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Hernando Today

Streamlining Depts. Gets Chilly Reception

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: July 3, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - BROOKSVILLE - Convincing county constitutional officers to relinquish some independence could be a tough sell for County Administrator David Hamilton.

The budget season was officially inaugurated Tuesday when Hamilton revealed his master plan to county commissioners.

"Streamlining" was the buzz word as Hamilton enumerated several measures intended to ease the pain of a 16.8 percent drop in general fund revenue. Among his targets are the operations of the five elected officials that the Florida Constitution says are necessary in a county.

In interviews Wednesday, Sheriff Richard Nugent was the most vocal opponent of county interference. His fellow officers were more concerned about how their budgets could withstand any more cuts.

Nugent said he appreciated Hamilton's "zeal" towards saving money, but the county administrator is overstepping his legal bounds.

"He needs to dwell in the house he has responsibility over," Nugent said. "We're not his fix."

On Wednesday, Hamilton was quick to point out that these were long-term goals and the effects were far from immediate. But the purpose is to provide the same "support services."

As far as usurping constitutional authority, Hamilton said the legal department has drafted an opinion that will serve as a boundary.

"It's going to take some time," Hamilton said. This is an "ongoing part of our changing the culture in this operation."

Hamilton declined to give any specifics on what areas could benefit from consolidation, but legal aid, human resources and information technology are generally considered possibilities.

Nugent is happy with what he's got. Members of his own HR department were loaned to the county for advice following the ouster of former director Barbara Dupre. His IT director has also been consulted by the county. If the county is dependent on his services, why consolidate, he asks?

The office of Property Appraiser Alvin Mazourek houses an online database of every property in the county. Keeping the satellite imagery system running requires two in-house IT technicians, Mazourek said.

While the county IT department is occasionally called in for help, the office needs someone to "handle problems right away," Mazourek said.

The troubled times are reflected in the daily operations of the constitutional officers. For instance, the property appraiser and tax collector are struggling to bring in revenue as home prices plummet.

The flip side is found in the clerk of the court's office, where foreclosures have driven up filings in the civil department 300 percent.

They find common ground, however, when it comes to budgets. Most of their formulas are based on educated guesswork: Fee-based revenue, property values, the caseload in criminal courts.

"I try to be very conservative," said Clerk of Court Karen Nicolai. "I don't want to overstaff."

Hamilton acknowledges there will be some tension in the coming months as he consults with constitutional officers. He's already been reminded of his place as county administrator, but he'll roll with the punches so long as the outcome is positive.

"We're started on the road to change," he said.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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