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Hernando Today

Arguments, Gavel Bashing Highlight Meeting

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: October 23, 2008

SPRING HILL - Wednesday night was highlighted by a series of lasts for the Spring Hill Fire Rescue Board.

It was the last fire board meeting chaired by Charles Raborn, who opted against running for re-election.

It was the last meeting prior to the Nov. 4 election, when the makeup of the board could change by one, two or three members.

More importantly, it was the last meeting before Spring Hill voters address a ballot question for the third and final time.

Should the fire district become independent from the county? Or should the board of fire commissioners be dissolved so the county can take over its day-to-day operations?

Supporters of independence think the latter would lead to consolidation and a redistribution of the assets paid for by Spring Hill taxpayers.

A county ordinance states otherwise, but critics doubt the sincerity of the county board of commissioners.

"No one can predict the future," said David Green, who opposes independence and criticized the public tactics of those who are for it. "They are only inflicting fear."

A few pro-independence residents also made their voices heard during the meeting.

"We're coming down to the wire and both sides are passionate about the issues. I don't have a crystal ball, but in past years, you can see what happens," said Ben Edwards, who is for independence and is running for a seat on the fire commission. He referred to previous fire department consolidations in other areas of Florida, namely Polk County.

"We've been doing it right (in Spring Hill) for the past 35 years," Edwards continued. "We know what we've got in (one) hand. We don't know what we've got in the (other) hand."

The district's attorney, Andrew Salzman, was absent from the meeting. There was no report from counsel.

Raborn audibly grunted when that was announced by his substitute attorney, at which time Commissioner Rob Giammarco spoke up and criticized Salzman's four consecutive absences.

"Are we ever going to see Andy here?" he asked. "What's the story? We need to look into getting a new attorney."

Earlier this month was Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday. Salzman missed the first of two scheduled town hall meetings because he was observing the holiday.

Jacobs mentioned that and came to Salzman's defense.

"We could have changed our schedule to (accommodate) him," he told Giammarco. "He's a good labor attorney ... That's why we have him here."

Wednesday night also included a first.

During the closing comments, Jacobs spoke at length about Florida law and municipalities. At one point, two people in the audience stood up and exited the building.

One of them, Ty Lynch, blurted out, "three minutes!"

Public comments are restricted to three minutes, but closing comments from fire commissioners do not have a limit.

Lynch and his wife continued to murmur as they left the room, at which time Raborn banged the gavel.

"In my four years, I've never had to do that," he said.

Earlier during the meeting, Raborn was giving a plaque of appreciation for his four-year term on the board.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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