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Hernando Today

P&Z Board Is Here To Stay

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: August 14, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Any plans for the county to do away with its volunteer planning and zoning board and replace it with a paid hearing officer were firmly dashed Wednesday.

County commissioners, at their monthly land use hearing, voted unanimously to give the P&Z a vote of confidence and assurances they don't have any plans to tinker with a process that has worked well for years.

Even Commissioner Diane Rowden, who initially asked for staff to explore ways of improving or streamlining the zoning process, admitted that a hearing officer would be too costly and reduce citizen participation.

Rowden also praised the planning members for often taking the brunt of criticism during their initial review of zoning and land use projects. The planning commission is the first government agency to review projects, make a recommendation and send it along to county commissioners who are the final authority.

"I don't think a lot of people would enjoy taking the shots that they have to take month after month, year after year," she said.

The fact that only 10 of the 67 counties in Florida use a hearing master shows that a volunteer board is still the preferred method, she said. And, at a time when the county is looking to save money, the expense is not warranted, she added.

Rowden asked staff to review the planning process after she publicly chided the board for voting 4-1 last May to approve the rezoning of 24 acres on the northwest corner of Osowaw and Shoal Line boulevards for a 100-space RV park, resort and general store.

Commissioner David Russell, who made the motion for a vote of confidence, called the P&Z members unsung heroes for having to take the heat without getting paid.

"We might not always agree with them but I know for a fact that when an issue comes to this board, (I) can feel confident that the issue has been well (researched)," he said.

Commissioner Rose Rocco called the board a "sounding board" for the public and to do away with it would not only damage the communication process between government and the citizens who show up at P&Z meetings.

Also, a paid hearing officer could lead to biased decisions, Rocco said.

This year, three P&Z members will be facing the end of their terms on the board.

Rowden proffered the idea of extending their terms to allow county commissioners more time to appoint replacements.

But commissioners deferred taking action at this time, preferring instead to see how the appointment process goes in the upcoming months.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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