Digest

Fiery budget hearing may mean more cuts

By Times Staff Writer
Published September 15, 2007

BROOKSVILLE

After hundreds of fired-up citizens ripped into the Hernando County Commission for hours Thursday night, county officials were back Friday morning searching for still deeper cuts in next year's spending plan.

Commissioners ordered another cut in the tax rate at the end of the marathon meeting amounting to $1,633,301 more that the county staff will have to hack from the budget.

Still unknown is where the budget will be cut.

Commissioners made it clear they wanted to see all the property-tax-funded categories take an even hit.

Early calculations by the Office of Management and Budget show that the Transportation Trust Fund will lose another $200,000, Emergency Medical Services will lose $91,000, and Spring Hill Fire Rescue will lose $280,000.

TAMPA

Plant High School gets new band director

Robert Schoos will be the new band director at Plant High School in Tampa.

Band students were told during a Wednesday evening practice.

Schoos replaces former Plant band director, John Sinibaldi, who has been under investigation since early August. School officials won't give details of the investigation.

Schoos is the band instructor at the Rampello Downtown Partnership School, but will start at Plant on Monday.

He is a graduate of Florida State University and Blake High School.

TARPON SPRINGS

City may expand its historic district

The city will hold a public meeting Thursday to gauge support for expanding the Tarpon Springs Historic District.

The city's historic district - which includes Craftsman bungalows, Queen Anne homes and hexagon block sidewalks - is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Judy Staley, Tarpon Springs' research and information officer, said residents and property owners have approached the city about being a part of the historic district. Being in the district dictates design and material standards for rehabilitation, additions and new construction.

[Last modified September 14, 2007, 23:22:29]