Tea Party to officials: 'We are the public'

Palm Coast Observer
News

In opposition to possible tax increases, Tea Party members spoke up at the June 27 budget workshop.

The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, at a June 27 budget workshop, indicated its support for a $259,843 reduction to general county expenses, with most of those savings stemming from reduced utility use — built-in air conditioning timers, for example.

But the meeting’s drama was focused elsewhere — on the dozens of Flagler County Tea Party members jammed inside session chambers.

Outside, there wasn’t a free parking space. Inside, Tea Partiers lined the walls and crowded the door; they filled every seat; they wore matching blue and red T-shirts that read: “We’ve been taxed enough already.”

“This is only a very small portion … of the Florida Tea Party group,” said Dave MacDonald, of the Flagler County Tea Party.

“Every dollar you increase my taxes by will come out of my investments, or my lifestyle … We’re counting on you to preserve our interests,” he told the board.

Less than a week prior, an email was issued by Tom Lawrence, Tea Party chairman, calling members to action.

According to the letter, members oppose a potential 13.5% millage increase. They also oppose a possible salary increase. County Administrator Craig Coffey suggested the increase at a prior meeting to partially offset legislation which now mandates that government employees contribute about 3% to their pensions.

To Coffey, the bottom line is this: Although the county is going to be operating on less revenue again, for the fourth year in a row, it will offer the same services.

“The fact is, more taxes will be lowered than will be raised,” he said.

From the $1,317,622 the county will save from pension contributions, Coffey suggested, $826,797 would go toward a one-time wage adjustment. That would leave $490,825 in revenue savings.

“Those of us who worked in the private sector clearly understand this is a gold-plated, jewel-encrusted benefit,” the Tea Party letter read. “Most private sector employees don’t have pension benefits even available, much less with only a 3% contribution!”

But the commissioners didn’t feel party members’ accusations were fair.

Chairman Alan Peterson noted that employees haven’t seen a raise in three years. They’re paying more for medical insurance. And in the same timeframe, the county has reduced overall tax levies by 17%, he said.

George Hanns agreed. Sixty-five government employees have been laid off in the past three years, Hanns pointed out. The remaining workers are now doing two or three jobs when they used to do one.

“The bulk of the expenses that you’re paying for are for public safety,” Peterson told the crowd, “between the sheriff, fire and emergency services.” About half of the rest comes from the school system, he added.

“We appreciate the services provided,” a party member said, “but perhaps we need to think about the timing of these increases.”

“We’re facing a financial mess … Employees have to face concessions,” another said.

In response to one Tea Partier’s allegation that Flagler spends “every single dime” it collects, Peterson disagreed.

“That’s not true,” he said. “We have returned substantial sums of money — in the millions — every year … Just because it’s budgeted does not mean it’s going to be spent.”

One member questioned why there are still four weekly trash collections. Commissioner Barbara Revels agreed there should be fewer.

Another was concerned over the possibility of millage rate increases to account for lower property tax revenue.

“Any commissioner who votes for increased millage is going to lose the next election,” he said. The crowd applauded.

After Tea Partiers finished at the microphone, Commissioner George Hanns said, “We’ve heard from members of Tea Party. But are there any other members of the public who would like to speak?”

And the Tea Party exploded in outburst.

“We are the people!” they said. “We are the public! We put you in office!”

Peterson called the meeting back to order.

“We all want, believe it or not, what you all want,” Hanns responded. “We live here, too, and we’re taxpayers … it’s not necessary to threaten us. We’re doing what we can do.”

Public comment ended, and most Tea Partiers left before workshop presentations began.

Hanns proposed the county issue an advertisement detailing yearly budget savings. The next budget workshop is July 11.