A S S E S S M E N T

Dear Martin County Taxpayer;

April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month and the Martin County Taxpayers Association is proud to recognize the efforts of our ever vigilante members who serve on committees and keep their fellow taxpayers informed. The following are just a few examples of their diligent service to this organization.

Our School Board Review Committee meets monthly with Superintendent Dr. Sara Wilcox and her assistant, Mr. Hank Salzler in an informal and productive format. In their April meeting during a discussion of grant funding, the MCTA requested that the School District track expenditures within these specially funded programs to ensure that actual costs do not exceed the grant funding.

After the MCTA questioned the School District about the possibility of billing the State for students educated in our district in Boot Camp, STOP Camp, or other various alternative education methods, a statue was discovered which would allow the Martin County School District to be reimbursed for over $200,000 for the education of those students.

Our members have also been involved in discussions with the School District, insurance providers, and union representatives attempting to find savings in insurance premiums. By increasing deductibles for employees and other out-of-pocket expenses, the district may be able to save as much as $500,000. This panel will continue to review the dental and vision insurance plans for additional savings.

MCTA is also please to learn that the district has hired a new Transportation Director who plans to computerize the routing and maintenance schedules for the 85-90 buses used within the school district. This augmentation along with the possible elimination of some buses could result in a substantial savings in salaries and maintenance fees.

The School District has requested that the MCTA be involved in the screening and interviewing process for the replacement of the Executive Director of Operational Services position. This appointment has a very direct and vital impact on the daily operations of the district.

The Budget Watchdog Committee members have been extremely busy. These volunteers are in place within Clerk of Court, Property Appraiser's Office, Tax Collectorís Office, Sheriffís Office, Library System, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Growth Management, and Public Safety departments to ensure that a form of zero-based budgeting cost accounting procedures is being utilized. Preliminary reports will be reviewed in the coming months and recommendations will be made to the departments as well as the County Commission.

The Information Systems Department of the County is considering the purchase of a new financial software system. The MCTA has met with members of the Information Services Committee about this estimated $800,000 acquisition. The Watchdog Committee has been given the opportunity to request a logon code and access rights into this new system.

Mr. Frank Wacha, Jr. has been named the Chairmen of a new Communication Committee. Mr. Wacha is working on a monthly column for the Stuart News called Tax Talk. This column for the MCTA will be informative and educational. Members are encourage to send their ideas and suggestions for this new column to the MCTA address listed below.

At our Annual Dinner at the Lost Lake County Club on February 29, close to 100 people welcomed the opportunity to hear and question public officials from Martin County, the City of Stuart, the Sheriffís Office and the School District as they discussed the impact each department could have on future taxes. The evening was fun as well as informative.

The Joseph V. and Permelia Reed Foundersí Award was also presented at the Annual Dinner. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the MCTA to an outstanding member whose involvement in the community has been exemplary. This yearís recipient traveled the world as a TIME magazine correspondent and served as the assistant press secretary to Vice President, Nelson Rockefeller prior to moving to Martin County. Mr. John H. Mulliken, Jr., quickly became involved in local issues and government; serving on the Town Commission of Jupiter Island and later continuing as Mayor. Mr. Mulliken has served the
MCTA as a long-standing member and well as an energetic president. This recognition is but a small token of appreciation on behalf of the citizens of Martin County for many years of dedicated service to this community.

The new officers for the 1996 Board of Directors were named at the March 8 monthly meeting. Mr. James Dragseth will serve as President for the organization. Mr. James Stewart is the new Vice President. Mr. Albert Nemecek has been named Treasurer and Sherry Westerfield will continue to serve as Secretary for the group. Outgoing President, Mr. Thomas G. Kenny III, will remain on the board of directors. In his tenure as president, Mr. Kenny spent countless hours effectively directing and representing the MCTA.

The Martin County Taxpayers Association members are extremely dedicated to the efficiency and of our local government and its officials. These members spend hundreds of hours representing the local taxpayers. Good volunteers are always needed. Please join the Martin County Taxpayers Association today! Share this newsletter with neighbors and friends and become involved in your county!