Opposing viewpoints

The Hernando Today wrote an editorial on the proposed water and sewer rate hike. Laurie Pizzo, Hernando County Business and Development Committee member wrote an opposing viewpoint to their editorial column. Both of these columns are included below for your review. I found it interesting to be able to read them together and hope you do, too. The first is from the Hernando Today, with Ms. Pizzo's letter at the bottom, including the editorial note.

Commissioners should nix water, sewer rate hikes

Hernando Today
Published: May 15, 2009
Updated: 05/15/2009 02:34 pm

The issue: The county's proposal to drastically hike water and sewer rates.
Our opinion: They've got to be kidding.

Apparently, county officials think it's business as usual on the hill in Brooksville, with no end to tax hikes and fee increases. Nevermind that nearly 13 percent of the workforce is unemployed, the economy is in the Dumpster and the county suffers from one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation.

Here's news to those who live in a bubble: Hernando Countians are hurting. On top of wanting to nearly double annual solid waste assessments, county officials now want to increase water and sewer rates by more than 30 percent during the next five years for the average homeowner.

You can almost hear the county's coffers chime cha-ching! The director of the county's utilities department presented the proposed rate increases to county commissioners during their meeting Tuesday. He lined it all out in a bunch of charts and graphs, trying to spin it as a conservation measure. Bigger water users (commercial businesses that employ people) are really going to get the shaft. Those using less water will see lower increases. (Like jumbo shrimp, isn't that an oxymoron?)

Our question: Are county officials living in La-La Land? This isn't simply a conservation measure; it's another money grab to fund bigger government and expand development at a time when nobody's building. The rate increases are expected to add about $1.6 million in new revenue for the utilities department, with the money raised going to help fund about $150 million in capital projects. The rest of the money will come from low-interest federal government bailout loans.

Plans are to pay for a $48 million expansion to the wastewater treatment plant near the Hernando County Airport; $26 million for a new treatment plant in Ridge Manor; and $22 million for a new treatment plant at The Glen, off U.S. 19 north of State Road 50.

Maybe somebody needs to inform county officials - once again - that we're in the depths of one of the deepest recessions and housing busts in Hernando County history - a double whammy. The decline of commercial construction and the loss of more jobs isn't far behind. However, all we keep hearing from county officials is they want to raise taxes and fees and spend more of the taxpayers' hard-earned money.

Here's a clue: Most Hernando County residents can't afford to pay what they're paying now. Any increase in solid waste assessments or water and sewer rates would be a slap in the face, and residents should take it personally - especially those having trouble putting food on the table. Any county commissioner who votes to increase taxes and fees in this desperate economy needs to understand the ramifications, especially considering the spending spree county officials have been on the past few years when money flowed like wine into county coffers - so much so, they couldn't find enough perks and new projects to spend it on fast enough. Perhaps that's why the county's treasure chest is bulging with $181 million in long-term investments - some tied up as many as five years - and more than $37.6 million in carry-over funds from fiscal year 2008.

Let them spend what they've already over-taxed residents for on these new projects.
And what about all the impact fee money that's been collected from the massive development of recent years? Isn't that why there's $181 million lying around earning interest? Use that money to help fund capital projects for infrastructure. Isn't that what it's for? Why should current water and sewer customers who've paid their impact fees and bills have to pay for continued construction of new and expanded water and sewer plants? It's nonsense. Until people start standing up and letting their county commissioners know how they feel about unfair tax hikes and user fee increases, they'll keep approving them.



Disagrees with editorial

Hernando Today
Published: May 20, 2009

Re: "Commissioners should nix water, sewer rate hikes" editorial in the May 15 edition of Hernando Today

I read your opinion on the topic of the proposed wastewater facilities and quite frankly I am a bit confused as to whether we watched the same county commission meeting on May 12. Building of the proposed more efficient wastewater treatment sites will actually save Hernando County Utilities customers money on their bill, particularly those who use county water and have septic. Eighty-five percent of the metered customers currently would save on their bills with the new system. Furthermore, building of these facilities has the potential of adding water reuse down the road, which is an added benefit, further adding to the forward thinking of the current BOCC - something we just are not used to seeing.

Speaking from an economic development standpoint, if we are to bring in additional large employers to the Hernando County Airport for example, it would cost that business $1.3 million just in connection fees alone for water and sewer with the current dilapidated system being used. Building a new more efficient wastewater facility will drop those fees for that employer to around $117,000.

Don't you think this is just one huge draw of many to make Hernando County competitive to bring jobs here so we aren't so reliant on the construction industry as we have been in the past? Don't we want to attract those primary industries to Hernando County so our 22,000-plus residents that drive out of the county everyday might have more options to live, work and play in Hernando County?

It is time to start thinking out of the box. These wastewater treatment facilities have been needed for a long time and, unfortunately, nothing has been done in the past to get this rolling. I applaud the current county commissioners for being proactive on this matter rather than reactive and scrambling as often times has been done in the past. The building of these wastewater treatment facilities is vital for our infrastructure for both our residential and commercial well-being. With that comes excellent quality of life which we all strive for, and I believe we can all agree on that.

Laurie Pizzo, member, Business & Economic Development Committee

Editor's note: Perhaps you didn't read the editorial carefully enough. Hernando Today is not opposed to improving our water and wastewater treatment facilities. We're against having the current ratepayers pay for the improvements. If the county wants to use part of its massive $218 million in reserves to help pay for these improvements and new plants that will benefit future residents and businesses, we're fine with that. But we're vehemently opposed to having current residents, business owners and utility users pay in advance for those who "may" move here in the future. That's what impact fees are for. These costs shouldn't be placed on the backs of those who've already paid. Also, most water/sewer users would see a 31 percent increase in their bills over the next five years. There is no savings.

Gold Tournament rescheduled

The 1st Annual Captain Scott Bierwieler Golf Tournament has been rescheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 27th due to a rain-out on their original date. They still have room for a few more golfers if you want to jump on board this fundraising event for the Gold Shield Foundation. The event takes place at the Brooksville Country Club, with registration at 11:30 a.m. The shot gun start is set for promptly at 1:00 p.m.

If you have any questions about the tournament, call Gary Schraut at (352)799-3000.

Welfare-laden

Governor Crist office sent out this bulletin regarding the Florida Legislature's expenditure of the federal stimulus plan. I read it over and really don't see any "shovel ready" projects but maybe you can find them buried in this WELFARE-LADEN piece of legislation which is sitting on Charlie's desk waiting for his signature:

Florida is slated to receive over $15 billion in federal stimulus funding during the next three budget years. Some of these funds will go directly to cities and counties, but the bulk will flow through the state budget and then be spent on state-administered programs, or be passed through to local programs.

The 2009-10 appropriations act, which has been passed by the 2009 Legislature and is under review by the Governor, provides $5.3 billion in urgently needed funds to strengthen education, spur economic development and help individuals and families affected by the economy. These federal funds will provide the stimulus needed to hasten our economic recovery. The proposed budget includes the following American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding:

Education was appropriated $2.7 billion in FY 2009-10 of which half, or $1.35 billion, is the state fiscal stabilization grant that will come to Florida because of the long-awaited waiver that was granted to Florida this week by the United States Department of Education.

Public Safety received $110.5 million in FY 2009-10, including pass-through funds for the Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant Funding and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces in Broward and Polk counties and the City of Gainesville.

Health and Human Services received $1.7 billion in FY 2009-10, including the following:

***$1.443 billion in enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP).
***$8.3 million to provide meals to seniors age 60 and older, and to support employment opportunities for low-income seniors.
***$14.6 million to provide additional food assistance payments due to the economic recession.
***$44.6 million to help states deal with increased cash assistance caseloads and expenditures.
***$12.9 million to assist households who face the loss of their home or apartment due to the current economic recession.
***$5.5 million to provide funding for a community-based approach to combating domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking.
***$6.3 million funding for foster care.
***$6.9 million for adoption assistance.
***$1.6 million for additional reimbursement to hospitals serving a disproportionate share of Medicaid and uninsured persons.
***$11.5 million for early intervention services to infants and toddlers with significant developmental delays.

Environmental Programs received $391 million for FY 2009-10, including the following:

***$187 million funding for the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Program, the Wastewater Revolving Loan Program, Diesel Emissions Reductions, State Parks and the Petroleum Tank Cleanup Program.
***$12.5 million for Wildfire Prevention, Oyster Management and Restoration, and Emergency Food Assistance Program.
***$17 million for the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels from Florida’s waterways, restoration of seagrass and mangrove habitats, the removal of invasive exotic plants and supplements law enforcement salary and benefits for recent reductions or due to layoffs.
***$174.5 million for renewable energy technologies, reducing total energy use and improving energy efficiency, solar rebates and rebates for residential Energy Star products.

Transportation and Economic Development Programs received $374.1 million for FY 2009-10, including the following:

***Funding to continue to improve distribution of Unemployment Compensation benefit payments to Floridians.
***$73.3 million to increase the availability of child care and early learning services to low income families with children age 5 years and younger or at-risk children.
***$56.8 million to continue to assist individuals who are laid off or anticipate being laid off and $13.7 million to assist other individuals with training to upgrade their current occupational skills, learn a new trade, prepare for a job, receive adult education and literacy training, or receive on-the-job training. Also assists individuals with job search activities in careers experiencing economic and job growth.
***$7.5 million to award grants to small cities to help revitalize communities and expand economic development opportunities.
***$157.9 million in energy savings programs to assist low-income families (income up to $44,000) with energy saving home repairs and retrofits of up to $6,500 per home.
***$29.1 million to fund a broad range of services in the community to assist individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and make the community stronger.
***$19.3 million to continue funding for the new Summer Youth Employment Program. This program helps teens and young adults (ages 16 to 24) who are interested in obtaining a job this summer and earning a paycheck. Wages varies by region, from $7.25 to $9 per hour for up to 35 hours a week.
***$15.5 million to continue to provide employment and re-employment services to job seekers and employers.

In addition, other federal recovery dollars may come to Florida as state agencies, local governments and non-profit organizations are successful in securing competitive grants in various federal programs.

Sausage-making...

The Hernando Times editorial on Sunday stated that the "nickel-and-dime ideas floated at the Budget and Finance Committee's May meeting failed to address the significant task ahead." The Times perception is that this committee is somehow looking under the sofa, and through the junk drawers, to find loose change to balance the county's budget is way off base.

The reporter for the Times didn't even bother to attend this meeting so it can only be assumed that the editorial staff watched it on the government channel. Maybe the reporter was taking a bathroom break when all the big ticket items were discussed on how to reduce the $10-million budget deficit.

It is really amazing that the reporter for the Hernando Times failed to mention the $2.6 million in savings that would be gained if the employees were reduced to a 32-hour work week which was discussed by the committee. Committee members also touched on the possible savings to the taxpayers if the number of county employees were reduced on the payroll. Another suggestion by the committee was to give all employees the option of the buy-out previously offered to those making over $50,000 a year. The committee also has asked to review money spent through the Human Resources Department on employee continuing- education-credit reimbursement for 2009 to see if this is an area that can be trimmed for the budget.

The Times stated that the Budget and Finance Committee "made little headway in offering recommendations to the county commissioners" which is blatantly false. The committee made numerous motions to pass these recommendations onto the Hernando County Commissioners for their May 25th meeting. In fact, another motion was made to suggest the Hernando County Commissioners ask the League of Counties to form a committee of all 67 counties to combat the unfunded mandates from the Florida Legislature.

It appears that every time the Budget and Finance Committee strikes a nerve in this budget process, the press is quick to distort the truth. The Budget and Finance Committee has suggested over $3-million in budget reductions since the inaugural meeting in March. Frankly, this is a true sign that the commissioners made the right choice to form this standing committee. It's like sausage-making; it's not pretty but the end product will be something every one will appreciate at the end of the day.

***Please note that I received an email from the Hernando Times reporter who indicated she was in attendance at this meeting. I assured her that I would include this information even though I do not recall seeing her at the reporter's table in the county commission chambers that day.

Alert

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 13, 2009

Smokey Conditions in Hernando County

According to Hernando County Fire Rescue officials,there have been multiple wildfires burning in eastern/central Florida, including two brush fires on Tuesday in Hernando County, which were under control by 7 pm Tuesday evening. Because winds are blowing from the east and the fires in other parts of the state may continue throughout the week, Hernando County may be subject to smokey conditions over the next few days. Residents with respiratory conditions should be aware that these conditions may cause them discomfort, and they should try to remain indoors.

Although Hernando County has received some rainfall this week, conditions are still extremely dry, and the chances for wildfires occurring remains very high.

Brenda Frazier

Hernando County Community Relations Coordinator

Alternate news source

The Hernando News Source is the new kid on the block for local online news. Hernando County Attorney Kent Weissinger turned his blog into an official online news source. The line-up on his website is now from Google feeds but it seems to be a one-stop shop to read the local headline news.

Hernando News Source's publisher is well-versed in mass media. Weissinger has a degree in journalism, in addition to being the senior-assistant county attorney. If you want to check out his online publication, go to http://www.hernandonewssource.com/

3-day wait

Without fanfare, the Hernando County Commission voted to abolish the county's gun ordinance this morning. Even though the commissioners did not discuss the merits of the ordinance, they did take time to thank Commissioners Atkins for bringing the issue to their attention. Apparently the effort to abolish the gun ordinance was formulated at the C.O.A.T. committee where Atkins is the chairman.

Abolishing this ordinance actually does away with the 3-day waiting period to purchase guns in the Hernando County. Apparently each county was given the option of writing an ordinance to enact this "3-day" waiting period.

In my opinion, I believe a 3-day waiting period serves a useful purpose. It is meant to have a cooling down affect for anyone wanting to purchase a gun. The 3-day period gives the gun buyer the opportunity to become rational before picking up the firearm.

Time will tell if the decision to abolish this gun ordinance was a wise decision...

Advertise for building director

Hernando County Building's Interium Director Joe Creech was lectured to be more friendly, improve their customer service and efficiency by the county commissioners last December when he was appointed to this temporary position by David Hamilton, the county administrator. This appointment was done without advertising position to the public. Mr. Hamilton justified this interium appointment of Mr. Creech because he stated the building department would be undergoing a reorganization in 2009.

Everyone is wondering when this reorganization of the building department will begin since it is already the month of May. The commissioners are in the process of making budget decisions for 2010. It would be prudent to include the building department in those decisions. If Mr. Hamilton has changed his mind about the reorganization of the building division then it is time the director's position is advertised to the public.

Simple economics

Below is an email my son sent to Governor Charlie Crist, Senators Fasano and Dockey and Representatives Shultz and Schenck at the conclusion of their budget session last week. He also sent this letter to Chris Wessel of the Hernando Today.

To All,

I want to SCREAM my opinion loud enough so that Tallahassee can hear my voice and hundreds of thousands of other employers' voices. I don't know who voted on Bills SB 516 and HB 1333, if you did not vote for it, then take the latter part of the email to colleagues who did and lay it out for them. If you voted for this load of horse manure SHAME ON YOU. REPUBLICANS DON'T VOTE FOR LEFT LEANING, SOCIALIST PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO ENSLAVE THE POPULATION TO THE GOVERNMENT.

Now, let me see if I can lay out a simple economics plan that even the simplest of minds can comprehend.

1. Man (or woman) have idea for new product of service.

2. They spend time developing product or service and market it.

3. Sales exceed what one person can handle, so they find second person.

4. Owner and second person agree to a fair wage, employer/employee relationship is born.

5. Another person follows steps 1-4.

6. When enough repeats of step 5, we need protection from crime, fire, foreign enemies etc.

7. One of people from group decides to be leader.

8. Decisions are made on behalf of entire group - employees and employers that will be beneficial to all but partial to none.

NOW if the employees decide to dictate how business will be conducted or unfairly re-negotiate labor contracts who suffers? The person buying the good or service supplied by the company. If the company is large enough, and sales fall too far what happens to company? They go bankrupt! If enough companies go bankrupt, who pays the salaries of the person/people in item 7? They're not needed anymore because there is no money to pay them either!

When you extend unemployment benefits out and out and out, you tell the employees that work is not necessary, because the government is going to take care of you! This is effectively the same as Labor Unions unfairly re-negotiating wages (employees telling the employer how to do business). I've read SB 516 and had to wear a clothespin on my nose just to get past the smell of manure emanating from my computer screen. "but the unemployment system is getting low on funds!" - NO KIDDING! You bunch of yahoos have written just about every conceivable reason NOT to work and still get "benefits" into the aforementioned bills.

Oh, wait, I've got an idea! We'll get some of that B.O. money from Washington that "we've got coming to us". This feeling of entitlement is another stinking load of GARBAGE. THE ONLY THING THAT THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS COUNTRY PROMISES IT'S CITIZENS IS "LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS". That doesn't mean it will be a great life, full of trophies just for showing up and it sure as heck doesn't mean that it'll be all grins and ha-ha's. The founding fathers would roll over in their graves knowing that we are not sliding, but rather rocketing down the slippery slope towards SOCIALISM!

If you voted for this garbage, I will stand on street corners come next election day and work my butt off to see that someone who can make decisions for the "benefit of everyone" takes your place. Just in case, you feel like sending me some political double speak, save it. Hard work never killed anyone, and if it kills any of the sissies this country has raised in the last 30 years, DARWIN WAS RIGHT!

In closing, close up the ranks within our party so we can stop the Socialist agenda of the LEFT and get this country back on track!

Respectfully,

Bryon A. Covell

Vice President

A.L. Covell Electric, Inc.

Cap & Trade

Withlacoochee River Electric's April newsletter focused on the federal budget's line item for Cap and Trade carbon credit trading system. The implementation of this carbon tax for the federal government is projected to raise $645.7 billion in new taxes for the Obama administration. The Wall Street Journal has a revised figure for this Cap and Trade system, saying this tax has the potential to collect $1.3 to $1.9 trillion in new taxes between 2012 and 2019.

Electric companies nationwide will pass these taxes on to the consumers on our monthly power bills which are estimated to cost the average consumer approximately $1,200 more per year. Businesses will also be required to pay these costs which will ultimately be paid by the consumers.

Carbon credits will most likely be traded on the the stock exchange where speculators will have a field day driving up the prices, much like they drove up the cost of oil last year. If cap and trade legislation is allowed to pass, electric power for the majority of consumers will become a luxury item.

Withlacoochee River Electric requested their cooperative members to contact their senators and members of Congress by visiting www.ourfloridaenergy.com

Vegetating

Well, is everyone sitting on the edge of the chair wondering whether Charlie Crist will run for the U.S. Senate or will he continue vegetating in the governor's mansion for the next 18 months? Don't you think the speculation about Crist's possible run for Senate has that Arlen Spector kind of feel to it? No one really knows if he is a Republican or a Democrat, the way his sways in the wind on every issue. People in this state have watched, and wondered, exactly just what Charlie Crist would accomplish in his first term as governor and they have finally figured it out.

Governor Crist has won the prize for being a dead-ringer for another Republican governor we had in the 1980's named Bob Martinez. Remember old Bob, the one that thought raising the sales tax on services in this state was a good idea. No one has heard too much about this one-term governor since leaving office except that he was some type of drug zar. Martinez did not have the intestinal fortitude to cut spending to balance the budget, just like Charlie Crist. Remember Charlie salivating all over President Obama in Ft. Myers, at the thought of collecting $5.6 billion in federal stimulus money, instead of cutting costs to the state.

Charlie Crist made two major campaign promises when he ran for governor. One promise was to lower our property taxes and the other was to lower our home owner's insurance premiums. Mr. Crist has failed on both of his promises to the people of the state of Florida.

Governor Crist is expected to sign the current budget by the Florida Legislature that has a 10 percent increase for Citizen's Property Insurance. This increase is in direct conflict with the promises Mr. Crist made to his constituents in 2006. Secondly, the citizens of this state lowered their own taxes through Amendment 1. By the way, Charlie was able to con the state legislature during the final minutes of this session to include language for another amendment to reduce property tax for business and first-time home owners for the 2010 ballot. This 2010 date coincides with the same year that Charlie runs for office again. This way Crist has a built in campaign issue to run on whether it is for governor or for the senate seat.

We have all read and heard about Republicans running to the center but Charlie Crist has managed to swerve out of control to the left and has crash-landed onto land that only liberals dare to tread on...

Gold shield golf tournament

If you are a golfer, know a golfer (please pass this email on) then you will definitely want to get involved in the 1st Annual Captain Scott Bierwieler Golf Tournament. If you are like many others and you knew Captain Scott Bierwieler and what a wonderful man and servant he was to the community, then please consider sponsoring playing in the tournament and/or sponsoring a hole for this charitable golf tournament for the Gold Shield Foundation. http://www.goldshieldfoundation.com/purpose.htm


DATE: Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
TIME: 11:30 a.m. -Registration
1:00 p.m. -Shotgun Start
LOCATION: Brooksville Country Club 200 Links Drive, Brooksville, Florida 34601 (Located about 2miles east of US 41, just offof Croom Road)
REGISTRATION FEE: $75 Per Person , four-person team (limited to 120 golfers)
ATTIRE: Collared shirt, long pants or walking shorts (NO t-shirts, tank tops, athletic shorts, cut-offs, or jeans)
MISCELLANEOUS: Registration includes green fees, a light lunch prior to shotgun start



GOLD HOLE SPONSORSHIP: $1,500
Includes:
· Hole sponsorship with signage at a tee or green
· Entry for a foursome with cart
· Your company name listed in the program
· 4 Rounds of golf at Brooksville Golf and Country Club

SILVER HOLE SPONSORSHIP: $1,000
Includes:
· Hole sponsorship with signage at a tee or green
· Entry for a foursome with cart
· Your company name will be listed in the program

BRONZE HOLE SPONSORSHIP: $500
Includes:
· Hole sponsorship with signage at a tee or green ..
· Your company name will be listed in the program
If you are interested in sponsoring a golf hole please contact us at the telephone numbers listed below. You may mail contributions or payments to: checks payable to ...... FOP LODGE #164/GOLD SHIELD
Attention: Morris Porton or Gary E. Schraut
P.O. Box 1104 Brooksville, FL 34605-1104

FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT:
RANDY WOODRUFF, Treasurer
(352) 796-3224
GARY E. SCHRAUT, Sponsorships
(352) 799-3000

Las Vegas night w/realtors

Looking for something fun to do this FRIDAY May 8 from 6pm-9pm? How about a Las Vegas Nite at your local Hernando County Association of REALTORS® office, 7321 Sunshine Grove Road, Brooksville (open to public). .

The $25 entry fee includes:
• $2,500 Gaming Money
• Table games including Black Jack & Texas Hold 'em and Slots
• Chorus Girls
• Free Food, Beer & Wine
• Chance to Win Great Prizes!
• With a Pit Boss, you'll think you're really in Vegas!
• Additional $2,500 Gaming Money available for $20.00

Enter the Black Jack Tournament and Win a Great Prize!
*Separate Entry Fee Required
*All proceeds to benefit RPAC

Make Checks Payable to: HCAR
7321 Sunshine Grove Rd., Brooksville, FL 34613
OR Pay with Credit Card Authorization & Fax to: 352-799-4350