|
County Meetings On Demand
This service provided by the Hillsborough County Communications Dept., will allow you to watch recordings of County Meetings from your computer. Search instructions are given on the page linked above (link will open a new browser window).
December 4, 2009
In concert with the sentiments of the Cone Ranch Advisory Panel, my desire is to provide maximum protection for the Cone Ranch while prudently using available financial resources. The Advisory Panel is intimately aware of the funding constraints the County is facing, including the ELAPP program. My comments at the Dec. 2 Board meeting recommended a fiscally and environmentally responsible position of preserving Cone Ranch in a manner that works within available financial resources. Although voters have approved the issuance of bonds to acquire $200 million in ELAPP properties, County taxpayers have also clearly voiced their desire that government avoid levying higher taxes. Issuing more than approximately $65 million in ELAPP bonds at this time would result in debt service that exceeds the current ELAPP millage. This means that in order to keep overall millage from increasing, further cuts in operations - and likely in some services - would be needed to offset higher debt service.
I would like Hillsborough County to find a preservation method that protects the valuable environmental resources of the Ranch and, at the same time, ensures that levels of service to citizens in other areas of the County budget are not adversely affected. A conservation easement is one way to achieve these goals, and the Advisory Panel is well aware of the ways in which that method can effectively achieve preservation goals they desire. But, it is not the only method. An installment sale is another approach that can be used to effectively work within available resources. These alternatives and others will be fully discussed at the Board's Dec. 16 meeting at which time it will become more clear to ELAPP advocates the difficult choices we are facing in this economic environment.
But in advance of that discussion on December 16th, I want my constituents to know, WITH FULL CLARITY, that I am supportive of whatever mechanism we have to implement in order to save Cone Ranch for generations to come.
June 17, 2009
This is in response to the e-mails and calls I have received from constituents.
Let me begin by saying I supported and, in fact, I was the proud maker of the motion to enact a proposed ELAPP ordinance calling for a referendum to be held at the general election in November, 2008.
When I made a statement that I was reluctant to raise millage and taxes, it was simply to be sympathetic to our constituents during this time of economic hardship. However, I will not go against the will of the people regarding the referenced referendum vote to continue the ELAPP program. We all worked very hard to make the ELAPP continuation a reality. My discussion with Mike Merrill, Utilities & Commerce Administrator, was to investigate any opportunity to issue new ELAPP bonds in a way that will not result in any increased millage levy above the current rate to pay ELAPP debt service. If that proves not to be possible, or does not achieve the ELAPP goals in a reasonable timeframe, I would respect the will of the people and support an increase necessary to satisfy the ELAPP issues. That is the will of the people as well as my own.
June 8, 2009
Official Statement from Rose V. Ferlita
County Commissioner, District 1
For the record, I am fully in support of a public transportation system that is multi-modal, including light rail. Many groups have worked tirelessly towards a successful effort. Now is the time to come together. Give the public the facts, with clarity, transparency and completeness. It is our responsibility to do that; it is the citizens' right to know the details of a referendum we are asking them to support.
I look forward to November 2010, when after all questions have been answered, our citizens will have the opportunity to support a transportation system that will be instrumental in moving our community forward.
As your District 1 Hillsborough County Commissioner, I take every vote seriously. I know that my vote counts and impacts all of our Hillsborough County constituents - not just constituents in my district. That's why it's important to me that you have the opportunity to read about my voting record. "For the Record" will not only tell you how I voted on tough and controversial issues facing Hillsborough County constituents, but also why I voted the way I did.
If you would like to search the Hillsborough County records online for specific meeting Agendas, Recaps and Minutes, please use the Document Repository at the Hillsborough County Website.
Thank you for taking the time to read all about my votes for all of Hillsborough County!
|
