
River Ridge, right? So, when you have River Ridge middle and high school, that's a large area to cover. So, if you had a drone, it would easily be able to say, "Here you are," right? So, how much with the with the money allocated to drones,
would they be on top of the schools like spread out or how would where would they go? >> that that's what we're working on schools. So, that on the numbers um you You if they're long-term uh unfortunately with technology we have to go leases because the technology, if we didn't if we
bought a capital item of technology, it's going to be outdated within weeks. So, that's why we have to do that because as you get that it actually gets the updates and everything. So, for the 9 million we get 20 docks over 10 years. And so, there's 20 docks that would be all over the schools. And so, we have the zones where the most amount
of activity where calls for service between us and fire rescue occur. So, we would be fundamentally over those areas, but it would cover it would cover a large part of the of the county. The other part too is with technology with the upgrades. So, when you get 20 docks, the amount of drones you're just just talking about one drone. So, right now a
loiter time for a drone is probably about 35 minutes. But, if you go, you know, longer if the next generation drone maybe 45 to 50 minutes. So, as they keep going out you're getting the updated drones. They come with the, you know, long-term lease. So, especially with the fixed-wing drones, we may be
looking at an hour to an hour and a half loiter time. So, that means we can get out further, be there quicker, and then be over the area. But, it it it really just comes down to efficiencies. But, then also, you know, there's other parts of this. It's not just about public safety. You know, before a storm where public works and everybody has to
where's our flooding and you know, where is everything cleaned up and we can get better visual to see what's happening. All the you know, the big thing now with insurance companies are they want you make sure that you have pictures of everything before a storm and then after a storm. So, these drones can go up and start taking video photographs of all
county buildings to see what's going on. And we did it last time, but it took human beings to do it. This now would be automated, be able to fly. And then the other part too is right now we're using civilians to fly these drones cuz the another part why use badge and gun when you can put civilians. Eventually, the technology will be
flying itself. So, we want to, you know, then we can utilize those personnel for other things. >> Okay. And then just I I just have a comment that I want to say your community engagement team is absolutely phenomenal. Um, I bring them out to Moon Lake with
me when we cuz it's just a safety thing. And you know, people before our numbers dropped when they saw them. And now our numbers we've had 236 families last time because now your guys are on the truck. They're helping unload the food. They're they're joking around with the
residents. And it's just been like this this really great partnership. So, I just want to give a shout out to them because they they really are so friendly and make everybody very comfortable. So. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> Mr. Whitman. >> Thank you. Uh Sheriff, looking at the other the
neighboring agencies with Polk's uh uh bonus structure are is are they capping the number like 10 or 20 deputies?
How are they Do you know how what their model is other than here here's what it is, but is it you know, for 10 or 15 year I don't know how many incorporated cities they have within Polk, but >> Oh, they got a few incorporated. >> Yeah. They've got a handful. >> But I think I think this is just Usually the way I've seen it passes they say for
the next year or 6 months if you get hired in this time period this is what the bonuses will be and this is everything. But I I can't tell you I I don't know directly how Polk is doing it. I've known how other neighboring areas did it was because they were carrying so many vacancies that they used those vacancies to pay for the
bonuses. And then once they probably hit a certain number they said, "Okay, vacancies were filled. We hit the number. We're done doing the bonuses." >> Got it. They did that at the jail. >> All right. >> Trying to get workers, I think. >> Ms. Whitman. >> So, I have a question. So, let's say this property tax thing passes, right?
And you get 50% of our our budget, right? And we have in in 5 years after we have an influx of people moving here and they're no longer paying taxes our population is going to grow by leaps and bounds.
And you need more deputies on the road, because we have a ton more people. What does that look like for you if you don't have the money? >> Technology. Technology. So, I can get into a whole long conversation, but technology is going to
take over every one of our professions. Um like it or not, it's the wave of the future. It's the way it's going to happen. Uh I I we see them all enforcement not only because of efficiencies in operation, but because uh one, not many people like I go back to what I said earlier. Not many people
want a badge and gun. They don't they're not getting it. We still we're behind the curve, but nationally, but it's it's hitting us that people don't want to get in this profession. The technology is there. So, I can tell you we have technology in place now that we have analysts that are doing analysts that do
a phenomenal job. If it wasn't for them, the the amount of detectives we would need way more detectives. So, that's what I said. Like I think everything that everybody's going to be doing is more technology-based, and you know, we're not a we're customer service, but we're not like, you know, somebody all other constitutional officers where
people have to be there, because nobody wants that robotic person to handle that. We're going to we're still going to have people up front, but behind the scenes, there's going to be so much of our operation that's going to have to be keep going towards technology that um that's the way that's the way I see the future, and that's where I see, you
know, cost escalators are going to keep going up that way, but personnel costs because of you're not going to be able to hire people or because the money's not going to be there, we're going to have to rely more on technology. >> And technology costs a ton of money, too. >> Oh, yeah. Technology costs a lot, but at the same time is that's what I say. Like
I think in the future with civilian we're going to, you know, as we're leaning in more towards civilians to do work out there on the street, I I think the law enforcement portion, they're going to be door kickers. Like they're going to be there's a domestic, there's something going on, they're kicking in doors. They're they're doing the things that you you know, cop shows
are based on. A lot of things that we do now, we go out there and handle that, you know, you know, you saw people saw on Live PD, but those are things that we're going to have to rely on other people to do because we're going to have to narrow down the functions of what law enforcement can handle. >> Any more questions?
>> No. >> All right. >> Thank you very much. Thank you very much. >> Um so we're going to take a break and look at the >> 5 minutes, yeah. >> All right. So I'd like to thank all the constituents for coming here. >> Well, you're welcome to listen to our 5-minute >> Oh, no, thank you. >> I'll take a 5-minute break. >> 5 minutes. >> And we got a lot going on, so
>> [laughter] >> Thank you, Pat. >> Thank you. God bless you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Judge, I emailed you the um Okay. Okay, great. >> It was a perfect >> I know, my staff told me, yeah. I'll take it, thank you.
No, I just have next to the money, appreciate it. >> Peace out. >> Yeah, and I told him to get the >> Well, I'll definitely Is it like that there? >> Yeah, it's hot. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's nice in the winter. I'll tell you that. >> Yes. >> That's awesome.
>> Yeah, I'm so proud of him. He was just here the end of May on vacation. He's stationed in the middle of nowhere. We try to go back and forth. >> Hi, Dan. How are you? >> I'm good. >> Yeah, yeah.
>> You have to make deals with them. >> [laughter] >> Jeffrey Dahmer's parents said that is a >> Yeah. >> So you >> I know. She just She made chief. Who is a huge huge mobility huge huge
problem. So, she's Yeah, and she's out in Washington state right now. And she is called Alicia. Simon next Simon is He is going to be support for SEAL Team 8. Yeah. Yeah. She's been a SEAL. Obviously a support for the SEALs.
>> to the SEALs. >> Apparently it's a really really good detail. Like one of the first to learn SEAL Team 8. Yeah. It's sea duty, but you know you're you're on a ship, which ironically the Navy that's the dream of anything you want to be in a ship. >> when they go they travel >> I got it.
>> with the SEALs. They don't have to SEAL on the ship right Um they stay in married hotels. It's a pretty good detail. So, yeah. So, yeah. 26. I always think about the guys when they are deployed. >> I know. >> What's the making of SEALs.
Making of SEALs. Yeah. I know. Yeah. Yeah. So, I told you I'd walk around and say hi to all the chefs and I finally >> I always think of the fun times we had in our
>> There was fun times. >> Yeah, there was fun times. >> Actually, the most the unique thing about the married I used to go to the married party central thing for the checking in for the people who drinks at the bar. Yes. I do. >> Just a reminder to go I don't tell you
about that story. >> No, you shouldn't have done that. Yeah, they always try to tell you about the SEALs. Don't they? Yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. >> What is that guy doing there? >> What is that kind >> There's a sweet spot for a loud party.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, exactly. So, you guys like to compare your energy budget in particular? Yeah, the cement equals real thing that's wrong. I have to be careful. I can't publicly support or oppose it because we were
like uh so We put them like whatever the it is. I I know. You should read the ballot line of the services. This is really easy like saving taxpayers from excessive over taxing. And then my neighbors
Actually, the sign I picked up on it when I was at a conference and we were taking a picture. It says, you know, the 115 and 227 and 250. The language on the ballot just says 250. It was deceiving. >> Right. >> I mentioned that to Jennifer Kennedy's
name and she smiled and she was like, "Well, that's what you're on the ballot." Like it was deliberate. I'm like, "No, I didn't Oh. >> I I know for a while there Yeah. >> Well, it's not as much fun anymore and I I'm not I'm at 34 and a half years. In fact, I had a staff meeting the other day and we were laughing.
>> I love it. >> The black guy was talking about playing Sam Tyler on the radio. This guy The guy was talking about he's like he's like They call him Radio. Radio Tyler. I did I don't know why. But he's everywhere. Apparently, he's
like I'm like, It's funny to me cuz I haven't decided. I mean, like one kid I see you walk around as president. But there's some days that like, you know what? I want to do this again. that. >> Yeah, it was a good month. Uh November was
30 30 40. >> Isn't that crazy? They have to be huge in November. >> So, I'm going to drop them to my office tomorrow. >> Uh-huh. >> Yeah, I plan on doing five. >> I got a big shoes to fill. >> You have a big hand, though.
No. >> Yeah, specifically. >> And then, uh yeah, I will talk to you. Take care, Robert. >> All right. We're going to see you in a couple days, man. Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> That he's really strong. I'll get my driver Here we go.
So, yeah. So, he's on. >> So, everybody everybody who walks in can sit down. telling you >> Everybody's watching. >> Sit down with your friend. >> Oh. >> [laughter] >> No, no, I'm good. >> Good.
>> Good. >> Yeah, it was okay. >> I know I can make I didn't know I could be And then the night of the >> I I know. I was going to go >> And I'm I'm >> I'm good. I'm good. >> I'm good. >> It will probably be a struggle the other >> because they were >> because they had a lot of interaction.
>> Yeah, he was talking to his [laughter] wife. >> Yeah. >> He dropped them on the couch. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, they tell a pretty good They're telling a pretty good story about me starting out of court one day with my robot. Um, that Word Word got to me that
>> Yeah, we we talked to him. >> Word got to me that >> Yes, I'm good. All right. But it's still >> Take care. >> Yeah, talk to I had to show him All right. Yeah, I'll get to see you again soon. Thanks.
>> I would just wait, you know, I I know, it's all right. Next time I make some treats, I'll give [laughter] you a bag. >> Where is it? It's over there? >> No, it's it's the red one. >> No.
>> It's the red one. >> We can get our side box. >> Oh. >> I don't know. >> Where did you get that? >> especially against the referee >> I don't know. >> I don't know. >> I don't
>> I don't >> I really hurt me. >> I got to figure out what I'm doing. >> Okay, maybe have that conversation. >> conversation >> No. >> I won't say >> [laughter] >> Yes, sir. >> I got to >> It was more times
>> Yeah. >> How she is doing? >> I don't know. >> I have to >> And it really is that stage. >> Compared to like weddings. >> I don't know about weddings. >> I'm taking [clears throat] them.
>> Yeah, I bet you I'm going to them. >> I have to. >> She is a >> This is This is not probably it though. >> Yeah, it's a baby It's a baby one. >> I don't know if I'm going to go away. >> I was like, what the heck? >> Let's get going.
>> Really? >> She She deserves it. >> And it's the first >> You don't want to have that vertigo. >> Oh, I had everything in my last time. >> cardiology >> I'm hoping
>> It's like What's your body No love. beta crazy pointed I agree. I can rely on you. So, we convene the County 20 workshop. And Mike, you want to lead it off or
>> Well, I was just going to introduce our budget director, Amy Farrell here, who or affectionately known as Accurate Amy, to lead us in a conversation regarding the fiscal year 2017 budget. Amy. >> All right. So, let's jump into our
agenda. We're going to talk high-level about the budget cycle, where what work has been accomplished, what work is still left to be accomplished. We're going to walk through the strategic priorities that the board has set for us through this budget cycle. Uh we'll talk about some budget efficiencies that we've seen
um over the years that the teams worked on um some pretty stellar operational improvements. We'll walk through um what we know our expenses to be, those pressures on our budgets, the underlying assumptions. We'll have a discussion on the general fund, and of course we'll
talk about our approach to taxation and millage rates. All right, so there's not a whole lot that's changed from the past few times that you guys have seen this slide. January, we start talking strategic priorities. February, we start talking revenues. A lot of work happens behind the scenes with our departments to
really sharpen the pencils on the needs that they have for the upcoming year. And then we come back here and we brief you all and say, "How are we doing in terms of hearing the strategic priorities and building a budget around those?" And then talking through any challenges or pressures that we know are on the horizon. One change this year is
we did combine, as you saw this morning, our constitutional officer budget workshop with our board workshop. Um again, just a very unique cycle, and so had to, you know, maintain maximum flexibility and pivot on some timing. And then as Mike said, we did split the content of the typical workshop you
would see in June, and we'll be discussing capital at a later date to make [clears throat] sure we have time to really focus on the operational challenges um that we're facing. And then we'll come back in July and we'll set trim, and we'll talk a little bit about that
process later today. And then we will adopt the final budget in September. All right, so if you had your strategic plan in front of you right now, you would notice that almost every one of those addressable challenges the board has charged us to tackle this year, and
I'm very proud to present a budget that will be addressing those. and a lot of it is um flat. The team has done a great job keeping budgets flat everywhere we possibly can, and they're still moving the needle on the board's strategic plan.
All right, so we do want to talk a little bit about some of our operational efficiencies. So, for this fiscal year, the board approved a position that's coordinating volunteers, and we wanted to come back and show the board the value that that volunteer coordinator has given us. So, we've received in six
We have 6 months of data. So, what this position has been able to assist in accomplishing for the county is over 25,000 hours of volunteer service. That equates to 24 full-time FTEs.
And the payroll equivalent $480,000 for 6 months. So, if I were to just do a straight-line trajectory, we're talking about over 800,000 $ ROI on a roughly $80,000 position.
That's pretty phenomenal. And so, we've got a committed community, and we've got someone who knows how to help that committed community assist us in some pretty unique ways. So, I'm not going to belabor the point, but I will highlight a few things. So, when we look at um So, like the pantry
at the one-stop shop, we've got volunteer there, and they're not just checking people in, but they're helping us pack the food distribute Um no, I moved on to a different one. That was our senior services. Um the pantry at the one-stop shop. Oh, yeah. No, they're distri-
distributing and packing, and they're providing customer service. I was right. I had my notes right. Trust yourself, actually, Amy. Um we do have a kitchen aid helping us in the senior services center, and so they're helping prepare meals for both in the in our senior centers, and also for our
delivery services. Um and then this one's pretty cool. CERT volunteers supplementing our activities during activation. So, we're ramping up that program so when we >> We just did a big training in Gulf Shores. Yeah. >> That's awesome, right? So, So, we have a community who cares and they're giving
back. All right. So, now let's talk and I'll talk high-level about each of these. So, we've worked as a board, as a team to really look at finding operational improvements everywhere we can. So, consolidated 911
services. So, this is a huge deal because we are streamlining our dispatch and our call taking for the entire county to include all of the cities. We'll call it a one-stop shop for making sure that we've got the right um equipment and the right people going
out to the right calls based off what we're getting and there's no um transferring of calls and so really how fast can we get from we've taken the call to we've got the right type of services for what's happening. Um pre-hospital whole blood program.
Making sure that we're able to I don't want to mess this one up, guys. We've equipped first responders with unseparated blood to administer at the scene of an er- of an injury. This is increasing survivability for patients suffering from I'm not going to say this
word right. Hemorrhagic He- hemorrhagic. Mhm. Shock or massive blood loss. Pretty cool. Um We all know about D-shift. So, people is at the heart of what we do, our culture. And so, we said, "How do we stay competitive in a market that's very
competitive?" And we said, "Well, we have to make sure that we're taking care of our people." And I think D-shift is the example of innovation in making sure that we're able to retain good competent staff because we care about them and we're going to take care of them. And
so, D-shift is great innovative example of that. Um preventative road maintenance. So, we've we've turned our old, outdated process of paying for road maintenance, and we've been able to find a way to fund good scientific-backed
research priorities to make sure that we are maintaining roads at the right time, at the right place, before it becomes overly expensive. Um, and then general government efficiencies. So, in here are kind of a lot of things. So, our Lean Six Sigma program, where we look at
process efficiencies, um, and that is we are accredited now. So, when our team gets staffed up with this belt with those belts, it's good everywhere. And we're making sure that the county is also getting a good return on investment. So, I'll give you one example. Um, fleet preventative
maintenance, tweaked our process for fleet preventative maintenance, saving county departments $300,000 a year because we're getting stuff in at the right time, before it becomes a bigger problem. Um, and then also just looking at how we run some of our support services. So,
when you look at the lean staffing for our facilities department, right? One of Commissioner Weightman's unfunded mandates, right? We're man- we're mandated to provide and maintain our county facilities, and we do that with one of the leanest budgets and leanest
teams out there. Same thing with fleet. Um, and then of course, let's I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the couple of departments we have that are accredited. So, public works and our building construction services team, and dest- destination management
organization, as well as parks, are currently undertaking the rigorous process of becoming accredited. You DMO got it? I can say that out loud? Go DMO! Awesome. Okay, so we now have three accredited departments.
All right. So, now let's start talking about our budgetary assumptions. So, the direction we received from the board leading up to here is that we are looking at um kind of the big muscle movements, taking the rescue component of fire and
rescue out of the general fund, moving it into the MSTU. We're also looking at establishing parks in an MSTU this year. So, based off board direction, the budget before you, even though um the millages haven't been set yet, the budget before you is showing reducing
the general fund by a like-for-like for establishing those two things in the MSTU. So, what's before you is a reduced um millage rate, knowing that that's still something that needs to be adopted. Um let's see. So, then stormwater
assessments, no change there. Uh the road rehabilitation MSTU, that's the same millage rate that was adopted for 26. The water and wastewater rates are on pace with their approved rate study, and no change in the solid waste rates.
All right. So, now let's start talking about the pressure that's on the budget. Um I think the first bullet here, we already started discussing it this morning. Um and it's it is the biggest topic in in terms of budgetary pressures. And that is that property tax reform reform ballot measure
um coming up in November. Now, the board also has been working very hard um to maintain structural stability in the general fund. And we are I will show you in a few slides that um
with the board's guidance and good fiscal stewardship, we are really close. We're basically structurally balanced in the general fund. Um and that's a testament to the work that you all do to maintain good fiscal stewardship for our citizens.
Let's see, we've got public safety staffing and expenses. So, we are still working to um staff up the jail expansion, aligning resources with execution, and as construction and renovations are um underway and completed.
And then general inflation and growth demands on operating, I mean it's just that's it's kind of where we've been, it's kind of where we're at, and we see the uh the pressure from that the most in capital projects, but we're we feel it in operating as well. Um
we need to maintain our public facilities. That does not come without a cost, but the longer we wait to maintain them, the more costly it ends up becoming. Um Wesley Chapel Library will be fully operational. Uh Villages of Pasadena Hills the Nature
and Bike Park phase one coming online and uh Medicaid our Medicaid rates, which they're not reflected in the slides yet, but we did I think 2 days ago get that number for Medicaid, and so we'll talk about that later. All right. So, now we're going to move
into some of our economic indicators, and I am going to try to um go through these quickly. So, if you have any questions, please just interject. Um so, we look at the tons of trash. It's what we call a canary in the coal mine for us as
at what typically tends to happen is as that tons of trash starts to level off, we typically see afterwards a change in our taxable values. And so, you'll see here we've got data up through 25 because that's our last
fully executed year, and you'll see for the last couple of years it has been plateauing, right? And so, we've been talking about our expectation is at some point right around the corner, those valuations are going to start to to turn the corner as well and come down.
Another indicator that we look at is our new home per Yeah. >> Which one? >> Uh Andy. >> Yes. >> Or Kevin. Is recycling factored into these the total tonnage or no? The recycled tons, are they factored into the total solid
>> Total we're right at about 510. So, I would say these numbers probably >> Can you come to the microphone? >> You have to come forward to the mic. >> Kevin, Kevin, you need to come to the mic. >> But but I'm just trying to understand accuracy if if this was just MSW or if
recycling was included or excluded from the tonnage values. >> It appears to me, Kevin Pliskatt, solid waste director, looking at this slide, it appears it is excluded. When we
include solid or recyclables, we're at about 510,000 tons. So, I would say it's probably excluded from this number. >> So, would you say this is a little skewed then? >> Um I think the from a macro standpoint,
the big picture, you know, we do see things starting to level off as far as total growth and total solid waste being collected or disposed. So, I do see that trend as being pertinent here. You know, we had [clears throat] many years that we were close to double digit. You know, I think
year-over-year we're now plateauing at about 3 and 1/2 4%. And again, that depends on what side of the county you're looking at. West side, uh very flat. East side, close to 8% last year. >> Increase? >> Increase.
>> That's important to know. Thank you. >> Tell me why. It shows market. So, I know we're looking at the whole picture here, but it shows where market and investment are going in the
county, where services are likely going to be needed, if challenges arise, where, you know, everybody everybody needs some level of government, right? But if the if the
as we prepare for whatever the future holds, to be able to meet demand and the growth demand in the new if the new is not stuffing if if you're flat on west, but you grew at 8% on the east, and that seemingly trend is still going
to continue. I think we need to look at the overall uh government infrastructure on both sides of of the counties when we have to make tough decisions, what goes where, investment goes where, and so on and so forth. Volume of customer, Pisano says
he sees 50, 60,000 a month. What's the breakdown of where those 50, 60,000 people are at? Um so on and so forth. So, I just I just thought the breakdown was was interesting when when it comes
time to for us to have to make decisions of okay, how are we trying to help the most folks or where, so. Just general general thought rattling up in this Excel model. >> I'm just trying to see where your customer is. What I do think would be
helpful if we did see the slide with recycling put in because that's I think the tonnage we talked about what's being created might might help us as well. Yeah, and some of these new developments, they may be recycling more >> participation >> compared to the old ones that they still don't and not are going to for different
reasons. Um so, it'd be helpful. >> Yeah, the the chair, the participation rates if if recycling is up, you know, you see these overall solid waste tonnages, but are we having, you know, what's going on if if there is
commercial recycling going on in the market, what's the residential participation kind of where based on routes, right? Um I think it would add more clarity between this delta. >> Mhm. >> Because the more folks recycle,
obviously, right? That should just go go down, so it might not be completely as accurate as if if if this if if we're leaning somewhat heavily on this data point. Um It's important to know And by the way,
are we still the cleanest commodity in the area for recycling? We still hold that We still hold that mantle? Which is a great thing, by the way, cuz that means the county's getting paid the most money for its its commodity. >> Um So, we are reaffirming it in the
upcoming months. We're going to do another uh detailed study. We expect our rates to improve though even from what we were before. Um we think there has been more educational outreach. And uh we hope to come back and say that you know, we're
less than 7% contamination. That's our goal. >> And that that's a testament to the resident, the resident and businesses who participate in the program. That That's real dedication on on their part, and so good job all the way around. >> Kevin. When we look at the
uh the spike to the last two years or so, do we account for like the hurricanes, how much trash got thrown out because of those? >> Yeah, good point. >> Um well, actually, we going back to recycling, we think we
probably lost a little bit of recycling credit um during the hurricanes because how things were handled. But to your point, the debris that was collected and um by our small haulers, by our major companies, those were all went outside of our
system. Okay, so those would not be in these numbers. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Cuz that had to be weighed for FEMA purposes, right? >> Yeah, yeah. And you know, specialized waste went to C&D landfills. And then all the vegetation, remember, we took a lot of that and made mulch for
beneficial reuse, etc. So, uh we did not occupy our landfill space or waste-to-energy capacity. The vast majority was handled, you know, differently. >> Okay. So, the waste. >> Thank you. >> All right.
>> All right. >> Ready? >> All right. So, then looking at our new home permits, so these have leveled off. We are still getting new home permits, but not at the clip and the rate that we
saw post-COVID. >> Can Can I ask you a question on this chart? >> This chart. >> Uh is the purple line >> [clears throat] >> converging with the orange? Uh it's hard for me to see where the purple line goes after >> So, the the purple line is following a very similar trend line to the green one. And so, the green is last year,
2025. The purple is year-to-date, 2026 through April. And so, really it's just showing that we've got a very similar trend this year to the last 2 years. And so, we're expecting the new home permits to just kind of be at the same steady clip, but
not the growth we had been experiencing. >> Okay, so so the purple is underneath the green? >> Yeah. >> Well, if Mike Wells were still on here, there's no way he could see that. >> Well, the purple stops >> yeah. It stops at April. >> Oh, that's right. That's [laughter] dumb.
>> And so, and so it's important for us to it's important for us to to remember that I'm using rough numbers, but residential comprises roughly 85% of our taxable value. And we use the new home permits as a
gate because it is a large um percentage of our taxable value. We use that as a gauge for what we think new construction TAV might be, taxable assessed value might be in the future. And so this year is tracking with the
same growth from the prior 2 years, which like I said is a drop-off from the post-COVID boom we saw in 2022 and 2023. So when we look at our total taxable value growth, this year it is down from what we have been experiencing. And part of that is
the new construction, the bigger pieces, the revaluations, which we'll get into. So here, so these are the new home permits. And then here's how that translates to our taxable value history of new construction. So the FY27 number you see
here, this is based off June 1 preliminary taxable assessed value numbers from the property appraisers office. You'll remember that July 1 we get final. So right now we're able to show you a budget based off preliminary numbers. And then when we come back in
July for trim, we'll have the final July 1 assessed numbers. So this is subject to a little bit of change, but you see now where our new construction values have dropped down. So what we saw coming in the new home permits, what we saw coming with the tons of trash, we are
seeing here that kind of we'll call it the shift in the curve. Or look, turning point. I could just read my slide. And so you'll remember the new construction, that's a component of our total taxable value change.
The other piece is the revaluation, so the existing. And for our prelim numbers for FY27, we're looking at 6.3% of taxable assessed value growth. 3.7 of that is the new construction. Our revaluations
are at 2.5%. Now, to put this into perspective, you see that we had a spike in total valuations um in '23. [clears throat] We had 16.7% growth. That was that number, 11% of that was revaluation. So, the market All
of this to say, the market has cooled off and we have turned. We've turned the corner and you see that with the 27 June 1 preliminary numbers, right? But, the difference and so why we look at the big picture cuz there's a difference between recession drop-off, that's that huge
drop that you see '28, '29. The difference is this has been more moderated and a a market correction um more than just a we'll call it a shock to the system. And we wanted to add, so typically we
would show this slide and we would show this slide, but we also wanted to tell this story of as all of this taxable value change occurred, what was also happening with millage rates because that's the other piece of the equation when we start to look at what is our ad
valorem tax revenue going to be. And so, you'll see here where the um So, a couple uh what I'll call interesting data points and history. So, most recently, as our taxable assessed values came in higher, you'll see that
the board was working to reduce millage rates to provide some tax relief while balancing demands for service because we were still in a growth environment, right? So, you see the board working to provide some relief while also trying to make sure that we can provide services around the
population growth and our increased demand for services. Now, if you go back to '07, right before the market crash, um we were at and we hit historic low taxable assessed value and you can see
where the board was trying to moderate an increase in the millage rates to try to come back and rebuild level of service after the recession. Um And so what you're seeing here really is
a long-term strategic approach to try to build back those levels of service after the market crash, right? And so we're at a point now where we're able to meet demand and provide some tax relief. >> Let's turn the slide just for a second. >> Yes. [cough and clears throat]
>> I'm going to take a look back from 2004. And the board worked very hard every year to cut that millage, cut that millage, cut that millage. So much so that when the economy then dropped, we were in a very bad spot for several, several years where we couldn't fund parks, libraries, etc. to cut 30%.
Everything else was was being slammed. And it took a while for us to get back, and I think that's when the voters back a few years back to said, "We want to get caught back up with our way for our kids." Okay, thank you. >> You're welcome. All right, so uh we talked about our preliminary
assessed values coming in at 6.3% and then you'll also remember that I discussed how we built a budget where we were um doing a like-for-like reduction in the general fund for the increase for the fire MSTU to absorb rescue and to also stand up parks. And so the
assumption for the like-for-like um change in millage rate was assuming uh that like-for-like reduction for parks would establish their current budget plus which includes the 3 million for maintenance, establishing that in the parks MSTU. And then um conversation
around increased levels of service, what that look like um a tax increase, right? And so, you know, discussions to happen. So, what you see here is reflected of the fire MSTU millage rate increasing general fund having a like for like
reduction and you will see that the Sheriff's allocation is we've maintained that at what his budget request was not showing a change in what his budget would be based off a millage rate change because the 40% of taxable
assessed value growth part of that has to do with what the millage rate is. So we kept his budget at what he submitted which was assuming 4% taxable assessed value growth with the 7.4042 millage rate that we adopted in 26.
All right, so general fund big picture. All right, so this is where we were talking about the structural balance that the board has worked very hard to achieve. And so I'll take you to the non-recurring or the recurring revenue versus expenses. And so when you see that it's
negative 0.18 that's $180,000 more in expenses than revenue. When we look at our previous years we were in the millions. So I would call it we are structurally balanced board. We have arrived. And this budget also assumes
that 91.96 ending fund balance or reserves that is 71 days in reserves or 19.5% of our operating expenses. All right, so budgetary pressure that first bullet that we had talked about was the property tax reform. And so
here's a summary table of what those impacts would be. So the assumptions baked in here it is FY26 so current year adopted millage rates and June 1 preliminary assessed values.
And so year one, the ballot measure calls for a $150,000 homestead exemption. And so, then you'll see what the impact to each of our um levies would be. And then year two is
showing the $250,000 exemption. And then um the measure calls for the legislator at some point to create a schedule for when you would get to a full homestead. So, we just did that calculation as well, just so you all could see the numbers. And so, even though the board hasn't
adopted a millage rate yet for parks, we did want to run some numbers if we were to establish parks um based off current budget and the 3 million for capital maintenance, they would experience in year one a $6.3
million loss and then $10.8 million in year two. >> Which >> Yep. >> Which way? Thank you, Chair. So, that's based on MSTU. Would that hit be harder if it was still in the general fund?
>> Yeah, the numbers shake out to be about the same. >> Yeah. Yeah. Percentages would carry across. >> Yeah, the percentages are the >> in the MSTU compounds faster, right? That we've seen at least historically based on fire. >> The MSTU essentially keeps the growth
within that particular use or fund. >> then theoretically if it was in if it's funded in MSTU, then it would not be taking as big of a punch to the head based on the the the interest component
to it or no? Eric's saying no. >> No, they're they're equivalent, but Yeah, I mean they're equivalent. The math is it's either in the general operating or or it sits in the MSTU. So, it's like for like right now. The percentages would would carry forward. It's just you would have to fence it off within the general fund. If it's in its
MSTU, it's already been fenced off for for you and for the public. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Mhm. >> Any other questions or comments? All right. So, when we're talking about our taxes, we also like to make sure that we can explain in an
easy-to-understand manner where where did where do those taxes go? And so, here we've got for every dollar of ad valorem taxes that a citizen pays, where does that go? And this is based off of current year fiscal year '26 adopted.
So, 60 cents comes to the county, 38 cents goes to the school board, 1 cent goes to mosquito control, and then 1 cent goes to Swiftmud. So, then we've taken the county's 60 cents on that dollar and broken that out based off the different levies that we have. So, the
general operating millage, the fire MSTU, road rehabilitation, and then general obligation. So, the fire MSTU, the road MSTU, and the general obligation, those are pretty easy to understand because it's one-for-one like like-for-like.
But, general operating, that's where there can be some we'll call it confusion or maybe, you know, a lack of clarity. So, we like to take those 44 cents and then break that out so you can understand how that gets distributed based off of budget. So, 20 cents of
that 44 cents goes to the sheriff's budget, 6 cents goes to correction, 4 cents goes to the other constitutional officers, 4 cents goes to support services, and um some of our mandated services, tips and theories, 3 cents, parks, 2
cents, public other public services under Kathy Pierson's branch, 2 cents, rescue, 2 cents, and again, because this is based off FY '26, rescue still in the general fund, and then libraries at 1 cent. >> Questions here.
Which way Thank you. Um Um How's the bond market react to MSTU versus not? So say, you know, we have an MSTU for whatever specific service and we go to bond parks, for example. We
have the MSTU's funding, we go to bond projects. Is there more security in the bond market knowing that the project is backed by the MSTU based on the formula of votes and etc. that it takes versus general fund or not? Are they treated
the same? Are you >> Are you talking about general obligation bonds? Because if you're if if you're talking about general obligation bonds, they should be the same because you've you've gone to referendum,
you're appropriating millage for that to pay that bond holder back. And the revenue stream from either of the MSTUs, so long as there's enough money in it, and the general revenue would be equivalent.
Where it would not be equivalent is if you were just doing a covenant to budget and appropriate where it was coming out of >> But you really >> But you would you'd have to have another revenue stream for that type of bond. >> So Jeff, I think but a but a more basic
question or a higher level question is is can you really bond ad valorem? You can't pledge or can you pledge ad valorem tax receipts as a as a as a source? My understanding is you'll you'll you would have to >> Under under old school or new school?
>> Well, new school. I thought it was general. >> So so if you are pledging ad valorem money, >> Mhm. >> under the state constitution, you must take it to the voters. >> Correct. General obligation. >> So that's But it would be the same if it
was coming out of an MSTU. >> Correct. >> That would still be pledging a tax an ad valorem tax source. >> Right. >> So >> But it would still require referendum is the point. >> Either either one of those streams would have to require a referendum. And so that's my opinion would be that they
would be treated in the bond market they would be treated the same. >> So there's really no difference. >> on his question? >> Let's start. >> What about an MSBU? >> MSBUs would not be looked as favorably upon by the >> [laughter]
>> By whom? >> By the by the people who buy bonds. Now, that's this is >> Why? >> I'm having to give you an opinion based on what the market has done before the legislature has decided to put this on the ballot.
Um the bond market has always looked at property tax backed bonds as being the most the most >> In Florida. >> In Florida. And they've looked at it as the as the best
highest value bonds with maybe the exception of a utility revenue bond that was that's double A or better. Um the only groups that tend to do a lot of
special assessment bonds are the CDDs. And because so many of those CDDs went under in '07, '08 the bond market still is a little queasy about that source. So
I my opinion would be and maybe bond counsel would give you a different opinion, but my but based on my observation over the years a MSTU bond that would that had gone to a voter referendum and was validated by the
court would would be a you'd get a better you'd get a lower interest rate. Bond market would would take those in better than a straight
MSBU style bond. Cuz they're Special assessments have to you have to prove special benefit. You know, there's there there are more hurdles. >> But if you get if you get over those hurdles, it's not it's not dependent upon
the um >> You don't have a a >> That's why I wanted to know >> a MSB if you had an MSBU and you were trying to float a bond against it you because it's not a tax under Florida law, you wouldn't have to go to
referendum. >> Yeah. >> We would still recommend that you validate it in court. Just because that that would give the bondholder more >> Okay, but I I know we're going to talk about MSBUs today or no? >> I That That's That's up to the board. I mean, those are
MSBUs or assessments or you you talking >> and no no MSBUs. >> Yeah, voters don't want >> MSTU or MSBU? >> MSBU, go forward. >> Yeah, that is a that is one that we did. >> And the judge said no. >> But Commissioner Commissioner Yeager was saying >> Yeah. Well, I just I asked that because of the
you know, how what was done in the past with the fuel tax, right? So, my my point it was is >> So, you can you can >> bond Yeah, if we do sales tax revenue as well, that's that's a different stream than ad valorem. >> when for example, like when you're
looking at the hits to the to the parks over you know, the two-year span and if there is a millage rate set and it's and it's capturing and it's guaranteed compounding money even though it's not to the level of what we were initially anticipating and the
board hypothetically picks a maintenance project and a new build uh that it allows how whatever volume of money that is to like it can go to work as it still grows. So, that was just a
>> You can use the proceeds of your MSTU to pay off your debt and make your debt service payments like any other expense, but as a revenue source to pledge would be a different story. As Jeff says, if it's a tax, it's general obligation. You would have to go to the voters for it.
Um we have pledged half-cent sales tax as a as a as a repayment source. I think recently for the Parks bond that that went out to to pay for, you know, so it can be used as a source of payment, but it's not the collateral if that makes sense.
>> the Is there a significant difference in the interest rates between the two mechanisms? >> That's all very much up in the air right now with the current current climate and conversation. We don't know. >> Yeah, so >> You're not bankers.
>> So, in the in the old in the before the before the amendment because you couldn't get to a bondholder on on a ad valorem tax stream unless you had taken it to the voters
they were very very secure in buying those bonds, so they came >> Right. >> they came in at a much lower interest rate. >> Yeah. >> Um so, a lot of it's contingent on like the market what's happening [snorts] in the market. And now not to get too
geeky, but like half-cent >> at the same time as you are? >> Right. And like half-cent sales tax is considered a little bit more volatile because the like the fits and ups and downs can happen much quicker than what you would see with like property taxes.
So, that tends to be more attractive on the bond market, but we've done a really good job in this county of maintaining good financial solvency in the last few years, especially in the general fund, that we have experienced really good interest rates when we have gone to the
market because it does look at your overall portfolio as well and what are your reserve levels and all of those things. And so, the board's commitment to maintain good reserve levels and um working towards structural balance has helped us achieve better interest rates when we have gone to market recently.
>> Unless you're Kevin Plusket then they just give you money for free. >> [laughter] >> Cleanest recycling materials. Is he Is he still here? Did he get to hear all that? >> No, unfortunately. That's too bad. >> [laughter] >> He got called up and said, "Oh boy, I'm out of here."
>> All right, so as we were As we were just discussing, oddly enough, great transition, um in the general fund, so ad valorem taxes is yes, the largest revenue in that fund, but it is not the only one. Um and you will see, important to note that
in this fund a very small percentage of the revenue is for charges for service, meaning we currently aren't charging directly for the services that get provided out of here. The majority of them are funded through the ad valorem taxes or that sliver, green sliver,
called federal and state. And what that is is the half cent sales tax and the guaranteed entitlement revenue that funnels and gets distributed from the state that we were just talking about. You all teed me up nice for that segue. Good job. All right, so then how are we currently
allocating those resources to our expense side of the house? So, the majority here is for public safety. And so, that includes sheriff, corrections, emergency management, uh juvenile detention center, um those kinds of things. Um
and that blue graph on the bottom, So, these are our mandated or general government type things. And so, um just to highlight a couple of the mandated services that maybe aren't widely understood to be mandates. So, public facilities, we are
mandated I know I've said that a few times today, right? But we are mandated to um care for and maintain our public facilities, and that does come with a cost. Um holding open meeting Yeah. >> for a minute? I'm just I can't get past this first little block up there on the right.
So, the sheriff's budget is at 198. The corrections budget as it now is at 88. >> Yes. >> So, it's about 67% to 33%. >> Team, can you translate that? And get back to me. I think.
>> I think I know where the commissioner's going with this, but I'll Yeah. I'll allow you to finish the thought. >> that like when we talk about the split >> Yes, sir. >> growth >> Mhm. >> I mean we're not getting near what we should be getting at, I would think. >> In terms of the allocation of new
>> Once again, we really dropped them down 10% from a 50/50 split. Now it's 60/40. The numbers here should be drastically different. I think you should break those numbers up to show what that split should be on the growth. That's that's that's an amazing number. It may maybe it is partly procurement but
that's driven up our costs. Which is something we need to go take a look at. >> Yes. >> Procurement and the staffing of the expansion. >> And the expansion, too. >> Yeah. >> I mean >> Yeah. >> All right. Thank you. >> Then also under those um mandated services, so having open meetings like
this is mandated by the state. And so, when we look at, you know, the budgets that contribute to that, roughly 6.6 million for maintaining open meetings. Um our Medicaid contra- contribution,
uh that's over 11 million for FY27. We just got those numbers in. I believe that was roughly 6% increase in FY26's contribution. All right, so what are those requirements? You know, some of the
things that we need to make sure are in this budget. So, looking at retirement rates, so we did calculate the retirement rates based off of the most recent bill and in there we see an increase for special risk and
an increase for elected. And the big increase for the special risk is the cost of living adjustment. And so, when we look at just our general fund impact for that, 787,000 increase for retirement.
We do have a wage increase baked into this budget of 3%. When we look at the constitutional request, excluding the tax collector and excluding the sheriff, we're looking at half a million increase.
Wesley Chapel Library, you'll see here 30,000 increase in 27 and then 890,000. The library team has done a great job of sharpening their pencils on timing and staffing and aligning resources, dollar resources and people resources with
>> [clears throat] >> when they'll need to have that fully running. And a lot of that based on the renovation happening at Hudson. And then we talked about Medicaid. That is an 11 million dollar expense for 27. Not on the slides because that was hot
off the press in an email. And then corrections union union wage increase under negotiation. All right, so looking at the five-year capital plan built into the general fund, you will see that the county administrator is recommending modest
investments mainly in maintaining our current infrastructure um to include both facilities and technology infrastructure. >> [snorts] >> Um and then we will do a deep dive into the rest of the proposed capital budget again in July. We just wanted to make
sure that we showed you the five-year plan in the general fund since that is germane to the the overall general fund conversation. So then I had talked earlier about how our teams really came in flat this year. And so this slide is a testament to the
hard work that happened um January through May to make sure that we really were just asking for those things that we need. And so you'll see a lot of our departments came under what their 2016 adopted budgets are. And where
we've increased it is due to contractual increases. So for corrections, um um inmate medical coverage and food service contracts. Now I will say the cost of those contracts went up by a larger amount than their budget went up because
they found other places that they could cut and tighten and make some sacrifice to try to absorb some of these contract increases. Um facilities management, same thing. Their contracts went up by a greater amount than their budget went up because there was a lot of pencil sharpening.
Um And then libraries, what you're seeing there, that's we're opening up a new library. All right. So the board has been committed to maximizing our funding that we receive from developers when they clear out lots to ensure that we're
putting those funds to work back in the community. So the team has been working very hard to come up with the five-year spend plan. Um they're really close to final on it, so we just wanted to give you a highlight of um, what to expect with the FY27 budget. So, looking at a
little over 400,000 for landscaping several of our parks and rec complexes. Um, 670,000 for landscaping at facilities. These are not um, this is not exhaustive, but inclusive of the Dade City Health Department, Elfers Historic Schoolhouse,
and the Stallings and Summit buildings. Um, public infrastructure looking at roughly 2.9 for median landscaping and landscaping aligned with road construction. And then for our planning team, looking at 1.5 million for small business grant
program. >> [clears throat] >> All right, so that gets us to the millage discussion. And so, for today, um, having a discussion around millage rates will allow the county administrator and the budget team to come back in July for the trim meeting with a recommendation.
Um, and so, let's talk kind of rules here. So, how the rest of this budget process operates in July, you guys will set what we call the ceiling on the millage rate, so the maximum amount. When we get to the final
the first and final hearing, we can come down, but we can't go up from those numbers that the board establishes in July. And so, with that, we are happy to um, have some discussion with you guys. >> Mr. Whitman. >> Um, I thought there was going to be another
slide here. >> I have backup slides, um, knowing that we were if I need the team to pivot to a backup slide, I'm more than >> to I mean, since we have since we have five the moving the rescue to
to the fire MSTU. That's probably a quicker conversation than the other. You want to jump to that one? >> Yep. All right. >> That's pretty easy one. >> All right. So, uh moving rescue into the fire MSTU. So, the um to a point that
Commissioner Weitman had made earlier, um the fire team has done a great Well, fire and rescue team has done a great job over the years of especially under Chief Quinn's leadership and guidance of making sure that they are properly aligning financial resources
when and where they need it. And so, they've experienced um we'll call it an increase in fund balance. And so, moving rescue expenses into the fire MSTU along with the associated revenues that fund um that fund that will
we will see additional money in the general fund fund balance by shifting those over. And so, we're able to increase the fire MSTU at a rate and then decrease by a like amount still be able to afford stations coming online
following their capital plan and alleviating some of the current and future expense pressures out of the general fund. Um so, this the the math just really works out and this movement uh is one of the key ways in which we can maintain structural balance
in the general fund. And then make sure that fire and rescue has dedicated resources when they need to um have stations come online for those demand for services without competing for those fundings with other general fund departments. >> I like it. Net impact to median home
value, zero. >> Yep. >> That's been the target of all the MSTUs um was to take like for like and and make those reductions accordingly. >> But um but if there is a 1/3 budget cut
that MSTU has a 1/3 budget cut. >> That is correct. >> Just so we our citizens know what they're voting on. It could be about a third revenue. >> to talk parks. >> Yeah, that's what I figured we hit that one since that was the last slide and we go back to the this one.
>> Okay, last slide [snorts] then. >> Yeah, this one. And this piece. >> All right, so Mickey, you want us to pivot to the high-level parks? >> Uh yeah, that would be fine. We can we can discuss that. Do you have those backup slides?
>> Heather, if you could pivot, it's going to be the summary table for um the park slides. Let me tell you what number it is in my packet, maybe that helps you. My packet says seven. Maybe yours does, too.
>> So, uh Amy, so if we do Oh, sorry, Terry. >> Doesn't matter. >> Thank you, Terry. >> It's the park summary, Heather. >> So, we do so >> keep going. >> Same kind of consensus all moving the 0.29 80 uh
mills for mills over, that puts us at a starting general fund millage rate of uh what? Six? For this this piece, that puts us at a at a starting millage rate of six what? Six? My math is
>> I missed your first part of your your first commission. >> general fund is 7.4042. >> That's right. >> Seemingly consensus is like for like on moving fire, so we move So, out of that 7.4 we deduct the 0.29
80, which comes to a a theoretically starting millage rate of 27742. >> So, assuming the reduction related to fire and a reduction to establishing parks as
they're currently funded, the general fund would be sitting at 6.5612. >> That's for both, though. >> But that's for both of both of them. >> So, he's asking right now just for the fire rescue. >> fire before we get into the parks discussion? >> I I think my math is 7.214, but someone
Someone check it. >> Yeah, let me get my calculator. 7.51.4. 042. >> 7.1062 is what general fund would be at just after the >> Okay. So, for the sake of of this conversation,
we're starting at 7.1062 hypothetically fire's with the fire the rescue component done. All right. That's the start. And you said with the current park parks budget like for like it moves general operating millage to
six what? >> 56. >> 65612. >> And that's just current >> current state. >> current state. Is there a slide on that? Is there a slide on that? With parks.
>> That that shows the reduction. >> You show you have a slide where there were different Uh-oh. >> You know, but I think that's one scenario that they did not I'm not I'm not necessarily seeing it's specifically there. >> Which scenario was that?
>> Your your closest one was your 2A scenario. Oh, 71062, here it is. Now we've got it. That's your option three. Five. Pull up slide five, Heather. >> I don't think her slide numbers are the same as us. What's the
>> No, they tracked. >> Okay. >> Keep going. >> Yep. Keep going. Back. Back. Almost there. >> That's easier, see? >> Turn it around. >> It's in your supplemental packet. >> Keep going.
Yeah, we've we've got it, Commissioner. Just Just keep going. >> All right, Heather, Eric's driving. >> Thank you. That. >> Just trying to get a new nickname, Agile Amy. Let that percolate. >> [laughter] >> I made Jeff laugh, I won.
>> So, Commissioner, what you see there is exactly what the Commissioner Weightman just just stated. The fire MSTU increases by the .29 number, um, and then the general op- >> Do we have this slide or is this just >> It It should be I don't know if it's in your packet or not. >> you should have it and it's sample trim
notice option parts at zero. It doesn't mean anything. >> Yeah, okay. >> This is This is just moving fire, which is what the Commissioner's question was. >> moving >> So, just moving fire drops the starting general fund to 7.1.
And then we we do the same thing at parks as currently funded, it moves general fund to 6.5 6.6. Which is Go back to which is that.
>> Yeah. We don't have that slide. >> I don't think so. >> It's in the back of your package. >> It's not It's in the top of that whole packet. Oh, this this this one? Oh, okay. I'm looking here. Yes, it's here.
>> I got it right here. >> Okay. >> I do. >> Ah. >> And so >> I got it right here. >> So then the conversation lands on uh the uh trust fall exercise.
Right? Which I trust y'all on this. I'm committed to being the all in on parks with this. Commissioner Starkey says it's truly a legacy decision here. We're setting up for the future. We know strong parks build strong communities.
We know if we have a strong park system uh it just continues that incredible value to our community, higher home sales, better quality of life. Brings in good folks uh to live here and to come and travel here for tournaments and whatnot.
So based on you know the the property tax discussion, I think I feel we have an how government creates value is in key areas. Quality roads, short times in traffic, and then a second to none
park system. Um and so I'm I'm open to whichever you know option the board is comfortable with. I'm willing to be a aggressive with the
plan. Cuz the sooner we get the work done, the cheaper it's going to be. And um the quicker, you know, we we have a a sound community asset that drives,
you know, probably unquantifiable value >> [snorts] >> within housing stock, commercial business, tourism, you name it, right? So, >> [snorts] >> I'll open with that statement. >> Okay, well, can you talk about more specifically what
>> So, if we if if we look at this option two, uh the 0.54, what it what is um what does that do for parks? That's maintained parks, and does that let us >> Status quo. So, with >> That's just status quo.
>> Uh we can we have a slide that can kind of show what uh what that looks like. Uh Heather or Eric, do you want to drive this? In your supplemental packet, you can kind of look at slide number eight.
>> All right. So, cuz we're we're talking the parks option two, and so this is status quo plus 5 million additional for >> Nope. >> No? >> Nope. Option one, please. Go back. >> Option one. Okay. >> There you are. >> Option one. Yep. All right, I'm tracking
now. So, option one, this is everything that the parks department has today would get shuffled into >> into a >> MSTU. >> Correct. And so, the only thing that the only funding sources that that Keith and his team would have for new and capital
construction would just be the current rates of projected impact fees that would be assessed, and then whatever organic growth comes out of the MSTU, which presumably at this point would go into funding operations as he as he moves forward. So, it's uh it's a
like-for-like transfer. It It doesn't It doesn't add to the capital program or the needs and demands that you saw at the workshop. Is Mr. Wylie here? >> No. >> Oh. >> Which way? >> So, based on this conversation,
you know, the the demands on you heard, you know, we know there's parks that in on the west side lacking in maintenance, minimal parks on the east side, 8% growth on the east side.
>> It And >> [snorts] >> just trash for trash trash beyond that. >> [laughter] >> And uh >> That's what it is on two. >> You know, the the level So, aside from the MSTU, the reason [snorts] the park And we've grown younger, which is fantastic, by average age and
population since the COVID rush. And the property tax thing passes, I suspect more people will want to move down and get on the waiting list. And so, with with the development with the development pressures, and as more developments come online,
you know, we're asking um people from all across the county to pay for this. And the only reason one of the one of the reasons that we're in this situation is because of the level of development growth that's come here. So, do we have, on top of the MSTU
conversation, and aside from the um the the the the impact fees that we've that have been increased, >> [snorts] >> do we go
to the developers and say, "Hey, you need to do more because you're building all these houses with all these folks coming here, and demand the 100, you know, once that closing happens, right? That crew cares about the closing and there's 130 demands that come out of each one of
these new residents once all that's done and they're situated. Yeah, are are there other mechanisms and abilities to stand up our park system to make it as robust as we're all hoping to have uh
by using them. Like require them you know, we need parks and we have you know, two rivers for example and we paid what we paid for the Bob Thomas Park. [snorts] But do we start having requirements that say, "Hey, you there's a real parks
component within the development process on these larger scale developments? It's because of those projects that these challenges have arisen, right? And the public can only share you know, carry so much of the water. Uh you know, North Hudson, the more rural
areas, everything north of 52 from the gulf to the swamp. You know, it's going to be less dense there. And you know, so they're they're carrying the water for the more urbanized and areas of the county.
So, I'm just trying to get creative on how if there's any other mechanisms on how we build a robust park system that's second none, that's world class. Um I'm striking the balance. What's kind of that high-level thought
process and military to get there where the taxpayers aren't necessarily carrying you know, the full bucket. So, just creative creative thought processes there is what I'm trying to come up with on how we land to a
successful I Go ahead. >> Um Well, uh David could attest to what happened at the Starkey Regional Park where the developer took the developer did take a lot of responsibility for the first 7 years, 8
years. I don't know if you know the number. >> It was seven. It would be >> Cuz they looked at it as a great asset for their for selling houses in the community. >> They did They did take on the maintenance responsibility for a period of 7 years, but we helped subsidize that
over time and then eventually we took over the maintenance. >> Yeah, but that you know, if we could get more We didn't make them do it they voluntarily. >> But that was a fairly unique arrangement and we haven't found another developer willing to do that since.
>> And I think that's that's the point I was I was going to make is is you you will you will have to appeal to the good nature of your developer partners for that. Uh to make it compulsory, that's what your impact fee is for. Um you know, and that is that's what
they're legally obligated to to to pay and quite honestly you're you're a little you're a little caught up in that because you just raised it. So you really you know, there's there's rules now and and and increasing in in you know, how to increase that. You know, we have to pay market value for land. There's There's a number of rules that
have been put into place that um I guess the days of of sort of getting concessions from developers um it's you really have to apply to the good nature and and have partners that that see the value in it as well as you do. >> We do have another partner um
Westbay. I don't know if Keith's had time to um pursue this, but in meeting with them on the Mitchell 41 property um and telling them about the equestrian opportunities in Jumping Gully and all around there um and with their new
um development, they are very interested in partnering with us on advancing the building out of quality equestrian facilities there. So that uh in lieu of um fees or you know, and if
they would accelerate it so that they could be part of a marketing you know, ploy with their development. Um the other thing I would say you know, I'm the I'm a huge supporter of parks. Everyone knows that. But I have I have a little fear
if we show a if we were to put more money in the parks MSTU by raising a millage. I think I don't want to add fuel to a fire of getting more people to vote for the
for the 60% for the great. Um but I what I would like to suggest is that we take and take that money that Passano's giving us and just flat give it to parks. >> That's a good idea. >> Um and so so it doesn't necessarily
build up their MSTU for next year. Um but if this doesn't go through, then we can you know, work with the parks MSTU and add more next year, but at least we get him some more capital money uh without raising the millage uh
for this year. >> I like that idea. >> The the the premise to the the thought process is if we somehow find a new agreement with the development folks they don't have to go to procurement.
They don't have to have they don't have to pay all the cost through through procurement. They can get to work right away. They're already mobilized on site in the area. Um and it helps stretch the public dollar
further and helps the park system come online quicker instead of waiting on the sales snail's speed of of government, right? Because we're in the world of
now. People want it now and the demand is now. And so that's that's the rationale of thought process. >> They may want impact fee credits for that. So it's still a hit to the parks department.
>> That's correct. Yeah. >> it it would what the commissioner saying is it we treat it the same way we treat roads in some some instances where development builds it, we give them credits as long as they're not not upside down, they'll
usually go for that sort of a scenario and it gets done faster and potentially at a lower cost. >> Yes. I say we do both. >> Yeah, you're seeing that. We're we're doing that already with roads. As Nick likes to tell me we're we're building our infra- we're building our roads inch
by inch, but but I mean that's that's okay, right? I fully believe in in leveraging our relationship with our developers to help get our infrastructure built. That would include that would include parks. I know we we actually contemplated that and gave that some consideration with the with the two rivers park. You know,
those were you know, we just couldn't come to an agreement on that from what I understand. So that's always on the table. To Commissioner Starkey's point though, typically typically they're going to want credit. Typically they're going to you know, they're they're going to want something in return, which which of course is is
fine. But if you're talking about leveraging and really truly moving the needle on on the taxpayer dollars, um your your biggest lever is your impact fee, which you've already raised. >> Yeah. >> And Kathy? >> Yes, um Keith Wiley is on Teams and he does want to >> Your mic's on. Your mic's on.
>> Oh, sorry. Uh Keith Wiley is on. >> The top. >> So we want to get him to comment. He does want to make some comments. >> You hear me now? >> There you go. >> Keith Wiley is on and like to make some comments.
>> Can you say that one more time? >> [laughter] >> They have to. >> Keith, you're muted. Are you muted? >> Oh, it's not he's How can he can he not talk? >> No, I can Kathy, I can hear you. Mr. Chairman, can you hear me? >> Yes, very loud. >> All right, so sorry I can't be there. Um
couple quick responses to the discussion about impact fees and I don't know if David Goldstein is still in the room, but um it would be extremely difficult for developers to monetize. I mean, in order for them to do the deal that I think
Commissioner Weightman was discussing you have to have some some entitlements left over and most of the cases where we are on our on our six major park projects, the build-out scenarios for those for those projects, for those developments, they're well past 60, 70%.
So, there's going to be no developer that will build um strike a deal with the county when they can't monetize those credits. So, so the ship is the ship's sailed on on those projects. The other thing is that I think Mr. Carballo already called out, we've already increased the impact fee. We went through a study that was
required by statute and there's additional statute restrictions on how often you can increase that. So, um that's also not a path forward. Um and I appreciate the discussion and the creativity to maybe look for other ways to get this done, but I think it's my job to tell you that that that is a
dead end officially in my opinion. Um and I'm hoping if David's in the room, he could confirm some of the things that I just just stated cuz I don't have the statute language in front of me. I don't think we would be able to convince anyone that um of the extraordinary
circumstances requiring and maybe Jeff can opine on that, too, um in terms of raising the impact fees. >> I think you've already done it. That's the problem. >> we're discussing that. We're not discussing that, Keith. We know we just did that. Um >> I think the only chance for a for
developer to get in to actually see the value like they saw at Starkey to say our property will be worth more more money even even during it's worth more money having the park built in ahead of time. Um clearly >> force them to see that. >> No, we can't. It it it it it takes a a smart businessman to actually see it and
go and and be able to capitalize but um I agree the impact fees are as high as they're going to be and now we got to look at where we're going to go. But let me let me just bring this conversation up. As we're going to be looking at what's going to happen come November, whether this vote gets voted up or down. Um
much as we looked at the the sheriff MSTU and how complex that was going to be because we're going to have to like protect ourselves by putting the millage up high or keep the millage up where it was and then add the MSTU on top of that to go forward. We're talking a lot about trust right
here. But I don't think it's just a matter of trust we need to look at. And Keith, you might not like I'm going to say this but I'm I'm just thinking for for the long term to really protect us for the what we're in front of us is right now. What are we going to do? How are we going to discuss? You know, listening to uh Tax
Collector Tax Collector Cassidy talked about how he's losing money on licenses, losing money on on uh registrations. That type of thing is just his budget. And all all the other things that are mandated in here we are going to have I think such a battle
to be able to show people here's what you're going to lose uh if this goes through. Uh and and again, just when we saw the devastation at 100,000 if not 150, never mind 250, to what it's going to do I think. As much as I want to protect parks and from what I'm hearing, if we're just
going to go net zero I don't know if we I really want to complicate the matter. I I If you want to go further with it to say put put more things in it I'd be more inclined to go with it. But if I'm just going to keep it and I'm going from one to the other I don't think it's I think it's just
going to be confusing to people out there what we're really trying to do. Because right now we should be focused on what this effect is going to be in the budget. Never mind how this MSTU is a neutral thing. It can't hurt anybody. But you got to try to spend time justifying that. And going through that you you making
this whole thing I think complex going that way. Now if you really want to go forward and go bigger and and go to the option two or three where you're going to put all these projects in is where we're going to get if we go this way. It may carry more weight and more attention to it but to keep it just the same I'm
going to say it's it's it's not the trust thing as we talked like last week. I'm not worried about the trust thing so much. I'm just worried about the message that we have to deal with right now. Our focus I think we're one year or two early with this at this point because our focus got to be
what are we dealing with right now and what's going to be in front of the people. If this thing goes through you know, just go back to you know, '07 '08. We had to cut parks and libraries 29%. And if you factor those things into the other things that we have our senior services that we're going up there. Like
how many if we have a huge waiting list in Meals on Wheels. That's going to be disintegrate. I mean all these things that are out there that need to be part of the discussion and you you can talk about how they talked about they did this approval for this budget change drastically affecting
67 counties. They did it in two days. How can you research something when you couldn't even get through the regular session through the six months they had before that and now in two days we're going to slam it through with whether the leverage was getting projects done or not. Uh I mean I I I just I just hate to see us
take away from that discussion when we're trying to do what's the right thing to do the thing cuz I think parks should be separated out. I think that we did a great thing with the roads and we had rehabilitation project to take those out. We saved a ton of money on all the paving assessment and between
the hearings, between the money, the recording. The efficiencies of that project [clears throat] is phenomenal. And in for two years since putting it in, I've tried to get more money into that. So, again, let's let's let's talk about it a little bit, but to go from one to the other, why am I going to get in that world and worry about even the trust
factor when I got a big situation right in front of me? Mr. Weidman, and then we'll go to Commissioner Yeager. >> Thank you. Yes, so to your point, Chair, on um the reduction of
revenues. If we're proactive and and bold on the parks decision, it's a it's it's me being hopeful and optimistic
that the the the decision on the parks is that it continues to drive a higher-level selling price, even though say the the the homestead is what it is, it's capped,
but if our park system becomes world-class, that it drives the selling point in the higher value of the home. And so, instead of being, you know, three, four, 500,000 today with the current park system,
and it drives it to six, seven, eight, nine, or higher because of the value of our park system, it's a proactive move, I think, on government on how it can
drive values in the ancillary uses, such as your, you know, whether it's residential, commercial, other development factors in there. So, that's that's kind of the rationale that is the rationale behind my thought
process of truly investing in in in the in the parks and not just necessarily the the net, you know, shift from A A to B for proactive and we set a a millage rate that really does the work
that folks want and something happens in the market or for our market, our our budgetary process, but we put a mechanism in place that's rehabilitating parks and adding new parks and because of that continues to drive
higher home values our home prices, selling prices and what have you, that's that's the that's the rationale behind my thought process is it being more of a a a a not just have world class, but proactive in the sense of if if if the
property tax uh referendum does pass. So, I you can cut it either way, it's not an argument, it's just kind of I want to share my the rationale behind my thought process. >> Okay. Thank you, Chair. >> Thank you, Commissioner >> So, just throwing it out there, what do you guys think on option 2A? So, you
have you're lowering the millage rate and if we I I and I know this is not a lot of money when when you when in the big scheme of things, but if you knock that to 4 million and then take the million like Commissioner Sarky said, so we take the million from that to make it 5
million. People would get parks because we just did the surveys and they really want parks. I'm nervous about doing nothing with parks because the people are asking for it. So, um with this option, we'd still be lowering
the millage. People would get their parks and if you look at the parks that would be completed in option uh two I mean, it stinks that there's no there's nothing on the west side, but
central and east wouldn't >> Commissioner Beger, um >> One moment, Commissioner Beger. >> Okay. And >> I just think option three is is just too You know what I'm saying? We're not really Parks doesn't really get anything.
Cuz they're at zero. >> Which one are you saying, two? Two or two A? >> Yeah, so I want to clarify. So we've got some and I am extremely apologetic for the confusion. So we've got Parks options 1 2 3 4 5. And then we've got sample trim notice
options and those are slightly different. It's not perfectly aligned. My bad. I will do this better next time. Um aligned in the option numbering. So let's walk through um So
Commissioner Yeager, we're talking Parks option two where we're adding We're adding >> I was saying if we added 4 million, right, and took the million from Visanto, even though, you know, it's not a lot of money in in the big scheme of
things, but I was just throwing that out there. >> Do you mean 4 million from, say, the 3 million from Visanto? >> option right here, from option two A. >> put she's on the sample trim. >> Okay, so the sample trim where we would we would be >> This one. >> establishing >> what Amy is saying is you've got these
options and you've got those options. >> two A >> Yeah, it was kept it very confusing for So sample trim option two A would be keeping um Keith's operating budget in the general fund, but establishing the
MSTU for additional capital maintenance. >> I want to move the MSTU. >> for capital maintenance, which we could reduce to four. >> That's what she's saying. >> Right? >> Yeah, she's saying to go ahead and and and reduce the amount of that capital maintenance bill
um and then just make up for that some other general fund. We would we would fund Correct. I mean, it's all it's all in the in the bag of money. >> And we're reducing general fund by like amount, so it's a net impact to the taxpayers. >> Right. >> My preference is to get to get that
started with the MSTU, but I keep the millage rate the same and supplement him with the Fassano giveback money. >> That's what he had your >> That seems I saw it Now I now I see a cut. >> for the general budget goes.
>> I'm sorry. But you guys continue to talk. >> Well, you want to lower millage down, so now I'm seeing a cut in the budget, so to to say that we're going to get a shot at putting an MSTU in, which could get voted back. I've already got it started with the lower millage. Now it now it's making the situation worse than it would have been in front of me.
>> Yeah, I can't for 2A? For right here? >> I think what the commissioner's referring >> No, no, if we're going to cut the millage, right? And right now, with what we're facing next year, >> We can't cut that. >> I mean, that it's going to be devastating what this goes through. You want to say about protecting parks and libraries? Uh but parks,
to keep this simple, we've got to we've got to keep the focus on exactly what we're doing. See all the pages we've got to look at to figure out what we want to go do, how we want to go structure it out, how we take money from here and over to there? Try to imagine the public looking at what we're trying to do. I think I think I'm going to I'm going to say it. I think we just need to stay
with If you want to protect the parks in the budget this year, protect the parks in the budget this year. We just got to say we want the money spent. It gets spent that way. I don't need an MSTU to direct it. I don't need this extra mechanism that's going to cloud everything that's going on out there. If we're going to go look at looking at what the effect is going to be and
showing people what the effect is going to be if this thing goes through, that should be our biggest focus. Whether we put an MSTU in right now or not, doesn't matter to my opinion. >> So, what do you think to the citizens? They're going to say they're not cutting my millage right now, and then they may vote for the the property tax. >> we can cut the millage. But I'm saying
to throw an MSTU in the mix of all that to say how we're here and why we're doing it is not going to work with me. >> But the millage would show a reduction. >> Right, the millage would show a reduction. >> Right. >> On the track. >> If you're going to go If you're going to go for that, go for that, but let's get the MSTs out of the out of the
conversation. However you want to park protect the parks or not protect them, that can be done in the budget discussion. But I'm going to I'm going to say as of right now I don't like where this is going cuz I think it's just too confusing to what we want to do. And I And I I'm a huge
believer in the parks. I think we should put them in there, but right now this discussion is going to be about what how devastating everything's going to be, not just parks, libraries, services, etc. If this thing passes. >> So what are you saying if you get rid of the the parks MST, how much would you allocate to parks?
>> He's not saying get rid of it. He's saying fund it at zero. >> I think I think the commissioner is basically saying same level. >> Like we did last year. >> Just exactly what you did last year. >> You'll have the flexibility to go do that. We don't have to go have an MST to say we're going to protect parks. We just say we're protecting parks.
>> It's all encompassing. >> This is unnecessary stuff and again from the discussion we have to have all the effects. I want to keep it simple. >> Commissioner Yager, to your earlier point, if if the board wants to to Commissioner Mariano's point you want to fund capital maintenance at the full 8
million you let me know that and then we will go back and craft the general fund budget in a in a manner that adds those additional 5 million dollars, you know, to Mr. Wiley's budget. You know, it'll come from somewhere else, but we'll figure that piece out. >> get done.
>> No, I mean other than the normal capital slate and I believe what Commissioner Mariano is referring to is uh maintain course and speed um through these turbulent times and then assess next year.
>> I'm proud of it. It's being like D2 in the MSTU. >> [laughter] >> But the language but the language in the MSTU is very good language. >> It's all encompassing where before it was just the previous MSTU military
parks was >> Just maintenance. >> This one incorporates maintenance and new capital so that [snorts] that's that's a good structure of the MSTU even if it does stay at zero. Look, I I have to leave here in 1 minute.
>> 2 and 1/2 Dr. >> a funeral but I'm willing I think we're all pretty much aligned here. It's just how we how we get there but you know, if we have one that's that's on the fence and you know, I I don't I don't feel any
pressure in bickering over it. It's just a matter we all want to try to do the right thing. We do. >> for on this? >> I want to scrap the MSTU >> as well. >> We're going to go look at this and we're going to focus this thing through. Do you want to protect the parks or you want to put more money in the parks? So be it. You can do it. We have control of the budget.
I am worried about the following year and what's going to happen and how we're going to have to go deal with it because I will tell you I've lived through '07-'08 we had all those cuts of 39%. I've I've lived with people screaming all these seniors that couldn't spend $2 to go to Green Key because I couldn't afford the parks. >> So are you for option three? Is that
what you're for? >> I'm not worried about the MSTU right now. >> That's what I'm saying. The option three delay parks MSTU and move and still move rescue to the MSTU. >> I don't even know if rescue's going to be there right now. >> I think the commissioner is saying option four. >> Well, the MSTU and fire is performing
>> But then millage stays the same. >> Correct. >> It's level. >> Mr. Chairman >> Just on your last comment, you already moved rescue into the fire MSTU and so you're going to be establishing a millage for it this budget season. So
that one is sort of a done deal. >> So let me with with with a with a minute to go on the pressure that I got two minutes to get ready to go. I think this was like a conversation for the future. Good conversation though. >> Yeah, because right now I I don't mind delaying the parks MSTU.
Like you said, we can fund it. Um but I I am for lowering the millage. Not keeping it the same. >> That'll be part of the budget discussion we have coming up. >> Correct. >> I'm just I'm just trying to keep it simple that we're going to we don't bring in something brand new that we can say we're doing this to go here.
People need to keep it simple. We need to keep it simple to say this is what we're facing. This is how important parks and libraries are, etc. >> But I do want to give them money. Parks. >> You can do that. >> Yeah. >> You can put that in the budget. >> Yeah. >> We have full control. Okay. With three.
With three it's on general funds, right? >> We only need three? >> On general. >> On general. Yes, ma'am. >> [laughter] >> All right. So we're going to adjourn the meeting just because I know you have two minutes left to go. >> Thank you, Chair. >> Thank you all very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you and top budget. >> Show the shot. >> I like I like
>> I'm ready. We'll definitely wait here. >> David is not trained yet. >> It sounds like it's going in the right direction. Rescue. >> I have MSTU money. >> Yeah. >> But >> Still rescue. >> The parks are out of the MSTU. >> Yeah.