July 25, 2001 Special Meeting 9:00 A.M. Commission Minute Book No. 33 Page 412

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1 July 25, 2001 Special Meeting 9:00 A.M. Commission Minute Book No. 33 Page 412 The Board of County Commissioners of Citrus County, Florida, met in special session on the above date for the purpose of conducting preliminary budget hearings on the 2001/2002 budget. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Commissioner Fowler led in the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. Commissioners: Administrator: Management & Budget Director Clerks: Commissioners Roger Batchelor, Chairman; Jim Fowler, First Vice Chairman; Gary Bartell, Second Vice Chairman; Commissioners Vicki Phillips and Josh Wooten Richard Wm. Wesch Cathy Taylor Betty Strifler, Clerk; Theresa Steelfox and Glenda Brown, Deputy Clerks Mr. Wesch extended his thanks to Cathy Taylor, Ken Saunders, and the Department Heads and Division Directors for their hard work and assistance in preparing the budget for fiscal year 2001/2002. He stated that the taxable value increase for the year 2001 was 6.34%, that new construction during 2001 was an additional $147,938,851 to the taxable value, and that the FY 2001/2002 budget was funded without an increase in the County s millage rate. He added that the budget was developed based on policies and guidelines from the Board s goal setting session in January 2001, and that the budget reflected those policies through implementing the following items: Included a 1% General Fund Reserve for Contingency at $500,000; A Pay for Performance system had been developed for implementation in October 2001, which allowed for salary increases of 0-6%, employee evaluations would be conducted on their anniversary date and therefore, the increases would be staggered throughout the year and would be funded based on historical averages; Utility revenues were projected including a 2.5% index as recommended by the Public Service Commission; and Reduced the retirement accounts in accordance with the new State Guidelines for a saving of approximately $400,000. Mr. Wesch reviewed the following service highlights: Community Services - The budget included funding for a 2,500 square foot expansion of the Extension Office; the relocation and expansion of the tennis and volleyball courts, and the parking lot in Bicentennial Park; the expenditures related to the operation of the West

2 (Continued) Page 413 Citrus Community Center which was purchased during 2001; and the purchase of an additional bus and the related personnel and operating expenditures for the transit system. Public Safety - A reduction of $49,250 was proposed based on the estimated count and jail population growth at the Citrus County Detention Facility. The Nature Coast EMS proposed budget reflected a County contribution of $754,912, and service enhancements included an increase from 12-hour coverage to 24-hour coverage for a quick response vehicle in Sugarmill Woods and a transport unit in Crystal River. The Volunteer Firefighter call response reimbursement was budgeted to increase from $7.50 per call to $10. Also included were funds for Firefighter t-shirts, a volunteer appreciation picnic, and training aids for the Fire Training Center. Public Works - Commitment to preserve and enhance the quality of the County's lakes, rivers, and drinking water, with continued work on the Homosassa Wastewater Collection System and the Chassahowitzka Sewer Projects. Muck removal would continue with a line item at $125,000 and there was $5.4 million dollars for Phase II of the landfill expansion. The utility budget showed a 14.2% increase in revenue, primarily due to the pending rate increase, and contained nearly $2 million dollars in water system expansion along SR-44 from Croft Avenue to Highview Avenue and from Three Rivers Industrial Park to Crystal Oaks. Maintenance Operations budget showed increases due to an increasing number of buildings including the 40,000 square foot Judicial Facility, the recently acquired West Side Senior Service Center, and the re-opening of the Historic 1912 Courthouse. Funds also included constructing restroom facilities and a new play area in Eden Park, as well as miscellaneous enhancement projects for other neighborhood parks throughout the County. Sheriff - Funding was included for a 4.5 million-dollar radio upgrade program to address public safety concerns resulting from inadequate coverage in areas of the County. The expansion of the Courthouse required funding for additional deputies for security and Courthouse functions. Systems Management - Funding to replace major components of the wide area network, equipment would be able to handle the anticipated increase in the volume of traffic over the next five years. Upgrading of internet-related equipment was included. Replacement of approximately 30 percent of the computers used by County staff was planned. Non-Departmentals - Funding for the debt service on the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector building located on the Stovall property was estimated at $320,000 for a project cost of $2,500,000 financed for a ten-year term. Community Development A base map that included aerial photography and mapping of ground features to begin as the foundation upon which the Geographical Information System (GIS) would be developed with a project cost of $130,610. There were also funds to create an accurate address database and map.

3 (Continued) Page 414 Personnel - Five general revenue supported positions (2 full time and 3 part time). Also, five positions funded through special revenue sources. CLERK Clerk to the Board (Page 2/$894,067); Clerk of County Courts (Page 4/$841,336); Accounts Receivable (Page 6/$134,225); Utility Billing (Page 8/$59,557); Historical Resources (Page 10/$78,964) Mrs. Strifler reviewed the funding requests as follows: The reduction in budget was due to the reduction in the contribution to the State Retirement System. There were no significant changes to Historical Resources or Accounts Receivable. The Clerk s employees would also receive a performance based merit increase with no cost of living adjustment, to be consistent with the Board. The Information System upgrade funded through last year's budget was on schedule, with all modules going live on October 1, except for payroll going live on January 1. There had been many accomplishments in record management, with the assistance of Gary Maidhof, Director of Development Services. There had been a greater effort made to collect unpaid traffic fines. The increase in the Utility Billing budget was for three part-time meter readers, software maintenance, and training. She also gave an update of the Constitutional Amendment to Article V and responded to Commissioner Bartell by stating that most of the funding under Clerk of County Courts would no longer be budgeted by the Board with the implementation of Article V. She distributed a comparison of County Clerk Office budgets and stated that her office had fewer personnel, lower budget requests, and a lower budget overall. (I-804/9:28 A.M.) CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE (Page 12/$355,055) Judge Thomas presented a check for $9, representing the fourth quarter payment of the Child Dependency Program. 3.7%. John Sullivan, Director of Courts, stated that there had been a requested increase of DRUG COURT GRANT (Page 14/$45,585) Judge Thomas presented the Drug Court Criteria (filed with the Clerk's agenda). She stated that there had been a gross jail savings of $125,000 over the past year due to the Drug Court Program, which did not include the costs of taking depositions, medical treatment, transcripts, costs of appeal, County employee time, etc. She added that staff had continued to request grants for the Adult Drug Court Program. She mentioned that they had been successful in getting a Juvenile Drug Court Program; however, the funding had to be directed towards juveniles, not adults. She advised that there were 51 people in the program at this time and that the program was very successful.

4 (Continued) Page 415 Judge Thomas replied to Commissioner Phillips by stating that the first graduating class would be in December, that clients would be tracked, that out of 7,000 drug tests there had been less then 1% positive, etc. Raymond Cox, Drug Court Coordinator, invited the Board to attend a Drug Court hearing so that they could see first hand what occurred. Commissioner Bartell stated that he had been skeptical, that proof was coming back in reports, and that they should be applauded for their efforts. Commissioners' Fowler and Wooten stated that they were glad that the program was working and saving the County money. Judge Thomas responded to Commissioner Batchelor by stating that when the Juvenile Drug Court becomes operational in the fall, the Coordinator's salary could possibly be split with the Adult Drug Court, which could lower the budget by 25%. She added that if the 25% were left in the budget, it would assist in educational training for the Coordinator. PUBLIC DEFENDER (Page 16/$168,261) Mr. Wesch stated that there was an increase of 111% in this budget and that the Board was obligated by Florida Statute to provide the additional funding. Mrs. Taylor replied to Commissioner Phillips by stating that the budget included a legal secretary position. Discussion ensued regarding the processing of cases quicker, problems with hiring attorneys, competitive salaries, the impact that Article V would have on this budget, the calculation of additional jail time for inmates based on the lack of representation, etc. Mr. Wesch stated that staff would try to calculate the additional jail time for inmates as directed. He advised that staff had coordinated a meeting in August where the two Circuit Court Judges, the Public Defender, and the State Attorney would try to work out strategies for processing cases through the system faster to reduce the jail population count. He added that one of the difficulties in operating the jail facility was the latest legislature with regard to minimum mandatory jail sentences both for drug offences and domestic violence cases. (I-1547/9:48 A.M.) STATE ATTORNEY (Page 18/$90,788) Mr. Wesch stated that this budget had an 11.9% increase. VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM (Page 20/$56,732) Mr. Wesch advised that this budget had increased approximately 13%. TEEN COURT - FINES (Page 22/$42,192) Mr. Wesch stated that this budget had an increase of 2.9%.

5 (Continued) Page 416 Tom Moore, Teen Court Coordinator, stated that Teen Court had been in operation for six years, that funding had been secured for the next three years, that approximately 875 young people had been in the program, etc. Mrs. Taylor responded to Commissioner Phillips by stating that Teen Court was still a special revenue fund and funded through the court funds and a grant from the Department of Juvenile Justice. TOURIST TAX (Page 24/$354,400) Mr. Wesch stated that due to the reorganization this year within the County Administrator's Office, Mary Craven's full salary was transferred to this item. He added that a request for a vehicle had been withdrawn earlier in the week and therefore the line item for the automobile, and maintenance should be removed and adjustments would be made for the final budget hearing. Commissioner Bartell replied to Commissioner Wooten stating that the $40,000 budgeted for inquiry responses was a separate decision from the process of going through the Bid Committee for a Request for Proposal (RFP). He added that there had not been a decision made by the Tourist Development Council (TDC), that the idea was presented and then sent to the Bid Committee. He advised that anyone could bid; i.e. Homosassa Chamber, Citrus Chamber, or an outside independent, and that one advantage to someone other than the TDC being responsible for the inquiries was that they would be open on Saturdays when Mrs. Craven's office was not. COUNTY PLANNING Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority ($47,234); North Central Florida Health Planning Council ($23,617); and Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council ($6,024) (I/ :00 A.M.) The Chairman recessed the meeting and reconvened at 10:22 A.M. PUBLIC WORKS Road Maintenance (Page 28/$5,425,132) Mr. Wesch stated that there had been no new requested positions, and a 3% increase in budget. Road Maintenance CIP (Page 30/$440,000) Mr. Wesch stated that there was a decrease of 7.8%. Aviation - General (Page 32/$104,233); CIP (Page 34/$170,975) Mr. Wesch stated that there was a 3.9% increase in the Aviation-General budget. He added that there was a 42.6% increase in the CIP, however 90% of those projects were funded through outside resources. Landfill (Page 36/$9,002,126)

6 (Continued) Page 417 Mr. Wesch stated that there was a decrease in positions in the maintenance area, however a position would be added to the Scale House operation as recommended by the Internal Auditor in her Audit Report to the Board. Mrs. Taylor stated that due to the loss of State grants, some positions would be brought back into the regular operating budget. Litter Program (Page 42/$177,087) Mr. Wesch stated that staff was recommending one position as a Litter Control Supervisor to supervise an additional inmate litter crew. Commissioner Phillips stated that the Litter Program was a noble program, but that it seemed the roads were just as bad the day after the litter control was done. She expressed her concerns of doubling the program and still having the need to cure the problem by educating and enforcing. Commissioner Bartell concurred with Commissioner Phillips, and stated that there was a greater need for more education and law enforcement than the remedy of going behind cleaning up after people continually. Commissioner Fowler alluded to the citizens and haulers with uncovered loads going to the landfill as the biggest problem with the litter on the sides of the roads. Mr. Wesch stated that if a load comes to the landfill uncovered, staff doubled the fee. He reiterated that the problems with litter were with self-haulers and substandard contract haulers, which was why the Board had been discussing Universal Collection. Discussion ensued about enforcement, provisions in the haulers contracts that needed to be enforced, education, etc. Commissioner Fowler suggested setting up a camera at the Scale House to videotape the haulers coming in, and to videotape the transactions taking place. He added that a lot could be learned from the videos, that a camera would not cost that much, that there would be a visual record of everything that takes place, etc. Mr. Wesch responded to Commissioner Phillips by stating that staff could not issue a citation, but that the uncovered loads were double charged. He added that staff could produce a record of the double charged loads to show how much enforcement had been taking place to date. Commissioner Bartell agreed with the installation of the camera at the Scale House, and stated that additional resources needed to be put towards prevention and enforcement resources rather than to adding people cleaning up after other people. The Chairman agreed with the installation of the camera, and questioned if staff were actually charging double fees for every uncovered load, etc.

7 (Continued) Page 418 Directive: Staff to produce a record of the double charged loads to date and make available to the Board. Commissioners Bartell and Phillips stated that they would rather the additional funds be put towards prevention, education, and the purchase of the camera. Mr. Wesch replied to Commissioner Bartell's question by stating that under Chapter 162, Florida Statutes, there was the ability to constitute a Civil Citation Program, which would empower County employees to issue civil non-criminal citations. He added that this type of program could be crafted, and could be made specific to the Landfill as he suggested. Directive: County Attorney s Office to get information on the Civil Citation Program and report back to the Board. Short discussion of liability issues, camera installation, and that the Sheriff s Office would be assisting with traffic control at the Landfill on Mondays and Saturdays and possibly the Officer could issue citations on site. Commissioner Wooten expressed the importance of prevention and education, but felt that there was still a need for the additional litter crew. He reviewed what the Board had done this year regarding litter; i.e., new signs, studying mandatory garbage, "Keep Citrus Beautiful" Program. He added that there was a need for a comprehensive plan, and suggested a workshop to discuss solutions. He also mentioned the cleaning up of the illegal dumpsites. Mr. Wesch replied to Commissioner Phillips' questions by stating that the main intent of the position of Litter Control Supervisor was for the roadside clean up. He added that there had been enough inmates lately to work on an additional crew, and if there weren't enough inmates, they could be pulled from other departments and litter control could be a priority. Commissioner Bartell advised that there was a policy to help clean up illegal dumps, and that there needed to be enforcement of existing Ordinances and policies by County personnel and the Sheriff's Office before expanding services. Commissioner Phillips stated that she could not support doubling the budget before concentrating on enforcement, education, and a comprehensive plan first. She suggested putting an ad in the newspaper to educate people regarding uncovered loads, and giving them notice that the County was going to start enforcing it. The Chairman believed that a combination of things was needed to correct the problem; i.e., continued education, additional crews for litter control, mandatory garbage pickup, reviewing the existing Ordinances, etc.

8 (Continued) Page 419 Commissioner Fowler agreed with adding the new crew now and the need to work on other solutions also. (II-91/10:55 A.M.) Recycling (Page 44/$453,891) Mr. Wesch stated that there was a decrease from the current budget to the recommended budget. Hazardous Waste (Page 46/$75,606) Citrus Springs MSBU (Page 48/$653,220) Mrs. Taylor explained that the Beverly Hills MSBU should have been listed with the Citrus Springs MSBU under Public Works as Commissioner Phillips stated. Aquatic Weed Control (Page 50/$2,240,734) Commissioners discussed the drought, muck removal, spraying of aquatic weeds, long term solutions, dredging, Army Corp of Engineers (Corp) study, etc. Mr. Wesch stated that the Corp study was a four year study program and was approximately one-third complete. He added that the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) recommended that the County support the study, and when the study was finalized it would form the basis to seek both Federal and State money to restore the lake chain on a universal perspective. He suggested that the Board work on a global solution perspective, which was the dredging of the lake chains. Commissioners agreed that a more aggressive approach was needed for a global solution for the restoration of the lakes, that constant maintenance was not the solution, etc. Mr. Wesch suggested that the $125,000 budgeted for muck removal activities be put aside until the study was done, and use the money for future lake restoration. Directive: Remove the $125,000 for muck removal activities and put into a reserve account for a global solution for the lake chains. Beverly Hills MSBU (Page 218/$56,032) Mr. Wesch stated that the Beverly Hills MSBU was a new unit this year. Lake/Fishing Improvements (Page 52/$33,940) Public Works Administration (Page 54/$390,745) Water & Waste Water (Page 56/$3,739,568) Mr. Wesch stated that there were two requested positions (Utility Maintenance Worker and Utility Technician) due to the fact that the system was growing. Wastewater Expansion (Page 60/$3,915,000)

9 (Continued) Page 420 Utilities Renew and Replacement (Page 62/$1,048,000) WRWSA Renewal and Replacement (Page 64/$126,938) Maintenance Operations (Page 66/$3,358,474) Mr. Wesch stated that the increase in this budget was reflective of the additional buildings that needed to be maintained. Fleet Maintenance (Page 68/$814,154) Mr. Wesch stated that there was a decrease of two positions due to the elimination of the night shift, which was not cost effective. Engineering (Page 70/$1,225,362) Five Year Road Program (Page 72/$7,770,000) Mrs. Taylor responded to Commissioner Phillips that she believed that the $312,000 for miscellaneous drainage was reflective of the normal $150,000 plus some carry forward money, but she would research that. Impact Fees (Pages 74-91) District 1 ($0) District 2 ($1,564,340) District 3 ($175,000) District 4 ($880,000) District 5 ($2,265,000) District 6 ($1,100,000) District A ($35,000) District B ($15,000) District C ($35,000) District D ($25,000) Mr. Wesch advised that the impact fee districts represented by a letter were reflective of the new Impact Fee Ordinance adopted, which was the conversion from the former six districts to the current four districts. Directive: Staff to provide maps of the impact fee districts. Water Quality (Page 92/$468,291) The Chairman opened the meeting for public comment. Dave Conant agreed with Commissioner Fowler on the installation of the camera at the landfill. He made comments of the roadside cleanup, and complimented on the budget process preparation. (II-730/11:15 A.M.) The Chairman recessed the meeting and reconvened at 1:30 P.M. PROPERTY APPRAISER (Page 94/$2,210,391) Mr. Wesch explained that the Property Appraiser initially requested five additional positions. He added that two positions were mandated by a Consent Order from the

10 (Continued) Page 421 Department of Revenue. He advised that through discussions with the Property Appraiser, that request was reduced to three additional positions. MARION-CITRUS MENTAL HEALTH (Page 96/$300,588) KEY TRAINING CENTER (Page 98/$20,000) Mr. Wesch advised that $20,000 was again recommended as a contribution to the Key Training Center and reviewed a concept that Gary Maidhof, Director of Development Services, had suggested. He stated that staff negotiated with the Key Training Center to raise plants on behalf of the Board to use for landscaping at right of ways, drainage retention areas, facilities, etc. He commented that he was proud of the concept that staff suggested and that he felt that it was a mutually beneficial relationship. COUNTY ATTORNEY (Page 100/$335,070) HUMAN RESOURCES (Page 102/$314,977) UTILITY FEE TRUST ACCOUNT (Page 104/$293,000) COMMUNITY SERVICES Community Services Administration (Page 106/$122,688) Mr. Wesch referred to Page 189 and stated that staff recommended $30,000 to the Youth and Family Alternatives for the Runaway Shelter in Hernando County and $5,000 for the Shared Services Network. He advised that staff was unable to recommend a request for $20,000 over five years by the Citrus County Art League. Nitrate Workgroup (Page 108/$6,775) Library Services (Page 110/$1,975,728) Mr. Wesch stated that the increase in this budget was due to the three part-time positions for library aids and an assistant. Library - Schweizer Trust (Page 114/$9,000) Library Trust (Page 116/$10,000) Extension Services (Page 118/$306,143) Canning Center (Page 120/$56,384) Parks And Recreation (Page 123/$795,357) Mr. Wesch stated that there were no indicated changes in personnel. He added that there might be some changes reflected by the final budget hearing after a more indepth study was completed. Parks - Special Programs (Page 126/$76,013)

11 (Continued) Page 422 Chassahowitzka Campground (Page 128/$220,722) Veterans Services (Page 130/$91,436) Social Services (Page 132/$75,299) State/County Welfare, Nursing Home (Page 134/$378,744) State/County Welfare, Hospital (Page 136/$633,084) Support Services (Page 138/$234,712) Support Services Grants (Cash Match) (Page 141/$746,220) Mr. Wesch directed the Board's attention to a summary on Page 141 of Support Services Grants. He advised that through contributions from the County of $746,220, Federal and State funding of $3,719,857 was obtained. Senior Center, Lecanto (Page 142/$71,520) East Side Senior Center (Page 144/$35,448) West Side Community Center (Page 146/$63,637) The Chairman opened the meeting for public comment. Sharon Harris, Citrus County Art League (CCAL), asked the Board to reconsider staff's recommendation. She stated that the CCAL was struggling to provide a facility for after school programs in the arts for youth, and enrichment programs for senior citizens. She explained that the $5,000 would be a cash match with State funding since the CCAL was now on a rotating program with the State. She added that the money would help with the advancement of alternative recreational avenues in the arts. With no further public comment, the Chairman recessed the meeting until July 26, 2001 at 9:00 A.M. (II-1291/1:50 P.M.)