1980.09.29_TC_Minutes_Special~ ~
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
• Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission
Public Hearing
September 29, 1980 7.30 P_M_
Mayor Horton called the Public Hearing to order at 7:30 P.M. Those in
attendance were: Mayor Louis Y. Horton, Vice Mayor Harold C. Storm and
Commissioners John J. Basso and Peter J. Genovese. Commissioner Mary
Louise G. Blosser was absent.
Also in attendance were: Elaine W. Roberts, Town Manager and Jane E.
Barker, Town Clerk. A large group of Town residents were in the
audience and Mayor Horton welcomed all of them.
Mayor Horton announced that the purpose of the Public Hearing was to
hear suggestions from the Townspeople as to how the Federal Revenue
Sharing money could be spent, as well as discussion on the budget for
the coming year. _
• The Mayor stated that this Federal money had been decreasing, however,
the Town was still obliged to hold meetings in order to obtain ideas on
how to spend the money. Mrs. E. Kaiserman of Seagate of Highland in-
quired as to whether there could be a form of bus service offered to
the Highland Beach residents. Another resident asked what amount of
money was involved and was told that the amount was $3,600. Mayor
Horton stated that the Federal monies have been decreasing and the
State Revenue Sharing money has been increasing.
Mayor Horton explained that Mrs. Kaiserman's suggestion had been heard
before and this matter will continue to be studied. Vice Mayor Storm
said that several years ago a survey was conducted and 85% of the
people surveyed were not interested in local bus service. This con-
cluded the Public Hearing on Federal Revenue Sharing. - Time: 7:40 P.M.
Mayor Horton explained for the benefit of all the new TRIM bill which
was passed by the Legislature this year and how Public Hearings had to
be held in order to inform the public of their taxes for the coming
year. These Public Hearings as well as Workehflp Meetings were duly
advertised in the Sun-Sentinel, as required.
the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year 1980-81 shows a decrease
in the Highland Beach millage rate, however, the taxes for County admin-
. istration, the school districts in Palm Beach County and the Del Trail
Minutes Highland Beach
Town Commission
Public Hearing
September 29, 1980
Page 2 of 3
Fire District show a large increase. Mayor Horton further stated that
the taxes for the South Palm Beach County Hospital - Bethesda Hospital -
and the State School System have been decreased.
Mayor Horton explained that last year's operating millage was 2.416 -
the proposed millage for the coming year is 2.292. Debt Service for
last year was 2.106 mills and for the coming year it is 1.838, for a
total millage of 4.130. Last year's total millage for Highland Beach
was 4.522. Mayor Horton stated that, under the law, all taxpayers must
be notified if there is an increase in millage rate over the rolled back
rate. The Town's increase over the rolled back rate is 8.21/. (Rolled
back rate is 2.118.)
Vice Mayor Storm then explained, for the benefit of all, the notification
that all taxpayers had received from the County and the errors therein.
He also explained about the revised Homestead Exemption Amendment, which
is to be voted upon on October 7, 1980. Discussion ensued, with several
members of the audience speaking and asking questions.
• Vice Mayor Storm told one of the reasons for the big increase in the
County tax is because they are going to build and equip a new jail and
pay for it within two years. Another reason for the increase is that
two new schools are being built in the County. Vice Mayor Storm then
thanked the staff in Town Hall and the people on the Financial Advisory
Board for all their help, especially in the light of the muddy situation
created by the State Legislature over the TRIM Bill.
Vice Mayor Storm told that the new budget includes an additional police
officer which will enable the Town to make the transition to a Public
Safety Department, thus saving the Town $50,000.00 a year. He also
told of a 9/ Cost of Living increase for all employees being included.
Commissioner Genovese called attention to the fact that should citizens
have objections to their proposed taxes, they have until October 15, 1980
to file an appeal with the County Tax Board of Appeals. Commissioner
Basso urged all to get out and vote.
Mayor Horton called for any questions or comments from the audience.
Mr. Oliver Butler, of Bel Air Drive, asked what evidence he would need
in order to file an appeal? Commissioner Genovese advised him to take
• with him information regarding the value of other property in his area.
Minutes Highland Beach
• Town Commission
Public Hearing
September 29, 1980 Page 3 of 3
Mrs. Roberts advised everyone that Public Hearings are being held - one
on September 30, 1980 at 5:00 P.M. in the County Courthouse in West Palm
Beach for the County millage and another one at 7:00 P.M. in Pahokee on
October 1, 1980 for the School Board Hearing.
Mrs. Jackie Becker, a Town resident, then questioned the way the assessed
valuation was reached. Mayor Horton explained about information he had
received from the County Property Appraiser.
Mayor Horton thanked everyone for attending the Public Hearing and said
that tonight's turn-out was the best one he had ever seen. He then
announced that the final figures on the taxes will be determined at the
Regular Meeting of the Town Commission on October 7, 1980 at 7:30 P.M.
The millage for the coming year will be adopted at that meeting, and
unless something turns up, the millage will be 4.130, as he previously
stated. This meeting will be advertised according to law.
Mrs. Roberts expressed her gratitude for all who attended the meeting
• tonight and stated that additional copies of the budget will be available
for the public by Wednesday morning.
The Public Hearing ADJOURNED at 8:25 P.M.
APPROVED:
Louis Horton, Mayor
C. $~rm, Vice Mayor
J.~`asso, Commissioner
ATTEST : ,r-~
T Clerk
• DATED: October 9, 1980
(Absent)
Mary uise Blosser, Comm.
Peter Genovese, Co issioner