Broward County commission to take closer look at staff travel spending, other items as prepares to approve FY 10 budget
Broward County commissioners are likely to take a closer look at the travel budget tonight after a discussion today during the commission’s bi-weekly meeting. Commissioner Lois Wexler raised particular concerns about the Broward County 
Sheriff’s budget which was close to $561,00, according to Wexler.
“Why isn’t there a significant decrease–something to show–this area does not affect public safety, people’s jobs, feet on the street,” said Wexler. “It’s not good, they’re not telling us and they really don’t have to.”
Pete Corwin, assistant to the county administrator, suggested staff ask the sheriff to detail the expenditures during tonight’s budget meeting. However, Commission Joe Eggellation interjected.
“On an item like this, you’re going to always have a problem until we are bold enough to take a look at how want operate in 21 century,” said Eggellation. “The sheriff has been around since Robin Hood–you fund them and they are 50 percent of your costs. Until you have the political will to step up to the plate to review if this is good and if it has been working for us – you’re going to face this problem and they can spend your money the way they want.”
Commissioner Lieberman pointed out that the travel budget for most departments is higher than actual expenditures and wanted to cut it more. She moved that as soon as the budget was passed, for this item to come back before the board for review for further cuts.
The County commission meets tonightto take a final vote on the proposed $3.3 billion 2010 Broward County Budget at their final public hearing beginning at 5:01 p.m. in Room 422 of the Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Public testimony will be taken.
At their first public hearing held on September 10, County Commissioners voted to keep the countywide non-voted millage rate at 4.8889.
The hearing will be televised live on participating cable channels and Webcast live on Broward County’s Web site. Visit www.broward.org and click VIDEO CENTRAL. Budget documents, including a list of recommended reductions, are posted on www.broward.org/2010budget.
Also during the meeting, the Broward County commision discussed:
- Putting a cap on the number of personnel on staff at 5,617 people. Despite concerns by Eggellation regarding staff losing their jobs because they weren’t qualified for newly created positions, the item passed.
- holding a shortlist meeting on Sept. 29 followed by presentations Oct. 6 for the new civil/family courthouse being planned in downtown Fort Lauderdale. 16 firms applied credentials for the job. Commissioner John Rodstrom expressed concerns about fast-tracking the project when “we don’t have a plan to finance. We should not start ringing the registers until we know how it’s going to be paid for,” he said.
- Debated the contract of the management firm responsible for managing the convention center and approved it despite concerns by Wexler about the way the payment and goals were structured.
- Had an intense discussion about the merits of having and paying for public art, particularly when it’s what rodstrom called plop art versus integrated art such as being planned for in the new courthouse. Broward commissioners delayed any decision to break for lunch.
Related posts:
- Tax increase still equals budget cuts in Broward; final budget approved tomorrow
- Still no budget for Broward County
- Broward commission rejects proposed 2011 budget; asks for more cuts to keep same tax rate
- Final Broward County budget hearing tonight
- Broward County staff could have same code ethics as commissioners
Short URL: http://browardnetonline.com/?p=2785
Posted by Andrea Freygang
on Sep 22 2009. Filed under Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, Local news.
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