Group to woo county bosses again

For a second time, representatives with the Florida Association of Counties will attempt to woo county commissioners back to their organization.

Last September, commissioners voted 5-0 to sever ties with the advocacy organization, saving $22,300 in annual dues and trimming the 2010 budget even further. Just two weeks later, FAC officials appealed to board members to reconsider their decision.

They didn't.

On Tuesday, FAC will try again. But this time, they will allow the county to make installment payments on membership.

FAC President Rodney Long said his organization can help the county as it explores charter government and other issues.

"I'm happy to entertain their presentation, but I think we're going to be just fine without them at this point," Commissioner Dave Russell said. "Certainly, we'll take a look at any interesting proposals they may have for down the road and perhaps our holding out on membership will have them re-examine some of their policies in regards to renewing memberships."

The county commission meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Hernando County Government Center, 20 North Main St. in downtown Brooksville.

Also Tuesday:

• Commissioners will consider a $438,444 bid from DAB Constructors Inc. to repave Deltona Boulevard from Spring Hill Drive to the intersection of Philatelic Drive. The project would also include re-sodding of the road's grassed shoulders.

• Commissioners are expected to support a letter to state legislators opposing the federal "Cap-and-Trade Bill" that sets limits on greenhouse gas emissions.

• Board members will discuss a letter from Pasco County Chairman Jack Mariano and Pasco County Administrator John Gallagher requesting support from Hernando County for a legislative initiative relating to the Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA).

The request would allow the noncharter counties in TBARTA (Pasco, Manatee, Hernando and Citrus) to levy a transportation system surtax authorized in Florida statutes.