WATCH: Brevard County Commission Votes 5-0 To Eliminate Children’s Services Council

By  //  January 23, 2019

more than 20 Brevard County citizens spoke during spirited discussion

SPACE COAST DAILY TV: The Brevard County Commission voted 5-0 Tuesday to eliminate the Brevard Children’s Services Council after hearing input from more than 20 citizens during a spirited discussion. The segment begins at the 54-minute mark in the above video.

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – The Brevard County Commission voted 5-0 Tuesday to eliminate the Brevard Children’s Services Council after hearing input from more than 20 citizens during a spirited discussion.

Commissioners include Rita Pritchett of District 1, Vice Chair Bryan Lober of District 2, John Tobia of District 3, Curt Smith of District 4 and Chairperson Kristine Isnardi of District 5.

During the meeting, the commission heard comments from Children’s Services Council and Put Brevard First representatives, and also citizens who expressed their views for the commission to repeal the Children’s Services Council.

Brevard County Commission Chair Isnadrdi said that if passed, this proposed tax hike would last at least 12 years and have no elected oversight.

“The funds from the tax would then be redistributed to charities selected by the non-elected members of the CSC,” said Isnardi.

The Brevard County Commission voted 5-0 Tuesday to eliminate the Brevard Children’s Services Council after hearing input from more than 20 citizens during a spirited discussion. Commissioners include Rita Pritchett of District 1, first from left, Vice Chair Bryan Lober of District 2, first from right, John Tobia of District 3, second from right, Curt Smith of District 4, second from left, and Chairperson Kristine Isnardi of District 5, center.

The referendum called for Brevard County property owners to pay a tax of 25 cents per $1,000 of taxable value in the first year, which would have provided $8.4 million for the Children’s Services Council.

In subsequent years, Brevard County property owners would be required to pay 33 cents per $1,000 of taxable value, which would pump an additional $11.4 million into the CSC coffers.

“This tax would cost citizens of Brevard upwards of $100 million over 12 years if passed,” said Isnardi.

“Charity needs to be done by private organizations. While I understand the vast needs in the community, the government should never take the place of private charity efforts.

“There are many families and seniors on fixed incomes that simply cannot afford this tax burden. What is even scarier about this tax is that it would commit homeowners to 12 years of higher Ad valorem taxes.

“This would be a forced property tax for the cause of charity, period. It may also have a negative impact on private fundraising if citizens believe that government is funding nonprofits.

“If this went to referendum, all voters would decide, but only homeowners would be paying, so how is that fair?’ said Isnardi.

Children’s Services Council attorney Kim Rezanka told the commission that she believes commissioners cannot eliminate the Children’s Services Council without going to a voter referendum.

Brevard County Attorney Eden Bentley, however, declared that the commission has the right to do so.

“This is modern-day taxation without representation,” said Isnardi.

WATCH THE ENTIRE MEETING ABOVE

WATCH REPLAY: Brevard County Commission Meeting In Viera – January 22, 2019Related Story:
WATCH REPLAY: Brevard County Commission Meeting In Viera – January 22, 2019

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