Government Digest: April 30 - May 6

MPO plan comments sought
COLLIER COUNTY — The county's metropolitan planning organization (MPO) is seeking public comments on its proposed transportation improvement program through May 21. The plan covers fiscal years 2010-11 through 2014-15. The MPO board is scheduled to approve the plan at its June 11 meeting after considering public comments received during the public hearing. The hearing is set for 10 a.m. at the County Commission chambers on the third floor of the Harmon Turner Building (Administration Building F) Collier County Government Center, 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples.

Commissioners vote to oppose Obamacare
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — County commissioners voted 4-2 April 21 to send a letter supporting state Attorney General Bill McCollum's lawsuit claiming the federal health reform legislation is unconstitutional. Commissioner Jim Norman proposed the action. The two Democrats on the commission, Kevin White and Kevin Beckner opposed the motion.

Business impact bill approved
TALLAHASSEE — If state administrative rules have more than a $200,000 first-year impact on small business it will require further study per a House bill approved April 26. Under HB 1565, if the impact is more than $1 million during a five-year period, it will first require legislative action before the rule may be implemented.

House approves commercial CDDs
TALLAHASSEE — Community development districts, or CDDs, for commercial areas may become a reality. The House passed HB 7203 by a vote of 113-1 and sent it to the Senate where a similar bill didn't make it out of the budget committee. The House bill allows the districts to levy a rental or license fee for the use of real property.

MEETINGS

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
County commissioners have scheduled a public hearing on a transit tax referendum, proposed for the November general election, for 6 p.m. May 13 at the All Peoples Life Center in East Tampa. If approved, the tax is projected to raise $170 million to $200 million to pay for light rail lines primarily from downtown Tampa to the University of South Florida area and the West Shore district. The meeting location was selected to accommodate an anticipated large attendance. 

Following the hearing, the commission is expected to take a formal vote to place the issue on the November ballot.

MANATEE COUNTY
The board of directors of the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority meets at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, at the Manatee County administration center, first floor, 1112 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton. For more information contact Diane Gant or JoAnn Dillon at (941) 743-1300.

The Tourist Development Council meets at 9 a.m. Monday, May 10, at Holmes Beach city hall.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY
The county commission will host a joint meeting with the city of Punta Gorda and the Charlotte County School Board at 2 p.m. Monday, May 3, at the administration center, room #119, Port Charlotte. For more information contact Marie Pecorella or Jo Ann VonderMuehll at (941) 743-1944.

The economic development working group meets at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, at the SunTrust building, Sun Trust Building, 18501 Murdock Circle, suite 502, Port Charlotte. For more information contact Simone Petche at (941) 627-3023.