Personal Responsibility??

After reading this morning's Hernando Today, I scratched my head and wondered what happened to personal responsibility, in reference to home ownership. I am referring to the land buy-out being offered through the Emergency Management Department of Hernando County which is being sponsored by FEMA. In the article, Mr. Leto is actually suggesting that private property owners take him up on the offer of land buy-out by FEMA to eliminate their problems of flooded land. Why did it become the responsibility of government to buy swampland, at very inflated rates, when the property owner did not have flood insurance? Taking into consideration the cost of this program, one may say it is cheaper in the long run to buy this swampland, instead of assisting in the continual rebuilding of property after many devastating storms. To that argument, I would agree, but the people mentioned in this article did not have flood insurance, which goes to the heart of the big picture. We are now subsidizing property with our flood insurance premiums through FEMA for individuals that chose not to buy coverage. I realize the property mentioned in the article was not in the 100 flood area but these people still would have had the opportunity to buy flood insurance in the event of a catastrophic event to protect their own property. With this FEMA buy-out program for swampland, combined with subsidizing of homeowners insurance through the state of Florida for Citizens Insurance, responsible homeowners can look forward to increased flood insurance premiums, along with double digit increases in their homeowners insurance next year. Our elected officials need to take a real hard look at the insurance crisis in this country because it is creating a financial hardship on many homeowners struggling to make ends meet at the end of each month while making mortgage payments.

Where are the Trees?

While driving through Hernando County, I have noticed hundreds of missing trees on state and federal lands. These areas are designated as "sensitive lands" due to the natural, environmental make-up of these areas for the trees, wetlands, wildlife, etc. Some of these lands are under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Forestry while others are governed by SWIFTMUD. The trees which are being systematically removed from all these areas have become most notable on SWIFTMUD land on US 19 by Weeki Wachee and north US 41 which is Florida Department of Forestry land. Both of these agencies have stated many reasons for the removal of trees, which range from the restoration of a sand hill, to restoring scrub areas for birds and wildlife and the elimination of the dreaded pine beetle, etc. Wildlife has been abandoning the state forestry area in the northern portion of our county because the trees are being eliminated at a rapid pace, leaving no foliage for the animal life to survive without cover or food. This abandoned wildlife can be seen on our highways and is commonly know as road kill. Take a real hard look at the forestry areas for yourself and you will discover that most of the trees that have been left in these areas are scrub pines. The hardwoods have been stripped from these forest areas leaving little but that the look of devastation to these sensitive lands. The hardwoods that have been stripped consisted of many majestic oaks that were hundreds of years old, along with many specimen trees. For the preservation our "Nature Coast" Hernando County created ordinances to protect trees on private property, from unnecessary stripping of the land during development, but can do nothing to stop the state and federal government agencies from destroying our local environment. Two questions need to be asked of our state and federal agencies which are, "Why did you strip our forest areas of these beautiful trees, leaving these lands barren, and what did you do with the money that was generated by harvesting all the hardwoods?

Has a New Day Dawned?

Yesterday, a local newspaper ran an article in reference to Gary Kuhl, an applicant for the open Hernando County Administrator position and the endorsement for him (Mr. Kuhl) by the prominent state committeeman for the Republican Party of Florida, Thomas Hogan, Sr. and his wife Mary Ann Hogan. In this article, the Hogan's praised the abilities of Mr. Kuhl for the administrator position and stated they had both sent glowing recommendations to all five of our county commissioners. Mr. Kuhl apparently has known Mrs. Hogan from her days on the SWIFTMUD Governing Board. Mr. Kuhl, a registered democrat, was very gracious in accepting the compliments lavished upon him by the Hogans. One would have to wonder if a new day has finally dawned in Hernando County where the good of the county comes first before partisan politics.

On the Lighter Side

As we celebrate the New Year, and begin to look forward to all good things to come in our community for 2006, I would like share an essay that I wrote in 1997. This essay was written as my first-hand look at "insider politics" in Hernando County. At first glance this essay appears to be rather ominous but is actually rather amusing since it did not intimidate me from the political arena. Happy New Year to each of you, and please, sit back, and enjoy reading my 1997 essay titled, "The Grand Old Party?"


Edging my way past the many rows of brown, steel, folding chairs, sensing an air of hostility in the crowd, I chose a seat next to the wall. Upon sitting down, I became acutely aware of my bleak surroundings.

Political propaganda and posters adorned the rough, dingy, white walls. Portraits of Ronald Reagan, George. H. Bush and Dan Quail smiled down on the crowd from the wall on the right, while local and state representative's photographs were hung on the left. The blood red drapes, with blue and silver stars, hanging in the front plate glass window did little to brighten the room, as the stark fluorescent lights glared down on the matted, dirty, gold shag carpet. An overwhelming scent of Aqua Velva directed my focus to the occupants in the room.

Muffled whispers were coming from small groups of people throughout the room, making me quite aware I was an outsider in their world. As the chairman, outfitted in a white smock resembling a dentist, called the meeting to order, I noticed the secretary sitting at the desk. She was tapping her dark red fingernails on the desk, flitting her streaked , blond hair, trying to call attention to herself. This woman gave me the impression of a middle-aged cheerleader because of the youth-oriented clothing she was wearing.

After the chairman had babbled on with the old minutes, he introduced a woman heading the steering committee in charge of filling vacancies, named Edith. As she stood up to speak, hanging from her ears were over-sized earrings, making her close cropped haircut seem more extreme and cold. She continually adjusted her large plastic glasses, which slid down her nose, as she spoke about the difficulty of interviewing new applicants. A very vocal woman seated behind me became outraged at Edith's lack of professionalism, objecting to the statements involving new members. This woman identified herself as Lois for the record, was dressed in a bright pink jogging suit and sneakers but she somehow seemed to fit into this obscure crowd. Lois stormed out of the building screaming at Edith that newcomers were not allowed at this meeting.

At this point I became very perturbed with the entire meeting, wondering how I ever agreed to become a precinct committeewoman on the republican executive committee. How dare these people sit in judgment of me when they could not conduct themselves in a civilized manner.

The vice-chairman stood up while his deep, resonating voice calling for order in the room. His presence seemed a little less intimidating because of the rumpled old oxford shirt he was wearing clashed with his trousers, making him seem somewhat comical. The chairman abruptly slammed the gavel down to adjourn the meeting while sighs of relief could be heard in the audience.

After witnessing this despicable display of petty, obnoxious individuals in the republicans executive committee tonight, my opinion of politics is even more tainted. Having this first-hand glimpse of the inside makes me wonder why the Grand Old Party has not yet imploded.

*The names in this essay are fictitious.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty??

Approximately ten days ago the Hernando County Sheriff's Department shut down two businesses accused of running gaming operations by the direction of Mark Simpson, Assistant State Attorney for the 5th Judicial Circuit Court. All their equipment was seized for evidence and three people were arrested relating to the charges levied by Mark Simpson, Assistant State Attorney, for running gaming operations which is a 3rd degree felony. It was Mark Simpson's opinion that the use of providing prizes and gift cards in lieu of cash pay-outs is a tactic to skirt the law even though a trial court in the Fourth Judicial District (Seminole & Volusia Counties) recently ruled that rewarding winners with gift certificates did not constitute gambling. Mr Simpson was quoted as saying "In my humble opinion, the court blew it completely, adding that the Fifth Circuit is not bound by the ruling. Our interpretation is different and we chose to enforce (the statute) differently," Simpson said. "We'll have a judge make the decision." Mr. Simpson chose to ignore the 4th Circuit's trial court decision and have these individuals arrested, stating he wanted a judge to make the decision in the 5th Circuit Court. What happened to the "presumption of innocence until proven guilty" for these individuals? Two businesses have been shut down at the personal opinion of the assistant state attorney and the underlying question should be is, "Where was the due process for these three individuals? "The business owners could file an injunction to request that their businesses be left open until the 5th Circuit Court decides the outcome of these arrests but that would do little good since all owner's equipment was seized in the initial raid. The cost of these arrests, and seizure of equipment, could very well impact the taxpayers of Hernando County in the event the accused are found innocent. If found innocent(like in the 4th Circuit Court decision) the business owners would have a very strong case for a lawsuit to recoup lost revenue and legal costs. The redemption of gifts in lieu of cash is used very frequently every day in this county by clubs and non-profits groups. Consider the groups that use Casino Night to raise money for their organizations. Gifts are given out to the winners instead of cash pay-outs. Another quick way these groups raise cash is with a 50-50 drawing where the winning ticket wins half the cash jackpot, with the other half going to the organization. Is this assistant attorney of the 5th Judicial Circuit going to arrest and prosecute all these people?

Christmas

"Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

Anna Liisa Covell

*** Please enjoy the following transcript from a radio address given by Ronald Reagan, December 1978

Christmas-

Meaning no disrespect to the religious convictions of others, I still can’t help wondering how we can explain away what to me is the greatest miracle of all and which is recorded in history. No one denies there was such a man, that he lived and that he was put to death by crucifixion.
Where….is the miracle I spoke of? Well consider this and let your imagination translate the story into our own time-----possibly to your own home town. A young man whose father is a carpenter grows up working in his father’s shop. One day he puts down his tools and walks out of his father’s shop. He starts preaching on street corners and in the nearby countryside, walking from place to place, preaching all the while, even though he is not an ordained minister. He never gets farther that an area perhaps 100 miles wide at the most.
He does this for three years. Then he is arrested, tried and convicted. There is no court of appeal, so he is executed at age 33 along with two common thieves. Those in charge of his execution roll dice to see who gets his clothing---the only possessions he has. His family cannot afford a burial place for him so he is interred in a borrowed tomb. End of story? No, the uneducated, property-less young man who…..left no written word has, for 2,000 years, had a greater effect on the world than all the rulers, kings, emperors; all the conquerors, general and admirals; all the scholars, scientists and philosophers who have ever lived---all of them put together.
How do we explain that? ......unless he really was what he said he was.

-Ronald Reagan / Dailey Radio Commentary (syndicated) December, 1978

ACLU

I thought you might like to see this email I received this afternoon ( I heard about it on the radio today, too).

Have some fun this CHRISTMAS. Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD!! As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice, CHRISTIAN card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world. Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it. Here's the address, just don't be rude or crude.

ACLU

125 Broad Street18th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Two tons of Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they wouldn't know if any were regular mail containing contributions. So spend 37 cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell them that there is no such thing as a Holiday Tree. . . . It's a Christmas Tree even in the fields!!

wooohoooooooooo lets do it!!!!

Heart Institute VIP Party

Oak Hill Hospital launched their new open heart surgery center this evening with a Heart Institute VIP party by invitation only. As a member of the Oak Hill Community Advisor Committee, I had the pleasure of the attending the wonderful event. We were treated to a complete tour of the new Heart Institute, starting at the check-in station first, and then proceeding to the new operating rooms. The Heart Institute staff gave brief descriptions of the equipment in the operating rooms and answered questions. Being one of the first to view this remarkable facility was truly an honor. The tour ended on the sixth floor recovery unit for the Heart Institute. Nature Coast catering served a spectacular array of delectable foods ranging from stuffed mushrooms to shrimp cocktail. Champagne was served along with a large assortment of adult beverages and soft drinks. Many notable individuals were seen at this most prestigious event like Dr. Eldin, Jacqueline Moore, Walter Dry, Debbie and John Druzbick, Commissioners Rowden and Kingsley, as well as City Councilwoman Mary Staib. Oak Hill's CEO, Mickie Smith and his staff were most gracious hosts for this gala event to celebrate the completion of the new Heart Wing at Oak Hill Hospital.

Investiture Ceremony for Judge Stephen O. Rushing

This afternoon my husband & I attended the Investiture Ceremony for Stephen O. Rushing in the Hernando County Courthouse, Historic Courtroom A. Judge Rushing was given the Presentation of Commission of Office and Administration of Oath by the Honorable Richard A. Howard, Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth judicial Circuit with the Clerk of Court, Karen Nicolai presenting Judge Rushing with his gavel. Stephen's wife Mia assisted in the donning of the robe, followed by the Challenge and Charge by the Honorable Ken Burke, Clerk of Court for Pinellas County. Judge Rushing introduced his family to the packed courtroom and thanked many members of the audience beginning with his wife, Mia. Immediately following the ceremony a reception was held in the Jury Assembly Room with food catered by the Rising Sun Cafe.

Points to Ponder

As we move into this new year, many individuals will be throwing their hats into the political arena as their campaigns gear up for the 2006 election season. Over the past decade, one major newspaper editor in our area has advocated that all county commission candidates should be classified as non-partisan, like the school board members. He has opined on the need to have the Florida Legislature change the rules to make these non-partisan elections take place at the county commission level. After researching Hernando County election documents from 1996 to 2004, this editor's point of view may have some validity to it.

The average percentage of turnout in Primary Elections from 1996 to 2004 in Hernando County averaged out to be 22.6%. Although the two prominent political parties, Republican and Democrat, are represented by the largest number of registered voters, the non-party registration roll is creeping up substantially every year in this county. Maybe that's why most candidates run towards the middle of the road immediately after the Primary Election to attract these non-committed votes for the General Election.

Just take a look at the two major parties in Hernando County. The membership in the executive committees of the Republicans and Democrats, based the total number of full time and alternate precinct seats available in Hernando County is remarkably low. The Republican Executive Committee has a vacancy rate of 87%, with the Democratic Executive Committee vacancy rate of 91%. Please keep in mind this is an average for all the available full time, and alternate, precinct seats for each executive committee based on population in this county. Taking into consideration the low average turnout of 22.6% in the Primary Elections (since 1996) it appears that a handful of people in this county choose the slate of candidates for the masses on the General election ballot.

Based on the statistical data, it might be possible that the editor of this newspaper has a point about non-partisan elections in Hernando County. As the 2006 election year gears up, it appears that the two major parties have their work cut out for them to overcome the odds of this obvious voter apathy in this county. Generating interest by filling the majority of these vacant precinct committee seats for the REC and DEC will be the 1st step in rebuilding the Primary Election process in Hernando County.

**Statistical Data acquired from the Hernando County Supervisor of Election's office.

Proud to have President Bush Leading the Way

Iraq citizens went to the polls yesterday in overwhelming numbers to vote for the first time in their country's history in a democratic election of their peers. Purple stained fingers were raised high in the air world-wide to mark this extraordinary election day in Iraq. Last January, the Iraq citizens turned out to vote on their Constitution with over 63% margin, and with this vote yesterday the percentage was a whooping 73%, with over 11 million turning out at the polls. Pause for just a moment to comprehend the magnitude of this election of officials in Iraq, combined with the passage of their Constitution last January. To put this it into perspective, the United States of America was formed by the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and it took until 1791 for ratification of our Bill of Rights. Even though this foundation of government in Iraq is over 200 years after our Nation's founding, it is remarkable due to the odds our military has faced while fighting the war on terrorism in Iraq. Our Nation should be very proud to have President George W. Bush leading the world in this movement of freedom and democracy, backed by our admirable branches of the military. Our heartfelt thanks go out to every member of our Navy, Marines, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard serving to protect us in this war on terror. "God Bless them and their families during this holiday season".

Statement from Katherine Harris

“The statements in Mr. Novak’s column are completely absurd. I am in this campaign until Election Day next November. Any rumors or speculation to the contrary are completely false. I am the Republican nominee, and, with the support of the voters, I will be the next U.S. Senator from Florida,” Harris said.

“We have organized a large finance and grassroots network around the state, and we are meeting or exceeding our goals in those arenas. In recent weeks, we’ve hired a new national fundraiser, Anne Dunsmore, and a new PAC fundraiser, Julie Conway, to our team. The recent changes in staff have significantly strengthened our campaign and the momentum is building as never before.”

“Over the next 10 months I will continue to take my message of reform and security to every voter in our great state. This campaign is about security for our future: Securing homes and giving all Americans the opportunity to become home owners; securing our families and protecting our children from predators; securing the future for our seniors; and securing our way of life by holding government responsible, keeping our taxes low, and giving our military every asset it needs to successfully wage a war on terrorism.”

Blighted Property Here?

Many of our Florida State legislators have underestimated the ramifications of the US Supreme Court's decision to seize private property for economic development gain. One only needs to look to Riveria Beach to understand the greed created by this US Supreme Court decision to seize homes to give to large developers.

The Riveria Beach plan hinges on a 2001 city-funded study that found whole sections of the city to be blighted or slum, under the statutes created by the Florida State Legislature. According to city's redevelopment plan, Riveria Beach residents, whose homes are under condemnation,will have to move to make way for the private development of the choice by their city council.

Has anyone every stopped to think that this could happen in the city of Brooksville? I served on the Brooksville Downtown Re-development Committee in 1999. We spent countless hours investigating the conditions for the city for redevelopment. Documents were drafted, and adopted, by the Brooksville City Council which sighted many areas of the city as being "blighted". This "blighted" designation was mandatory for the city of Brooksville when making application for CDBG grants with the state of Florida to rebuild their aging sewer and water systems and it also aided in the direct burial of underground electrical lines in downtown Brooksville during the bulb-out development. This "blighted" condition chosen by the city leaders was done in all good intentions to repair and rebuild the city of Brooksville. Just stop and think if an unscrupulous city leader chose to condemn housing areas and seize the property by eminent domain to give to private developers. The documents have already been drafted and approved designating the "blighted or slum" classification necessary for eminent domain seizure. This may be a far stretch of the imagination on my part but one only needs to look at Riveria Beach's poorest citizens being throw out of their homes.

The Florida Legislature needs to strengthen the penalties against local government that do not act in good faith, for the entire community, including the very poor districts, in reference to eminent domain abuse.

Thanks to Al Sevier

Today was Al Sevier's last day on the Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commissioner. Mr. Sevier served on this board for eight years as an volunteer. Mr. Sevier deserves our thanks for all his hard work and dedication as a P & Z member. As the P & Z meeting came to a conclusion, the message of good bye, thank you and "do not be a stranger" were offered to Mr. Sevier by fellow board members, as well as from the county staff. Mr. Sevier received a card signed by everyone and was given the honor of making the motion to adjourn his last meeting at the late hour of 7 p.m. while everyone broke into a round of applause for his long service on the board.

Just as a note of interest, Mr. Kenneth Smith was recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission to be the replacement for Mr. Sevier. Mr. Robert DeWitt was also recommended to the BOCC for another term. The Board of County Commission will make their appointments for the vacant positions before the end of December.

Hats Off to Florida House Speaker Alan Bense

Florida House Speaker Allan Bense presented a plan known as the Government Accountability Act of 2006 that would require all state agencies to come under review of the Legislature every eight years. This legislation would review agencies to promote efficiency, as well as performance. This dynamic legislation proposed by House Speaker Bense would eliminate outdated inefficient agencies and hopefully save the taxpayers of this state a lot of money. Texas is the only state in the Nation that currently has similar rules for oversight of their state agencies. In fact, with this oversight, Texans have managed to consolidate 11 agencies and abolished 47 other departments. Contact Representatives Russell and Dean, along with Senators Fasano and Dockery, to voice your support for Speaker Bense's Government Accountability Act of 2006.

Pearl Harbor Day

Pleae take a few moments today to remember those brave Americans that lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Below are the lyrics to tune made famous during World War II that referenced the attack on Pearl Harbor:

The Song:
History - in every century,records an act that lives forevermore.

We'll recall - as in to line we fall,the thing that happened on Hawaii's shore.

Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR -As we go to meet the foe -

Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR As we did the Alamo.

We will always remember -how they died for liberty,

Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR and go on to victory

Oak Hill's Heart Wing

This morning Mickie Smith, CEO of Oak Hill Hospital, along with his associates, received a resolution from the Board of County Commissioners for congratulations on the grand opening of their Heart Institute. The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, December17th and will be open to the public. Our citizens should be proud we now have a modern facility at Oak Hill and not have to travel out of county for critical care of the heart. Oak Hill Hospital needs to be applauded for fighting to bring this "state of the art" Heart institute to our county.

Fire Department News

The Hernando County Fire Rescue presented a preliminary plan for new rates schedule at the BOCC meeting this morning. Commissioners listened to Chief Nickerson's suggestions but no firm decision was made for the next meeting. With 3 rate increase in 5 years, the commissioners should be looking for ways to justify the increases with facts instead of arbitrarily imposing rate increases at the request of chief Nickerson. A clear, concise breakdown of fire call outs need to be separated from EMS calls since they are funded by 2 separate sources which are MSBU & MSTU. Commercial inspections are even classified as a fire call outs because they occasionally use fire trucks to conduct these inspections. Chief Nickerson has historically used the number of call outs to justify his request for the increase in our rates. Only time will tell if new rate structure will be enacted with a suggested meeting in late May or early June.

During the BOCC discussion this afternoon concerning High Point Volunteer Department, Mr. Stabbins stated that the Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department should be treated the same as High Point. Nancy Robinson stated she wanted to look at the qualifications of Tri-County Volunteer Fire Department which she said needed to be looked at with the same scrutiny. Mr. Kinsgley spoke in defense of Tri-County stating that they were only first responders with HCFR being the primary source of fire protection for those in the north east portion of our county. My predication of things to come will be a public outcry that will surpass the workshop that took place in 2000 at the fairgrounds that had an attendance of over 800 people when rates began to skyrocket through the roof for county residents. This motion to evaluate all volunteer fire departments has the "makings" of county wide fire service whether we like it, or not, in this county!

Jean Rags / Health & Human Services

Jean Rags, Health & Human Services director for Hernando County, will start distributing discount cards for prescription drugs to all participating drug stores in our county this week. These discount cards are sponsored by NACo -National association of counties and were promoted by Commissioner Robinson. These discount cards do not have an age or income limit associated with them and can be obtained from participating drug stores in the county. If you have questions about this new program, call Ms. Rags at 754-4000.

Deed Signing Party

A deed signing party took place this morning to transfer the new Brooksville Regional Hospital to the taxpayers of Hernando County. An oversized "Special Warranty Deed" was signed by all the commissioners and officials of Brooksville Regional, with photo session following, to remember the moment, calling it a private/public partnership.

After speaking at Citizens Input this morning and subsequently receiving answers from the Hernando County legal staff, I believe my interpretation of the revised lease was correct. Essentially Spring Hill Regional and the Pinebrook facility will not pay Ad Valorem taxes or fire fees. In fact, they probably will never end up paying on the lease of $300K because of a stipulation in the lease that states: In no event the payment exceed an amount equal to a full Ad Valorem tax assessment for the new facility. In black & white terms, Tom Barb and the stockholders of Hernando Healthcare, Inc. will only pay an assessment on one facility, not to exceed the estimated Ad Valorem rate on the new facility by the property apprasiers office while pocketing the profits generated by all three facilities. So if this rate I estimated at $970K if corrct, Brooksville Regional will not even have to pay on the lease or fire fees, just the estimated Ad Valorem for one facility.

The concept of the private-public partnership has somehow been blurred on this deed transfer. This deal does not seem like a bargain to the public when every property owner in this county, business and residential, is expected to pay their fair share to support local services.

P & Z Appointments

The Hernando County Commission approved the appointment of Robert Widmar to the Planning & Zoning commission to fill the position vacated by Nick Nocholson this morning. Lisa Hammond was appointed to the alternate position. Commissioner Schenck attempted to have Ken Smith, a Brooksville dairy farmer, appointed alternate slot instead of Ms. Hammond. Mr. Jennings explained to the BOCC that the Planning & Zoning Commission would be making two more recommendations to fill positions at their meeting next week and that all the applicants, including a few new ones, would be considered for recommendation (by the P & Z). Robert DeWitt has submitted an application to renew his appointment. This will be the last P & Z meeting for Mr. Sevier due to term limits.

Christmas Tree Lighting

The annual lighting of the Christmas tree will take place at the Hernando County Courthouse on Thursday,
December 8 at 7 p.m. The theme is "Home for the Holidays" and will be televised on the Government Channel 19 through Christmas if you cannot attend in person . Call the county's Community Development at 540-6780 for questions. Please mark your calendar for this wonderful holiday event!

Hospital Deed Transfer Update

This morning Commissioner Robinson called my office regarding my letter to the editor(s) of both local newspapers concerning the deed transfer scheduled for tomorrow at the BOCC meeting with Tom Barb. Mrs. Robinson's call was to clarify some incorrect information in my letter concerning the Ad Valorem taxes for the new hospital and the final contract that was approved while she was chairwoman. I informed Mrs. Robinson that I had obtained my information from attending all the county workshops on the hospital move as well as contacting Hernando County Government for information relating to the deed transfer. She faxed two pages of the modified contract with Brooksville Regional Hospital language that specifies "Payment in lieu of Taxes " which I summarized below:

• The lessee will continue to pay rent at $300K per annum
• An amount equal the portion of Ad Valorem that would have been paid to Hernando County as modified by the substitution of the new facility for the current hospital site.
• An amount equal to the portion for fire dues for special taxing districts

Per the contract, the aggregate sum of all amount described above shall be referred to Addition Payment. In no way shall the additional payment exceed the full Al Valorem assessment on the new facility .

While speaking with Mrs. Robinson, I asked if this agreement required Spring Hill Regional Hospital & the Pinebrook facility to pay Ad Valorem property taxes with the same type of P.I.L.T. (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement). She was not sure but said if this stipulation did exist that she would fax to my attention right away. I have not received this information and assume that these two facilities will not pay any property tax under the amended lease agreement. I questioned Mrs. Robinson about why this provision to tax Spring Hill Regional and Pinebrook was not negotiated during the re-write of Brooksville Regional's lease and received no conclusive answer to my question. To be fair to Mrs. Robinson, she was one of the two commissioners that voted against the original lease in 1998 because it did not require the payment of Ad Valorem taxes.

Presentation of Hospital Deed

Tom Barb, CEO for the Hernando Healthcare, Inc is scheduled to present the Board of County Commission with the hospital deed at their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 6, 2005. This deed presentation is for the new Brooksville Regional Hospital on SR50 & Wiscon Road. Before anyone gets too emotional over this most gracious gift to the county, please stop and think about the long term impacts (of this gift). This "deal" to turn over the deed was brokered by Tom Barb and the County Commissioners before the new hospital project began several years ago. With the deed transfer to Hernando county taxpayers, Brooksville Regional's lease will be increased to a 40-year term, with an increase of $500K per year in (lease) payments to the county. With this presentation of their deed to the county, the entire new hospital will never have to pay Ad Valorem taxes for property. This new hospital was estimated to cost $53 million which would reap approximately $970K per year in property taxes if left on the tax rolls. Please do not forget that Hernando Healthcare, Inc. does not pay Ad Valorem taxes for Spring Hill Regional Hospital or the Pine Brook facility either. As the new hospital property value increases over the next 40 years, Hernando Healthcare will pay the same lease payment, with no increases to their company, while they pocket the profits for their stockholders for this for-profit corporation. This deed-deal brokered by our County Commission and Tom Barb/Hernando Healthcare should be strictly scrutinized before accepting the transfer next Tuesday. Consideration needs to be given to all business and residential properties that pay Ad Valorem property tax in this county and any long term impacts this transfer may have on us as taxpayers in this community over the next 40 years. Maybe its time the county commission get out of the hospital business and they stick with the business of running government.