Osceola forms committee to review budget
Following scrutiny of county spending from opponents of a failed sales-tax initiative, Osceola County commissioners have appointed a six-member advisory committee to comb through the $1.2 billion 2019-20 budget prior to its formal review next month.
The watchdog committee met Tuesday for the first of four sessions over the next nine days, when members will hear from each department prior to providing a written report of recommendations by July 31. The document will be considered by the commissioners as they work toward approving a budget.
“Success, I think, would be if it drives the decisions the County Commission does,” County Manager Don Fisher said. “I think this is a pretty valuable board in that regard.”
County spending priorities came into question earlier this year as commissioners pushed for an additional penny to the county sales tax to pay for roads, bridges, sidewalks, trails, bus service and SunRail. Voters rejected the measure by a 2-to-1 margin.
In the buildup to the special election, opponents called the sales tax “regressive” and said it would be harmful to business. Others, led by state Rep. Mike La Rosa, slammed the county for pursuing what would be the state’s highest allowable sales tax — 8.5 cents — rather than reviewing its own budget to find the funds it needed.
The new committee is facilitated by Tom White, an executive at Centennial Bank, who is a non-voting member. Voting members are Brian Wong, general manager of the Celebration Suites Hotel; civil engineer Ray Stangle; Casmore Shaw, a former educator and secretary of the Florida Democratic Party; the Rev. Mary Lee Downey, CEO of the nonprofit Community Hope Center; and contractor Rosser Pace.
At their inaugural meeting, committee members received a crash-course introduction on Florida’s Government in the Sunshine laws prior to an overview of the mechanics of the budget and a brief presentation of the county attorney’s proposed $1.6 million budget.
The overall budget recommended by Fisher, who acts as the chief executive officer and county budget officer, includes the hiring of 62 new employees with more than half going toward the sheriff’s office, fire department and corrections.
Commissioners on Monday heard a similar presentation, and despite a transportation backlog of about $1 billion, opted not to increase the county’s property tax rate, Fisher said.
However, the county is due to take in more more revenue than last year, with a record 11% growth in property values, powered by development near Lake Nona, the Four Corners area and planned subdivisions.
Among sales-tax opponents, Osceola resident Mark Peters quizzed board members on their qualifications and questioned how the county could be both well off financially while still needing more money for transportation.
“But if that’s the case, why are we asking the citizens for more money?” Peters asked.
County staffers later explained much of the money is restricted and can’t be spent on transportation.
Downey left the meeting with a copy of the budget and was eager to review it in the coming days. She said she intended to keep a close eye on the county’s state and federal grants, an area where her nonprofit expertise could be helpful.
“I’m just always interested in seeing how we as a county spend our funds,” she said. “I think it’s great anytime we have an opportunity to let outside voices ask questions.”
Fisher said there hasn’t been discussion about bringing forward another transportation sales-tax referendum, a decision that will be made by commissioners.
Last month, commission Chairwoman Cheryl Grieb said the board would discuss all options for further transportation funding.