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News & Notes
TABOR Vote Postponed Until April 14
JobLine
City of West Melbourne
City Attorney
CALENDAR
April 18, 2008
Establishing Stormwater Utilities in Florida
Orange County
June 15-18, 2008
GFOA 102nd Annual Conference
Broward County
June 22-25, 2008
GMIS Conference
Atlantic City, NJ
June 24-27, 2008
FAC Annual Conference
Miami-Dade County
- Mark Your Calendars to Attend -
The full TBRC met on Friday, April 4, 2008 in Tallahassee to debate, among other proposals, CP 0045, by Commissioner Hogan, the TABOR revenue cap proposal. With over 95 individuals submitting requests to speak and 17 filed amendments to the proposal, the TBRC did not take a vote on the proposal. Instead, several amendments were taken up and approved and some public testimony was heard. The TBRC announced that there would be another meeting, at which CP 45, TABOR, would be heard and voted on. That meeting was scheduled for Monday, April 14. While testimony will be limited that day and you are unlikely to be able to speak at the meeting, your presence will be critical. Accordingly, please mark your calendars to be here in Tallahassee on the 14th.
Letter from Executive Director to Membership
Last week, FAC Executive Director Chris Holley sent the following letter to all of our county commissioners expressing FAC’s appreciation for the participation of all of our members and the importance of standing together during these challenging economic and legislative times.
Valuable New Member Service- FREE
FAC is excited to announce a new and FREE benefit for its members. Each county is now eligible to receive one free email subscription to OrdinanceWatch. OrdinanceWatch sends email alerts on proposed city and county ordinances and resolutions from around the state on topics of interest to your county. Some of you may have been receiving these email alerts in the past from OrdinanceWatch.
Clerks Bill Held Up In Committee -Call Legislators Today-
SB 640 by Senator Oelrich was temporarily passed due to a lack of time caused by heavy debate on the amendments Senator Storms’ offered that greatly minimize our concerns (Amendment #1; Amendment #2). Senator Storms, former County Commissioner from Hillsborough County, has filed to a strike-all amendment (which essentially conforms the bill to the House version) Senator Wise (Amendment # 750136) is running as a courtesy to Senator Oelrich for SB 640, relating to the Clerk of Court.
Governmental Efficiency and Accountability Council Introduces Investment Pool Bills
In an effort to provide greater transparency and accountability to local government investors, the Governmental Efficiency and Accountability Council passed three proposed committee bills for consideration by the House of Representatives. A brief summary of the each bill follows:
Mining Bill Likely To Be Heard Next Week
Rep. Mayfield’s mining bill (PCB-ENRC-08-13), was not heard in the House Environment and Natural Resources Council on Wednesday, but will likely be on next week’s agenda. This bill preempts local governments from addressing any water issues in siting aggregate mines.
Energy Bill Passes Out of Committee
House EnergyPolicy (PCB-ENRC-08-01) passed the House Environment and Natural Resources Council on Wednesday. The bill contains numerous positive provisions relating to energy policy. Unfortunately, it also contains language that is problematic regarding ad valorem assessments when renewable energy source devices are installed. Property owners would receive an exemption for the cost of the device regardless of whether their assessment is raised as a result of installing such a device.
Beach Management Bill Passes Out of Committee
A beach renourishment bill (SB 1672) passed Community Affairs Thursday. This bill requires beach erosion caused by inlets to be addressed, with the end goal of reducing erosion and making beach renourishment more successful.
Health Care Appropriation Bill Passes Out of Policy & Budget Council
The House Policy and Budget Council passed the health care appropriation bill on Thursday. Two amendments were adopted that delay expansion of Medicaid reform to Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Polk, and Manatee counties until 2010.
Make Your Hotel Reservations Today for May CCC Workshops!
Attend back-to-back workshops April 30 and May 1 at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Johns County, and earn 12 hours of credit toward commissioner certification. Each day will provide six hours of core curriculum credit. County Government Structure & Authority will be held on April 30 and County Government Roles & Responsibility will be held on May 1. Both workshops will be held at Renaissance Resort. Please reserve your accommodations promptly. The last date to make your reservations at the FAC block rate is Tuesday, April 8.
SCTAS Special Project Reminder
This is a reminder to all participating small counties that there are less than two months left to complete your SCTAS funded projects. You must send in the necessary paperwork by June 2 by mailing it to PO Box 549 Tallahassee, FL 32303 or by faxing it to (850) 893- 8456.
Many special projects are underway toward completion, but please be advised that we are unable to grant extensions.
Correction: New Link for 2008 DR-420
DOR emailed the draft 2008 DR-420 and preliminary maximum millage forms on Friday, March 28th. The link provided in the email was incorrect. Please click here to access the correct form. DOR is requesting that all comments/suggestions to these forms be submitted by Wed, April 9.