County Bosses To Mull Proposed Budget

It took about 15 minutes for Budget Director George Zoettlein to formally present his proposed 2009 budget to county commissioners at their Tuesday business meeting.

Now commissioners have one week to digest the figures and present "talking points" for a more in-depth budget debate scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 22.

The only comment Tuesday came from County Commissioner Diane Rowden, who reiterated her vow to continue fighting against any reduction in THE Bus funding.

"I really think public transportation is on the rise and not on the decline," she said.

Rowden said THE Bus needs to be expanded so routes can hook up with connections in Pasco County and possibly Pinellas County.

Zoettlein said he included THE Bus funding as part of the "talking points" for next Tuesday's meeting.

The county administrator's office has recommended slashing THE Bus subsidy by one-third, or $200,000, which could mean removing one day of service.

Zoettlein's proposed 2009 budget is $384 million, a decrease of $37 million, or 8.87 percent, from the previous year.

Tax revenue decreased in 2008 by $7 million, or 7.63 percent, thanks to the downturn in property values and new construction.

Zoettlein is not proposing a change in the current 5.43 millage rate.

The general fund, the county's operating fund supported by property taxes, declined $6.4 million, or 5.15 percent - from $125 million to $119 million.

Also Tuesday:

•County Administrator David Hamilton laid out his plan to build a new 125,000-square-foot judicial complex at a projected cost of $49 million.

Commissioners voted 5-0 to authorize staff to negotiate an agreement with the DLR Group to prepare requests for proposals for locating, financing and constructing the judicial center, which would be located somewhere in downtown Brooksville.

Business Development Director Michael McHugh said the project would create 665 construction jobs and stimulate spending in the local economy.

Brooksville City Planner Steve Gouldman told commissioners a new downtown judicial center would be a magnet for attracting new business and enhance the downtown area.