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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:
Dear Commissioner:
Focusing on priorities can be one of the most challenging things each of us does on a daily basis. Despite all the daily distractions, it is important that we stay the course and work collaboratively to strengthen our communities while addressing our residents’ most vital needs. This year, the Florida Association of Counties’ priorities include protecting and preserving local control and home rule.
We must continue to stand united – local governments working together to keep home rule with our citizens and out of the hands of the legislature. The pendulum has swung and it is time that rather than the constant push and pull between local and state governments that we work together to restore the partnership. If there ever was a time to stand united -- it is now. Whether you are from the Panhandle, South Florida, or in between, we must speak with one voice to protect and preserve home rule.
Now is the time to get involved and to talk about the issues that will be affecting local government. The Taxation Budget Reform Commission (TBRC) is considering Florida’s version of a Taxpayer Bill of Rights or TABOR. We are asking that the TBRC members work with us to limit or effectively amend this proposal so as to protect and preserve home rule, put an end to unfunded mandates and give local commissions more control over budgets back home. However, our success is dependent on your support and your involvement – please keep the conversations going at home with your citizens, TBRC members and legislative delegations. If you would like more information on the TBRC please visit our website at www.fl-counties.com.
Last year alone more than 18 bills were filed that would have specifically preempted the authority of local governments and FAC saw that 16 of those were defeated. Most importantly FAC won many battles with the state legislature to lessen what could have been horrific effects on local government. FAC saw property tax proposals reduced from 60 percent cuts to an average of 12 percent cuts across the state. Most importantly the legislature originally included language in the property tax amendment that would have abolished home rule and established the legislature as the authority to set millage rates for local governments. FAC and every county played a major role in reducing the impacts of the property tax reform proposals. We worked as a team and won as a team and we must continue to stand united as the assaults on home rule continue.
While our legislative department is working tirelessly to preserve your authority and prevent unfunded mandates, our enterprise division is focusing on ways to save your county tax payers dollars through our group purchasing programs, local investment pools and insurance programs. Let FAC partner with your county and help you and your staff find new strategic ways to invest and save tax payer dollars.
Times may be trying but we know more than ever the importance counties play for our state and the citizens of Florida. FAC is committed to each of you and we will continue to fight for you in Tallahassee, provide education and networking opportunities for you to build solutions and partner with your county to provide cost saving solutions. Together, we can tackle these important issues in new and innovative ways. We know our goal is noble and our efforts sincere, we must not tire during these trials but triumph by standing united for communities.
Sincerely,
Chris Holley
Executive Director