PAGE 2 - October 7, 2009
The Newscaster - Nature Coast News
Memorial service for volunteer
Pet Patrol
firefighter/photographer
Citrus County Volunteer Firefighter Jim Shields lost his life in a traffic accident on
Sept. 28. Shields had been a volunteer for about a year and a half and served as the photog-
rapher for the Citrus Fire Service.
He routinely photographed and videoed the fire service in action on scenes all
over the county, and his photos and videos were considered invaluable in training firefight-
ers. Although a professional photographer, he was known for liberally giving away photos
to the people he photographed.
Citrus County Fire Chief Larry Morabito was out of town, but Deputy Fire Chief
Jim Goodworth said Saturday at a memorial service, “Jim Shields was respected by all
who knew him. He gave so much, not only to the Fire Service but many other agencies. We
are all saddened by his untimely death. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and
co-workers. Jim touched so many lives through his photography." There was a firefight-
er s honor guard at the memorial service Saturday, at the Crystal River United Methodist
Church at 4801 N. Citrus Avenue.
Citrus Commission approves final millage, budget
“These adorable, strikingly contrasted, wide
“Kaylee” (above) is a 10 mo. old female,
striped tiger kittens and cuddly black kitties
The Citrus County Commission approved its final millage for the fiscal year 2009-
Pointer. She is white with sparce brown
are such furry little things. They are so play-
2010 at a public hearing September 22, and while that tax rate was unchanged, the millage
markings. She is very feminine and dainty.
ful and fun to watch interacting with each
will bring in almost 9 percent less local revenue than it did for the current year. The new
She is a very sweet natured dog. She has
other and their toys. To them, everything is
millage rate remained the same as the current year, at 6.4751 mills, which because of falling
lots of energy. She tries hard to please.
a toy! There are two black male kits and two
property values, was a 8.95 percent decrease in local tax revenue.
“Woodrow” is a 1 yr old neutered male,
gorgeous tiger striped male siblings. You
The total budget for the coming year was $216 million, down from $258 million in
Redbone Hound/ Lab mix breed.  He is
should adopt two at a time, because all kit-
the current year. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
current on his shots. He is good with other
tens need a buddy to play with while you are
Only a few citizens spoke at the hearing, but commissioners explained to one that
dogs. He needs to have a fenced yard. He
busy. See them at our next adoption, Adopt
the commission did not control the budget or millage for Citrus Memorial Hospital and that
is looking for a new home with an active
A Rescued Pet, Inc, Saturday adoptions at
the hospital board is independent of the commission’s authority in taxing, similar to how
owner who likes to go for walks. He is a
Inverness Pet Supermarket, 11-2 PM. Check
the Citrus County Mosquito Control Board and the Citrus County School Board indepen-
really cool dog seeking that special forever
our website www.adoptarescuedpet.comto
dently set their property tax rates.
home. Contact Williston Animal Group at
see our other pets. 795.9550.”
Some Citrus County Workers start 4/10 work week
352-528-9888
Citrus Solid Waste Division releases
Some of the county’s work crews began moving to a 10-hour, four-day work week
beginning Monday, Oct. 5 in an effort to save money and gain efficiency.
new rates for residential disposal
County Road Maintenance Division crews will begin the new schedule Monday,
as will Aquatic Services, Engineering survey crews and the line construction crew for the
The Citrus County Division of Solid Waste has released its new disposal rates for
Utilities Division. The Road Maintenance crews nwill work from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
residents who self-haul their garbage to the county landfill. The county commission recently
Monday through Thursday.
gave the division approval to increase the rates to cover the actual costs of disposal.
The change is part of County Administrator Brad Thorpe’s reorganization of coun-
Those who pay for a one-time annual fee by mail by Dec. 31 will get a $10 break.
ty departments for cost effectiveness and efficiency. It should not affect public service.
Bagged household garbage and bagged yard waste - up to eight 30 gallon containers per
Emergency calls, for example, for roads will still be answered on Friday by calling the
week -- will cost $86 per vehicle for the New Year. That rate is only by mail.
regular number at 527-7610.
For those who pay the one-time annual fee at the landfill, the price is scaled ac-
Thorpe said the county will try the program and evaluate the true savings and im-
cording to how much of the year is left when the payment is made. The prices per vehicle
pacts to determine whether to continue, discontinue, or expand it.
are: Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, $96; Jan. 1 to Mar. 31, $72; Apr. 1 to June 30, $48; and July 1 to Sept.
30, $24.
For pay-as-you-go customers, there is a minimum $4 charge for garbage, which
covers up to 5 bags or cans of waste, plus $1 per bag for each bag from 6 to 9 units. (So, 9
cans or bags of waste would be $8).
Certified weights cost $5. There is a minimum $4 charge for yard waste, which
covers up to 8 bags or cans of waste. Residents can drop off up to 5 tires free. After that they
are $2 each, from 6 to 9 units. Commercial disposal has different rates. They can be seen
on the county s Web site at www.bocc.citrus.fl.us under Departments at the top of the page.
Click Public Works, then Solid Waste Management. For more information, or information
on commercial rates, call 352-527-7670 during regular business hours.
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