Ideas plentiful for spending surplus

Both county officials and residents offer ways to spend $2.9-million left over from 1999. Suggestions include a tax cut as well as road repaving.

By JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 19, 2000

BROOKSVILLE -- Hernando County residents could get a property-tax rate cut next year as part of the County Commission's plans to use a $2.9-million surplus from 1999.

They also might see the county's residential road-repaving program move forward more quickly or the rise of a long-needed new Animal Control center.

For now, though, the answer to the commission's $2.9-million question remains unanswered.

Commissioners talked about the surplus briefly Tuesday and then placed the item on the April 25 agenda. Chairman Paul Sullivan insisted such a weighty decision should not come without a full discussion.

County Administrator Paul McIntosh had placed a budget resolution on Tuesday's consent agenda. It included his staff's recommendations for the money. Sullivan balked when he realized that the commission's vote would enact the proposals, which included full payment of a $1.1-million communication tower and $400,000 for emergency services start-up costs.

Commissioner Chris Kingsley asked for the extra week to consider the options.

Residents offered plenty of suggestions.

"You should jump on this money like a rooster on a June bug," said John Tenini, a frequent commission critic. "Put it all into the roads."

Several others agreed, asking the commission to pave lime-rock roads near the Suncoast Parkway, to work on roads near Landover Boulevard and to deal with other street projects.

Other ideas earned their disdain.

"A pool? Please. We need the roads done first," said Peggy Cartwright. "If you need a second choice, if you don't want to put it all into the roads, consider the homestead exemption (for low-income seniors). Don't let it be a dead issue."

Commissioner Nancy Robinson suggested that community desires for finished projects and lower taxes could be met. By paying for needed work now rather than next year, she said, the commission could reduce its spending in 2000-2001 and therefore cut taxes.

She asked McIntosh if the administration planned to take that path.

"We are moving in the direction for a millage reduction," he said, adding that his target was to lower the rate by about 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.

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