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BCC Minutes 09/04/1986 B Naples, Florida, September 4, 1986 LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Board ot County Commieeionere 1n and tor the County ot Collier and also acting as the Board ot Zoning Appe~ls and as the governing board(s) of such special districts as h'l"e been created according to law and having conducted business h~r,in met on this date at 7:30 P.M. in SPECIAL BUDGET HEARING SE~3ION in Building "F" of the Courthollse Complex, East Naples, Florida, with the following members present: CHAIRMAN: 30hn A. Pistor VICE-CHAIRMAN: Anne Goodnight Max A. Hasse C. C. "Red" Holland ABSENT: Frederick J. Voss ALSO PRESENT: Virginia Magri, Deputy Clerk, Donald B. Lusk, County Manager; Ken Cuyler, County Attorney; George Archibald, Public Works Administrator; Thomas T. Crandall, Utilities Administrator; Mike McNees, Assistant Utilities Administrator; Shannon Howell, Utilities Operations; Nina Small, Acting Community Development Administrator; Lori Zalka, Budget Director; Steve Carnell and 3ane Fitzpatrick, Budget Analysts; Kevin O'Donnell, Public Services Administrator; Nancy Israelson, Administrative Assistant to the Board; and Cpl. Nick Ojanovac, Sheriff's Department. aOQX 096 W., 735 Page I ..,~"."_...._.,..,~,~".. .,-"".. ...... ~ .._-'''--~....-,,' · . September 4, 1986 Legal notice having been published in the Naples Daily News on Augu~t 31, 1986, as ev~denced by Affidavit of PUblication filed with the Clerk, public hearing was opened on the Tentative Budget for FY H'8t;-1987. Tap', 1'1 OVERVIEW OF BUDGET AND TAXES Lori Zalka, BUdget Director, gave a brief overview ot the proposed budget and of the changes that have been made during the budget workshops. She said that the purpose of tonight's meeting is to receive input from the public before adopting the final budget. Ms. Zalka recalled that on July 30, 1986, the Board adopted the maximum millage rates which appear on the tax notice. She said that on the tax notice there was a 35% County-wide tax increase, which was split between the operating budget, 7%, and the 28% increase is gOing for the Capital Improvement Program for pay-as-you-go. She said that taxes are levied now for capital improvements that are needed now, which includes $5 million tor new courtrooms, $1.7 million tor other courthouse complex improvements, $700,000 tor canal drainage, Parks & Recreation projects, Sheriff's prOjects, bikepaths, etc. She said that the basic purpose is to avoid the extra cost of borrowing. Ms. Zalka offered assistance in helping anyone understand their tax notice. Ms. Zalka made three recommendations, as follows, for the Board to consider at the next public hearing, none of which will affect ad valorem texes: Page 2 ~Oû( 09ô ,Jér 737 ...~.-.~-."~,,,.~~_.~ -. -, -,,- ~...~~... .. ðOOK 096 r¡'.! 738' September 4, 1986 1. Per Florida Statutes, she would like permission to add the Clerk's fees budget to the adopted budget, which is an increase of $1.26 million, an increase of 3~%, which will not affect taxes because revenues from the fees COver expenses. 2. Office space and furnishings for the new jUdge at a cost of $18.820, to be taken out of reserves. 3. Based on a letter from the Dept. of Revenue regarding the Property Appraiser's budget which they feel is not excessive, and in order to avoid appeal to the Governor and the Cabinet, it is recommended that the State's budget for the Property Appraiser be accepted. If the Board had no objections, Ms. Zalka requested permission to add the above-reterenced items to the budget for discussion at the next public hearing. Chairman Pistor said that would be consldered later in the evening. PUBLIC COMMENTS « QUESTIONS Mr. Scott French said that he purchased his house in 1982 and the tax bill was $381; last year they were $485, which is a 27.9% increase. Now the proposed tax is $566.43, a 16~% increase. He said that the part that is under the control of the Commissioners had jumped 41.9% and that a lot of retired people are going to have a problem. Chairman Pistor asked if his assessment went up and he said it went up 6%. Mr. Eugene Cox, although registered to speak, declined the opportunity, Mr. Richard Wood, registered to speak, said he had no comment. .- .. .. ... Page 3 .-.~-~,--- · . .. September 4, 1986 Attorney David Leigh said that he has been asked to speak by a few people from the Westgate Condo on Gulfshore Blvd, and he is also and new people coming in will not pay their share of the burden even long-range improvements is being paid for by the people here right now said that the difficulty with the program is that all of the burden of objected to the magnitude of the tax increase due to this concept. He the pay-as-you-go program seems to be a good objective; however, he speaking on his own behalf as a resident of the County. He said that spreading the infrastructure burden would be wise. ments a part of it should be borne by impact fees. He said that as-you-go should be ouggested. He said that with specitic improve- in, noting that with the low 1nterest rates right now, a partial pay- though they get the benefits. He asked that the increase be phased County. tal improvements to the new homeowners that are coming into the bond money and they are attempting to spread the cost of the new capi- funds which they refer to as "user fees". He said that they also use group that is coming into the County. He said that they use gas tax roads do try to address the issue of putting the burden on some of the Public Works Administrator Archibald said that the impact fees for could be financed by the pay-as-you-go program? Mr. Leigh questioned if things in the proposed budget right now go program as they are covered by the gas taxes and impact fees. Ms. Zalka replied that roads are not considered in the pay-as-you- Page 4 ~ê~' 09S C"'.r 739 .' '--'"'.,.,.-.,,,,,,,,., ~OD( U8b WI {flU September 4, 1986 Chairman Pistor said that they are going to look further at impact tees tor ot.her improvements but said that the new roads that are being put in are being partially covered by gas taxes and impact tees and that other impact tees that are collected can only be spent in the areas where they are collected. Mr. G. E. Williams said that in his long business career he installed and operated the budgetary system for one ot the largest complex organizations in the world. He said that the Board appears to make their decision by comparing to prior budgets rather than amount spent. He said that will lead to excessive costs and suggested that may have some bearing on the large figures they are looking at today. He said the proposed tax increase is 35% and the populations growth is only about 5%. He said that there are many items in the "Blue Book" with 15%, 21% and 27% increases. He noted that office holders who increase taxes are less likely to get re-elected. He said that there may be places that need increases but there must be places that need decreases, and he suggested that the increases are not needed. Chairman Pistor said that there is $800,000 in the budget to try and stop drug abuse and about 14-16 people are being added to the Sheriff's Department. He said that the money for capital improvements is only one-half of what the Infrastructure Committee recommended after a long study. He said that they believe if they put a two mill tax on, in five years the County might begin to catch up. He noted that the County is about to build a new courtroom building, noting Page 5 oil .. - -'"--"'-~,,,,,,,,,,~ -" ,J September 4, 1986 that another jUdge is being added to Collier County. Also, he said that the County is hoping to get a Federal Court. He said that they have looked at the matter and tried to do what is in the best interest of the people. Mr. Ira Evans said that he has been appearing at budget hearings for 10 years and every year the taxes go up in spite of the population on which the increase is blamed. He said that the taxes increase faster than the tax base. He urgeè the Board to consider a study of the budget process. He said that budgets should be based on prior actuals. He recommended a tabulation of revenue, adding that where the money comes from and where it goes is just as important as the expenses involved. He said that the Board should examine the process of budget transfers, suggesting that it might be contrary to Florida Statutes. He said that he sees missing in the budget the amount of funds that are anticipated carry-over to the succeeding year. Ms. Zalka said that the first step taken to prepare for the budget is to look at 2~ years of actual expenses. She said that each fund has its own carry forward, and there is a $5.3 million carry foward and much of that was based on departments that were holding the line. She said that carry foward is used so that they do not have to borrow v.oney while awaiting tax dollars. Mr. W. B. Hartman said that he understands that Collier County has experienced some of the highest tax increases in the nation. He said that it is unique that the Board has an autonomous right to enact any Page 6 aOOK 096 p:<", 741 ".._~__.c._"".._~,~._ ..,""."",...---.- --~.......~..."-~,-"._"'--,,, aOOK 096 PJ~l 742 September 4, 1986 kind of budget and levy any kind of tax increase that the Statutes permit them to do. He said that the Board needs to study the broadening of the tax base and they must use restraint and establish a list of priorities. He asked for a list of goals and objectives of the Commission. He referred to California's Proposition 13, wherein proposed expenditures must be submitted to the electorate for voter approval. Chairman Pistor said that Collier County has the sixth lowest tax rate in Florida and one of the lowest tax rates in the country. He noted that because of the low millage the County only receives 45% of Revenue Sharing of what they could receive. Mr. Arnold E. Lamb, 17 year resident, said that despite the increased tax base and higher assessed values, his taxes are going up 240% in less than six years, 50% in the last year. During the same period, he said that his City taxes have gone up 22%. He said that those who benefit from growth do not pay their fair share. He questioned how much thought, study and attention has been given to the fair distribution of the ad valorem tax. He said that the increased tax base should have resulted in a tax decrease. Mr. Lamb suggested that a bed tax be used to pay for the expenses caused by tourists, said tax being used to reduce ad valorem taxes and not to encourage tourists. He said that bonds should be issued instead ot the pay-as- you-go program. Chairman Pis tor pOinted out that a lot of consideration has been given to the bed tax but the legislation that has been passed only Page 7 .. .. ... ...,,,---,,,,...-.~----,._,,,,- ,...-- September 4, 1986 allows the tax to be Used for advertising tor more tourists or tor improvements related to tourism. Mr. Ed Hooker said that the tax increase is ridiculous and that the Board must have Some influence on the assessments. Mr. Arnold Lenski said 'that he has put everything that he owns into property and his five rental units to not give him enough to pay the taxes. Mr. Mario Berny, propery owner in 3&C IndUstrial Park, said that his propOsed taxes are increasing trom $3,000 to $4,687. Budget Director Carnell said that there is a plan to make drainage and water/sewer improvements to that particular area and what is shown on the tax bill this year is the CountY'ß one-time charge tor the engi- neering and design study. He said that the improvements will not be tinanced through taxes, but will be financed by special assessment. He said that there is a degree of flexibility in working out the payments ot the special assessment. Mr. Richard Braun, President of the Golden Gate Area Taxpayer's Association, asked how many zoning and bUilding inspectors will be hired tor the coming year and how many are going to be in Golden Gate? County Manager Lusk said that there would be two each with the possi- bility of adding another inspector in mid-year. Mr. Braun questioned the qualifications of the inspectors. He also said that the County should hire 4 each and said that the funds are there. He said that the shortfall is in the PUD department because a PUD review only costs Page 8 aoû~ 096 F~I:l 743' ._,...----"~...',.,.- &0'( U::Jh ~Jél '744 September 4, 1986 $750. He questioned the County Attorney's budget, noting that each department has an attorney and additional outside counsel is hired. He questioned the use of County cars and the 42% increase in the County Manager's budget. Regarding resource recovery, Mr. Braun said that the people were told that it would not cost anything and that $441,000 has already been spent in legal fees. Chairman Pistor advised Mr. Braun that the building inspectors are qualified, as are the zoning inspectors. Mrs. Kathy Graham, mem~er of the Golden Gate Community Center Advisory Committee, noted that their budget is under their millage rate. Chairman Pistor advised that that budget has not been changed. Mr. Cox and Mr. Wood, who declined to speak earlier were given another opportunity to be heard, and again declined, stating that it has already been said. Chairman Pistor thanked the participants for their input and invited them to speak with him or the BUdget Director it they needed further clarification of the figures. He said that they are doing more and more to try and make growth pay for growth. He said that they are trying to keep the taxes as low as possible and still provide the services that everyone wants. He advised that the Commissioners spent a lot ot time looking at the figures, which were considerably higher when they first looked at them, and they have trimmed a few million dollars out of the budget requests. He asked the County Manager to make a few comments about the management position. Page 9 .. .. .... ... ""-,·,,,~·,,,,,,,,,,,,..,,,,_o._,,,___.___.", ..--,""---"" -".-~-",-",...--~._.,-,"------ .. ., September 4, 1986 County Manager Lus~ noted that a lot of the speakers talked about the assessments. He said that is an operation of the Property Appraiser and not of the County Commission. He said that the Property Appraiser is a separate constitutional otticer who answers to the voters on his own. He said that it a person has problems with their assessment they should discuss it with Mr. COlding, who has to follow the Statutes. Regarding growth, Mr. Lusk said that it you start out with a zero base and have no growth, but you build a new park and you start main- taining that park you will spend more money and that will result in a percentage increase in expenditures. He noted that Collier County is in the process of spending S8 million bUilding parks and to maintain those parks is going to cost a lot of money and is going to show in the tax increase. He said that someone has to operate and maintain the five parks which is a new service to the County. Regarding management, Mr. Lusk noted that someone said to add more building and zoning inspectors. He said that the Department requested four inspectors and he cut it to two, noting that one of the problems with the Building Department is that the County has growth that goes up and down and it is difficult to try and have enough building inspectors to meet the need and that is why they are Conser- vative. He said that the BUilding Department is not related to the taxes. He said tha~ they collect money through their fees and because of that building cycle, when buil~ing was down the Building Department Page 10 ~OûK arm PJ',! 745 "....,----,.,---~ lOOK 096 ~:~r 746 September 4, 1986 borrowed $800,000 from the General Fund. He said that is a true example of where growth pays for growth. He said that as a manager, when he submits a budget to th~ Board, he likes to think that it is as efficient as it can be made. Regarding new bUildings, Mr. Lusk said that there have been problems with space for the last five years. He said that the County only has three courtrooms and has five judges and will soon be increased to six jUdges. He said that the docket has tripled in the last five years, and they are forced into building a new courthouse. Mr. Lusk said that the Health Department is a real mess and is not able to serve the public efficiently. He said that it is mandated by the State to provide the service. Mr. Lusk said that you can't have a County that goes from 20,000 people in 1965 to over 140,00 this date without seeing a lot of construction. He said that one of the biggest problems is that as Soon as a bUilding is completed it is almost too small. He said that the County is experiencing a true Population growth and it is becoming an urt~n community. Mr. Lusk said that the State of Florida ranks about 38th in taxes. He noted that Florida does not have a state income tax. He said if a State does not collect a state income tax they are sharing less money with their counties and cities, the net result being that the cities and counties are looking for an increase on the property tax. He said that the State creates the County's ability to collect money and pro- perty taxes is one of toe few ways that they have of getting it. Page 11 . . ... - IIIIÎ ----~, September 4, 1986 Mr. George Cannan said that zoning laws are not being enforced in Golden Gate Estates. Mr. Lusk said that it is difficult to enforce zoning laws in a county of this size but they have made improvements over the last three years. He pointed out that they are adding two zoning inspectors this year and that they have six now, County Attorney Cuyler invited anyone that wanted to discuss his budget to come to his office, especially Mr. Braun. RESOLUTION 86-158 ADOPTING THE FY 1986-87 AMENDED TENTATIVE BUDGET _ ADOPTED BUdget Director Zalka requested that the Board adopt the resolu- tion for the tentative budget, as amended during several budget workshops. She said that ad valorem taxes have been reduced by over $1 million, so the 35~ tax increase has been reduced to 31,2' for County-wide taxes which is a millage rate of 4.3977 mills. She said that the Sheriff's Department will return funds to fund it's Drug Task Force, therefore, the ad valorem taxes can be reduced because there will be a higher carry forward; the Improved Pregnancy Outcome Program has been reduced from $339,000 to $165,000 and there were several other reductions made in the workshops. Commissioner Goodnight moved, seconded by Commissioner Holland and carried 4/0 (Commissioner Voss absent) that Resolution 86-158 adopting the FY 1986-87 amended tentative budget, be adopted. mx 096 PM.[ 747 Page 12 .~~., ~·~_"_k.."__...,........,,_ -~"'_.-._,...--_.. aOOK 096 PACI. 758' September 4, 1986 Ms. Zalka advised that the next public hearing on the tinal budget will be held September 17, 1986, at 7:30 P.M. ... There being no further business for the Good of the County, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 P.M. by Order of the Chair. y BOARD OF COUNTY CO~1f:rSSIONEns/ BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS/EX OFFICIO GOVERNING BOARD(S) OF SPECIAL DISTRICTS UNDER ITS CONTROL (I. iZ-tt PISTOR, CHAIRMAN .,··~Ù~~·tIi:S, CLERI. / ..~'''r-~ -.......:: ··,~·~~;'G . ·~tt!);. '4:,,-,- ~. ¿;¡ c \;':,::..., ·T.h,e£f.~i~utes approved ~ the Board o~/~/:P,¿6;.s ;-resent,,,] ~ '\,~r as 'corrected 'J" Page 1:' .. - .. . ..,...,,""".,----,;.-..<-.,.......