Before the April 28th County Commission Meeting, Sheriff Nienhuis sent out a press release stating his position on an agenda item which would discuss creating a Municipal Service Taxing Unit for the Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Nienhuis came out strongly against an MSTU and stated that his department was never notified of this matter. Ultimately after hearing from the Sheriiff at the County Commission meeting, Commissioner Dukes dropped the item from the agenda. Dukes’ main goal was to achieve greater transparency on the tax bill through the MSTU or special district, but Sheriff Nienhuis highlighted numerous concerns relating to MSTU’s and special districts.
During discussion, Commissioner Dukes stated that he wanted this considered for transparency. Last year they wanted to put additional line items on the tax bill, but the State of Florida would not agree to it. He clarified that through research, he came to realize that a problem with the MSTU exists in which it would separate the millage. The County would have 10 and the Sheriff would have 10. So he spoke with attorneys about an alternate way to achieve more transparency in the costs of the Sheriff’s Department. A special district would keep the millage merged and the cap stays where it is now. Dukes made a motion to amend the MSTU ordinance and make it a dependent special district only. With a dependent special district, the cost of the Sheriff’s Department would be separated out on the tax bill. Commissioner Rowden seconded the motion for discussion.
At this point, Sheriff Nienhuis addressed the Commission on his concerns regarding either an MSTU or special district. He began by defending his Department, “I don’t think anybody is more transparent than your sheriff.” He said that their budget is published on their website and as a part of the county’s budget. He supports breaking down the general fund including costs associated with the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Nienhuis would also support mailing this information out to the taxpayers in conjunction with their tax bill. However, achieving transparency through an MSTU or special district would put extra burden on his HR and operational staff due to greater accounting requirements. He says that currently they save 9 million dollars a year having efficiency to scale. Additionally, he was concerned that the burden of the MSTU or special district would fall on property owners. He explained that right now the general fund is funded not only by property tax but also sales tax. Residents and visitors pay sales tax. If an MSTU or special district is created to fund patrol and investigative services, the entire burden may be on property owners and he would not be in favor of that.
Sheriff Nienhuis also questioned whether or not incorporated areas of the county would be included in the special district. Attorney John Tobin said these areas such as the City of Brooksville would have the option to be included in the special district or not. Sheriff Nienhuis explained that this is where serious complications could arise. He explained that if a city elects to do away with its police department and is not part of the special district, the Sheriff will be obligated by law (state and Constitution) to provide law enforcement services even though there is no funding for it and it may be illegal to use money from the special district for that. Sheriff Darnell in Alachua County is currently facing this exact issue with the disbanding of the City of Waldo’s Police Department due to the traffic citation scandal. In Weeki Wachee there is no police department to begin with and Sheriff Nienhuis does not know what kind of service he could provide within city limits. This poses a huge problem for the businesses and tourist attraction in Weeki Wachee. Additionally, they respond to many drug related issues in the City of Brooksville which would also be in question.
In response to discussion, Commissioner Adkins stated, “We make it as transparent as possible on all things that we do.” He does not support an MSTU or special district, he supports, “the way it is today.”
Commissioner Holcomb, understood where Dukes was coming from but explained that he did not feel comfortable going forward with an MSTU or special district due to all of the unknowns brought up by the Sheriff.
Commissioner Dukes made a motion to remove the item from the agenda, which was supported by all.
Chairman Nicholson thanked Commissioner Dukes for bringing up this issue since it is very important to have transparency. He explained that the Commission never intended to hurt the Sheriff’s Office in anyway. They want to let the citizens know exactly what they are paying for and exactly where the money is going.
The Sheriff is on board to help make things as transparent as possible and that will benefit the Commission, Sheriff and the public. Sheriff Nienhuis stated that despite the wires getting crossed in communication, he values and covets his relationship with the BOCC and County. He assured the public and commissioners that they can count on him to help achieve greater transparency.