October 17, 2007
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jan Conrad
Legislative Aide
Helen Voltz, Brevard County Commissioner, District 3
(321) 952-6302
SOUTH MELBOURNE CRIME CONFERENCE
On Saturday, October 27th, the Melbourne Police Community Relations Council Ad-Hoc Committee, in collaboration with Brevard County Commissioner Helen Voltz, will be hosting the South Melbourne Crime Conference. We invite all South Melbourne area citizens interested in making their neighborhoods safer to Stone Middle School from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for this FREE conference. Attendees will also receive a FREE lunch, however you must RSVP by October 22nd to (321)952-6302 to receive your FREE lunch.
The conference will focus on ways to help eliminate crime and make our neighborhoods a safer place to live. Speaking at the conference will be: Keynote Speaker Shawn Jackson, President of The Jaxsun Group, the nation’s leading training organization in improving and understanding youth, young adult, and adult relations and whose presentation deals with the influence rap and hip-hop music & culture has on American youth; Dr. Willie J. Kimmons, a Nationally recognized consultant, speaker, and author of 5 books; Lewis Williams, who provides customized workshops to help review purpose and renew focus; Pastor J.R. Thicklin, Senior Pastor and Teacher of Kingdom Harvest Ministries, located in West Palm Beach; and Col. Dean Renfrow, former Oregon State Police Officer who now works for Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown’s Amer-I-Can Program.
The Melbourne Police Community Relations Council Ad-Hoc Committee, which consists of Yvonne Minus, Leonard Ross, Carl Finerson, James Minus, Joseph McNeil, Bennie Hopkins Sr., Melbourne Councilwoman Kathy Meehan, Jan Conrad, and Commissioner Helen Voltz, is a grassroots group of committed community leaders determined to impact change. Over the past eight months, they have gathered frequently to discuss strategies and seek answers in a collective effort to eradicate the root causes of violence and drugs that are cancerous to our young people. In addition, through a collaborative effort with State Representative Mitch Needelman’s office, Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown’s program titled AMER-I-CAN is being implemented in four Brevard County schools this fall.
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http://www.brevardcounty.us/newsdocs/0704D3hamptons.pdf
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2007
COMMISSIONER TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING
REGARDING HAMPTONS
MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. -- Brevard County District 3 Commissioner Helen Voltz
will host a town hall meeting on Thursday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. regarding demolition and
extermination at the Hamptons, an apartment complex located at 160 Versailles Drive in
Melbourne Beach.
Hamptons attorney Cliff Repperger and assistant county attorney Terri Jones will
attend the meeting, and interested residents will have an opportunity to voice their
concerns.
The meeting will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3780 Highway
A1A, Melbourne Beach.
For more information, contact Constance Minichelli at (321) 984-1687.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (September 15, 2006):
FIRE SERVICE ASSESSMENT
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CREATED
VIERA, Fla. -- The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners has established
a financial assistance program for qualified low-income homeowners who may be
negatively impacted by the Fire Service Assessment fee. Fire services will be
funded through an assessment on the Non-Ad Valorem portion of property tax bills
in unincorporated Brevard County beginning October 1.
To qualify for the assistance, residents’ annual household income must be less
than $24,999, or they must be currently receiving assistance through the Florida
Department of Children and Families food stamp program.
Property owners who are currently receiving the additional homestead exemption
for senior citizens age 65 and over will automatically receive the fire service
assessment assistance and do not need to apply.
Applications may be downloaded from the county’s website at www.brevardcounty.us,
and are available at county offices with internet connections, libraries, and
the Timothy J. Mills Fire Rescue Center in Rockledge. The deadline for
application submission is October 20.
For more information, call (321) 633-2056 or (321) 952-4700 in the south
mainland area.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Tres’ Holton, Special Assistant to Commissioner Voltz
PHONE: 321-952-6300 or 321-960-2378
FAX: 321-952-6340
EMAIL: Tres.Holton@brevardcounty.us
COMMISSIONER VOLTZ DEFENDS DECORUM: SYMPATHIZES FOR CITIZEN
Viera, FL (April 25, 2006) – This morning, Brevard County Board of County Commissioners Chair, Helen Voltz, defended the ability of the Board of County Commissioners and residents to conduct the business of the people. Voltz also expressed her sympathy for a citizen who, unfortunately, had to be removed from the commission chambers. Due to his failure to comply with decorum and multiple orders from a Sheriff Deputy, this citizen was subsequently arrested.
A uniformed officer removed Walter D. Pine, a Brevard County resident, from the commission chambers because he failed to comply with the legal decorum of a properly noticed public meeting and failed to disengage. Pine was given ten (10) minutes to speak about items on the agenda, but he demanded more time. Stating he would not leave the podium until he was given his full requested time, Chair Voltz had no other recourse than to have Mr. Pine removed from the chambers. Mr. Pine was not arbitrarily discriminated against, as another resident in the same meeting was given and complied with the ten (10) minute limit.
Mr. Pine, and citizen activists like him, provide debate and participate in the democratic process that has made this country and county great. “It truly is upsetting when the act of civil disobedience reaches the level it did today. I will have Mr. Pine in my prayers.”, said Voltz.
By his own admission, Mr. Pine exclaimed outside the commission chambers that he “wanted to be arrested.”
Please forward all questions and comments to Tres’ Holton, Special Assistant to County Commissioner Helen Voltz.
- # # # -
***********************************************************
October-November, 2005 Press Release sent to the Barefoot Bay Tattler:
A Message From Your Commissioner
Most of you may know by now, but the landowner requesting a zoning change to the
760-acre Micco Farm & Grove property has withdrawn his application from the
County. In turn, the property owner has applied for annexation into the city of
Palm Bay. This means the County will no longer have any control over the
development. Density, design criteria, etc. now will all be decided by Palm Bay.
In addition, the developer will no longer be required to make improvements to
Micco Road.
As many of you know, we had been working diligently to create a “Master Plan”
for the south mainland part of Brevard. Since this 760-acre parcel and adjoining
western properties (all also annexing into Palm Bay) made up a significant
portion of the developable land in the master plan area, the plan has currently
been put on hiatus. Further hindering our efforts, the Grant/Valkaria
Incorporation Committee stated on record that if they incorporate, they do not
want to participate in the master plan, which would remove even more developable
land from the plan area. Additionally, we would need to come up with a funding
source if we wanted to continue working with Brevard Tomorrow. I would like to
thank all of you who participated in the master plan process and want to ensure
you that this process has not been in vain. I have learned a great deal about
the wants and needs of the residents in the south mainland area and will use
this knowledge in all future decisions affecting the area.
In related zoning news, the re-zoning request of the 29-acre Rushing Wind
property south of Micco Road was granted at the November 3rd Planning and Zoning
meeting. This property was re-zoned from AU (Agricultural Residential) to RR-1
(Rural Residential). The owner plans to build 20 homes on the 29-acre site.
Relief from the railroad tracks may be on its way. The County is conducting a
30-day study that would be used to legally justify creating an ordinance that
would limit the amount of time intersections could be blocked by trains. This
study is expected to be completed by the end of November / beginning of
December. Hopefully, this study will prove what we all already know, that
blocking the roads for an extended period of time is a serious safety hazard. If
it does, we can then begin the process of creating a new ordinance.
Some quick notes regarding the Crystal Bay Development:
• The official name is Crystal Bay Sebastian Beach & Tennis Club
• There will be 533 lots
• The lots will be rental – they will NOT be selling the lots
• This will be an age 55+ community
• The fence along the perimeter will be completely rebuilt (may be complete by
the time you read this)
• They will begin pre-selling in January and hope to have occupants by the
spring
• There is a 56 acre conservation area on the property
• You can obtain a copy of the site plan by calling our office toll-free at
(321) 952-4601
Finally, I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving and I would like to
extend an invitation to our Holiday Open House at the District 3 office on
December 14th from 11 am to 2 pm. Please call our office with any
questions/comments you may have - we now have a toll-free phone number (321)
952-4601.
Sincerely,
Helen Voltz
www.mycommissiondistrict3.com
###
***********************************************************
(The following press release was cut and pasted from Congressman Dave
Weldon's website:)
Space Coast Community Leaders Meet with Weldon in D.C. to Discuss the Pending
Base Realignment and Closure Commission
Washington, Mar 2 - A large group of Space Coast Community Leaders
brought together by the Space Coast Defense Alliance, met with U.S.
Representative Dave Weldon in Washington, D.C. to discuss the pending Base
Realignment and Closure Commission.
The group thanked Congressman Weldon for his support and leadership on the
issue, discussed methods to engage the entire community in support for Patrick
Airforce Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and reviewed the economic
benefits the bases bring to the entire Space Coast.
Among those in attendance were Rocky Randels, Mayor of Cape Canaveral, Ron
Pritchard, Brevard County Commissioner, Helen Voltz, Brevard County
Commissioner, M. Randall Harris, Chairman of Space Coast Defense Alliance, Neal
Johnson, Economic Development Commission Chairman, and Lynda Weatherman,
President and CEO of
Economic Development Commission.
***********************************************************
Melbourne (3/4/05), Brevard County Commissioner, District 3, Helen Voltz will host a Town Hall meeting on Saturday, March 12th from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Melbourne Beach Town Hall located at 507 Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach. Dr. Charles Benedict of the Benedict Engineering Co., Inc. (BEC) will be in attendance to present their NuShore beach re-nourishment system. NuShore is a removable, porous groin system that uses nature’s own forces to re-nourish beaches.
Also in attendance will be Ernie Brown, Brevard County’s Natural Resources Management Director. Mr. Brown and the county are evaluating the opportunity to pilot the NuShore system on our beaches and are interested in hearing the public’s opinion on this re-nourishment option. Dr. Benedict, Mr. Brown and Commissioner Voltz, will all be available for questioning following the presentation.
####
***********************************************************
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Review of Rip Current Signage On Brevard Beaches Complete
Melbourne, FL (2/21/05) - During the February 8th, 2005 Brevard County Commission Meeting, District 3 Commissioner Helen Voltz requested staff to address replacing riptide warning signs that were damaged during the memorable 2004 Hurricane Season. Brevard County Fire Rescue surveyed Rip Current sign needs for our beaches and the following are some of their findings:
·There were 58 signs missing, post-hurricanes
·Of those 58 signs, 25 have been replaced (from PAFB to Sebastian Inlet all Public Accesses have signage)
·The remaining 33 sites will have signage by Monday, February 21, 2005
·The only exception to this will be those Public Access points not accessible to the public due to construction, beach restoration etc.
In addition, Brevard County will be receiving 185 additional signs from the State of Florida, at no additional charge. The county will have signage for all 155 official Public Access points by Memorial Day, the official start of Beach Rescue coverage.
In 1998, James McGriff, a local high school football star that was scheduled to play for the University of Florida, drowned after being caught in a riptide off of Melbourne Beach. Soon after the McGriff drowning, the late Senator Howard Futch began a campaign to require 11 coastal counties to post signs warning of the danger of rip currents. Commissioner Voltz feels that “it is important to follow in the footsteps of Senator Futch in order to protect our citizens and everyone who visits Brevard’s beautiful beaches”. For more information regarding rip currents, visit the NOAA website - http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/
# END #
News Media Articles
and Coverage
Brown in town. Helen Voltz, County Commissioner Helen Voltz, at podium, speaks to the crowd. Tim Shortt , FLORIDA TODAY
July 24, 2007
Program tackles gangs
Football legend touts
initiative geared toward reducing violence
BY MEGAN DOWNS
FLORIDA TODAY
NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown on Monday helped kick off a $1.3 million statewide program aimed at preventing the spread of gangs and reducing crime and violence among area youth.
More than 100 politicians, city leaders, police chiefs, school district
officials, pastors and neighborhood watch members joined the football hero in
Melbourne to launch the program that targets South Brevard's gangster-wannabes
and youth in three other
counties.
The initiative is modeled after Brown's Amer-I-Can program, which has worked with gang members on the streets, in prisons and in schools since the early 1990s.
Four Brevard schools -- Bayside, Eau Gallie and Palm Bay high schools and Stone Middle School -- will participate. Principals at each school will identify about 40 students per semester to go through 60 to 90 hours of life skills classes aimed at steering them away from crime and violence. The classes include motivation, goal setting, family relationships and finding a job.
"We go into the belly of the beast and develop relationships," Brown said. "Most kids want to change their lives but they don't know how to do it. We help them look at their lives, help them to get the info and know the sources they can utilize."
Rep. Mitch Needelman, R-Melbourne, a six-year chairman of the Juvenile Justice Committee, secured the funding. He said he was pleased at the large number of local groups interested in the initiative.
"If this is any indicator of what the future holds then we are going to see a lot of lives changed in Brevard County," Needelman said.
Other participating counties include Broward, Hillsborough and Manatee counties. If successful, the program will expand to Orange, Dade and Duval counties.
Gang- and youth-related crime in Brevard represents only a small percentage of overall crime, but police say the numbers are growing.
At least a dozen homegrown or imported gangs are known to be active on the Space Coast, police officials have said. In nearby Orlando, gang activity appears on the rise and police say they are concerned about spillover violence.
About $2.8 billion is spent each year on the state Department of Corrections, Needelman told community members.
"Why not spend the same or equal resources on prevention or intervention?" he said to roaring applause.
As part of the program, principals also will appoint trained facilitators who will act as counselors and motivators for the students. The program will measure success by monitoring grade point averages, attendance and disciplinary action, but Brown said that's not where the real changes are seen.
"There's no quick fix," Brown said. "You can measure some things in school but I can tell you we saved a life . . . how do you measure that?
"Success is there for you if you want it but you have to work to achieve it," he said. "We get them to change their thinking and take responsibility for their actions."
Another key element of the program will be the formation of two peace squads in Melbourne and Palm Bay, which likely will be led by former gang members. Each squad will have about 18 members and will focus on gang members, school drop-outs, court referrals and other at-risk youth.
Amer-I-Can gang interventionists have visited targeted areas to determine the extent of the illegal gang activity and will work to develop the squads or "peace warriors," Brown said.
Activities will include neighborhood cleanup such as graffiti removal.
"I think it's the right approach," 10-year Melbourne resident James Minus said. "We have a problem with gang activity in our community. I'm glad to finally see a real effort to curb it."
Contact Downs at 242-3549 or mdowns@floridatoday.com.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070724/NEWS01/707240339/-1/archives
**Letter from Commissioner Voltz inviting community to join in the event** (Link)
Cheers for commissioner. County Commissioner Helen Voltz received cheers and applause from those at the rally for her support of their cause. Tim Shortt, FLORIDA TODAY
July 19, 2007
Deputies, firefighters rally for
pay increases
Voltz says Brevard not
playing politics with safety
BY JAMES DEAN
FLORIDA TODAY
Dozens of off-duty Brevard County firefighters and deputies rallied Wednesday morning against possible wage freezes, saying their departments are under attack and appealing to residents to "be our 9-1-1."
At the hourlong rally outside the Government Center, union officials said that the county was threatening public safety cuts to scare residents about property tax reform.
"You've got a difficult enough job without having to worry about this kind of treatment from the government," Jim Spearing, a political consultant with the Florida Police Benevolent Association, told members.
County Commissioner Helen Voltz said the county was "absolutely not" playing politics with public safety. In Viera for meetings, she was cheered for visiting the rally and she in turn applauded the employees, who held protest signs, for fighting for their interests.
"They're doing what they need to do," she said.
Commissioners are working to cut about $13 million in programs funded by property taxes and have warned that the county's more than 3,800 employees may have to go without raises. But they have challenged assertions that they are hurting public safety services.
The county's proposed $1.23 billion budget for next year includes a 4.9 percent increase for the sheriff's office, to $107.4 million, adding more than $7 million in jail-related funding.
Fire-rescue's operating budget increases slightly though the total budget drops 6 percent, to $83.6 million. Tax reform required a 3 percent cut in the agency's tax rate, and the department plans to not replace fire engines as quickly.
As required by law, the tentative budget does set aside enough money to give about 2,100 union employees bargained increases of between 1 percent and 2 percent, though commissioners can redirect that money.
Meanwhile, employees' health insurance premiums may rise at least 9.5 percent.
Public safety personnel say minimal or no raises would result in high turnover and recruitment costs. Deputies' starting salary this year of $35,568 already is the highest among starting salaries at Brevard's largest law enforcement agencies, but lower than neighboring Indian River and Osceola counties, according to the sheriff's office.
Sheriff's officials said they expect other agencies to leapfrog them next year if county salaries remain flat and warn that will contribute to turnover and higher recruitment costs.
Brevard County Fire-Rescue firefighter/paramedics, whose starting salary this year is $33,348, make the same argument.
Without cost-of-living increases, six-year county firefighter/paramedic Andy Stiglich said he would struggle to provide for his family of four on a single income.
His children, ages 1 and 3, sat in a covered Radio Flyer wagon with a sticker on it that read, "Pay your firefighters like your life depends on it."
Negotiators for the county and firefighters union are scheduled to meet July 31. A final budget will be approved Sept. 18.
Contact Dean at 242-3617 or jdean@floridatoday.com.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070719/NEWS01/707190345
May 9, 2007
Malabar agrees to pay for
patrols
BY JAMES DEAN
FLORIDA TODAY
It appears Brevard County won't be taking Malabar to court over payment for law enforcement patrols.
The town council this week unanimously voted to support a property tax to pay for patrols by Brevard County Sheriff's deputies, a move the county had requested.
The tax is expected to cost town property owners about $218,000 next year.
Residents of unincorporated areas and several towns already pay the tax, but Malabar had resisted.
The town of 3,000 had weighed starting its own police department. Some residents and town officials also argued the sheriff's office was constitutionally required to provide the patrol services without an additional tax.
But Sheriff Jack Parker said a court could force him to stop using patrol deputies there, increasing emergency response times for residents. He told the town the money would help add four more deputies to the area.
The county in February initiated a conflict resolution process the state requires before government entities can sue each other.
The issues were settled at a meeting between county, town and sheriff's officials prior to Monday's vote.
"We got all our questions answered in a very positive way," said council member Bobbi Moccia.
The town plans to ask residents to approve participation in the tax on a binding 2008 ballot, and then every two years.
"People can revisit this again if they don't feel we did the right thing," Moccia said.
Contact Dean at 242-3617 or jdean@floridatoday.com.
http://floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070509/NEWS01/705090378/1006
May 9, 2007
Pay raises, libraries would take
hit
BY JAMES DEAN
FLORIDA TODAY
At least 2,900 employees won't get raises next year if Brevard County must cut $76 million in property taxes, county commissioners agreed Tuesday.
Four new library projects worth $15.3 million also were put on hold during an afternoon workshop.
The commission began setting priorities for anticipated budget cuts based on estimates of how statewide property tax reform will affect the county.
"It's very devastating to every one of us to even discuss these kinds of things," Commissioner Jackie Colon said.
The actual impact won't be known until after a special legislative session that begins June 12, about a month before a draft of the county's budget is due.
A rollback of property tax rates to 2003 levels -- a proposal commissioners were told has momentum in Tallahassee -- would mean a 24-percent hit to property tax revenues.
That percentage would increase slightly if Brevard's tax roll drops this year, as predicted by the property appraiser's preliminary estimates.
Property taxes make up less than a quarter of this year's total $1.16 billion budget, but they fund several dozen departments and agencies in part or fully, including major public safety functions.
Commissioners reiterated their intent to spare non-administrative public safety personnel from what they predict could be hundreds of layoffs, depending on the magnitude of the cuts. But those employees could have their salaries frozen, though negotiations with unions would be required.
"It seems difficult to talk about laying off numbers of people while other people get wage increases," said Commissioner Truman Scarborough. "I do believe the bottom line is going to be salaries."
The county also will ask charter offices, including the property appraiser, supervisor of elections, tax collector and clerk of courts, to prepare for 30-percent cuts in county funding, and to explain how that reduction would affect them.
More than 40 percent of the county's property tax revenue funds those five offices, with the sheriff's office by far the largest recipient.
If those offices and public safety departments that have among the most employees and biggest budgets don't make significant cuts, other departments would have to pick up the slack.
Uncertainty remains over whether the proposed rollbacks will affect tax rates approved by voters for parks and other services.
If they do, it would mean the county might choose not to build or open new parks and community centers promised to voters because once it did, it couldn't afford to operate them.
Several commissioners criticized the Legislature for increasing the level it will tax local residents for public schools, even as members accuse local governments of runaway spending.
The state justified that increase by citing costs related to the 2002 constitutional amendment voters approved to reduce class sizes.
"So they get to pick and choose when the citizens get listened to?" said Commissioner Chuck Nelson.
Commissioner Helen Voltz said she doubts the state will take any action that would dramatically hurt the county's quality of life, and the county needs to tighten its belt by prioritizing which programs were most essential.
Others weren't as confident about the eventual outcome.
Scarborough said that while any agency can cut costs slightly or hold off on maintenance and new equipment, those savings wouldn't nearly add up to $76 million.
"We can go there, but we need to find $10-million budgets to cut first," he said.
The commission plans to analyze individual program costs rather than asking departments for reductions across the board.
Another budget workshop is scheduled at 1 p.m. Thursday. Among the topics will be whether to proceed with borrowing about $50 million for dozens of road projects.
Contact Dean at 242-3617 or jdean@floridatoday.com.
http://floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070509/NEWS01/705090374/1006
April 22, 2007
Tax spending shows big increases
As growth continues, more
funds needed for increased services
BY JOHN McCARTHY
and JAMES DEAN
Advocates of property tax reform have likened local governments to drunken sailors on shore leave, recklessly spending tax dollars as collections soar. They point to a tax reform committee report that found property tax revenues are up 80 percent since 2000.
A FLORIDA TODAY examination of five years' worth of local governments' budgets shows that Brevard County, the 15 cities and Brevard Public Schools have substantially increased spending -- but not by as much as their critics imply.
Collectively, the county, cities and school district are budgeted to spend $2.94 billion this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. That's nearly a 70 percent increase over the $1.74 billion they spent five years ago.
But the raw numbers don't take into account the nearly 58,000-person growth in the county's population during the same five years. Brevard County governments will spend a combined $5,410 a year per resident, an increase of about 51 percent more than five years ago when it was just $3,577.
The average annual increase of in per capita spending is more than triple the overall rate of inflation, which has increased by about 2.6 percent annually in the past five years.
Reform advocates say that money has been spent recklessly. Local governments, though, say the money has been used to put more police on the streets and teachers in classrooms, to build new roads and repair aging ones, and to build new parks and buy environmentally endangered land as demanded by voters.
That's too much spending, said Rich Smith, a retired space worker who has lived on Merritt Island for 40 years.
"I think their income has gone up far faster than it should," he said. "It has to be tied to inflation."
But government officials and independent economists say it's unrealistic to compare the growth in government costs with that of average consumers. That's because the cost of the things governments buy -- such as asphalt to build new roads and health insurance for employees -- grows much faster than such consumer products as food and clothing.
"They buy a whole lot of concrete and steel and fuel and pensions," Fishkind & Associates founder Hank Fishkind said. "And the price of concrete and steel and fuel and pensions have increased a lot faster than inflation."
Fishkind, one of the state's most influential economists, has said that as much as 60 percent of the increased spending by local governments around the state has gone to capital projects -- such as building new schools and roads -- and for programs mandated by the state of federal governments.
Public safety accounted for about a third of all new spending, Fishkind said.
City spending in flux
Statewide, cities' tax revenues have increased faster than county or school district budgets, according to a December report from a tax-reform committee appointed by former Gov. Jeb Bush last year.
In Brevard County in the past five years, city property tax revenue increases have ranged from a low of 28 percent in Melbourne Beach to a high of 372 percent in Cape Canaveral.
But, again, raw numbers don't tell the whole story. Melbourne Beach's growth might have been slower, for instance, but the $201 it collects per capita this year is more than twice Cape Canaveral's $96.57.
And Cape Canaveral is the only city in the county where voters have approved specific taxes to be dedicated to police and fire service.
Canaveral residents voted to increase the fire tax rate in 2001 and the police tax rate in 2002. That has allowed the city to buy new equipment and hire additional deputies and firefighters.
"We have a history of asking voters if they want an increased level of service and if they are willing to be taxed for those increased levels," City Manger Bennett Boucher said.
Even the per capita numbers can be misleading.
Cocoa Beach, for instance, collects the most taxes per resident, $390 each. But as the snowbird and tourist hub of the county, it must provide services to far more people than the 12,661 people who call it home.
In the winter and during holiday weekends, the number of people in Cocoa Beach can more than double. And those visitors are one of the major economic engines of the entire county.
"We have to be able to deal with peak loads," Cocoa Beach Assistant City Manager A.J. Hutson said. He pointed out that 80 percent of police calls and 50 percent of emergency medical calls are for nonresidents.
"We are a tourist destination. The services we provide are for the residents and the tourists."
Rising salaries for police officers and firefighters have been a major cost for virtually every city in Central Florida, Hutson said.
"That's kind of a keeping up with the Joneses issue," Hutson said. "If your wage scale is $5,000 less for a starting police officer or firefighter compared with other Central Florida cities, then you are going to have to up your scale."
All cities have talked about how possible tax reforms would affect their budgets and the services they provide residents. But until Tallahassee provides a definitive plan, it's impossible to point to specific cuts.
Hutson said Cocoa Beach would do everything possible to avoid cutting vital services such as police. But even other cuts could hurt over the long haul, he said. He compares some of the things the city could do to putting off home maintenance.
"Instead of going four years to paint the house, you can go five," Hutson said. "You can do that in the short run. . . . But after a while, putting off maintenance can cost you more in the long run.
County spending up
The sheriff's office budget from general funds has jumped $27.5 million, or 46 percent since 2003. New money has paid for 22 new patrol deputies and an overdue expansion of the jail, including 89 civilian positions there, Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten said.
Another $5.7 million went to pay for new fire engines and ambulances and raises for fire-rescue personnel.
Spending by four other charter offices that the county must fund -- including the property appraiser, tax collector, elections supervisor and clerk of courts -- is up between 35 percent and 47 percent in the past five years.
Some of the recent surge in revenue also includes taxes residents have endorsed themselves, primarily for new parks and conservation of environmentally sensitive lands.
This year, that amounted to about $40 million, or about 17 percent of all property taxes collected.
"The story we've tried to tell our legislative delegation is that our situation is fairly different from other counties," Whitten said.
On top of those expenses, new, recurring state mandates this year include $4.4 million for Medicaid, $3 million for pretrial detention of juveniles and $2.8 million for the courts.
Clerk of the Court Scott Ellis, a vocal critic of county spending, says those increases don't excuse scores of wasteful decisions by county commissioners.
Though approved by voters, he says the county wouldn't have needed to ask for $85.7 million last year to complete parks projects if the first referendum in 2000 had been managed properly. Costs projections have continued to increase since the second referendum was proposed.
He also cited $18 million to replenish sand in Satellite Beach and Indian Harbour Beach, more money for business development and a study that recommended large raises for some county employees among decisions that will prove painful when revenue declines, as it may next year.
"It really comes down to priorities," he said. "They could have reduced the windfall if they wanted to. All the extra money just got to be a habit. Everyone showed up and (county commissioners) just gave them what they asked for."
Overall, growth in county government spending has been among the most modest of all local governments. County spending has increased by only 4.7 percent a year when accounting for population growth.
School construction
At the other end of the spectrum is Brevard Public Schools. Per-student spending has increased by an average of 13.8 percent a year for the past five years.
But unlike other government agencies, the school budget is largely controlled by the state, which dictates a "Required Local Effort" each district must raise through property taxes.
Former Gov. Jeb Bush made raising education spending a priority. And in recent years, the Legislature has touted the money it has poured into public education. Additionally, the school system has had to deal with the increased costs of voter-mandated class-size limits.
The school district has hired 500 new teachers to meet those limits.
"The state really controls the overall bottom line," said Judy Preston, associate superintendent of finance for the school district. "If we can generate more, they'll give us less."
She pointed out that the state's share of the school district's budget dropped from 67 percent in 2002 to 58 percent this year.
Some of the most visible signs of new spending relate to the district's seven-year, $890 million plan to renovate existing schools and build seven new schools. Now in its second year, that plan boosted this year's $1.2 billion district budget with $192 million the district borrowed, but without raising taxes.
The FLORIDA TODAY analysis found that spending on school construction was a major factor in the overall increased spending countywide. Removing the schools' capital expenditures from the equation shows that overall spending would have increased 5.4 percent on average.
Fla. 'not much better'
But even though per-capita city and county spending haven't skyrocketed as much as critics claim, some residents' tax bills have.
Florida has a two-tier system of assessing properties, and owners of second homes and businesses don't enjoy the same tax exemptions and caps as year-round residents with homestead status. John Lenza left Verona, N.J., three years ago for Palm Bay. His $12,000 property tax bill up north was a prime factor in the move.
"I was trying to escape the outrageous property taxes in New Jersey."
Today, his tax bill for his Bayside Lakes home is $6,000.
"I'm in a better situation, but not much better."
Lenza, a real estate agent, said that rising tax bills has put the dream of owning a home out of reach for many working people here. In the long run, he said, that will be a drag on the economy.
"I see people leaving here all the time, every day. . . . The average person cannot afford to live here."
Contact McCarthy at 321-242-5018 or Dean at 321-242-3617.
http://floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070422/NEWS01/704220344/-1/archives
Brevard marina owners won't be docked if they need to rebuild
By LAMAUR STANCIL
lamaur.stancil@scripps.com
April 8, 2007
MICCO — Brevard County officials have made it easier for marina owners, such as the one on Main Street, to rebuild following a disaster.
And for residents living near the San Sebastian Marina, they shouldn't have to worry about something completely different being built on the land.
The County Commission last week granted a conditional-use permit for the marina and amended an ordinance to cut the red tape for rebuilding them. San Sebastian Marina owner Joe Baggs sought the permit because rezoning in Micco has made his business along the St. Sebastian River a nonconforming use.
Baggs has been allowed to run the marina as a grandfathered business, but without the permit granted Thursday he would not have been able to rebuild because of the zoning. His request prompted the county to rewrite its ordinance for the sake of other marina owners.
"The ordinance was so strict that they wouldn't be able to rebuild their marinas, and they would have to build something else, like a condominium," said County Commissioner Helen Voltz, whose district includes Micco. "I'd rather see marinas than condos."
Condo concerns had caught the eye of Micco-based Citizens Coalition of the South Mainland when Baggs applied for his permit. Chairwoman Vicki Benoit said some confusing language in the application had her concerned that whatever was rebuilt would be more than 35 feet high. Instead, the county restricts buildings to no more than 35 feet.
With that misunderstanding out of the way, Benoit said she's pleased with the county's decision.
"Everyone seems happy with it, and it's a moot issue now," Benoit said.
Boats have been docking at the marina for more than 50 years.
THE COMMISSION'S DECISION
The Brevard County Commission gave a conditional-use permit to the San Sebastian Marina on Main Street in Micco. The business has been there for years, but its owner sought the permit to allow him to rebuild if the marina was ever destroyed by a hurricane or another catastrophe.
URL: http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_5471007,00.html
Micco Road to undergo $3.5 million face-lift in 2 months
By LAMAUR STANCIL
lamaur.stancil@scripps.com
March 28, 2007
MICCO — Residents have been complaining about the condition of Micco Road for at least 10 years.
"I try not to use it, due to the bad condition and congestion," Micco resident Frankie Schott said. "I think it would need to be widened."
But in a year, Schott and other Micco residents may find the road easier to traverse. Brevard County Commissioner Helen Voltz said work crews will begin $3.5 million in improvements on the eastern half of the road in 2 months. Turn lanes will be placed at key intersections of the road between the railroad tracks and Dottie Lane and almost two miles of sidewalk will be added on the south side of the road starting at U.S. 1.
The problem with the two-lane road, residents said, is it's worn down and too narrow for the traffic it has to accommodate. Almost 10,000 people live in Barefoot Bay, which is cut in two by Micco Road. And looming on the horizon is more traffic from Palm Bay, which has annexed land east of Dottie and plans to put a subdivision on the road west of Barefoot Bay.
The road is treacherous for southside Barefoot Bay residents to cross — whether on foot or in a vehicle — and vice versa. Some parents on the south side of the road, for example, won't allow their children to cross to the north side to see friends or visit the Barefoot Bay pools.
"It's dangerous out there," Barefoot Bay mother Robin Phillips said.
Phillips and other residents recall a February 2004 morning when two teenagers were struck by a vehicle while waiting for a school bus on the corner of Micco and Brown roads. Brevard County school buses pick up students for Bayside High School and Southwest Middle School at bus stops along Micco Road.
A lack of money has been the reason the county hasn't been able to pay for the improvements before now.
In 2003, Brevard voters turned down a 1-cent sales tax referendum that would have provided $29 million for the same improvements to be done this year, plus work to smooth out the S-curves west of Barefoot Bay. That's because voters were against the full $450 million package in the referendum, which included projects for law enforcement, environmental protection and various county facilities.
Last year, Voltz said bids for the Micco Road work came in $1 million more than budgeted. But county officials were satisfied by this year's bids.
The work pending still leaves the troublesome S-curves a few miles west of U.S. 1. The speed limit on Micco Road is 45 mph approaching the first S-curve, then traffic signs advise of the curve and recommend motorists reduce their speed. But some motorists don't heed the warning and have caused accidents. The county doesn't have plans to improve that portion of the road, but Tequesta developer Dan Logan, who is planning to build a subdivision on Micco Road, has said he'll pay for the improvements when he builds the homes.
"It wouldn't be a selling point to have a bad road out there in front of the development," Voltz said.
MICCO ROAD
• Runs 5 1/2 miles from U.S. 1 in Micco to Babcock Street and crosses over Interstate 95, though there's no interchange
• Two lanes with a
railroad crossing
THE ROAD WORK
• Brevard County plans to spend $3.5 million on improvements for the Micco Road.
• A sidewalk will be added to the south side of Micco Road from U.S. 1 to Dottie Lane.
• Turn lanes will be placed at certain intersections.
URL: http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_5446724,00.html
Press conference. Melbourne Police Chief Don Carey, left, and Brevard County Sheriff Jack Parker hold a press conference about "Operation Take Back" on Friday. Michael R. Brown, FLORIDA TODAY
March 23,
2007
Sheriff, chief vow more
cooperation
BY JOHN A. TORRES
FLORIDA TODAY
MELBOURNE -- Saying he was not interested in a short-term fix, Sheriff Jack
Parker said today he’s already working with Melbourne Police Chief Don Carey on
the next joint drug sting operation.
The two department heads greeted each other and the news media this morning to
discuss the end of Operation Take Back — a joint operation leveled at
street-level drug dealers that resulted in 41 arrests over a two-day period.
“This sends an interesting message to the bad guys in our community,” Parker
said. “It was a nice thing to see yesterday ... making a real impact on crime.”
Police set out to arrest 53 people they had identified as being problems in the
street-level drug trade.
“Those 12 people we did not arrest will be picked up shortly,” Carey said.
No weapons were recovered during the operation. Police did confiscate 65 grams
of marijuana and 50 grams of cocaine having a street value of several thousand
dollars, police said, adding that the arrests were the culmination of 15 days
worth of video-taped drug buys.
Read more about this story in tomorrow's FLORIDA TODAY.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070323/BREAKINGNEWS/70323024/1086/BREAKING
Craig Rubadoux, FLORIDA TODAY
March 23,
2007
'Operation Take Back'
sweeps the streets of Melbourne
BY JOHN A. TORRES
FLORIDA TODAY
Nearly 100 uniformed and undercover police officers, sheriff’s deputies and
SWAT team members swept into several drug-infested Melbourne neighborhoods
Wednesday and Thursday after a month-long investigation into street drugs.
The raids, executed search warrants, and buy and bust operations, netted more
than 40 arrests.
Operation Take Back — a 30-day joint operation by the Brevard County Sheriff’s
Office and the City of Melbourne Police Department — was aimed at putting a dent
into the low-level street dealers. For years, these dealers have operated
fearlessly in Booker T. Washington, Monroe Street, Driskell Heights, Shull Manor
and other neighborhoods in Melbourne.
“You Tazed me, you Tazed me,” screamed Trevor Collins as he crumpled to the
ground during one arrest in the front yard of his home near the notorious “Tree”
on Monroe Street. Melbourne Police said Collins was wanted for selling cocaine
and arrested him.
“He was resisting the deputy and was not being compliant, so I Tazed him,” said
Melbourne Police Officer and SWAT team member Cyril Hopping. “I’m going home
tonight. I’ve got kids. I’m not afraid to Taze somebody.”
Amazingly enough, many of Thursday’s arrests came less than 24 hours after SWAT
teams executed search warrants in search of drugs and dealers in the very same
neighborhoods that included flash-bang grenades, assault rifles and foot chases
through the streets.
“We want to show the citizens we’re out here to help them with the street level
drug dealing taking place,” said Commander Ron Bell with the Melbourne Police
Department. “It’s like a revolving door, when you arrest someone, someone else
is there to take their place. So we hope to put a big dent in this shortly.”
Added BCSO Lt. Greg Purden: “Sometimes it seems like you don’t even make a
dent.”
Yet, several known street dealers, including some operating out of Ramda’s Inn
on U.S. 1 in Melbourne were put out of business Thursday after unwittingly
selling crack cocaine to undercover officers who were being videotaped and
followed by numerous agents.
The street dealing in Melbourne has become so brazen that BCSO Lt. J.J. Woolsey
said dealers were literally fighting with each other to sell drugs to undercover
cops. He also said that one dealer even told the agent he knew he was a cop.
“We had one occasion where two guys literally dove into a passenger side window
trying to fight each other off to make the sale,” he said.
John Mellick, BCSO SWAT team leader said the operation was simply about going
out and arresting the people that have been selling them drugs for the last few
weeks.
“We’re trying to battle the street level drug problem in the city of Melbourne,”
he said.
Thursday’s street sweeps also resulted in several other arrests including one
late Thursday night when police spotted prostitute Anna Rogers running toward a
car. Police followed the vehicle and stopped it on the Melbourne Causeway.
Rogers, 29, admitted to being addicted to crack for the last three years was
arrested for prostitution as well as for having a crack pipe in her purse. Her
“John,” 64-year-old Macy’s salesman Anthony Abraham was arrested for soliciting
a prostitute.
“I’m devastated,” he said.
Law enforcement officials will hold a news conference at 10:30 a.m. today. Check
back later for updates.
Read more about this story in tomorrow's FLORIDA TODAY.
http://floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070323/BREAKINGNEWS/70323002
March 12,
2007
Panel rejects ethics charge against
Voltz
BY JAMES DEAN
FLORIDA TODAY
Brevard County Commissioner Helen Voltz's letter in summer 2006 warning Grant and Valkaria residents of a likely tax increase if they incorporated last summer did not violate ethics rules, a state agency has found.
The ruling, issued Wednesday, was the second time since December the Florida Commission on Ethics has dismissed a complaint on the matter, saying both times the complaints didn't show Voltz received a special benefit from the letter.
Reached Friday, Voltz declined to comment.
Her June 30 letter, sent on official letterhead and at a cost to the county of $514, said "an increase in taxes will most likely occur when you incorporate."
The letter's timing, a few weeks before the voting deadline, angered incorporation supporters.
Voltz said at the time she was disseminating balanced facts to residents, many of whom had asked her opinion.
About two-thirds of voters ultimately approved the incorporation, creating Grant-Valkaria.
Palm Bay resident Robert Doucette, who filed the more recent complaint, said Friday he was reviewing the ethics commission's findings.
Grant-Valkaria Mayor Del Yonts, who had no connection to the ethics complaints, said the town has moved on.
"In my mind, it's not an issue anymore," he said.
The ethics commission also announced that complaints against three other Brevard officials were dismissed:
Contact Dean at 242-3617 or jdean@floridatoday.com.
http://floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070312/NEWS01/703120317/1006
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February 12,
2007
Seniors could see extra tax
savings
BY KIMBERLY C. MOORE
FLORIDA TODAY
June Barker, 75, and Margaret Elliott, 80, of the Meadows South duplex community rest a little easier because a $25,000 homestead exemption for low-income seniors gives them about $226 in extra cash each year.
"It may be very little, but to those on a fixed income, it means extra money for other bills," Barker said. "I just had to join an HMO in order to cover my medication and doctors and all."
More relief could be coming.
Last November, Florida voters overwhelmingly approved an additional $25,000
homestead exemption for low-
income seniors.
The exemption is in addition to the $25,000 low-income exemption, plus the
standard $25,000 homestead exemption. It won't mean an across-the-board $75,000
exemption, but it does mean savings for low-
income seniors.
For Barker and Elliott, their tax savings soon might double. Both pay about $170 a year in property taxes. Both earn less than $24,000, which qualifies them for the senior discount.
"I get a little bit of pension and Social Security and it does not even come to that," Elliott said.
Dianne Johns, a spokesperson for the Brevard County Property Appraiser's Office, explained that property taxes are calculated as a small percentage of the taxable value of a property. There are about a dozen different taxing authorities receiving a chunk of property tax payments, each using a different percentage and different taxable values.
People who have a homestead exemption are taxed on $25,000 less than their
property's value. So, a home worth $100,000 has a taxable value of
$75,000 for all taxing authorities. The existing senior exemption of $25,000 on
property taxes applies only to two authorities:
Areas that allow the existing senior discount are unincorporated Brevard County, Cocoa, Grant-Valkaria, Indian Harbour Beach, Malabar, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne Village, Satellite Beach, Titusville and West Melbourne.
Seniors who want to apply for the existing discount have until March 1. The county appraiser's office will want to see income tax forms and earning income statements. Each subsequent year, those who qualify will be asked to file an affidavit with the county.
Before the new exemption takes effect, the state Legislature, county government and local municipalities must vote on implementing the new exemption.
County Commission Chairwoman Helen Voltz is spearheading a movement to get the ordinance passed by the county.
"I don't want to see (seniors) taxed or insured out of their homes," Voltz said. "If your taxes continue to go up, they really have no place to go."
While some have argued it will cost the taxing authorities too much money, Johns pointed out 6,345 people throughout the entire county qualified for the senior discount last year, which cost the county $27,435 in taxes.
Palm Bay is also considering implementing both senior discounts. City Manager Lee Feldman said it would cost the city about $214,400 in taxes.
Johns said that helping seniors is more important than collecting the tax money.
"A lot of times, it's the difference between (them) eating or not eating or buying medicine or not," Johns said. "These are the kinds of people you really want to help."
Contact Moore at 321-480-5166 or kmoore@floridatoday.com.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070212/NEWS01/702120325/1006
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January 10,
2007
Road project moving forward
Cities, county to split
funding
BY JAMES DEAN
and LINDA JUMP
Hoping to save lives and money on Palm Bay Road, Brevard County and three cities have formed an unusual partnership to save a widening project from a five-year delay.
"It is a creative way for funding of our roads," said Commissioner Helen Voltz. "If we didn't do this project, we would have had to pay to repave this road anyway."
The county, Palm Bay, Melbourne and West Melbourne have tentatively agreed to borrow about $15 million needed to cover cost increases the state said it couldn't afford.
The state's disclosure last month that it would delay funding for the road's widening -- now projected to cost about $51 million -- shocked local leaders who expected the work to begin this year.
It also followed a deadly two-week stretch that saw five fatalities on the congested county-owned road, raising public concern.
Residents who drive the road regularly were happy the widening project might be back on schedule.
"There's too much traffic," said Sharon Montano of Palm Bay. "People are being killed, and there are too many accidents."
Charles Meyer of Palm Bay, a technician, said both the Palm Bay Road widening and the proposed St. Johns Heritage Parkway are needed.
"That would relieve a lot of traffic from Palm Bay Road," he said.
Officials hope to finalize their financing by Jan. 18, a day after a public meeting is held in Palm Bay focused on the road's safety.
The tentative agreement works as follows:
"The city has stepped up to the plate on this," said City Manager
Lee Feldman. "Delays will affect our residents."
The county would cover half that expense, Palm Bay would pay 25 percent and Melbourne and West Melbourne would split the difference.
Transportation impact fees from new developments that could have been held up without the road widening will help pay for the loan, officials said.
"Palm Bay Road is over capacity and there are projects that have been approved that depend on the widening before building permits can be issued," said Howard Ralls, deputy city manager in Melbourne.
One example is a House of Power motorcycle dealership proposed on Palm Bay Road at Stack Boulevard.
The five-year delay was projected to push the project's cost up to $67 million, almost double the original amount budgeted.
County officials said they would have had to resurface the road during the interim, wasting about $2 million.
County commissioners praised the team effort with the cities and credited Voltz's lead aide, Tres Holton, with leading negotiations.
"If this is any indication of the cooperation (to come) between the cities and the county, this is a huge, huge milestone, because we have been at odds in how we're handling things," Commissioner Jackie Colon said.
If approved by the county and city councils, the agreement means bids on the widening project could proceed in June and work could begin in the fall.
Contact Dean at 242-3617 or jdean@flatoday.net.
*******************************************
FDOT, cities have Palm Bay Road deal
Posted: 2007 Jan 26 - 00:30
By Jennifer Stahl
Staff writer
The air was infused with an angry mood when county and municipal leaders
gathered to garner resident input on the Palm Bay Road widening project.
Officials balked as news circulated prior to the meeting Jan. 17 that the
Florida Department of Transportation would foist construction project cost
overruns on local governments - without future reimbursement.
Palm Bay City Council members were furious as they pointed out they were being
punished for doing the right thing.
"We are the red-headed stepchild of the state, and I'm sick and tired of it,"
said Palm Bay deputy mayor Ed Geier. "When we step up to the plate to fix the
problem, they try to stick it to us. Am I mad? Am I upset? You bet I am."
Mr. Geier was referring to Palm Bay's offer to take out a $15.6 million loan
from the Florida League of Cities commercial paper loan pool, which the city
will then loan the FDOT in order to cover construction cost increases the
department of transportation projected necessary to begin the project later this
year, as originally planned.
The FDOT had set aside $36 million for the project, which would widen four-lane
Palm Bay Road to six lanes from Minton Road to Conlan Boulevard. However, when
costs increased to $51.6 million, the department intended to delay the project
until 2011, when more funding was available.
But that plan was unacceptable to local leaders who wanted the project made a
priority in light of the recent rash of traffic fatalities. Five people were
killed in accidents on Palm Bay Road between Nov. 30-Dec. 10, 2006.
Brevard County and local municipal officials met Jan. 8 to discuss options to
hasten the project. Officials ultimately decided they would make up the deficit
with a loan, which would be secured by Palm Bay. The FDOT promised to reimburse
the city for the loan in 10 quarterly payments beginning in July 2010, or the
beginning of the department's 2011 fiscal year.
However, at issue was the matter of the interest on the $15.6 million loan. At
an estimated interest rate between 3.5 and 4 percent, if Palm Bay were to take
out a loan, the city would be responsible for paying as much as $3 million to $4
million in interest.
Tres Holton, special assistant to County Commissioner Helen Voltz, District 3,
stepped in with an idea. Brevard County was planning to pay more than $2 million
to repave the surface of Palm Bay Road until the FDOT could launch its
road-widening project. Why not use those funds to take on 50 percent of the
interest burden, rather than paving the road.
When that offer was on the table, Palm Bay agreed to take on 25 percent of the
interest burden, and city officials of Melbourne and West Melbourne agreed to
pay 12.5 percent each. Problem solved - almost.
Brevard County, Melbourne and West Melbourne councils have agreed to sign an
interlocal agreement with Palm Bay regarding payment of the interest burden. The
governments must come to a final agreement by Jan. 31, and the city must turn
funds over to FDOT by March 12.
When news circulated the FDOT would not agree to pay potential construction cost
overruns, tempers flared.
Frank Hickson, intermodal systems development manager for FDOT, saved the day
when he made an announcement.
"I just spoke with the Secretary (of District 5, Noranne Downs), and FDOT will
pick up construction overruns," Mr. Hickson said.
The room erupted in thunderous applause.
Only one hurdle stands in the way of construction in 2007 - a new bidding model
instituted by FDOT. Any FDOT project with a price tag more than $25 million must
be let under the maximum bid concept, in which the department will reveal the
amount set aside for the current project - or $51.6 million. If bids from
private contractors come in over that amount, they will not be accepted. This
allows for the potential that no bidders will come forward, and the project
would be back at square one.
Also, FDOT has not had a project completed under the maximum bid module yet, so
there is no precedent for historical figures on potential cost overruns.
However, Mr. Hickson did say he has not seen any projects let under the maximum
bid concept come back with no bids.
If all goes well, contractor bidding could take place as early as July. FDOT
usually awards bids within 30 days of letting, and construction usually begins
three months later. FDOT officials anticipate that construction will take
approximately 2 and a half years.
Commissioner Voltz praised government officials for working together toward a
solution.
"With our cooperative partnerships, Palm Bay Road is going to get done within
the timeframe originally scheduled, and that's a miracle in itself, because
we've not always worked well together on projects in the past," she said. "(Palm
Bay) has done a tremendous job, and they deserve kudos for that."
http://www.myhometownnews.net/index.php?id=20442
Supplemental information about Palm Bay Rd Widening Project:
***D3 Palm Bay Rd Widening Memo.pdf
***City of Palm Bay Interoffice Memorandum.pdf
***Summary of Jan 8 2007 Meeting.pdf
***City of Melbourne Memo 01-09-2007.pdf
***City of Melbourne Summary Council Minutes 01-09-2007.pdf
***AGENDA BOCC January 26, 2007
***Palm Bay Rd Final Agreement.pdf
***Palm Bay Councilman Andy Anderson originally requested that multi-jurisdictions get together and resolve the Palm Bay Rd Widening Project crisis. His request for action is here: Andy Anderson Request.pdf
Brevard stops Snug Harbor impact fee
By LAMAUR STANCIL
lamaur.stancil@scripps.com
November 18, 2006
MICCO — Snug Harbor residents won't have to spend more than a thousand dollars for their water and sewer service.
The Brevard County Commission this week eliminated a $1,675 impact fee for the 474 Snug Harbor residents who became county utility customers almost three years ago. Notices about the decision will be included with water bills on the way to residents now, said Dick Martens, director of the county's Utility Services Department.
"This is going to save our community more than $800,000," said Snug Harbor resident Ted Wood, who lobbied for the decision with resident Mort Rothstein.
Wood praised Commissioner Helen Voltz, who represents the water and sewer customers in Snug Harbor, for pushing the issue and getting the fee eliminated.
Brevard officials took charge of the water and sewer plant in Snug Harbor in 2004 after residents complained about the service provided by its former utility operator, Burkim Enterprises of Jensen Beach. The manufactured-home community was then connected to the nearby Barefoot Bay Water and Sewer System, which is operated by the county.
While Snug Harbor residents strongly favored the takeover, they realized it would come with a price. Martens said the rules on the books for bringing in new customers to the system required the impact fee. But after further review, county officials determined the commission could pass a modified rate resolution and do away with the charge.
"The residents already paid an impact fee when the homes were built," Martens said. "This would have been a second impact fee."
So far, 121 Snug Harbor residents have paid the fee, while others were on a payment plan. Martens said all the money will be refunded with interest.
A bit of bad news accompanies the good news, though. The monthly bill for Snug Harbor residents will increase by $10, Martens said. The increase will bring the community in line with the rates paid by Barefoot Bay customers in the same system.
Snug Harbor residents were paying about $40 a month before the county took charge of their water and sewer service. Martens said the county wanted to keep the same rates until all homes were tapped into the Barefoot Bay water and sewer plants. Since that was accomplished earlier this fall, Snug Harbor residents will pay the same as Barefoot Bay residents, which is about $50 monthly.
URL: http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_5153131,00.html
Voltz vows to tackle dust problem
By LAMAUR STANCIL
lamaur.stancil@scripps.com
November 15, 2006
BAREFOOT BAY — Brevard County Commissioner Helen Voltz told residents here Tuesday night she's ready to kick up some dirt in regards to an ongoing dust problem from a nearby development.
Voltz spoke to the Barefoot Bay Homeowners Association and said county officials are preparing to file an injunction against the land owners of the Sebastian Beach and Tennis Club construction site. The land is north of Barefoot Bay and Snug Harbor, and often generates a large amount of dust that drifts into the communities.
"The people of Barefoot Bay should not have to put up with another year of this," Voltz said. "We're going to court to force them to keep their dirt on their property."
The Clearwater-based American Land Lease is building the subdivision, formerly known as Crystal Bay. The company plans to build more than 500 homes that will be accessed at Senne Road off of U.S. 1.
Barefoot Bay and Snug Harbor residents have complained the dirt forms a thin sheet on homes and vehicles. If a resident is caught unaware and leaves a window or door open, the dirt will blow through their homes and seep into their carpet.
In addition, residents are complaining about loud noise from work going on at the property at night and on weekends. Homeowners Association Director Dale Page said he heard and smelled the work late Monday night.
"I was walking my dog at about 11 p.m., and I could hear the diesel engine going and I could smell the fuel," he told Voltz.
County officials earlier this year briefly pulled the work permit in lieu of the company providing a plan to address the dirt problem. There's also been inspections by county officials to make sure the company was watering down the undeveloped land to prevent the dirt from drifting away.
However, the problems have persisted, which is why Voltz wants to take the matter to court.
Residents can help the county's case by providing photos of dirty cars and vehicles. Anyone who has any should call Voltz's office at (321) 952-6300.
URL: http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_5144006,00.html
Plans discussed for I-95 interchange between Micco and Grant roads
By HENRY A. STEPHENS
henry.stephens@scripps.com
October 26, 2006
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — If the city of Palm Bay and a group of developers can agree to terms, motorists from Roseland, Barefoot Bay and nearby areas may one day get an Interstate 95 interchange between Micco and Grant roads, Indian River and Brevard county officials heard Wednesday.
But when that happens was anybody's guess.
"Since this depends on private funding, I'm not sure where they are" in the approval process, Brevard County Transportation Engineering Director John Denninghoff said in a joint workshop of the two county commissions.
Ben Jefferies, developer of Bayside Lakes in Palm Bay, has been leading a group of developers in discussions with Palm Bay officials about a major residential-commercial project that would include a new interchange on I-95.
Brevard County Commission Chairwoman Helen Voltz said this kind of growth issue was why she asked for a joint workshop with her Indian River County colleagues.
"What happens in our south county will eventually impact Indian River County," she said. "So I wanted you to have a heads up on what is going on."
Indian River County officials have supported a new interchange to provide an additional evacuation route and also keep South Brevard motorists, bound for the Sebastian-Fellsmere interchange, from adding to congestion on County Road 512 and Roseland Road.
State-funded interchanges are years in the making, Denninghoff said, normally up to 10 years.
A private developer, however, could make it happen sooner, he said.
Indian River County Commissioner Wesley Davis looked over a map of the proposed interchange and saw 26 square miles of former pasture land recently annexed into Palm Bay, extending city limits to the Indian River County line near Fellsmere.
"A picture says a thousand words," Davis said. "Wow."
Lisette Kolar, an interim City Council member for the new city of Grant-Valkaria, said Davis' amazement was justified.
She said her neighbors incorporated as their own city to keep their quiet life separate from the density in Palm Bay's nearby annexations.
"We understand the needs for roads and interchanges, but just be careful," Kolar said.
Talks with the developers are still in the preliminary stage, however, Palm Bay Deputy City Manager Sue Hann said.
She said she hopes Jefferies and his group will pay for a new interchange, but said the city doesn't have an agreement.
So far, however, the developers have expressed interest in putting the proposed interchange at a site about 1 1/2 miles north of Micco Road and 1 1/2 miles south of Grant Road.
The site would fall within the newly annexed land, which Hann said may be a development of regional impact — requiring comments from Indian River and surrounding counties — once the developers file their plans.
"This would be huge, essentially another small city," she said.
For the project to take off, she said, Palm Bay would have to get a change to its Comprehensive Plan to increase housing density in the formerly rural land.
Denninghoff said the Federal Highway Administration and the state Department of Transportation are considering the proposed interchange site, which he said is north of a previously proposed interchange at Micco Road.
Brevard County owns several acres of conservation land on the south side of Micco Road, west of where it passes over I-95, Denninghoff and Hann said.
That would make it "virtually impossible" to put an intersection there, Hann said.
Davis suggested an interchange there would still take less review and construction time than 10 years, since state officials have already given tentative approval.
But the developers wouldn't pay for that site, Denninghoff said, since it would
be outside the proposed development.
IN OTHER MATTERS
Indian River and Brevard county commissioners also discussed:
• Following up on the late Fellsmere resident Tom Adams' plan to build a bi-county audience area and boat-storage facility on the C-54 canal to promote the sculling practice and competition by crews from Sebastian River High School, Florida Institute of Technology and other schools. The first step would be to interest the St. Johns River Water Management District, which owns the canal.
• Whether to give $500,000 from each county next year to the Melbourne International Airport to help it attract a second airline in addition to Delta. Brevard commissioners already give $100,000 a year for advertising and marketing, and Indian River County Commission Chairman Art Neuberger said that would be as much as he would support in a one-time grant.
• Capping the annual increase of property values for commercial and rental properties at 5 percent. Homesteaded properties already have a 3 percent cap on annual property value increases. State Rep. Ralph Poppell, R-Vero Beach, said he would research how the 5 percent cap could be enacted.
http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_5093595,00.html
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September 27,
2006
County approves $1.16B budget
$39M increase will help fund
pay raises
BY JEFF SCHWEERS
FLORIDA TODAY
Public testimony and discussion about the negative effects of rising property values and insurance rates on homeowners' wallets didn't stop Brevard County commissioners from approving a $1.16 billion budget Tuesday night.
Residents begged commissioners to control spending while agency directors implored them to restore funding during the four-hour meeting, but commissioners voted 3-2 to increase spending next year by $39 million.
"It's the best budget we can pass this year," Commissioner Sue Carlson said. "We've toiled at this for nine months."
Much of the tax revenue windfall will pay salary increases for about 42 percent of county workers whose wages were deemed below regional averages, based on a study by Cody and Associates. Other new money will pay for law enforcement, fire protection, roads and libraries.
"It's time to do it," said Carlson, who steps down in November after eight years in office.
The budget, which takes effect Oct. 1, reduces the tax rate for homeowners in unincorporated areas by 9 percent.
But soaring property values will mean larger tax bills for people whose rental and commercial property is not protected by Save Our Homes, which prevents homesteaded properties from going up in value more than three percent a year.
"We're being squeezed to the point of rebellion," said Gary Johnson, who lives in one unit of his Cocoa Beach fourplex and rents out the other three units.
But commissioners said they're not responsible for the increased assessments that are causing the big increases on those property owners' tax bills.
"It is the assessment issue that is the problem," Commission Chairwoman Helen Voltz said.
Voltz and Commissioner Ron Pritchard voted against the budget because it pushes the tax rate 10 percent over the rollback rate, which is the tax rate required to raise the same amount of revenue as this year with the new, increased property values.
It is the fourth year in a row Pritchard voted against the budget. He was voted out of office in the September primary.
Voltz and Pritchard support a 3 percent cap on spending.
Their attempt to cut an additional $14 million from the budget also failed.
"I'm disappointed we couldn't do more," Voltz said.
Contact Schweers at 242-1421 or e-mail Jschweers@flatoday.net.
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September 20,
2006
County takes on tax issue
Commission calls on
lawmakers to freeze rising property values
BY JEFF SCHWEERS
FLORIDA TODAY
Azar Parchami came before the Brevard County commissioners Tuesday looking for help with the property tax bill on the Indialantic house she rents out to longtime tenants.
Parchami's assessed value went from $163,000 to $224,000 last year, and jumped almost $40,000 this year. The tax bill in turn has gone up $3,000 in the last five years, to $4,800, forcing her to raise the rent from $1,200 to $1,400 a month. "It breaks my heart. I hate to do it, but I can't afford the increase, either," she said. "I already have a negative cash flow."
County commissioners explained to her that the increase was because of a big jump in property values, not the tax rate.
They unanimously agreed to ask the Legislature to freeze future increases on property values. They'll forward their recommendation to the Property Tax Reform Committee, which was created to look at Florida's growing property tax problem.
The 15-member group, appointed by Gov. Bush, will conduct its first meeting today in Orlando. Its goal is to analyze the current property tax structure and make a final report by December 2007. They'll look at alternatives to property taxes, additional exemptions and spending limits for local governments.
"They need to put a hold on this until we get a grip on the situation," Commission Chairwoman Helen Voltz said.
State Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic, said he was encouraged by the commission's action.
"Revenues into the county have gone up dramatically, and the talk of property tax relief will be welcome to everyone," he said.
People have called his office complaining that their assessed values have gone up 30 to 40 percent this year.
"They're confused by this radical increase because for the last 9 or10 months, the market has been pretty stagnant," Haridopolos said. "Given the fluctuations in the market, it wouldn't be a bad idea to reassess how we assess value."
Commissioners said they were tired of getting blamed for raising taxes.
They've lowered the tax rate this year, Voltz said. But they have no control over rising property values. That's the job of the property appraiser. Because of a white-hot real estate market in Florida, property appraisers throughout the state have doubled and tripled the value of homes and businesses in the last three years.
Brevard's tax rolls blew up 27 percent last year, to $39.3 billion.
Homesteaded properties are pro