Public Hearing on County Budget Set for State Fairgrounds Tonight (July 21)

Greater Brandon area residents who want to get their 2 cents in on the proposed county budget need not travel to Tampa; a public hearing is scheduled just outside Brandon at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Highway 301 tomorrow night, July 21.

The Board of County Commissioners will be on hand to hear from residents starting at 6 p.m. Those who plan to speak can sign in at 5:30 p.m.

“Residents are strongly encouraged to attend and give their points of view,” said Willie Puz, a county spokesman. “We hope that people take this seriously because the country has faced severe budget cuts the past four years and the decisions that will be made will impact government services.”

Previous public hearings in the Greater Brandon area on different sections of the budget — including and budget — were standing room only and heated at times.

Michelle Imhoff, a Riverview mom with one child in the after-school program at the Brandon Recreation Center, will certainly be there.

“Whether or not you have a child in the after-school program, you need to be there to speak out against the county cutting this program,” said Imhoff, who has waged a one-woman publicity campaign to encourage others to attend. She’s posted information on the public hearing on the Internet and handed out her own fliers at parks.

“(The county’s after-school program) is the most affordable you can find in the area. If we don’t have the program you will see more children staying home by themselves and doing what kids do. It will lead to an increase in juvenile crime and vandalism, which impacts everyone.”

Imhoff cites a California report where the state saved $9 to $13 for $1 spent on after-school programs.

“There’s a direct correlation between the two because kids in a structured after-school program are devoting their energies to things other than getting into mischief.”

Imhoff will likely be one of many vying for the microphone at the hearing if history is any guide.

A public budget hearing two years ago drew more than 700 people, said Puz.

“Last year, hundreds of people showed up so we are making sure we have space available if we have a large number of people,” he said.

Public hearing attendees should use the entrance on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the Fairgrounds. Parking will be free for attendees.

Residents will be able to view all budget workshops live on Bright House Networks channel 622, Verizon and Comcast channel 22.

Those who cannot attend the public hearings have a variety of opportunities to give their ideas and opinions on budget actions by sending e-mails to hcbudget@hillsboroughcounty.org, or by voice or text to 813-704-0181.

More information and instructions for all comment options, a link to the dates of the budget hearings and workshops, and a link to the proposed budget document in its entirety are also available on the county's web site.