09-12-2002 VC PH2-M• MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING
BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL
OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
I-IELD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2002
Present: Dr. Edward M. Eissey, Mayor
Don Noel, Vice Mayor
Joseph A. Tringali, President Pro Tem
Charles R. O'Meilia, Councilman
David B. Norris, Councilman
Dennis W. Kelly, Village Manager
George W. Baldwin, Village Attorney
Kathleen F. Kelly, CMC, Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Eissey called the Public Hearing to order at 7:08 p.m. All members of the Council were
present. All members of staff were present.
PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING
7'he purpose of the Public Hearing was to hear comments from the public on the operating
budget for Fiscal Year 2002-2003, including the North Palm Beach Country Club.
S"I'ATEMENT OF PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN MILEAGE OVER THE ROLLED-BACK
RA"fE
Mayor Eissey announced that the proposed millage is 5.80, which is 13.9% more than the
rollback figure of 5.0938. This year's proposed millage rate of 5.80 is 3.6% more than the 2001-
2002 millage rate of 5.60. The three main purposes for which ad valorem tax revenues are being
increased are as follows: 1) much needed capital outlay and Special Response Team (SRT)
program startup cost for Public Safety; 2) financing of the new fire truck and computers; 3)
iucrease in personnel and operations cost.
COMMF;NTS FKOM THE PUBLIC
Lee Owen, 551 Flotilla Road, told the Village Council that it was his understanding that a
substantial tax increase of 14% or 15% such as that which is being proposed now should not be
levied until there is a referendum by the voters. The rollback rate was explained to Mr. Oweu.
Mr. Owen was told that the Village's proposed millage for 2002-2003 is slightly more than 3%.
It was explained further that the tax bill is comprised of proposed taxes by various agencies, of
• which North Palm Beach is only one.
Minutes of Regular Session
}leld September 12, 2002
• Lucia Traugott, 130 Yacht Club Drive, told the Council that she does not mind paying taxes
within reason, but she added that she hopes this proposed budget is reviewed and slashed.
Jint Bender, 413 Inlet Road, stated that in looking at the proposed Country Club budget for 2002-
2003, something doesn't add up. Mr. Bender reviewed the proposed revenues versus the
expenses, and feels that golf revenues are having to support the losses incurred by pool and
tennis. Mr. Bender stated that golf memberships have increased over last year, while pool and
tennis have not increased membership costs.
Lucia Traugott, 130 Yacht Club Drive, told the Council that this has been a bone of contention
for many years. She stated that in tennis and pool, money is being made by private business, and
their contribution to the rest of the club is not there. Mrs. Traugott feels that they should be
under the recreation department.
Matt Yakabowski told the Council that he moved to North Palm Beach because of its services.
He stated that everyone thinks the services are great, but have problems with paying for them
when the cost increases. He added that to keep the services as good as they are, salaries have to
go up with the increased cost of living, buildings have to be repaired, etc.
The uteeting recessed at 78:28 p.m. and reconvened at 7:29 p.m
ADOPTION OF TENTATIVE BUDGET
President Pro Tem Tringali moved to adopt a tentative operating budget for Fiscal Year 2002-
2003. Councilman Norris seconded the motion, and all present voted aye.
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
<a hleen F. Kelly, CMC
Village Clerk
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