County Commissioners Approve 2009 Fiscal Year Budget

The Board of County Commissioners adopted a budget for Fiscal Year 2009 on September 23. The total countywide millage rate for operations and capital of 4.8889 mills is the same as Fiscal Year 2008.

Overall, the total budget increased by $40 million, the result of increases in the capital and debt service budgets. The total operating budget for 2009 has declined by $37 million due to a reduced general fund, primarily the result of declining property tax revenues and the impact of property tax reform, particularly Amendment One, which was approved by voters in January. The new spending plan runs from October 1, 2008, through September 30, 2009.

Free Residential Yard Waste Program Continues Due to Popular Demand

Broward County Waste and Recycling Services and Partner Cities will continue their popular residential trash program through 2009. Yard waste, bulky waste and scrap metals for recycling can be taken to three trash transfer stations at no charge to residents. Items will be accepted on Saturdays only, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the following locations:

• 5490 Reese Road, Davie
• 2780 N. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach
• 5601 Hallandale Beach Boulevard, West Park

For questions or more information on what items will be accepted, call the recycling hotline at 954-765-4999 or visit www.broward.org/waste.

Purchasing Division to Webcast Bid Openings

Broward County’s Purchasing Division announces the launch of a live Webcast of the public process for vendor bid openings. Webcasting of these proceedings makes the meetings more accessible to local companies interested in doing business with the County. Individuals wishing to view bid openings can go to Broward County’s Web site, www.broward.org and click on “Video Central.” A schedule of meetings appears under “Upcoming Government Webcasts.”

Two New Informational Brochures Available at Animal Care and Regulation

The Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division has prepared two new informational brochures related to animal laws and foods that could pose a danger to animals. Animal Law highlights the most important animal laws that Broward County cat and dog owners should know. Dangerous Foods highlights a list of unhealthy or potentially hazardous foods that should be avoided by dogs and cats.

Both brochures are available for free from Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division. To request a copy, call 954-359-1010 or email Animal Care at www.broward.org/animal and click on "Ask a Question."

Port Everglades Premieres New DVD

Port Everglades has developed a new DVD, “The Evolution of Port Everglades: Keeping Tomorrow on our Radar,” featuring the South Florida seaport’s diverse business mix of cruise, cargo, petroleum and real estate and its commitment to environmental and economic stability. The seven-minute video may be viewed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and French. While Port Everglades takes center stage, the DVD also features Greater Fort Lauderdale as a vacation hotspot. To view, visit www.broward.org/port or view on demand from www.broward.org “Video Central” feature button. If you are interested in a presentation, call Ellen Kennedy at 954-468-3505.

County Commissioners Create Climate Change Task Force

The Board of County Commissioners has created a 25-member Climate Change Task Force. The goals of the climate change program are to:

• develop and implement projects and incentives for residents, businesses, and organizations to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases (GHG);

• develop and implement adaptation strategies to alleviate the likely adverse consequences of climate change;

• provide education and outreach to encourage Broward County residents, businesses and organizations to participate in the program; and

• pursue federal and state grants, energy cost savings, and other financial resources to off-set program costs.

The Broward County Climate Change Task Force was recommended as part of the County’s Climate Change Report approved in June 2008. The report recommends reducing GHG emissions from County operations to seven percent below 1997 levels. The established target date to meet this goal is 2015.

Sign-up for Free Subscription To Hurricane Updates

To keep informed on impending storms, residents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to Broward County’s free Hurricane Update E-mail System. The system provides residents with important information from the Broward County Emergency Operations Center before, during and after a hurricane. E-mail notifications will be sent to subscribers with news about hurricane watches and warnings, evacuation orders, recommended protective actions and related public safety issues. To subscribe, visit www.broward.org/hurricane and click on the Hurricane Update E-mail System box.

County Commissioners to Consider Resolution on Iguanas

Broward County Commissioners will consider supporting efforts to control the green iguana population in Broward County and South Florida. The Board recently asked the county attorney to draft a resolution for the Board to consider at a future meeting within 30 to 60 days.

The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida asked the Commission to sign a resolution that would encourage the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to officially designate iguanas as “Reptiles of Concern” and enact rules and regulations that govern the possession, distribution and release of green iguanas. Reptiles listed as “Reptiles of Concern” require a $100 permit when purchased. Reptiles falling under the category must also be micro-chipped for identification purposes.

“Know the Flow” Presentation for Homeowner Associations

The Broward County Natural Resources Planning and Management Division offers a free, fun and informative presentation to homeowner associations that teaches residents how to save money, save water and “go green.” The division’s 20-minute “Know the Flow” presentation answers all these questions and more. And all attendees receive prizes. For more information click here. To schedule a presentation for your group, contact Asif Ali at 954-519-1222 or email aali@broward.org

New Miramar Library and Education Center Now Open

The new Miramar Library and Education Center opened Thursday, September 25, following official dedication ceremonies. The new 30,000-square-foot facility is located at 2050 Civic Center Place in the Miramar Town Center. The library will feature over 100,000 items, 64 computers, a 100-person multi-purpose room, and space for storytelling, a study room and tutoring rooms. As part of the County’s Public Art & Design Program, murals by artist Robert Calvo provide panels of creative inspiration.

“Go Green” Campaigns Continue Through November 30

Broward County is challenging residents to “change the world” and “drive smarter” as part of two National Association of Counties (NACo) competitions, Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR and Drive $marter Challenge. Pledges for both challenges continue through November 30.

The Change the World Campaign (formerly the Change a Light campaign) is an energy efficiency campaign that encourages residents to not only change a light in their home to an energy efficient one, but to also take other actions to save energy, such as power managing computers, choosing ENERGY STAR appliances, or properly programming home thermostats.

The Drive $marter Challenge is a fuel-efficiency campaign to help U.S. consumers lower their fuel costs by applying simple fuel efficiency tips. The campaign offers effective money-and gas-saving tips in English and Spanish, and additional resources aimed at keeping more money in drivers’ pockets and reducing the number of costly trips to the pump.

These national competitions support the County’s commitment to climate change protection and provide an opportunity to increase awareness about the simple actions Broward County residents can take to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint. To submit a pledge, visit www.broward.org/gogreen.

County Charter Amendments and Revisions Ballot Questions

Among the issues on the November 4 General Election ballot for voters to consider will be the proposed amendments and revisions to the Broward County Charter. The Charter provides a plan for the operation of Broward County government and outlines the duties and responsibilities of the various entities that serve all residents.

The Charter of Broward County, effective January 1, 1975, is the central document that defines the duties, responsibilities and general structure of Broward County government. Any proposed change(s) to the Charter must be approved by the voters of Broward County. Charter changes may be proposed to the voters by the Board of County Commissioners, the Charter Review Commission or through an initiative of the people.
To view the proposed amendments, visit www.broward.org/charter and click on Ballot Questions.

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Community Update, a monthly newsletter from the Board of County Commissioners, is produced by the Office of Public Communications. Address questions concerning articles to 954-357-6990. To receive Community Update electronically, send an email to publicinfo@broward.org. Please include your first and last name and email address. Hearing impaired residents can call the TTY line at 954-831-3940 for additional information.