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SEPTEMBER 8, 1999 7:00 PM Present were: Mayor Dave Hood, Commissioners Jeffrey J. Boyle, Thelma B. Irvin, Frank Gillooly, Carl G. Persis, City Manager Eugene Miller, City Attorney Randy Hayes, and Veronica Patterson, City Clerk. A G E N D A
Item #1 - Call to Order Mayor Hood called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Item #2 - Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Hood led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Item #3(A) - Adoption of Proposed Operating Millage Rate and Debt Service Millage Rate Mayor Hood opened the public hearing for anyone who wished to discuss the proposed millage rates for the 1999-2000 budget. He noted the proposed millage rate necessary to fund the budget is 2.79275 mills, which is the same as the rolled-back rate and a 0% tax increase. Mayor Hood asked if any member of the public had any questions or comments. Mr. Charles Carter, 212 Arlington Way, questioned the minus $200,000 balance anticipated for this year, stating $1.5 million plus is more accurate. Mr. Carter stated this budget is that of the administration and staff with little or no input from the Commissioners or the taxpayers. He stated the budget is generally cumbersome, and that unless a tracking system is available, the common man would not be able to follow it. Mr. Carter contended the City of Ormond Beach is a banking system to make money; staff delays projects that need to be done even though the costs will increase annually; and staff lacks in creativity. He stated many of the figures on the data sheets are not accurate. Mr. Carter contended the City has two (2) budgets: one the Commission is aware of and one the administration and staff juggle at will. He stated the present operation is $250 million per year which is controlled by two (2) people who are bonded for $50,000 each, and he expressed concern about the interest the City’s money is making. Mr. Carter stated privatization has worked in some respects, but the City is now hiring professional people to protect the City’s interest. He noted that the citizens were told money could be made on the County fire plan, but to this point, no money has been made. Mr. Carter related that for some time the retirees have requested a cost-of-living increase which they have not received, but pension funds are overloaded. He recommended deleting the $1.2 million for the County fire system fund, and suggested taking the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and rearranging the items in short-term and long-term projects. Mr. Carter recommended completing the short-term projects, and stated there needs to be an outward showing that USAL is actually coming to Ormond Beach. Mr. Carter stated that while the water and sewer systems are in good shape with no expense anticipated, there is $22 million in these funds; therefore, he recommended repealing the 5% increase in water rates imposed last year. He recommended a study be made of the water used by the City. Mr. Carter stated the $1.5 million of unaccountable yearly sewage funds needs to be accounted for. He suggested instead of dumping one million gallons of treated water into the river daily, the reuse system be expanded to include the entire City immediately. He suggested a program to sell the sludge be implemented rather than dumping it at the dump, and he recommended public relations to inform residents regarding where trash and recycling should be placed to make pick up easier. Mr. Carter recommended using the $2 million in the impact fee funds. He also recommended purchasing additional radar units to stop speeders, making all fire hydrants fully operable, and funding a study to take over the beach. He stated good public relations can avoid problems, and it would be helpful to the citizens if they were aware of the details of items discussed by the Commission, rather than the short explanation listed on the agenda at the City Commission meetings. Mr. Carter recommended updating the City Commission chambers, stating the screen cannot be seen properly from the audience, and the audio is poor. Commissioner Persis moved, seconded by Commissioner Boyle, to approve the proposed operating millage rate of 2.79275 mills. Mayor Hood stated the proposed operating millage rate is set at the rolled back millage rate which is a 0% increase over last year. Commissioner Boyle stated Mr. Carter challenged figures in the budget. He recommended staff set up a meeting with Mr. Carter to reconcile any discrepancies he may have with the figures staff has presented.
Commissioner Persis moved, seconded by Commissioner Boyle, to approve the debt service millage rates of 0.60863 for the 1993 General Obligation (refunded) Bond Sinking Fund, 0.11451 for the 1997 General Obligation Bond Sinking Fund, and 0.141106 for the 1999 General Obligation Bond Sinking Fund.
Item #3(B) - Annual Budget ORDINANCE NO. 99 - 42
Commissioner Persis moved, seconded by Commissioner Gillooly, for approval of Ordinance No. 99-42, on first reading, as read by title only.
Item #4 - Close The Meeting The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 PM. |
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