The Bradenton Times

Muddling Manatee's Healthcare Sales Tax Issue

news@thebradentontimes.com (Dennis Maley) — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:11:00 -0400

To the casual observer – or even the more astute one – it would be easy to get the impression that on June 18, Manatee County voters will be deciding whether or not to give themselves a property tax cut. But that's just the most common misconception regarding the upcoming referendum, an event that has already been swaddled in enough falsehoods and half-truths to make a politician blush. In fact, several already have.

In essence, what the half-penny referendum asks, is whether citizens wish to implement that tax in order to keep funding the current level of subsidy to the Manatee Memorial Hospital for indigent care provided to county citizens, while also continuing with the current level of funding to other such programs elsewhere in the county. Property taxes are not part of the equation.

To better understand why the issues are being confused, let's first take a look at the relevant law. Florida statutes allow local governments to levy additional “local option taxes” for a variety of purposes, some of which fall under a “local discretionary sales tax.” Indigent care is one of those purposes, while lowering property taxes is not. Therefore, any reduction in property taxes that may or may not follow, cannot be part of the vote.

Now, let's take a look at the factors surrounding the healthcare tax. Manatee County used to own Manatee Memorial Hospital. When it was sold, the deal was structured in such a way that the county would get a large cash sum from which it created a corpus – money in a trust that is set up to produce income for a certain beneficiary – agreeing to pay most of the revenue produced to the now private hospital to offset costs associated with treating those uninsured, who had no other means to pay.

Over the years, the county drastically increased its indigent care services and began eating into the principal of the corpus. To make matters worse, interest rates sunk, meaning the revenues were declining now for two reasons: reduced principal and lower rates of return. This produced the current situation in which that corpus is set to run dry in 2015.

Currently, the $24 million annual cost of healthcare-related services in the county is funded by both the corpus (about $15 million) and the county general fund (about $9 million). County administrator Ed Hunzeker says that he expects the county to take in about $23 million from the half-penny sales tax. Remember, that money can only be used for healthcare services, but since $9 million of those costs are currently covered by the general fund, the new revenues would mean that only about $1 million from the $24 million in total costs would come from the general fund, leaving an $8 million surplus of sorts.

That's where the proposed “tax relief” comes from. Hunzeker says he will present the county commission with a budget that lowers property taxes by about $65 on a house with a taxable value of $150,000. To explain the concept, he's used terms like diversifying funding. His message is that no more tax revenue will be collected and no more healthcare money will be spent than is the case today, and that the county is simply changing where the money comes from. To this end, that seems to be an honest and accurate statement.

The most obvious problem, as both commissioners and citizens have pointed out, occurs when people start advertising that a vote for the half-penny is a vote for tax relief. First, there's nothing binding the commission to lowering the millage rate if it passes. Several citizens have asked for “pledges,” but I'm afraid it's not that simple. Let's say the BOCC passes the budget that Hunzeker says he'll present. And let me be clear, I believe both will happen. I'm not particularly concerned that Hunzeker would present the sort of budget described and then a majority of commissioners would commit political suicide by voting to raise millage rates or keep them the same. However, in any future year, this or perhaps even a different board after the 2014 elections, could decide to raise revenues for some important service like law enforcement. Citizens could then very easily see those so-called savings evaporate, while still being saddled with the sales tax. No pledge or promise of any sort changes that, which is why it's irresponsible to conflate the two.

That being said, let's take a look at the so-called “tax relief.” By the county's own estimates – which themselves have been called into question – the amount saved by the typical homeowner and the amount paid by the typical family in additional sales taxes would be about the same – roughly $65 per year. That's why we've been hearing terms like cost-neutral, revenue neutral, and trading out revenue sources. So, if we're not really saving money, what's the point? To hear Mr. Hunzeker explain it, renters and tourists would quit getting a free ride.

That argument doesn't hold water. I've never known a landlord who looks at property taxes on their rentals as a virtuous contribution not to be considered in setting the price of rents. Obviously, they instead pass it on to their tenants via the monthly rent cost. There's also the matter of it being regressive. On the other hand, landlords aren't known to reduce current rents when they get a break on taxes, meaning most lower-income families are adding a tax, rather than trading one out.

Conversely, wealthier residents with significantly higher property values will see a savings of much more than that $65 example. They're also more likely to purchase big-ticket items, where they'll save the extra half-cent after the first $5,000 on something like an expensive car, boat or airplane. Like most consumption-based taxes, this one would favor the wealthiest among us, while adding to the crunch on those with less.

There's also the matter of what it would do for big businesses that would reap large tax breaks from millage reductions, while paying a negligible amount of sales taxes. In that sense, this is really a cost-shift, just not the sort the county is advertising, an idea I explained in greater detail in a previous column.

Then there's the elephant in the room that no one is mentioning. Why haven't we discussed whether we are spending money wisely regarding indigent healthcare and if it's even necessary to be paying $24 million a year in the first place? Instead, the conversation is always framed in such a manner that suggests, hey we've got to pay this money anyway. If the corpus runs out, we'll just have to get it all from the general fund which means your property taxes would actually go up, so it's a no-brainer. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

This line of disinformation begins with the oft-repeated line that Manatee Memorial has to treat everyone who walks through its door, regardless of their ability to pay. They don't – unless they wish to participate in (and receive payments from) Medicare, which they do. But as a private-sector, for-profit hospital, taxpayers are under no obligation to fork over millions of dollars to offset the cost of them doing business – a very brisk and profitable business at that, according to their parent company's financial reports.

Hospitals like to make a big fuss (and a nice tax write off) over all of the money they lose when charging umpteen times the cost of a service they're not likely to recoup payment for. The money Manatee County gives them might be better spent elsewhere (or not at all) once the corpus expires, but that hasn't been part of the conversation. For his part, Hunzeker has been all over town trumpeting the half-penny deal, though only the parts that support the case for it. In his rundown, he routinely talks about both tax cuts and the half-penny, and only seems to acknowledge that no binding relationship between the two exists when asked.

Meanwhile, a group calling itself Healthy Manatee – which seems to have several supporters who stand to benefit from the status quo – has been following closely behind, making much more direct claims that a vote for the half-penny is a vote for tax relief, and that furthermore, failing to pass the referendum would lead to tax increases, a flight of medical practitioners and increased costs of healthcare. Commissioner Michael Gallen, who supported the half-penny measure, but has denounced what he sees as a misleading approach to securing it, has twice written Hunzeker to complain that both the county's website, as well as Healthy Manatee's signs, direct mail pieces and own site seem, at best, misleading.

Hunzeker didn't respond to Gallen's emails. And when Manatee Glens President and CEO Mary Ruiz stood up as Hunzeker excused himself to get back to the BOCC meeting after addressing Tuesday's Kiwanis luncheon on the subject, telling the audience that anyone who had further questions for Ed could see her for some Healthy Manatee literature she'd brought along, Hunzeker didn't note that the group, whose handout was titled “I want to Reduce My Property Taxes,” did not speak for him or the county.

Electioneering laws prevent county administrators from campaigning for such initiatives and Hunzeker has been very careful to be sure he's been invited by all of these groups to "present information." Still, the presentation that has been making its rounds – as well as the shadowy presence of Healthy Manatee supporters at both such events and BOCC meetings – seems to be shading the gray area.

The board's 4-3 vote on Tuesday not to make a clear statement on the matter raised even more eyebrows. There are some good programs funded by Manatee County's healthcare services, as well as plenty of fine individuals whose compassionate work makes our county a better place. Be that as it may, however, the manner in which this issue is being sold to the public doesn't pass the smell test. The obvious winners in adding the half-penny sales tax are Manatee Memorial Hospital, people who make a lot of money off the other services that receive healthcare funding from the county, and the big businesses like FPL, Verizon, Mosaic and Tropicana, who will save the most on property tax reductions. For the average taxpayer, the benefits simply aren't that clear.

Dennis Maley's column appears every Thursday and Sunday in The Bradenton Times. He can be reached at dennis.maley@thebradentontimes.com. Click here to visit his column archive. Click here to go to his bio page. You can also follow Dennis on Facebook.

Captain Favorite's Weekend Fishing Forecast: May 23, 2013

merab.favorite@thebradentontimes.com (Merab-Michal Favorite) — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:02:00 -0400

BRADENTON – The Florida Keys Dolphin Championship in Key Largo will start tomorrow and continue through the long weekend. In Matlacha Florida, wounded warriors are holding a tournament to raise funds in an effort to support injured veterans. A weak area of high pressure will continue across the waters through Thursday. A strong ridge of high pressure will build north of the waters over the weekend resulting in gusty east and northeast winds, possibly reaching cautionary or advisory criteria. Capt. Rick Grassett says to look for reds and big trout in potholes and on the edges of bars when the tide is low or on shallow flats on sunny afternoons when the tide is high.

Fishing Updates

Florida Keys Dolphin Championship

May 24-26, 2013 - Florida Keys, Florida

Registrations and weigh-in's in five locations from Key Largo to Key West. First place prize is guaranted $15,000. Catch the largest dolphin over 55 lbs. and win a $75,000 Sea Hunter Bay Boat. Catch it on a Sea Hunter Boat purchased within 72 months of these dates from an authorized dealer and win $50,000 more. Cash and prizes payed out 30 places. This is an open event. Chareter boats welcome. Angler substitutes are allowed each day before lines in.
Contact: Jim Sharpe Jr, jimsharpejr@aol.com, 305-395-8712.

The Original "Redfish Poker" Fishing Tournament

May 26, 2013 - Matlacha, Florida
The Wounded Warrior Anglers of America, Inc. a 501(C)(3) public charity to hold fishing tournament to raise funds for the support of America's Wounded Warriors, Their Caregivers & Children. These warriors and their family count on us to assist with their PTSD therapy, stress management and rebuilding family ties.
Contact: David Souders, david@woundedwarrioranglers.org, 423-620-9103.

6th Annual Fire Charity Fishing Tournament

June 7-9, 2013 - Palmetto, Florida
We're a tournament with a heart for kids. Raising money for the Children's Burn Camp. Anglers win Cash Prizes and Trophies. Pre-Register NOW online and save 10%. Sunday is weighin and free publlic evet=nt with art auction, raffles, pool, food, face painting and more. View http://www.FireCharityFishing.com
Contact: Captain Erik Nicholson, sheryl@sheryl.com, 9419625873.

To create a forecast specific to

your zip code visit

www.wunderground.com

Fishing Forecast

A weak area of high pressure will continue across the waters through Thursday. A strong ridge of high pressure will build north of the waters over the weekend resulting in gusty east and northeast winds, possibly reaching cautionary or advisory criteria.

Thursday
West winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Thursday night will bring northwest winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2013/05/23Thu12:43 am.1.5H

2013/05/23Thu05:33 a.m.0.98L

2013/05/23Thu11:15 a.m.2.47H

2013/05/23Thu07:23 p.m.-0.29L

Friday
West winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Friday night will bring northwest winds 5 to 10 knots then becoming north around 15 knots after midnight. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop.

2013/05/24Fri01:45 a.m.1.47H

2013/05/24Fri06:06 a.m.1.09L

2013/05/24Fri11:53 a.m.2.63H

2013/05/24Fri08:12 p.m.-0.46L

Saturday
Northeast winds around 15 knots. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop. Saturday night will bring east winds around 15 knots. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop.

2013/05/25Sat02:45 a.m.1.43H

2013/05/25Sat06:39 a.m.1.16L

2013/05/25Sat12:33 p.m.2.75H

2013/05/25Sat09:01 p.m.-0.54L

Sunday

East winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2013/05/26Sun03:44 a.m.1.39H

2013/05/26Sun07:13 a.m.1.2L

2013/05/26Sun01:18 p.m.2.78H

2013/05/26Sun09:52 p.m.-0.53L

Solunar Forecast

Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: Memorial Day Weekend

news@thebradentontimes.com (Staff Report) — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:01:00 -0400

Photo: Bradenton Area CVB

BRADENTON – It's Memorial Day Weekend and there's plenty happening. Of course, this is typically the big kickoff of the beach season and the warm sticky weather is a great excuse to get out onto our islands. But if you're not much of a beach bum, you can get down to our award-winning Riverwalk for a music festival and Sunday marks the annual Tribute to Heroes Parade on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. Bust out the grill, grab the cooler and put on your sunscreen, it's time for a Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

Experience the sounds of area-based musicians and groups at Pickin’ Picnic, at the Amphitheater at Bradenton Riverwalk. This free event features emerging local teenage artists showcasing their talent, 11 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Bands that enjoy national reputations follow, from 4 to 10 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, folding chairs and blankets. Food, beverage and CD’s will be available for purchase. The event is presented by Realize Bradenton with support from the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority and the Del Couch Music Education Foundation.

Del Couch, founder of the Del Couch Music Education Foundation, states “Through the efforts of Realize Bradenton, my foundation is able to provide youth with opportunities to perform live and showcase their talents at this great community event.”

Some of the regional performing artists at the Pickin’ Picnic include:

Applebutter Express

The Applebutter Express: Shannon and Kyle Biss, along with Matt Desear on Bass and Joe Trivette on the fiddle bring you good time ukulele funk.

Good Graeff: twin sisters Brooke and Brittany Graeff first formed the acoustic folk-pop duo in 2004 (when they were just 16 years old). They reunited six years later, and used their classical, country, indie rock and blues influences (along with their mysterious twin powers) to reform the new and improved band known as Good Graeff.

Lady and Gentleman: are a two piece folk group from Bradenton/Sarasota, FL. They are influenced by the bands Larry and His Flask, Mumford and Sons, Frank Turner, and City and Colour.

A Gentlemen Army: were formed in 2004 and have played shows all over Florida. They have performed with bands such as Whole Wheat Bread, Authority Zero, Blitzkid, Strike Anywhere.

Faceless Bandits: are a band that is not limited to any particular "genre" of music, but they draw inspiration from bluegrass, folk, and newgrass. Hence the name "Faceless Bandits."

Muphin Chuckrs: formed at Manatee School for the Arts in 1999. They have been creating and playing original rock and reggae music. Influences include Incubus, Sublime, Green Day & The Beatles.

Featuring more than 40 groups, floats and marching bands the annual Lakewood Ranch Tribute to Heroes Parade is back! Children can enter their bikes in a contest and join the parade procession. There will also be music, taps, and a dove release.

You can donate items to Manasota Operation Troop Support (MOTS) or write a letter of thanks to our troops to drop off at the MOTS table. A special VIP Veteran viewing area will be set up for members of the military and their families to sit.

Food, drinks and ice cream will be available for purchase. Wear your Red, White and Blue and come on out to show your support for our vets!

The event will kick off at 5 p.m. with Speeches and acknowledgments from the stage. The streets’ festivities will include face painting, balloon artists, music, grilled foods and beverages. The Tribute to Heroes Parade goes down Main Street starting at 6 p.m.

Tribute to Heroes Parade

Sunday, May 26

5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Main Street

Lakewood Ranch

Bradenton City Council Agenda Results: May 22, 2013

news@thebradentontimes.com (Jackson Falconer) — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BRADENTON – At Wednesday's meeting, the Bradenton City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that will effectively allow for vehicles to be impounded in relation to violations of prostitution, drug and decency laws. The council also passed a resolution that codifies its policy of invoking religious prayers at the beginning of meetings, and took time to recognize Harold Bridges and Jim Williams, two engineers from Jones Edmunds & Associates who have worked with the city since the 70's.

1. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Invocation by Dr. Joey Mimbs of Bethel Baptist Church.

2. PROCLAMATIONS

- Harold Bridges Day – May 22 City Clerk Carl Callahan gave the proclamation. Mr. Bridges was present to accept a certificate which was given to him by Public Works Director Claude Tankersley.

- Jim Williamson Day – May 22

Callahan gave the proclamation. Present at the meeting, Williamson was also given a certificate.

Tankersley gave some remarks for Mssrs. Williamson and Bridges: "As the proclamation stated, Mr. Williamson has been working with us for 5-6 decades, and Mr. Bridges has been working w us since the 70's."

Tankersley went on to say: "They say that the infrastructure of the city is the backbone of the city - without the water, the sewer, the roads, the stormwater, the solid waste facilities - there would be no civilized cities. And if the infrastructure of the city of Bradenton is its backbone, then by inference ... Mr. Williamson and Mr. Bridges are the backbone of this city. Everything that we have infrastructure-wise has been designed under their guidance and leadership ..."

3. PRESENTATION

- Johnette Isham of Realize Bradenton: Update on Realize Bradenton events.

4. ADMINISTERING THE OATH

5. CITIZEN COMMENTS

6. CONSENT AGENDA (passed unanimously)

a) Minutes: April 24 City Council meeting.
b) Minutes: May 8 City Council meeting.
c) Public Event: Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony on May 29 at Riverwalk.
d) Request to authorize Mayor to execute a contract with Mega Waters Inc. for upgrades to the City’s ASR degasification system.

7. BUSINESS/ADVERTISING, PETITIONS, HEARINGS AND COMMUNICATIONS

ORDINANCE #2949 SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING (passed unanimously - story to follow)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRADENTON, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 54, ARTICLE IV, IMPOUNDMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES BY REPEALING SUCH ARTICLE IV IN ITS ENTIRETY AND ADOPTING A NEW ARTICLE IV RELATING TO IMPOUNDMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES USED TO FACILITATE CERTAIN CRIMES INCLUDING PROSTITUTION ASSIGNATION, LEWDNESS OR SOLICITATION OF SAME OR UNNATURAL OR LASCIVIOUS ACTS OR EXPOSURE OF SEXUAL ORGANS OR CONTAINING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AS DEFINED IN FLORIDA STATUTES 893.02 AND 893.03 OR COMMISSION OF ANY VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 893 OF THE FLORIDA STATUES AS AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR EXCEPTIONS, PROVIDING PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING AND ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES; PROVIDING ADMINISTRATIVE FINES AND FINAL HEARINGS; PROVIDING FOR POSSIBLE SETTLEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR APPEALS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

8. NEW BUSINESS BY DEPARTMENT HEADS, CITY ATTORNEY AND COUNCIL

Bill Lisch, City Attorney

RESOLUTION 13-19 (passed unanimously - story to follow)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRADENTON, FLORIDA, RELATING TO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS BY CODIFYING ITS POLICY REGARDING INVOCATIONS BEFORE MEETINGS OF THE BRADENTON CITY COUNCIL; MAKING FINDINGS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

9. BUSINESS BY APPOINTMENT

10. COUNCIL REPORTS

Councilman Gene Gallo talked about the return of horses to the Palma Sola Causeway: "It's Summertime again and the horses have arrived on the Causeway, disposing of their food eaten 24 hours prior... I don't know whether we have to build a pipeline and pipe it somewhere ... in case you start getting emails, we're sending code enforcement people out this Saturday to talk with the people who are bringing their servant horses. By state or city ordinance, they have to have something similar to a business license, and we're going to see if it's the same business that was here last year, because he is delinquent in his license."

Councilman Harold Byrd talked about crime in the city: As we said in the last meeting, we've been working with a crimewatch within the area ... we had a workshopone of the things I promised to bring forward is that we're having a problem within the wards (containing) homes that are abandoned or becoming dilapidated or in deplorable conditions ... (and we're) looking at ways we can try to address those issues as well as revisiting (issues we're having with) nuisance abatement ... criminal elements and gang activity.

Mayor Wayne Poston mentioned a program that involves teaching young students how to deal with and avoid strangers, that will not be funded next year by the School District due to budget cuts. "We'll probably try to solicit funds from the communities to make sure that kids get the opportunity to learn and be safe," he said.

11. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

Movers and Shakers: Manatee Glens Hospital & Addiction Center Receives "Excellent" Performance Rating for Residential Detox

news@thebradentontimes.com (Manatee Glens) — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BRADENTON - The Florida Department of Children and Families granted “Excellent” performance ratings for standards and practices as well as client records in the Residential Detox program at Manatee Glens Hospital & Addiction Center. Now, in addition to the Manatee Glens Hospital and Outpatient Detox, clients can choose to go through detoxification as a resident in the private Addiction Center. The detoxification process is usually three to seven days.

“This means more people have access to safe and comfortable medical withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. We medically monitor and emotionally support our patients so they can be successful in the next level in their recovery,” said Manatee Glens Vice President of Inpatient Services, Melissa Larkin-Skinner, MA, LMHC.

With the rise of opioid addictions, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of young adults who need this medical attention. The risk of accidental overdose is high. About 75 to 80 percent of those abusing opioids are mixing those drugs with other drugs or alcohol. Manatee Glens is committed to finding the solutions for families concerned about a loved one. Without the services of residential detoxification, many people with addictions would end up in the emergency room or become discouraged about getting help.

“Patients feel more comfortable continuing care at Manatee Glens Addiction Center after detox as they have established relationships with the counselors,” noted Cheryl Libera, licensed counselor and manager of the Manatee Glens Addiction Center. “Persons further along in their recovery are very encouraging to those just starting that journey.”

As a specialty hospital and outpatient practice, Manatee Glens currently offers detox services to 15 patients per day. During that time, patients receive therapy, support, skills development and medical care. Manatee Glens Hospital and Addiction Center offers assessments free of charge at 2020 26th Avenue East in Bradenton for alcohol and drug concerns.

For more information about Manatee Glens, visit www.ManateeGlens.org.

Confusion on Healthcare Referendum Dominates BOCC Meeting

news@thebradentontimes.com (John Rehill) — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400

BRADENTON -- Have you ever felt that something is going on, but you don't know what it is? If not, go to downtown Bradenton, sit in on one of the Manatee Board of County Commission meetings, and just wait for discussion about the Special Referendum Election that is scheduled for June 18, 2013 to come up. I'm reminded of the Joe Pesci scene in JFK, where Pesci says, "It's a mystery wrapped in a riddle inside an enigma." The quote was actually a retelling of a Winston Churchill line regarding trying to predict Russian actions in the World War II era.

Nontheless, it seems to fit the BOCC just as well. Few things are as they appear. At Tuesday's BOCC meeting during commissioner comments, Commissioner Robin DiSabatino said, "I have people calling me, wondering what is going on."

DiSabatino is talking about the brainteasing information on the county's website that fails to describe just what the 26/13 valorem tax exemption and the one-half cent health care surtax have in common.

It appears they are connected at the hip; one is said to help create revenue for the other by taking the burden of indigent health care off the back of property tax payers and getting a pinch from everyone's wallet; residents and tourist alike.

But the proposed "revenue neutral" plan, really has no plan at all. We are finding out it is basically an idea that is sitting on a "build it and they will come" piece of ground. As Commissioner Benac says, "We don't know, there are no guarantees, this is a budget strategy."

But not everyone sees it as something so complex. The political action group "Healthy Manatee" chaired by retired Manatee County Commissioner Patricia Glass, is placing TV commercials and printed literature that simply say "the sales tax promises property tax relief." Only according to the referendum, it doesn't.

In a letter to Manatee County Administrator, Ed Hunzeker, Commissioner Michael Gallen wrote: "I'm concerned the Healthy Manatee 1/2 penny sales tax is making promises of tax relief."

Although Hunzeker has announced both the 1/2 penny sales tax and the property tax relief as two of the legs in his three legged stool called "How Will We Grow," he states quite clearly, they are independent of each other and are not exclusive.

What Hunzeker doesn't mind though, is Pat Glass and her crew defining the referendum under false pretenses. Gallen wrote, "The commissioners are being painted into a corner without any input. How can we rectify this?"

DiSabatino questioned the misinformation on the county's website, Glass's campaign, the commercials and also a rumor being circulated that, "if county employees vote for the referendum, they will soon get a raise in salary."

DiSabatino said, the "Vote for Jobs signs I am seeing, I'll tell you, I have not slept for a week or two. This Healthy Manatee PAC, I can't even find where it is registered."

Commissioners Benac, Chappie and Whitmore, just kept repeating how they had no control over what PACs do, and Hunzeker took the same stand.

Benac admitted there was not a plan or guarantee what would happen, and that she believed in the strategy to do something to get the cost of health care off the backs of property owners.

I can't count the times Benac has set aside proposals for one simple reason, saying, "I won't vote for something that doesn't have a plan." The canning of the plan to repair the deteriorating 301 (DeSoto) bridge comes to mind.

Well the heated snippets of discourse and the moments of emotional spate started to settle after some tears from Whitmore rose when she scolded past commission candidate Corie Holmes for shouting out that Whitmore's husband was a key figure in Glass's political PAC.

Commissioner Chappie caught himself swinging his arms around DiSabatino, badgering her over not specifying "what group" she was referring to when speaking of the Healthy Manatee PAC.

A motion was put forth to try and curtail the confusion to what and how much the two referendum votes had to do with each other, but it failed, and it seems so did the clarification to their intent.

Manatee School District Budgets Presented to Board

news@thebradentontimes.com (Jackson Falconer) — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:06:00 -0400

BRADENTON – Michael Boyer, District Chief Financial Officer, presented the Manatee County School Board with the details of the district's 2013-14 budget at Monday's workshop, which was mostly about presenting new measures that the finance department will take to prevent errors in the budget, in addition to showing projected revenue for the coming school year.

Boyer noted that the projected $22.4 million increase in revenue for 2013-14 would largely go to teacher salary increases - more than $8 million to be exact.

Identification of unbudgeted items, which Boyer acknowledged were one of the major issues from the 2012-13 budget, was brought up as something that will be a focal point moving forward through the use of a three-year trend report.

Explaining that the new processes used in the 2013-14 budget hadn't been activated until "a couple months ago...until once June (of 2013) posted," Boyer said that budget shortfalls for the coming year and payroll encumbrance (or estimates of the expense of salaries and benefits), which makes up 75 percent of the budget, were not identified until then.

Boyer said that 3 out of 4 phases for transitioning to an era that is more efficient in monitoring its budgets - which included identifying and remediating budget shortfalls - had been completed, and that "building a culture of financial ownershiop and accountability" was the focus of the current and final phase.

Boyer broke the final phase into the responsibilities of three departments: finance, which he said, "will create the budgetary process, user tools, compile, analyze, communicate, build and maintain Budgetary controls"; senior management, which will "align their expenditures with the district's strategic financial goals (and will share) the same responsibilities as cost center ownership, which he advised would now have full accountability for managing, explaining and preventing all budgetary shortfalls.

Boyer told the board that a preliminary budget will be released during the second week of June, and a tentative budget will be released around mid-July. A final budget would be released in September.

related:

Teacher and Staffing Cuts Make Up A Large Part of Savings for District's Financial Recovery Plan

Local Big-Ticket Sports Items Survive State Budget

news@thebradentontimes.com (Staff Report) — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:04:00 -0400

BRADENTON – On Monday, Governor Rick Scott signed off on the new state budget. While some lawmakers saw dollars for their districts fall under the veto axe, millions of dollars in funding for projects designed to help attract events to the Benderson Park rowing facility and IMG Academy remained intact as the budget was signed into law.

Nathan Benderson Park will get $5 million they'll need if they win a bid to host the 2017 World Rowing Championships, while IMG will get the $2.3 million earmarked by legislators to help them attract events to their complex in southwest Bradenton. Last month, the elite sports academy broke ground on a major expansion to their campus.

The expansion (see video below) will take place in three phases. Phase one, sheduled to open this August, will include a state of the art stadium with a capacity of 5,000, plus the ability to scale to twice that size. The stadium will feature a professional-quality Bermuda grass surface with TV-ready lights; an 8-lane, a 400-meter track; a broadcast-ready press box with coach, press, radio rooms and hospitality suites; and a collegiate-style video board. A new, night-lit baseball stadium will also be included, paving the way for the addition of a baseball quadraplex that IMG promises will rival any spring training facility.

The second phase is scheduled to open in December 2013. It will feature a 40,000-sq ft field house with locker rooms, meeting spaces, and offices. Late, a third phase will add a research and development facility, as well as new multi-sport field venues to bring the total number of playing fields to more than 20, servicing soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and football.

Manatee County Commission Agenda Results: 5/21/2013

news@thebradentontimes.com (John Rehill) — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:01:00 -0400

BRADENTON -- At Tuesday's county commissioner meeting, board members approved a request for another bus route proposal and the "consent" agenda, where you'll often find some of the bad news. In that portion of the meeting,"Meals on Wheels" had their budget cut by almost $6,000 (item #15) and their partner in helping the needy "Adult Day Care" was also cut by more than $16,000 (Item #16). In other business, over 100 citizens showed-up to express their dissatisfaction with a report on a $70 million, 20-year-old road job that those opposed to it call the "Road to Nowhere."

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER (Larry Bustle, Chairman)

INVOCATION (The commission does not endorse the religious beliefs of any speaker.)

1. Invocation led by Pastor Gayla Grimes-Harbolt, Emmanuel United Methodist Church

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Presentation of Colors

2. Presentation of Colors by the Korean War Veterans Association, Manasota Chapter 199, who will also lead the Pledge of Allegiance

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Items Scheduled for Time Certain

3. 1:30 P.M. TIME CERTAIN - ITEM #39 - 44th Avenue East

Changes to Agenda

4. Updates to Agenda

A. AWARDS/PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS

Awards and Presentations

5. Retirement Award - Randy Milton

Proclamations (Motion required to adopt proclamations) -- Approved, Unanimous

6. Memorial Day Proclamation

Attachment: Memorial Day - 05.21.13.pdf

7. Mason and Judy Aldrich Day

Attachment: Mason & Judy Aldrich Day - 05.21.13.pdf

8. National Beach Safety and Rip Current Awareness Week

Attachment: Beach Safety Week - 05.21.13.pdf

9. EMS Week

Attachment: EMS Week 2013 Proclamation.pdf

10. Civility Month

Attachment: Civility Month - 05.21.13.pdf

REQUEST BY COMMISSIONERS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda)

CITIZEN COMMENTS (Consent Agenda Items Only)

B. CONSENT AGENDA

Clerk of Circuit Court

11. Clerk's Consent Calendar

Attachment: 052113.pdf

Administrator

12. Dashboard Report for April, 2013

Attachment: Apr 2013 dashboards.pdf

Attorney

13. Purchase of Excess Property Insurance

Attachment: MCBOCC Ex Prop Proposal 13-14- NTE Revised 05.07.13.pdf

Attachment: MCBOCC 13-14 Statement of Values - as of 04.23.2013.pdf

Building and Development Services

14. Resolution 13-093 - Future Funding for Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council - TBRPC

Attachment: RPC Funding Resolution.pdf

Community Services

15. FY 12/13 Non Profit Agency Funding Agreement Amendment #1 (Home Delivered Meals)

Attachment: hdmamendmentone1213.pdf

16. FY 12/13 Non Profit Agency Funding Agreement Amendment #1 (Adult Daycare)

Attachment: adcamendmentone1213.pdf

Financial Management

17. Budget Amendment Resolution

Attachment: B-13-048.pdf

18. Change Order #1, Rehabilitation of Clarifiers 1 and 2 at the Southwest Water Reclamation Facility

Attachment: CO.#1T1200073.Card.Contr.5.8.2013..pdf

19. Change Order #2 to Work Assignment #10, SWWRF Process Modification for Nitrogen Removal and Digester Modifications

Attachment: CH2MHill CO#2 to WA#10.pdf

20. Change Order # 1, Conservatory Nature Park Construction and Restoration

Attachment: Department memo and contract change order # 1.pdf

Attachment: QE Summary Memo.pdf

21. Interfund Loan from the General Fund to Court Technology Fund

Attachment: R-13-092-Interfund loan for Ct Tech.pdf

22. 4th of July Fireworks Display

Attachment: R-13-091-Fireworks Display.pdf

Natural Resources

23. National Park Service Management Agreement for Riverview Pointe * Eschenfelder

Attachment: RLS 12-310.pdf

Attachment: NPSagreement.pdf

24. Natural Resources Fee Schedule

Attachment: Resolution R-13-090 Fee Schedule.pdf

Attachment: NRD Fee Schedule June 2013.pdf

25. Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant amendment for the development of trails at the Neal Preserve

Attachment: Nealamendment.pdf

Neighborhood Services

26. EDI/TIFI Revision - Project HAMMER - Resolution R-13-087

Attachment: R11-080.pdf

Attachment: Hammer-R13087.pdf

27. EDI/TIFI Revision - Project GREEN - Resolution R-13-084

Attachment: R11-009.pdf

Attachment: Project Green EDI Resolution revR13-084.pdf

Parks and Recreation

28. Braden River Little League, Inc. / Concession Building Lease Agreement

Attachment: RESOLUTION - Braden River Little League Concession Building.pdf

Attachment: License Agreement_Temp Storage Building_Braden River LL Inc.pdf

Attachment: Braden River Little League - Concession Building Agreement.pdf

Property Management

29. Son T. Phung, Parcel 701, Acquisition for 44th Avenue East (30th Street East to 45th Street East) Road Right of Way Improvement Project

Attachment: 44th Ave E 30th-45th St Loc Map.pdf

Attachment: TCE phung p701.pdf

30. Acquisition for 44th Avenue East (30th Street East to 45th Street East) Road Right of Way Improvement Project, Obar, Parcel 112

Attachment: 44th Ave E 30th-45th St Loc Map.pdf

Attachment: warranty deed obar.pdf

Attachment: AOE obar.pdf

31. Pic Town Estates Water Lines - Phase I Project

Attachment: sherwinwilliamslocationmap.pdf

Attachment: sherwinwilliamsUE.pdf

Attachment: sherwinwilliamsAOE.pdf

32. BANK OF THE OZARKS - Right-of-Way Dedication

Attachment: Affidavit - Bank of the Ozarks w Exhibit A.pdf

Attachment: Special Warrant Deed - Bank of the Ozarks w Exhibit A.pdf

Attachment: SR70 & 37thStE Bank Ozarks RW dedication Loc Map.pdf

Public Works

33. LAP Agreement with FDOT Traffic Signal Update SR684 at 86th St. West

Attachment: 429867-1 LAP Agreement.pdf

Attachment: LAP Resolution R-13-088.pdf

34. Surplus Vehicles

Attachment: Surplus Vehicle List 5-21-13.pdf

35. Braden River Watershed Management Program * Schenk

Attachment: RLS 13-045 Braden River Water Email (03-18-13).pdf

Attachment: Braden River Watershed Management Program - Extension.pdf

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

36. Motion to approve Consent Agenda -- Approved, Unanimous

CITIZEN COMMENTS

C. ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS -- None

CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY (Robin DiSabatino, Chairman) --

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (Betsy Benac, Chairman)

PORT AUTHORITY (Carol Whitmore, Chairman)

D. ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS (Presentations Upon Request) -- None

E. ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS (Presentation Scheduled) -- None

F. REGULAR

Public Works

37. MCAT Public Transit Service Development Project Proposal

Attachment: Serv iceDevelopment5_6_13.pdf -- Approved, Unanimous

G. REPORTS

Administrator

38. 2013 Legislative Report

Attachment: 0521 Governor Beach funding support.pdf

Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Boyd.pdf

Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Detert.pdf

Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Galvano.pdf

Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Holder.pdf

Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Patronis.pdf

Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Roth.pdf

Attachment: 0521 Post Session Thank you Steube.pdf

Attachment: 05.21.13 all letters.pdf

Public Works (1:30 P.M. TIME CERTAIN)

39. 44th Avenue East -- The 44th Avenue project dates back over 20 years and the multi-facet segments have had some problems. Commissioners asked staff to put the big picture together so they could look for a road map and continue with the stumbling project. -- (Story to follow)

COMMISSIONER AGENDA

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

40. Commissioner Comments

Whitmore -- Was concerned that there was an independent agency that was going to oversee the BP money coming to the 23 counties from the BP settlement. County Attorney Palmer explained there was no need to be alarmed. Whitmore said she didn't want the funds to get side-tracked.

DiSabatino -- First brought up the 26/13 plan, the often mentioned tax break and the connection it has with the half-cent tax referendum on the county website and on commercials on TV. DiSabatino produced a document confusing the two issues, and was suspicious of the intentions. Commissioner DiSabatino's comments set-off a storm of criticism and disagreement among the commissioners and the county administrator Ed Hunzeker. DiSabatino put out a motion to stifle referencing the two together on the county website. Motion was seconded but not supported. The vote, 4 to 3, Disabatino, Gallen and Baugh dissent. -- (Full Story to Follow)

Baugh -- Agreed with a lot of what DiSabatino was saying and agreed that the county should refrain from mentioning the two different subjects (26/13 and 0.5 cent sales tax) as if they are connected.

Benac -- Reenforced Palmer's explanation on the BP funds and then gave her assessment of DiSabatino's concerns as to what was being labeled "misinformation. Benac didn't agree with DiSabatino's portrayal of the group that was circulating the rumors and deliberatly confusing the two issues.

Gallen -- Agreed with DiSabatino and wanted some clarification as to the confusion that has been sent by the group and the county. Gallen says he is embarrassed to have it on the county's website.

Chappie -- A few times Chappie got upset with Disabatino for no certain reason other then for sticking to her guns in the discussion. Chappie kept waving his hands and asking DiSabatino to reference what group it was that she was complaining about.

Bustle -- No Comment

Dogs Rescued from Palma Sola Boulevard Fire

news@thebradentontimes.com (West Manatee Fire & Rescue District) — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BRADENTON – Quick actions by a roofing crew helped save the lives of six dogs and potentially saving a home from significant fire damage on Friday, May 17. Roofers noticed smoke coming from the chimney of a house located in the 1100 block of Palma Sola Boulevard.

By the time the roofers got to the house, smoke was billowing from the eaves. West Manatee Fire & Rescue "B" shift, along with Bradenton Fire Department and Manatee County EMS, responded to the structure fire. The first arriving unit found heavy smoke conditions all sides of the structure. Crews made a quick interior attack, putting out the fire within minutes.

The residents were not home at the time of the fire, but six dogs inside the homehad to be rescued. One dog suffered severe smoke inhalation and was treated on the scene by firefighters and transported to a local veterniarian by Manatee County Animal Services.

According to Deputy Fire Marshal Jim Davis, the fire is believed to have started in the kitchen area. The cause remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office. In all, 16 firefighters battled the blaze. Estimated damage to the house and contents is approximately $120,000. No firefighters were injured.