BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

GADSDEN COUNTY, FLORIDA

  BUDGET WORKSHOP AGENDA

MAY 23, 2013

4:00 P.M.

PRESENT:             Eric Hinson, District 1, Vice Chairman

                                Brenda Holt, District 4

                                Sherrie Taylor, District 5

                                Jeff Price, Budget Director

                                Robert Presnell, County Administrator

                                Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk

ABSENT:               Doug Croley, District 2, Chairman

                                Gene Morgan, District 3

1.	CALL TO ORDER:     Vice-Chairman Hinson called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m., thanked everyone for attending and turned the meeting over to Mr. Presnell.
	Mr. Presnell stated this was the first budget workshop for the fiscal year 2013-2014 and that Jeff Price had a presentation and afterward they would answer any questions.  He added that 75-80% of the budget was done, but there were still a few unknowns out there. Jeff Price discussed the proposed budget and explained the preliminary revenues and stated there was a decline from last year of the major revenue sources.  He added the estimated Rolled Back Rate was 9.1038. He expounded on the recommended budget items and that they recommended on the discretionary sales tax to take a couple hundred thousand dollars out of the Public Works share and put it into department share so they could start matching money for fire trucks in the future.  He said they were here to answer any questions the Board may have or if anything needed to be added or taken away from the budget.
	Mr. Presnell said Commissioner Morgan could not be at the meeting, but he had requested some additions in the budget.  Mr. Presnell said that a lot of the big ticket items were already built into the budget.
	Commissioner Holt If not able to do raises, try to give bonuses and asked to see data on that. Economic Development-we need something to bring in jobs.
	Commissioner Hinson Chamber of Commerce-Allow $100,000 and set aside money for travel.
	Commissioner Holt Use some of closed schools to put in businesses. Commissioner Hinson Put money into our own economic development. Commissioner Taylor What we’re saying sounds good but not in favor of funding Chamber-have not worked. As we sit here, we’re in unison, but one will back out. No time for no jobs. $100,000 is perfect number but designate some funds to Small County Incubator-$25-30,000.
	Commissioner Hinson Look at record, have been very consistent.  Not throwing away no support for Chamber.  Lot of my funding came from economic development council.  One good thing, listen to community, listen to issues. Commissioner Holt I’m for manufacturing.  People buy because of need. Need to match data with the money. Commissioner Taylor She asked Commissioner Holt if OK with incubator program. Give one-time bonuses for county employees instead of 3% raise. Commissioner Hinson Have $5 Million surplus in bank.  Look at option of 3% raise Commissioner Taylor I hear you but if we keep hitting the bank, will have nothing left. Need to change Citizens Bill of Rights. Do $1,000 bonus and give raise next year. Commissioner Holt Need to compare between bonuses and raises.  Bring data back. Take money from Chamber and give to non-profits. Commissioner Taylor stepped out. Commissioner Taylor returned. Mr. Presnell Add routes to Quincy Express Privatize Probation Commissioner Holt  I want to hear from Probation before making decision. Commissioner Hinson Change putting travel on agenda-budget money & stay within budget. Commissioner Holt Televise meetings-add $20,000 to budget Commissioner Hinson Doesn’t serve my district and can get more done without it because “grandstanding” Meeting adjourned at 5:33 p.m.