Questions about WCIND hearing
To the editor:
The West Coast Inland Navigation District’s final budget hearing was another roaring success. Here WCIND Chairman Larry Kiker and the Board chimed in about how they weren’t going to take any questions or answer any questions, as well as not even going to discuss the reasons for a huge rate increase of 4.5 percent. All seemed to be playing the same hymn about we don’t discuss or take questions in a hearing.
I believe we have done this dog and pony show many times before in the past hearings. You would think they would at least ask their attorney if the they were right.
I mean after all, the guy had put out a very nice paper about how to conduct the hearing and left it out on the table for people to see. It showed exactly what was described in the 200.065 FS on how to handle the hearing. Anyway, once again Commissioners I’m posting this FS 200.065, which applies to independent special districts for you to see.
(e)1. In the hearings required pursuant to paragraphs (c) and (d), the first substantive issue discussed shall be the percentage increase in millage over the rolled-back rate necessary to fund the budget, if any, and the specific purposes for which ad valorem tax revenues are being increased. During such discussion, the governing body shall hear comments regarding the proposed increase and explain the reasons for the proposed increase over the rolled-back rate. The general public shall be allowed to speak and to ask questions prior to adoption of any measures by the governing body. The governing body shall adopt its tentative or final millage rate prior to adopting its tentative or final budget.
I guess following this law is way too complicated for those that attempt to run this awful district that desperately needs to be ended for all the wasted money that dribbles back out to county projects unrelated to boating and dredging. WCIND Chairman Kiker, could you please get a copy of the audio of the final budget hearing?
I’d like to have others hear the reasons that were given out by WCIND at the hearing for a 4.5 percent tax hike on their property as well as not taking any questions or having a discussion on the need for this huge rate hike.
Leo Amos
Matlacha