Government Digest: Jan. 28 - Feb. 3

Congress has role in nutrient criteria

TALLAHASSEE — Former U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, now Florida's agriculture commissioner, says Congress should step in and amend the clean water act to correct problems created for the state by a federal judge's consent decree setting numeric nutrient criteria for Florida waters.

That order led the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to enter into a settlement agreement with environmental groups to enforce the use of the criteria to establish quantitative water quality measures for rivers, lakes and estuarine areas. Business groups and municipalities are suing over the order, which they say will cost billions of dollars. Those costs will be passed on to consumers, taxpayers and utility ratepayers.

Speaking to reporters at the Capitol Jan. 19, Putnam says that order, which he considers just one judge's opinion, and “a poor way to make such sweeping policy,” is putting Florida jobs at risk. Adds Putnam, “I definitely think there's a role for Congress to decide.” He also says that Florida is being singled out because the decree imposes it on only one state while also treating south Florida differently than north and central Florida.

Open meetings on legislative agenda

TALLAHASSEE — House and Senate bills would require more meetings to allow for public input. The bills are a response to a Florida Supreme Court case last year that ruled that there was no requirement in the state's sunshine laws for all public meetings to provide an opportunity for public input.

Senate Bill 310 and House Bill 285 provide exceptions for when public input would not be required, such as emergency situations or strictly ministerial acts. But there is a trade-off.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, commenting on the legislation to a gathering of reporters recently, says, “People do have the right to be heard. ... We have to find some balance where we can retain some order and decorum at these meetings ... without taking hours and hours.”

Gov. Scott: budget bloated

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott says his staff is going line by line through the state's $70.5 billion budget he calls “bloated.” The current budget includes $27.1 billion in federal funds. Speaking at a recent Associated Press legislative day, Scott told reporters he wants to figure out, “What we have to do and what's nice to do.”

State general revenue and trust funds make up $37.5 billion of next year's base budget, which amounts to what's necessary to continue the current year's spending into next year, so it's the starting point for Scott's budget cutters. Scott says he wants to cut $2 billion on top of what could be a $4.6 billion budget gap when critical needs and other high priority needs are considered. That's 17.6% of the base budget, which is where the cuts would come from.

“A lot of people have made money off the government, and that's not what I think we ought to be doing,” says Scott.

Advisory boards needs business people

COLLIER COUNTY — The Collier County Commission is seeking applications for positions on several business-related advisory committees. Openings exist on the government productivity committee, code enforcement board, Immokalee enterprise zone development agency, tourist development council, affordable housing advisory committee, and the industrial development authority. Residents interested in applying for advisory committee positions can obtain an application by calling (239) 252-8097 or from www.colliergov.net. The deadline for acceptance of applications is Feb. 10.

MEETINGS

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

The Charter Review Board meets at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, at County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. For more information, call (813) 272-2640.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, in the county commission chambers, 2nd floor at County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. For more information, call Linda Ferraro at (813) 272-5940.

PINELLAS COUNTY

The Board of County Commissioners/Pinellas County Legislative Delegation

will meet from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the Pinellas County Courthouse, 4th floor clerk's conference room, Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court St., Clearwater. For more information, call (727) 464-3485.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

The Charlotte Harbor Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee will have a special meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the Charlotte County Historical Center, 22959 Bayshore Road, Port Charlotte. For more information, call Kathy Knee at (941) 627-3023.

The Industrial Development Authority meets at noon, Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the SunTrust Bank Building, 18501 Murdock Circle, suite 502, Port Charlotte. For more information, call Kathy Knee at (941) 627-3023.

County commissioners will hold a strategic focus area workshop at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at the Port Charlotte Beach Park, 4500 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte, for focus area analysis and discussion of key issues. The public is invited, but there will be no public input. For more information, call 941.743.1944.

COLLIER COUNTY

The Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency, Bayshore Gateway Triangle Local Advisory Board meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the Bayshore Gateway Triangle CRA office, 4069 Bayshore Drive, Naples. For more information, call David Jackson at (239) 643-1115.

SARASOTA COUNTY

The Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority meets at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, in the commission chambers at the Sarasota County administration center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.