Chairman Terry Burroughs called the meeting to order.

This is a public hearing which has been convened pursuant to Section 129.03(3)(c) and Section 200.065(2)(c) and (e), Florida Statutes, for the purpose of receiving comments, questions, requests and/or complaints from the general public regarding the proposed millage rates.

Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners is the taxing authority in the proceeding and prior to conclusion of the hearing the Board of County Commissioners will adopt a tentative general millage rate for the 2020 tax year, and a tentative budget for the 2021 fiscal year. 

The proposed expenditures total $61,759,858 and proposed reserves totaled $40,722,148. Therefore, the proposed fiscal year 2021 budget would total $102,482,006. The proposed general millage rate of 8.0000 mills is allocated entirely to the General Fund.

I would ask that the Board of County Commissioners discuss and receive requests, comments, questions, or complaints from the general public regarding the proposed Millage rate, and/or County Budget as presented for approval.

Chairman Terry Burroughs opened the meeting up for public comment.

There being no one wishing to address the Board during public comment, the Chairman asked the rest of the Board if anyone had anything discuss regarding the matter. 

None of the Board members made comments at this time.

There was a recalculation of the budget, reducing the proposed total as originally presented.

There was no re-computation of the millage.

Resolution 2020-75 adopting a tentative millage rate for the 2020 tax year, declaring that said millage rate is less than the rolled-back rate; characterizing said percent as the percentage decrease in property taxes; providing an effective date. 

A public hearing will be convened pursuant to Section 129.03(3)(c) and Section 200.065(2)(c) and (e), Florida Statutes, for the purpose of receiving comments, questions, requests and/or concerns from the general public regarding the proposed millage rates.

Total Property Appraiser certified gross taxable value for the 2020 tax year is $2,553,000,382.

The TRIM Notice millage rate was 8.0000 mills allocated entirely to the General Fund, which would generate $20,424,003 in ad valorem taxes.  During the Budget Meetings, the Commissioners requested the General Fund budget be based upon 8.0000 Mills, which is tax decrease of 5.87% below the roll-back rate of 8.4991. Therefore, staff has developed the General Fund Budget based upon 8.0000 Mills, which will generate $20,424,003 ad valorem taxes for the 2021 fiscal year budget.

Staff is recommending the Board adopt Resolution 2020-__   adopting a tentative Millage Rate for the 2020 tax year, declaring that said millage rate is less than the rolled-back rate; characterizing said percent as the percentage decrease in property taxes; providing an effective date. 

Budget Director Kelley Conrad addressed the Board and said Resolution 2020-75 adopting the tentative levying of ad valorem taxes for Okeechobee County for fiscal year 2021; Providing an effective date.

The tentative general millage rate of 8.0000 mills is allocated entirely to the General Fund.  Said millage rate is less than the rolled-back rate of 8.4991, as computed pursuant to Section 200.065(1), Florida Satutes., by 5.87% tentatively adopted for levy by the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners.

Resolution 2020-76 adopting a tentative budget for FY 2020-2021; providing that a copy of said budget shall be filed in the office of the Okeechobee County Clerk of Circuit Court as a public record, providing an effective date.

Staff is recommending the Board adopt Resolution 2020-__  adopting a tentative budget for FY 2020-2021; providing that a copy of said budget shall be filed in the office of the Okeechobee County Clerk of Circuit Court as a public record; providing an effective date.

Tentative Budget totals $103,279,523,and is based upon 8.0000 mills.

Budget Director Kelley Conrad addressed the Board and said Resolution 2020-76 adopting the tentative budget for the 2021 fiscal year; providing that a copy of said budget shall be filed in the office of the Okeechobee County Clerk of Circuit Court as a public record, providing an effective date.

scheduling a Public Hearing on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 5:01 pm to adopt the final millage rate and final budget.

Staff is recommending the Board schedule a Public Hearing to adopt the final millage rate and final budget on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 5:01 pm.

There being no further business to come before the Board, Chairman Terry Burroughs declared the Budget Public Hearing of the Board of County Commissioners adjourned at 5:05.