- April 19, 2024
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+ Tea Party to county: Let us help with budget cuts
Dave MacDonald, Flagler County Tea Party representative, made a plea to the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners Monday, Aug. 22, for the establishment of a citizen budget committee, to assist county staff in budget prioritizing.
“I’m not asking for any across-the-board cuts,” he said. “What I’m asking for is a chance to work with the county administrator … and ask, ‘Why not try this?’”
Other tea partyers, including Chairman Tom Lawrence and Bill McGuire, a former budget consultant and current Palm Coast City Council candidate, rallied for lower taxes.
Residents under the Save Our Homes initiative — about 25% of the population, Lawrence estimated — will see tax increases this year. During the past four years, these people have seen about 45% increases in their rates, he said.
Commission Chairman Alan Peterson said that the increases are due to Save Our Homes stipulations, not the county tax rate.
“We go over every single line item, item by item by item,” he said. “We do review it in detail … I want to emphasize again, your taxes are going down this year, they are not going up.”
MacDonald also suggested that the 3% that government workers must now contribute to their pensions should have further lessened the local tax blow. County Administrator Craig Coffey, however, called the cut “merely a gimmick.”
“(It) will go back up next year,” he said. “The reality is, we’re going to have to make up that money.”
The county, on the other hand, is operating on about $9 million less than it was five years ago, he said — including a $1.5 million dollar cut this year, and a $2.8 million cut last year.
Jane Mealy, Flagler Beach city commissioner, plugged a “spend money to make money” theory.
“I’m probably the only person in the room who’ll ask you to spend money,” she told the board, encouraging that they not overlook economic development funding. More business translates into fewer burdens on the shoulders of taxpayers, she said.
Commissioner Milissa Holland supported a citizen budget council.
Coffey said he’ll gladly consider any submittals.
+ Commissioners revisit clerk of court’s budget
The budget for Clerk of the Circuit Court Gail Wadsworth was brought back to the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners Monday, Aug. 22, to review the department’s proposed $36,158, or 2.17%, decrease.
In the budget, travel expenses increased from $6,000 in 2009-2010 to $22,800 this year, Commissioner Barbara Revels pointed out. Education went from $3,125 in 2010 to $10,200 this year.
“(Education) is really our last line of defense,” explained Jennifer Barker, the clerk’s director of finance. Travel expenses are necessary, as well, she said, to ensure that Flagler constitutional officers remain up-to-date in their certifications.
The clerk’s greatest budget savings come from capital outlay equipment. Last year, $25,000 was spent. This year, no expenses are scheduled.
Commissioner Milissa Holland asked Clerk Gail Wadsworth how her legal fees from her recent bank bid dispute are paid (see www.PalmCoastObserver.com for details). Wadsworth said she has two attorneys, two of which are free and the other she only speaks to when an extra level of expertise is required.
+ First-day-of-school attendance tallied
Of 12,093 total students enrolled in Flagler County’s 11 public schools, 11,089 were marked “Present” on attendance sheets the first day of the fall semester, Aug. 22.
With a total of 1,004 students missing the first day of school, board member Colleen Conklin noted the increase in local charter school enrollment. She suggested establishing a survey/interview system for parents who transfer their children nto private or charter schools.
+ School Board finalizes roof settlements
The School Board unanimously approved a settlement with Merchants Bonding Company, in the amount of $105,256.42, for roof replacement at Flagler Palm Coast High School.
Three roofs were replaced in 1993: one each at Bunnell Elementary, Buddy Taylor Middle and FPC. On all three, installation proved faulty. The contractor then went bankrupt, and the manufacturer refused to honor the warranties. Five years later, the projects’ bonding company, Merchants Bonding Company, issued the district a 15-year guarantee, for specific repairs.
Preliminary estimates for the FPC roof run as high as $1.2 million.
+ Public Meetings
Palm Coast City Council — the next workshop is 9 a.m. Aug. 30, at city offices.
Flagler County Board of County Commissioners — the regular meeting is 9 a.m. Sept. 7, at the Government Services Building.
Flagler County School Board — the next workshop is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the GSB.
School Board member John Fischer’s town hall meeting is 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Flagler County Public Library.
COME ON, IRENE
Although it remains uncertain whether Hurricane Irene will arrive in Flagler County later this week, preparations are under way at the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, and the storm is being closely watched.
“We are monitoring the storm 24/7,” Flagler County Emergency Management Chief Troy Harper said.
Meanwhile, crews are checking supplies and ensuring that everything is ready in case the storm hits Flagler County.
“We have advised county employees who work in the (EOC) during the storm to make preparations at home so they are ready to respond before the storm approaches,” Harper said.
“We have met with the municipalities and critical county departments to make sure we are ready.”
He also advises residents to check their personal storm plan and supplies.
“Everyone in the state should have a personal plan in the event of a hurricane, and have a supply of food and water to last them several days,” Harper said.
