No fanfare for tax rate roll-up

Brooksville, Fla. - The first reading of the county budget was approved without any fanfare.

Public input during the discussion phase of the Hernando County 2012-2013 budget hearing was a quiet affair.  Only a handful of residents attended the meeting, with two citizens making comments.  Anthony Palmieri, former member of the Hernando County Planning & Zoning Commission expressed his displeasure in the budget process.

Discussion on the budget was limited to the fire chiefs, Michael Nickerson and Michael Rampino after Hernando County Commission Chairman Wayne Dukes asked them to the podium.  Chief Rampino gave a brief outline of Spring Hill funding necessary for 2013.

After the discussion phase, county commissioners directed George Zoettlin to proceed with the formality of reading the millage rates.  Commissioner David Russell made the motion to approve the millage rate and 2012-12 budget with a second from Commissioner James Adkins.  The first reading to approve was passed 4-1 with the budget which included the increase in tax based on the roll-up rate.