Oakland sets tentative rates for fiscal year

OAKLAND — In keeping with tradition, the town of Oakland has set its tentative millage rate at 7.75 — one mill higher than its current rate of 6.75 — for Fiscal Year 2015-16. Once town officials complete the budget process, they expect the final rate will drop back to 6.75. 

The tentative budget was presented at the July 14 town commission meeting. 

The current assessed value is $211 million, Finance Director Becky Rotroff said, up from last year’s $203 million, and the previous year’s $192 million.

“It’s a pretty good budget,” Town Manager Dennis Foltz said. “Becky has gone over it extensively with each of the department heads. I’m very heartened by Becky’s work and the department heads. … We hope to meet all of our needs with this budget.”

The town now must make adjustments to the proposed numbers to balance the tentative budget.

The Orange County Property Appraiser’s office will mail the notices of proposed property taxes to residents Aug. 13 and 14.

Millage and budget hearings will be scheduled for late September.

DIABETES SEMINAR

The town of Oakland will host a seminar for community diabetes trainers Aug. 28 to 30 at the town center, 221 N. Arrington St. Sharon Ayers, of the Health Services Advisory Group, spoke to the commission about the free program, which will be led by Commissioner Joseph McMullen.

The goal is to train as many people as possible so they can go out and provide education to people with diabetes through the nationwide project: Everyone with Diabetes Counts. Those trained will receive three days of workshop instruction in the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program to become a certified lay leader/educator in diabetes self-management education; the educational tools, class materials and ongoing technical assistance to conduct classes; and a three-year certification from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

This is the first training class to be held in Central Florida.

To register for the seminar, contact McMullen at (800) 409-6133 or [email protected].

Ayers said anyone is welcome to attend, especially churches with a health and wellness ministry.

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IN OTHER NEWS

• Town Manager Dennis Foltz will give a report at the next meeting on the Lake John’s Motel Efficiency, located in the town limits on West Colonial Drive.

“There are, from time to time, conditions out there that would warrant our attention,” he said, citing the town’s codes pertaining to health, safety and welfare.

The most recent incident was a June 16 fire that killed a 5-year-old boy.

• The commissioners discussed the situation with the Little White House, off Tubb Street near the West Orange Trail. The building, which was not historic but still important to the town, was demolished in 2013. It was in need of costly renovations, so officials elected to rebuild a new and larger structure in its place. The town and West Orange Habitat for Humanity agreed to work together on the building, and Habitat would supply labor and some materials in exchange for office and meeting space. Plans also called for restrooms, a concession area and a room for conferences or history and art displays. Work was expected to begin last fall.

Habitat was supposed to provide the town with the estimated cost of subcontractors for budgeting purposes, but this has not been done, Foltz said. The commission is reconsidering the use for the space, and if the agreement falls through with Habitat, then Oakland might use the building for town offices. once constructed.

• Commissioners adopted an ordinance that changes the date of the 2016 General Election to Tuesday, March 15, the same day as the Presidential Preference Primary. This move will save the town money and potential increase voter turnout, Town Manager Dennis Foltz said.\

• The commission announced its upcoming meetings: Thursday, July 30, and Tuesday, Aug. 25. Both will take place at 7 p.m. in Historic Town Hall. 

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Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].