Amendment 1

[Floridaboy]

If it passes (which it appears it will) How will it affect the hiring of most depts in FL? I am pretty far into the hiring process with a large county SO in FL (shooting for a may academy date), and if this passes do any of you think state-wide hiring freezes might start?

[dogma vs karma]

did i want this to fail or succeed?

[Floridaboy]

Fail. If it passes, funding will be cut to local govt

[FLAHOG]

Fail. If it passes, funding will be cut to local govt

Pass. Funding will be cut to local governments. Fine. They spend like drunken sailors. Police/Fire/Ems will suffer the least of all government services. County sales tax increases will eventually make up for any real or perceived loss to local government. Property taxes in Florida are way too high.

[Amaroq]

It's not going to last through the court system anyways.
It's creating another class of tax payers. We already had Save our Homes 1.0. No need for another. Instead on increasing Property taxes, they will just increase sales tax. Or worse, bill directly. I just got a $400 bill from fire rescue and the bill hasn't even passed. My annual tax is about $500. So this year I'm paying almost a grand! On a condo, no where near the water. Now I'm waiting for the school board, county SO, and city PD to send me a bill.

[ftlaudcop]

all the criminals are on the underground economy, but they have to buy beer and 75 inch lcd tv's from their ill received loot, the locals in the hood,
whether it's a trailer park or public housing look at these gangsters like hero's, and turn a blind eye when it comes to crime, a sales tax small at 1st till they experiment and get it where they want it it, this way everyone pays.

[AMunoz2001]

All of this to save hundreds of dollars a year on property taxes

[LeanG]

IT PASSED!!!

Now what?

[LAWENFORCER]

IT PASSED!!!

Now what?

Hiring freezes?

[Amaroq]

Now some 1st time home buyer or snowbird will fight in court.

And the locals will bill me directly

[PB3021]

The artificially low taxes paid by longtime homeowners and compensated for by new homeowners will now be perpetuated by Amendment 1. Instead of taking the time and effort to make property taxes more equitable (frequent reassesment and an overhaul of home values) we now have a stopgap measure which, in a few years, will need to be fixed itself. And counties will bear the burden. My county will lose 15 million from the general fund which our budget comes from. $240 a yr off your mortgage will be almost unoticeable. Several hundreds cops/fireman not getting raises will be.

[PB3021]

Hiring freezes may come also. In addition, DARE may be cut along with support personel, training and other friviolous items.

[FLAHOG]

I am not a fan of State Constitutional amendments. But the reason this passed is plain and simple. Property taxes in Florida are out of control. County Commisions state wide have overspent and raised taxes at an unprecedented pace over the last ten years. Like I said before, Police/Fire/EMS...essential public safety services, water, sewer, etc. will not be cut to any great extent, if at all. Hiring freeze? The State has them almost every year for one reason or another. If they are, it's because the County Commision wants to make a point. There are many places where most counties can cut spending before messing with essential services.

The worst thing about it is no or little raises. I did not get a raise this year because my agency anticipated a budget shortfall. They didn't actually have one...They just didn't give out raises just in case this thing passed. But...my property taxes went up.....So....I'll take the 50K exemption thank you very much...even if it means a couple hundred dollars in my pocket....at least I know ignorant county commisioners aren't wasting it on a fact finding trip to Nevada.

[PB3021]

Unfortunatly, as usual, the ignorant commissioners and legislators will not pay for their mistakes or junkets. We will. The shortsighted Amend 1 has affected police and fire already by causing budget cuts last year. This will only worsen for the next budget year. I'd rather have a 5% raise that's much more than a couple hundred bucks and a decrease in public services. But it's all academic now, I hope everyone enjoys their pizza money.

[PB3021]

...and yes the state has had hiring freezes and other financial issues but anyone who's dealt wih Fl knows it's not like other states where the state is usually the premier agency or gov't. Fl state gov't is very poorly run. Just ask any Trooper.

[Amaroq]

But the state gets its own revenue from the sales tax, not the property tax.
I don't think the state should be regulating what the counties/cities do, unless immoral or illegal. I have no problem throwing the bums out... every election if I can.

And what pizza money? I think I mentioned above, Fire rescue sent me a 475 dollar bill BEFORE the amendment even passed!! I'm waiting for the school board and local PD to follow suit. This has already cost me money.

[fleetguy]

I've heard rumors of staff layoffs around my neck of the woods. I'm not worryed since I'm leaving for the academy in may and also have my current trade to fall back on, but i do feel bad for other staff who don't really have much else to fall back on.

[JTShooter]

I've heard rumors of staff layoffs around my neck of the woods. I'm not worryed since I'm leaving for the academy in may and also have my current trade to fall back on, but i do feel bad for other staff who don't really have much else to fall back on.

Rumors are flying down here in Broward, none of which are good...

[GatorPD]

And what pizza money? I think I mentioned above, Fire rescue sent me a 475 dollar bill BEFORE the amendment even passed!! I'm waiting for the school board and local PD to follow suit. This has already cost me money.


Ocala PD either is or is about to begin charging out-of-county residents for certain police services. Basically if you don't pay taxes in their city/county, and you get in a wreck driving through town or something and tie up their officer writing a traffic report, you'll get a bill from the PD.

[Amaroq]

I heard about that. I wonder how that will work in the long run. I've read about other states that tried that and they ran into issues with commuters. They lived in a nearby county and worked in the county in question. It eventually abandoned as to hostile to local businesses.

[JTShooter]

I don't know if it'll get to the point of sending bills.

I've heard some more talk(rumor) about hiring freezes as well as possible layoffs.

Of course that's not in the near future.

Either way, things are looking good for Broward SO.

[chfwighim]

The people asked for it and they got it!!! Now WE ALL must reap what is sowed!! I'm sorry I do not see the benefits of this passing??? If the Commisioners spend too much, THEN RE-ELECT somebody else NOT cut the budget. Secondly, to cut the local budgets THAT MUCH does extreme damages to locall governments. MOST importantly, how can an accrosss the board state tax cut work, when others are doing right by the budget and taxes???? HOW is this FAIR???
I hate taxes as much as the next person but seriously I like our roads maintained, recreational facilities, nice schools for my child (DONT TELL ME THIS WILL NOT BE EFFECTED), libaries, and overall services provided by locals goverments!!!!!
I think this bill was completely short-sighted and to buy votes for the next election.
What can I say, I'm just a lonely LEO in the northern part of the state

[JTShooter]

The people asked for it and they got it!!! Now WE ALL must reap what is sowed!! I'm sorry I do not see the benefits of this passing??? If the Commisioners spend too much, THEN RE-ELECT somebody else NOT cut the budget. Secondly, to cut the local budgets THAT MUCH does extreme damages to locall governments. MOST importantly, how can an accrosss the board state tax cut work, when others are doing right by the budget and taxes???? HOW is this FAIR???
I hate taxes as much as the next person but seriously I like our roads maintained, recreational facilities, nice schools for my child (DONT TELL ME THIS WILL NOT BE EFFECTED), libaries, and overall services provided by locals goverments!!!!!
I think this bill was completely short-sighted and to buy votes for the next election.
What can I say, I'm just a lonely LEO in the northern part of the state


It was completely shot sighted. Crist was elected on a "cut taxes" ballot and he did just that and completely without any thought in the effects. You can't let the budget grow and grow and then just cut it in half and expect everything to be fine...

Florida is going to feel the effects of this for a long time...

[chfwighim]

Thanks justhomp! I needed to hear that.... I was on my soapbox and kinda went off on a tangent. I probably should listen to my brothers advice and not get worked up on something thats out of my control.
Anyways, Thanks bro!

[PB3021]

Crist was also endorsed by LEO agencies and promised insurance reform. What are the first things he did? Cut funding to public safety and restored (certain) felon's voting rights. Thank gawd for Charlie.

[Miami-Dade]

By now everyone in South Florida had heard that the Road Rangers might be gone on July 1 due to severe budget cuts. I really hope this does not happen as it will make a mess of the roads which are already a nightmare.

My family has used the Road Rangers several times in the past due to flat tires as they always seem to be picking up nails and screws from these roadways.I would sure hate to see them on the side of the road with a flat at 2AM on I-95 coming out of downtown Miami.

One time they called AAA to come out at Midnight while stuck by Opa Locka Blvd on 1-95 and AAA said it would be a 2 hour wait or longer.The Road Ranger pulled up in less then 30 minutes.

Guess I can safely assume this is all due to Amendment 1. What a mess Amendment 1 has caused.

[sco0437]

FLAHOG,

You are probably one in a handful of Florida LEO's who support A1.

So you think taxes are high here in Florida??? Why dont you research taxes up north? I lived in upstate New York, where property taxes of 10-15k are common on a 300k house, also state income tax. We are lucky NOT to have a state income tax here in Florida.

So, you honestly think this won't affect law enforcement agencies? LOL.. what a joke.. So, I guess they will only start charging or closing public parks, getting rid of road rangers, shutting down or restricting public libraries, etc.

It was clear before this amendment was passed that it WOULD hurt L.E. Why any LEO would support it blows my mind.. Get ready to possibly return your take home, if you have one.. get ready for no pay increase this year.. get ready for limited opportunities for rank advancement, get ready for potential hiring freeze--unless your agency is very short handed.. but hey I guess its worth it right.. haha..

[Miami-Dade]

FLAHOG,

You are probably one in a handful of Florida LEO's who support A1.


No No No I never supported it and nobody in my family ever supported it..Things have been a total mess since it passed.Thats why we might be losing the Road Rangers.That will really strain the FHP which is already short handed

You must have misunderstood me or I didn't make myself clear.

[sco0437]

Miami-Dade.. my post was directed at FLAHOG as his name was in my reply..

[Rangerjoe981]

yea amend 1 jacked up my department pretty good. no more overtime for training. new cars got put on a hold. hiring freeze indefinately and were already out manned. and no raise next year. thanks florida citizens looking to save a buck... and my department is not even the worst hit. from what i hear, sunrise PD has to layoff 13 firefighters and possibly some officers

[chfwighim]

The question I have for the those people in the state government is this:

SINCE THIS BILL HAD TO HAVE BEEN PASSED THROUGH THE LEGISLATOR AND THE GOVERNOR TO BE PUT UP FOR A VOTE, DID THEY ALSO CUT THEIR OWN BUDGETS AND STAFF ???????????? THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE GREATEST AND MOST DIRECT IMPACT ON THE CITIZENS, SEEM TO BE THE ONLY ONES TO HAVE BEEN EFFECTED!!!

I want to know THAT question and AIR it out to everybody!!! I mean the big three: Fire/Rescue, Law Enforcement, and education are getting the hardest hit!
FLAHOG, please tell me the benefit in passing this admendment??? Now with state jobs being cut, I think this will have a downward spiral affect because now thier are more unemployed people........ I just hope the citizens wise-up to cuts.
Okay, sorry I'll get off the soapbox now.

[FLAHOG]

If you own a home, you will benefit. You can take part of your "artificially low" taxes with you if you buy another house. Prior to A-1, most folks were petrified to sell, for fear they would get hammered with MUCH higher taxes at their new house, even if they were downsizing. In case you didn't notice, "growth" in Florida has trickled to the lowest since..the 1950's ???? The horrific housing crisis is placing a drain on revenue, and these two items have contributed substantially to revenue shortfalls. Don't blame it all on A-1. Cutbacks, hiring freezes, no raises.....it's all cyclical. When was the last time State LEO's got a raise. Osceola SO got their 5%....anybody else.

In any case, I never said there would't be any adverse effect. There is, and it's temporary. I think we're all overtaxed. When I have the opportunity to vote for a reduction, I do. Don't lecture me unless you attend County Commision meetings regulary. My experience, in two counties, is that they spend ALL that is available and then some on absolute nonsense, yet try to argue for new fire equipment, patrol cars, COLA for emergency service workers, and it's like pulling teeth.

For all the talk of "Freezes", agencies are still hiring...State and local. You're not getting a raise, but that's not chargeable (completely) to A-1. Like me, be glad you have a respectable job (if you do), and that you have a take-home (if you do), and ride out the storm. They come every once in a while, and it will likely work out in the end because the local governments will have to be more accountable. Stay safe.

[luckydog]

hey flahog, thanks for the 4.2% pay cut (started this last paycheck) and possibly more next year. i lost a lot more in pay than i am saving on taxes. not to mention our bad equipment that is only going to get worse. and by the way, i do attend bcc meetings. while they do fund things that i do not agree with they also fund the s.o.

[Rangerjoe981]

ouch a pay cut....what department?

[CopBeer]

For all the talk of "Freezes", agencies are still hiring...State and local.

Besides FHP and Corrections Deputies.......Realistically, who is currently hiring right now?????

[CopBeer]

- sorry double post-

[sco0437]

yeah.. i guess some people just like the idea of saving money.. as in saving taxes..

And way to get back at the "man" for making your county commission leaders more accountable..lol.. no matter how many meetings you attend they still make the decisions.

It is common sense that if you cut property taxes then the state/county will have to cut their budget from somewhere else.. they are elected and they will decide exactly where to cut it.. if they dont want to cut their pork spending, the will cut fire/leo and nothing can be done about it..

So hopefully we all trust in them, since we attend their meetings, and hopefully they will do the right thing, and not cut leo funds.. lol....

[twc561]

Besides FHP and Corrections Deputies.......Realistically, who is currently hiring right now?????


I'd like to know the answer to this question too...The only places I know of that are realistically hiring right now are depts. that are super-short handed and just simply cannot get away without hiring more deputies. The more desireable agencies...at least in my area...like PBSO...are not hiring new deputies...and haven't for some time. I heard they even have a substation that sits unmaned because of a lack of deputies to staff it. I've almost accepted the fact that I probably wont get hired anywhere for at least a year..but I'm still going to press on with self-sponsership.

[JTShooter]

Last I heard:

FLPD, Hollywood PD, Davie PD, Pines PD, Wilton Manors PD (4 slots), and Coral Springs PD are all hiring in Broward.

BSO is taking applications, but are backlogged (again) so you won't hear anything from them for about a month or so after you apply.

[chfwighim]

FLAHOG, I appreciate the detailed explaination. One, I do not think I sounded like I was lecturing, but if thats the case, sorry.
Yes, I have attended BOCC meetings and watched it on TV too. I am very happy with my job and my boss, the Sheriff. In my opinion, tax-cuts do not stop the spending. Not re-electing a Commisioner stops the spending, and the community showing a set pattern of that, re-electing commisioner.

I do not want to start a bickering match, I just am having a really hard time understanding the benefits of this tax cut to economic growth for the people of Florida. Tax-cuts more often than not, greatly and adversely effect: Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue, Education, Health, and Recreational departments. This is my biggest point in, why I do not always believe in it. Maybe a smaller amount? Maybe yes, but not by doubling the exemption. My idea would include cutting other taxes besides property tax.

Currently, state offices are now getting cut out to include Probation and Parole. They of all people do not need to be cut, most importantly Correctional Officers.

Althougjh, I do disagree with you FLAHOG (on this issue), I wish you and your shift or unit a safe and fun day out there! Take care

[FLAHOG]

FLAHOG, I appreciate the detailed explaination. One, I do not think I sounded like I was lecturing, but if thats the case, sorry.
Yes, I have attended BOCC meetings and watched it on TV too. I am very happy with my job and my boss, the Sheriff. In my opinion, tax-cuts do not stop the spending. Not re-electing a Commisioner stops the spending, and the community showing a set pattern of that, re-electing commisioner.

I do not want to start a bickering match, I just am having a really hard time understanding the benefits of this tax cut to economic growth for the people of Florida. Tax-cuts more often than not, greatly and adversely effect: Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue, Education, Health, and Recreational departments. This is my biggest point in, why I do not always believe in it. Maybe a smaller amount? Maybe yes, but not by doubling the exemption. My idea would include cutting other taxes besides property tax.

Currently, state offices are now getting cut out to include Probation and Parole. They of all people do not need to be cut, most importantly Correctional Officers.

Although, I do disagree with you FLAHOG (on this issue), I wish you and your shift or unit a safe and fun day out there! Take care


Fair enough...We agree to disagree. Anybody who has been a LEO in Florida for more than five years has seen this before. It's harder to get a job, no doubt, but LOTS of agencies are hiring (FHP, AGLAW, DFS, ABT, DOT, FDLE, FWC), and those are just the State jobs. Plenty of locals hiring too, they're just being more selective.

I enjoy a spirited debate, on taxes or other political issues, and hope that my fellow LEO's are not hurt by their political overseer's to "prove a point". If you are currently wearing a badge, be safe.

Good luck to those seeking employment.

[sco0437]

Yeah, I guess A1 is not going to impact law enforcement.. lol...

read this..

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/crime/orl-jac2208apr22,0,4762311.story


this property tax cut is more than just a cycle.. it will cause a decrease in revenue for years to come.. hopefully everyone will find joy in their few hundred dollar savings to make up for that increased stress they will encounter every day while working.. but hey, for someone I guess it will be worth it.

[FLAHOG]

Yeah, I guess A1 is not going to impact law enforcement.. lol...

read this..

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/crime/orl-jac2208apr22,0,4762311.story


this property tax cut is more than just a cycle.. it will cause a decrease in revenue for years to come.. hopefully everyone will find joy in their few hundred dollar savings to make up for that increased stress they will encounter every day while working.. but hey, for someone I guess it will be worth it.

Shouldn't you be studying for a test or something? I thought you were attending law school? Are you even a cop?

[sco0437]

What does what I do; have to do with a statement that YOU made?

It’s ok; everyone has a right to their own thoughts and opinions no matter how illogical or irrational they may be.

Again, enjoy your few hundred dollars of tax savings everyone and spend it wisely.

[luckydog]

Shouldn't you be studying for a test or something? I thought you were attending law school? Are you even a cop?

funny, i was wondering the same thing about you. why would you vote to cut your employer's funding? and what does that have to do with sco's statement?

[luckydog]

flahog, here is another great thing that has come from your beloved amendment 1 :mad:

state universities slashing enrollment and professors (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/orl-uf0608may06,0,4904819.story) not to mention how local schools, fire departments, and our county ambulance service that is completly loosing funding on september 31.

[Snuffy65]

Hey guys, this is really depressing. My wife just moved to Florida in Januay and I'm coming in a couple months.

Being from Michigan, were hoping to get out of the downward spiral of that state. :mad:

[FPDRecruiter]

If anyone is interested, we do have a paid Academy for inexperienced. These are the general rules of the NC Criminal Justice Standards Division. Each Department may have additional requirements.

Out-of-state transferees will be evaluated to determine the amount and quality of their training and experience. At a minimum, out-of-state candidates must have two years of full-time, sworn law enforcement experience and have successfully completed a basic law enforcement training course accredited by the state from which they are transferring in order to be considered for transfer to a North Carolina law enforcement agency. Out-of-state transferees cannot have a break in service exceeding one year.

Prior to employment as a certified law enforcement officer in North Carolina, out-of-state transferees must successfully complete the employing agency's in-service firearms training and qualification program. They must also complete the Legal Unit (minimum of 96 hours) of the Commission-accredited BLET and successfully pass the entire state comprehensive examination within their 12-month probationary period.

Persons who have completed training as a federal law enforcement officer or a military police officer will be required to complete the Commission-accredited BLET in its entirety and successfully pass the state comprehensive examination prior to employment.