AGENDA ~ BUDGET REVIEWS Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners July 19, 2010 1:00 p.m.

. Water & Sewer Administration Building Fort Walton Beach I. Medical Examiner II. County Health Department III. State Attorney IV. Public Defender V. Clerk of Courts VI. Property Appraiser VII. Supervisor of Elections VIII. Tax Collector IX. Sheriff July 19, 2011 -1- Minute Book 65, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners

July 19, 2010 Budget Workshop A Budget Workshop of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners was called to order at 1:00 p.m. at the Water & Sewer Administration Building in Fort Walton Beach. Members present were James Campbell, Chairman; Bill Roberts, Vice Chairman; Wayne Harris; Dave Parisot; and Don Amunds. Also present were Gary J. Stanford, Finance Director, and Dave Skarzynski, Budget Analyst, Clerks Office; and Jim Curry, County Administrator. (other offices removed) Sheriff Sheriff Larry Ashley stated that when he initially submitted the proposed budget to Mr. Curry, it reflected cuts totaling $1,013,000. He said that over the last three years, the Sheriffs budget has shown reductions of $4 million or 12%. Sheriff Ashley stated they are asked to do more with less, pointing out the added responsibilities that th will come with relocation of the 7 Special Forces Group to Okaloosa County and with a new judge. Sheriff Ashley said his budget has one of the lowest per capita costs ($145 per citizen) in the entire country, noting the national average is $289 per citizen. He stated there are 1.3 officers per thousand residents. The Sheriff continued, giving data on the increased number of calls this past year. He said the proposed budget is back to the 2007 level and he has been able to carry out the work because of the departments efficiency. Statistics were given on the number of calls per officer and the number of calls per district. Sheriff Ashley said that 80% of the calls in the Destin East District involve tourists. He asked if the tourists are paying their fair share for services. Sheriff Ashley shared his plan to increase coverage in North County. He pointed out there are 450 square miles north of the Shoal River. Sheriff Ashley is hopeful a substation will be opened in the old Highway Patrol building at the intersection of Highways 85 and 90 and at a location in Laurel Hill. July 19, 2011 -4- Minute Book 65, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners

Mr. Amunds stated the Sheriffs Office does an awesome job. He compared benefit packages of the deputies with other county employees. Among those items mentioned were a medical retirement program for employees with more than 30 years of service and matching education incentive pay for sworn deputies. Mr. Amunds referred to the correctional officers in the countys budget who do not receive incentive and suggested the Board consider reinstating that pay. Mr. Roberts asked if that detail is in the presentation package. Mr. Curry replied in the negative. He said last year the Sheriff was asked to remove incentive pay for sworn deputies when the Board eliminated the incentive pay for Corrections officers and he agreed to do so. This year the Sheriff has added that matching pay back into his budget. Sheriff Ashley said the reason the incentive was reinstated was because of the turnover ratio (10%). He advised that deputies are leaving the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Department and going to jobs in South Florida, Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon inquiry by Mr. Amunds, Sheriff Ashley said he has no problem with sworn officers being treated the same. Upon inquiry, the Sheriff said the incentive pay is for lieutenants and below and equates to about $60 per pay check. Mr. Campbell agreed the Board should look at the issue regarding Corrections officers. Sheriff Ashley referred to an item involving contracting with other entities for service. He said this is not a dual taxation issue. Sheriff Ashley stated when a city incorporates, it must provide the basic governmental services pursuant to Constitutional law. Mr. Parisot asked if the Sheriffs $29.5 million budget for 2012 includes the contracts with the cities. The Sheriff replied in the affirmative. Mr. Stanford explained the budgetary process used to not include the cost of the contracts. He noted that if the contracts are not signed, not only does the revenue go away but so does the expenditure. Mr. Parisot posed a series of questions about the Sheriffs budget. The Sheriff replied that he has prepared the budget and presented it to the county pursuant to the requirements of the State Statutes and he cannot prepare a separate budget for each person who asks for it in a certain manner. Sheriff Ashley stated that he has spoken with Mr. Parisot about this several times. He said he feels he has complied with Mr. Parisots requests.July 19, 2011 -5- Minute Book 65, Page Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners

Mr. Parisot said in 2009 and 2010 there was an abundance of information provided in conjunction with the budget. He felt the type of documentation being supplied now was the same as former Sheriff Morris used to present. Sheriff Ashley responded that the Sheriffs budget is built from the ground up and he resents any comparison to the former sheriff. Mr. Parisot asked why actual expenditures were not submitted for prior years. Sheriff Ashley replied he and Mr. Parisot will have to agree to disagree because he feels he has submitted a budget to the Board as outlined in the statutes. The exchange between Mr. Parisot and Sheriff Ashley continued. Sheriff Ashley said he feels the Sheriffs Office has done an excellent job over the last three years getting the office back to where it belongs. He advised that other counties have asked for copies of the physical training requirements. Sheriff Ashley also pointed out insurance cost have been lowered, a new white collar crime fraud unit has been organized, and two additional canine units have been added. Mr. Parisot asked the Sheriff what happens when illegals come into the county to work. Sheriff Ashley replied they have not had an issue with it, saying many were sent home when they came to the area after the BP oil spill. He stated when they could not submit the proper documentation, they were told they were not welcome here. Sheriff Ashley stated his department does not turn a blind eye to anything. Mr. Roberts told the Sheriff he hopes he does not leave here with a negative experience, adding that he does not think it is fair to make a comparison with the former sheriff.