Broward County Budget Hearings
Scheduled for September 11 and 25

Following months of public workshops, Broward County Commissioners will conduct two public hearings on the proposed $3.05 billion Fiscal Year 2008 budget on Tuesday, September 11 and Tuesday, September 25, 5:01 p.m., Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Public testimony will be taken.

The proposed 2008 Budget reflects $90 million in reduced spending. If approved, it would mark the tenth year in a row that the County’s millage rate was reduced or remained the same. Broward County’s fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30 each year.

The Office of Management and Budget has posted the Fiscal Year 2008 Recommended Operating Budget, Recommended Capital Program and Recommended Budget-in-Brief online. Visit www.broward.org/budget.

Property Appraiser Extends
Office Hours for TRIM Notices

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish has announced extended hours to accommodate property owners who have questions regarding the “Truth-in-Millage” (TRIM) notices they recently received in the mail. The notices, required by state law, inform taxpayers of their 2007 property assessments, exemptions and proposed tax rates for County, municipal and other taxing districts.

The Property Appraiser’s Main Office in the Governmental Center, Room 111, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, will be open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., (regular hours) and from September 4-18, the office will remain open until 7 p.m. The West Broward Office, Suite 111-A, 1 North University Dr., Plantation, will be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special weekend hours will be in effect at both offices on September 8 and 15—8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Both offices will answer questions regarding residential property; commercial property valuation questions should be directed to the Main Office.

Gas Stations and Supermarkets
With Generators Listed Online

When a storm threatens, Broward County residents are encouraged to visit www.broward.org/hurricane for comprehensive emergency preparedness and recovery information. The site has recently been updated to include a listing of:
• generator-equipped Publix supermarkets in Broward County
• generator-ready (as required by state law) gasoline stations in Broward County

Emergency Information Available
On AM Radio Stations

In addition to WIOD – 610 AM, Broward County’s official emergency radio station, a number of local municipalities will be operating emergency radio stations on extended AM broadcast radio bands (1610 to 1710 kHz) during the hurricane season. The list has been posted online at www.broward.org/hurricane and will be updated as necessary. Municipalities include:

• Coral Springs, 1670 AM (WQFL 543)
• Fort Lauderdale, 1610 AM
• Hallandale Beach, 1620 AM (WQFQ 236)
• Lauderhill, 1650 AM (WQFF 542)
• Oakland Park, 1680 AM (WQDY)
• Pembroke Pines, 1670 AM
• Plantation, 1620 AM (WQFL)
• Sunrise, 1610 AM.
• Weston, 1680 AM (WPUV)

Subscribe to Free Hurricane
Update eMail System

To subscribe to Broward County’s free Hurricane Update eMail System, visit www.broward.org/hurricane. The system provides residents with important information from the Broward County Emergency Operations Center before, during and after a hurricane. eMail notifications will be sent to subscribers with news about hurricane watches and warnings, evacuation orders, recommended protective actions and related public safety information.

Supervisor of Elections
Seeks Poll Workers

Supervisor of Elections Dr. Brenda C. Snipes is seeking residents to work the polls for the Presidential Primary Election, scheduled for January 29, 2008. Bilingual (English/Spanish) residents are especially needed, in compliance with federal regulations. Training will be provided before the election. Election workers are paid for their services on Election Day. Clerks receive $200; Assistant Clerks and Poll Deputies receive $155; Inspectors receive $150; and, Spanish/English translators receive $130.

The Presidential Primary Election will include a number of municipal elections and a statewide referendum on a property tax amendment to the Florida Constitution. In addition to the January 29 election, poll workers are needed for the August 26, 2008 State Primary Election and the November 4, 2008 General Election.

Residents interested in applying for a poll worker position should call the Supervisor of Elections Poll Worker Hotline at 954-459-9911 or send an email to pollworker@browardsoe.org with your name and telephone number (include Poll Worker in the subject line).

Broward County Celebrates
Hispanic Heritage Month

In addition to a displays in the lobby of the Governmental Center in Fort Lauderdale, Hispanic Heritage Month will be celebrated in libraries throughout Broward County from September 15 through October 15. The month-long celebration coincides with the anniversaries of five Latin American countries.

This year’s celebration at library facilities will include art and artifact exhibits, movie viewings, author visits, book discussions, salsa lessons, Spanish poetry writing and recitals, and musical presentations. Special programs for children include crafts, puppets and a bilingual clown. For a detailed list of activities, exhibits and programs, visit www.broward.org/library.

Parks & Recreation Division
To Host Public Forum

The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division invites the public to a Public Participation Forum at the Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 N.W. 6th St., Fort Lauderdale, on Wednesday, September 5, 7 p.m. This free meeting is the public’s opportunity to provide suggestions, voice concerns, and ask questions about recreational needs. For additional information, call 954-357-8107.

Port Everglades Master Plan
Public Meeting on September 6

Broward County’s Port Everglades Department will host a public meeting to present the final draft of the 2006 Port Everglades Master Plan Update, on Thursday, September 6, 7-8:30 p.m., Broward County Main Library Auditorium, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. The meeting is the third public meeting regarding the development of a five-year Master Plan Update and 10- and 20-year Vision Plans for the port. Following a presentation, a question-and-answer segment will be conducted. Public participation is encouraged. For additional information, call 954-468-3509.

Broward County Bus Fares
To Increase October 1

Broward County Transit (BCT) bus fares will increase October 1, 2007, the first increase in fares since 1995.

Increases include: regular one-way fare, $1 to $1.25; youth fare, $.50 to $.60; senior/disabled/Medicare fare, $.50 to $.60; all day pass, $2.50 to $3; all day pass (senior/disabled/Medicare/youth), $1.25 to $2; 31-day adult pass, $32 to $40; 31-day senior/disabled/Medicare/youth), $16 to $20; and, seven-day bus pass, $9 to $11.

The ten-ride bus pass will be discontinued and a new 31-day college student bus pass will be implemented for $20.

Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
Scheduled for Tamarac

Broward County residents are encouraged to take advantage of a free hazardous waste and electronics drop-off event, scheduled for Sunday, September 16, 6011 Nob Hill Road (Public Works Department). Proof of Broward County residency is required.

Residents can dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, motor oil, pesticides, household chemicals, lawn and pool chemicals, mercury thermometers, propane tanks and fire extinguishers. Acceptable used electronics include televisions, computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, fax machines, cell phones and rechargeable batteries.

Low Cost Rabies Vaccination
Clinic Slated for September 29

Broward County’s Animal Care and Regulation Division will hold a Low-Cost License and Rabies Vaccination clinic on Saturday, September 29, Westside Park, 445 S.W. 2 St., Deerfield Beach, from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The $15 cash only fee includes the rabies vaccination and county animal license. To qualify, pet owners must be Broward residents, meet certain income guidelines and provide proof of residency. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers.

A recent change in Broward County ordinance allows pet owners a choice of a one-year or three-year rabies re-vaccination. If a pet has never been vaccinated against rabies, it must be vaccinated with a one-year vaccine. In order to qualify for a three-year rabies vaccine, owners must show proof of the previous year’s vaccination.

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