Sticking It To The Taxpayers Possibly, I am under a misguided conception; but wasn't the Lottery supposed to help alleviate the property tax burden on the residents of Florida by being directed to the school portion of resident property taxes? ...more

January 18, 2008

Some people in Highlands County don't like hearing that to attract a top-level county administrator that the wages must be drastically higher than what's currently being paid. The truth, though, is that you get what you pay for. Highlands County and our cities have gotten off light on what they pay administrators. Elsewhere across the United States, these are well compensated positions and for good reason. City and county administrators must juggle so many constituents, and try to make the most people happy while looking out for the well being of whatever entity they serve. Sometimes making people happy and doing what's best are impossible to balance. ...more

January 16, 2008

SEBRING — The public is welcome to attend Thursday's inaugural meeting of the Highlands County commissioners' latest citizens advisory board, which will help select the county's next administrator. Sixteen people have been appointed to what county officials are calling the "Search Committee," created to help commissioners pick long-time county Administrator Carl Cool's replacement. Cool will retire on July 1 after nearly 17 years as the county's top administrator. At the Search Committee's first meeting, set for 6 p.m. Jan. 10 in Conference Room 2 at the Highlands County Agri-Civic Center, the 16 members will select their chairman and set the ground rules for how they will work with the county's consultant. ...more

January 6, 2008

Hillsborough County has invited Florida TaxWatch to audit the county's finances, despite concerns the group promises more savings than can actually be delivered. ...more

January 4, 2008

The selection committee to pick Hernando County's next administrator will meet for the first time Wednesday to begin interviewing a short list of candidates. ...more

December 18, 2007

SEBRING – Getting six veterinarians, representing each of the six small-animal veterinary practices in Highlands County, together in one room for a meeting doesn't sound like a big deal. That is, until you hear Dr. Mark Griffin, of Lake Forest Veterinary Clinic in Avon Park, explain that he had never heard of such a meeting ever being held in Highlands County. "This is a monumental day," Griffin said shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday, as he and five other veterinarians wrapped up a two-hour meeting at the Highlands County Government Center. ...more

December 10, 2007