Rotary Ramblings 9-4-07

[Ellie Lowery]

"Ramblings" written by Susan Miller
Thanks Susan! 
  _____  


Rotary Ramblings - September 4, 2007

 

Called to order by President Kurt after a particularly delightful array of
piano pieces performed by our own Bruce Williams.

Invocation was given by Lyn Huckle.

Steve Rich led us (in Jimmy's absence) in songs "Rotary" and "Smile".

No birthdays or anniversaries.

Craig Hammett stood in for Harvey Brown and acknowledged our one visiting
Rotarian and the Rotarians who made up both online and the traditional way.

Fred Bonardi gave a very upbeat stock report - nice to have good news for
change.

New Sargeant-at-arms committee member, Mike Campbell, collected $71 from a
variety of sources including "start of football", "beautiful day" and more.

 

Kurt made several announcements - reminder of next Board of Directors
meeting next Tuesday 7:30am.

Scholarship meeting immediately after today's meeting.

Membership and Foundation Meeting in Ft. Pierce - Steve Bates, Kurt Godfrey,
Jan Powell, Betsy Owens, Bill Adams and Vishon are attending.


Deb Farrell announced that the Children, Hope and Horses bowling night is
this Saturday from 2-4 pm.  Will be a lot of fun and support a great cause.

 

Steve Bates introduced today's speaker.  Richard Machek, member of the
Florida House of Representatives.  He is a 6th generation Floridian who was
originally elected in 2000 and was reelected in 2002, 2004 and 2006.  He has
been a leader regarding issues concerned with water resources, environment
and preservation.  He spoke regarding the tax situation.  Unfortunately, the
bills currently before the House are being reviewed and passed along
partisan lines.  

House Bill 1B is the one that proposes immediate relief by rolling back to
the 2005/2006 tax levels with a 3% cap on homestead.  However, the Counties
are required to make cutbacks, and this 3% cap does not allow for
portability.  (ie. If you sell your home, your new home is at current tax
rates - not 2005/2006 levels with the cap.  

House Bill 4B is regarding the super save our homes issue whereby the 1st
$200,000 value of the home is valued at 75% reduction and the next $300,000
is an additional 15% reduction before taxation.  The downside of this bill
is that to accommodate this, there will be loss of services including
funding for education.  Also, there is a time constraint, so after a period
of years, the tax savings will be erased, and if a homeowner goes with the
super homestead exemption, you cannot go back to the old exemption later.

Finally, House Bill 5B is regarding the special election.  This bill voting
for the January 2008 election was passed unanimously - because there was a
tradeoff.  In order to get the paper trail that everyone wants, the
legislators had to vote for this bill.  

September 18th, they will be reviewing the budget.  At this point, there is
a substantial deficit.  The question was posed regarding honoring class size
- this is being done.  Also the question about PIP insurance.  This
insurance requirement expires October 1st.  The legislators are looking to
get it extended one year to allow them to review it during normal sessions. 

 

Bill Adams did not win the pot from the green hat.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Miller

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