To the editor:

I tried (Tuesday) evening to ask serious questions as well as give public comment that were in my personal opinion valid and this board refused to take any questions or answer these questions.

I had a conversation over this prior to the meeting with both Ms. Morgan and the board’s attorney which they both responded that there would probably be no questions taken. I asked the attorney if he read the TRIM manual and he replied yes.

The fact that I was denied the ability to ask questions and get a response from this board says a lot of why people don’t support the needs of this district.

I have included the 2015 TRIM compliance workbook from the Department of Revenues website for your convenience:

2015 TRIM Compliance School District’s Workbook 44

Hearing Requirements

Scheduling and Advertising

Hold all hearings after 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, or anytime Saturday. Do not hold hearing on Sunday. (s. 200.065(2)(e) 2., F.S.)

The board of county commissioners (BCC) must not schedule its hearings on days scheduled for hearings by a school board (s. 200.065(2)(e) 2., F.S.).

Other taxing authorities within the county cannot schedule hearing on the days scheduled by the board of county commissioners or school board. (s. 200.065(2)(e) 2., F.S.)

At the Hearing

In the hearings, the first substantive issues to discuss are the:

– Percentage increase in millage over the rolled-back rate needed to fund the budget, if any

– Specific purposes for which ad valorem tax revenues are being increased. (s. 200.065(2)(e) 1., F.S.)

At all hearings the governing body will hear comments about the proposed increase and discuss the reasons for the proposed increase over the rolled-back rate. The public can speak and ask questions before the governing body adopts any measures.

The governing body will adopt its tentative or final millage rate before it adopts its tentative or final budget. Adopt millage first. Adopt budget second. (s. 200.065(2)(e) 1., F.S.)

The ad valorem proceeds will be calculated using at least 96% of the current year gross taxable value. (s. 1011.62 (4)(a), F.S.)

The millage rate and the budget must be adopted by separate votes at the final hearing. The millage rate will be adopted first and will be adopted by resolution or ordinance. The resolution or ordinance must state the adopted millage rate and the percent, if any, by which it exceeds the rolled-back rate. (s. 200.065(2)(e) 1 200.065(3)(l)., F.S.)

The millage rate adopted at the final budget hearing cannot be higher than the rate tentatively adopted at the first hearing, unless each taxpayer is sent a revised notice of proposed property taxes before the final hearing. The property appraiser prepares the notice at the expense of the school district. It must be mailed from 10 to 15 days before the final hearing. (s. 200.065(2)(d)

Leo Amos

Matlacha