BCC Responsibilities???

[DFSboy]

All,

Do any of you know the legal responsiblities of the BCC's in Florida? In other words, what is the job of the BCC here in Walton County, legaly (bare bones)?

It seems to me that our BCC has been spending money on items that, perhaps, should be privately funded. It's our money they spend after all. But maybe an answer to the question above will help me better understand those certain purchases. Anyone, please try to help me understand. Really good question for a former BCC Candidate, too.

 

[Smiling JOe]

http://www.fl-counties.com/pdf/guidingprinciples.pdf

 

[seagrovegirl]

Give an example of what you see that is being spent?

 

[DFSboy]

Give an example of what you see that is being spent?

seagrovegirl,

Lots and lots of money on parks, for one. And how about the thought of the BCC purchasing that beachfront property some few months ago? Is either a legal responsibilty of the BCC? Think about it. "Bare bones budget," in their own words, as said a few days ago during a budget discussion. I, personally, don't see a real "Bare bones budget" with the BCC. Again, they are the ones that said it. Do they mean it?

 

[TooFarTampa]

seagrovegirl,

Lots and lots of money on parks, for one. And how about the thought of the BCC purchasing that beachfront property some few months ago? Is either a legal responsibilty of the BCC? Think about it. "Bare bones budget," in their own words, as said a few days ago during a budget discussion. I, personally, don't see a real "Bare bones budget" with the BCC. Again, they are the ones that said it. Do they mean it?

I don't know the specifics of what you are referring to, but I believe it is the ethical responsibility of the commissioners to be good stewards of the very special and rare environment in Walton County, and that in doing so they are representing the desires of the majority of those who elected them.

 

[scooterbug44]

IMO spending money on parks (how dastardly are they, giving everyone a place to recreate) is a good idea.

I agree that there are many things our local government and the TDC waste money on, but a park certainly isn't on that list.

 

[sometime]

To DFSBoy

Walton county Comprehensive Plan emphasizes the Preservation of such rare enviorments in Objective L-1.5 Policy C-3.2.11 states "The County.....shall identify and pursue the aquisition of that contain or are adjacent to such beach or shoreline ecosysystems. As you can see, the acquisition of the property would fulfill goals, objectives, and policies in the Future Land use, Recreation, and the Coastal Zone, Conservation Elements of the Walton County Comprehensive Plan.
The County is soliciting a grant from F.C.T, a part of all Counties in the state of Florida tax dollars go in to this fund. Therefore, all of Florida, the Counties seek to fund a park, etc. If Walton County does not try to secure the Grant, then I am sure that Dade County would be happy to have Walton County monies for their Park. Simple.

 

[Zebraspots]

Parks and buying property would definitely seem to be part of their scope as they fall under both "community and economic development" and "growth management and environmental protection."

 

[DFSboy]

I don't know the specifics of what you are referring to, but I believe it is the ethical responsibility of the commissioners to be good stewards of the very special and rare environment in Walton County, and that in doing so they are representing the desires of the majority of those who elected them.

Ok, you must NOT have a problem with higher taxes.

 

[TooFarTampa]

Ok, you must NOT have a problem with higher taxes.

My taxes did go way down this year, which leads me to believe they weren't kidding about trimming the budget.

However, there are things that I am enthusiastic about using tax dollars for, and preservation of the right parcels or buildings is one of them.