MEETING: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, BUDGET WORKSHOP

CALL TO ORDER: June 3, 1998, at 10:35 a.m., in the Thomas McEaddy Conference Room, West Palm Beach, Florida.

ROLL CALL

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS PRESENT:
Chair Burt Aaronson
Vice-Chair Maude Ford Lee - Absent
Commissioner Ken L. Foster
Commissioner Mary McCarty
Commissioner Karen T. Marcus
Commissioner Warren H. Newell
Commissioner Carol A. Roberts - Absent
County Administrator Robert Weisman
County Attorney Denise Dytrych - Absent
Deputy Clerk Carla Zafra

I. OVERVIEW OF FY 1998-99

A. MAJOR BUDGET ASSUMPTIONS AND FACTORS. DISCUSSED 6-3-98

B. ROLL-BACK CALCULATION. DISCUSSED 6-3-98

C. INCREASES/DECREASES IN REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS.

DISCUSSED 6-3-98

County Administrator Weisman stated that the proposed millage was identical to the previous year's millage rate of 4.60.

He indicated that approximately 60 percent of new revenues were allocated for criminal justice expenditures, including the court system and the Sheriff's Office. He added that the Sheriff's Office initially submitted a budget proposal that was $2.2 Million more than the County's five-year target level and was later reduced by $2 Million.

He indicated the following decreases in appropriations:

• Capital requests were reduced by $18 Million down to $12 Million.
• Supplementals were partially reduced.
• Certain base budgets were reduced.

He indicated the following increases in appropriations:

• An overall 4 percent salary increase was expected, with the exception of the Sheriff's Office which had different salary requirements.
• Fire-Rescue and library taxing districts were increased due to higher demands for service.
• Delegate agency funding was increased by 3 percent.

He indicated the following increases in revenues:

• $1.3 Million from property taxes based on preliminary assessments.

• $600,000 resulting from pension changes by the Sheriff's Office.
• An anticipated $1 Million in court costs that had been misallocated, involving the state and cities.

When asked to explain the misallocation of the $1 Million in court costs, County Administrator Weisman stated it was caused by a computer error by the Information Systems Services when a program change was made, and he added that it was the Clerk of the Circuit Court's responsibility to recover the monies from the parties involved.

Commissioner Foster inquired as to whether or not the County had filed a claim for the $7 Million settlement in the price-fixing case of the National Association of Counties v. petroleum companies. Staff said it was unaware of the issue.

Commissioner McCarty asked if there was an increase in revenue for fines collected by the Florida Highway Patrol and other law enforcement entities that were issued radar guns. County Administrator Weisman said he did not have those figures.

STAFF WAS DIRECTED TO:

• Send a letter to the cities involved in the misallocated court costs, informing them of the issue.
• Inquire into the $7 Million settlement.

• Report on the latest revenue generated from the issuance of traffic tickets.

II. REVENUES

A. SOURCES OF FUNDS BY CATEGORY. DISCUSSED 6-3-98

B. MAJOR COUNTYWIDE TAX EQUIVALENT REVENUE TRENDS.DISCUSSED 6-3-98

STAFF WAS DIRECTED TO:

• Create a five-year projection for revenue generated from property taxes based on the previous year's figures.

III. OPERATING BUDGET

A. OPERATING BUDGET COMPARISONS. DISCUSSED 6-3-98

B. SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET REQUESTS/REDUCTIONS. DISCUSSED 6-3-98

C. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS OVERVIEW. DISCUSSED 6-3-98

Commissioner Marcus asked if there was a five-year projection on how many libraries were anticipated to open and how much staff was needed for these libraries. County Administrator Weisman stated that the matter was still under advisement by the Library Advisory Board and would be presented at a later date.

Commissioner Aaronson stated that he had a conversation with Library Director Jerry Brownlee and Assistant County Administrator Jean Creamer concerning the library issue several years ago. The Commissioner had suggested that the construction of libraries adjacent to schools was less costly and was told the issue would be considered. He also suggested naming of libraries after certain individuals in the community.

Commissioner Marcus asked why the County continued to financially support the Public Defender when it was previously agreed to discontinue support. Commissioner Aaronson stated that it was costly to obtain the services of an outside counsel.

Commissioner McCarty suggested suing the state for the money for the Public Defender and Commissioner Aaronson agreed with her.

Assistant County Administrator Vince Bonvento stated that the Public Defender expected to recover out-of-court fines in excess of $300,000 which was to be returned to the County.

A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the 4 percent salary increase with Commissioner Newell opposing the possible higher increase for employees of the Sheriff's Office.

When Commissioner McCarty asked what percentage was allocated for the salary increase for the Sheriff's Office, County Administrator Weisman stated that it was 5 percent because, statutorily, employees of the Sheriff's Office were paid more.

All further discussions regarding the fee budget of the Clerk of the Circuit Court were postponed until a report was received from Arthur Andersen & Company who was contracted to evaluate the Clerk's financial function.

STAFF WAS DIRECTED TO:

• Present a five-year projection to include the number of libraries anticipated to open or expand and the number of employees needed.

• State in writing the issue concerning the anticipated $300,000 in out-of-court fines from the Public Defender.
• Schedule a workshop regarding the budget for the Sheriff's Office.
• Present a report on the Welfare-to-Work Program under the Community Services Department to determine its activities and justify the need for the two additional senior social workers.
• Present further information regarding the funding for the horticulturist position at the Mounts Botanical Garden.
• Investigate the projected $75,000 cost to purchase 20 Dell workstations and three Compaq servers for the State Attorney.
• Re-examine the County's relationship with Morikami Gardens and determine the County's level of support.

• Report back to the Board in six months on the Highridge Family Center Dormitory.

IV. CAPITAL BUDGET

ATTESTED: Clerk APPROVED: Chairman