Editorial
Fraught with problems
| Article published on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 |
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Advocates of a move to establish a new city encompassing Sand Key, Clearwater Beach and Island Estates should think twice before they spend $90,000 on a feasibility study required as part of the process of incorporating.
Any proposal to form a city, rather large or small, is complicated and fraught with potential problems.
Whether proponents are frustrated over planning and zoning decisions, believe their elected officials don’t listen to them or contend that services are inadequate, they should realize the path leading to the establishment of a new city could become bogged down in legal and administrative costs and time-consuming discussions over the scope of services that the new city will provide.
The bottom line is, the proposal means more government, and more government costs money.
Do residents of the three areas, which are in the Clearwater city limits, really want to hire personnel, buy equipment, possibly build a city hall and succumb to many state mandates required to operate a city government? Do they want to establish their own police and fire departments or contract with Clearwater or another government for such services? Either option could lead to higher costs and taxes.
How much time and money will be spent establishing policies and procedures to ensure that the new city is prepared for hurricanes and has adequate manpower and equipment to respond to such emergencies – policies that are already in place under their existing government?
Information sessions have been held to educate residents on incorporation. But are they enough to warrant a feasibility study?
A better course may be just pushing for a continued dialogue with City Council members. Asking that city committees be formed or work sessions be held to deal with specific issues is a reasonable approach.
At a time when local governments are financially strapped, advocates of incorporation may face potential backlash if their proposal advances beyond the study phase.
Nevertheless, proponents of the incorporation are sincere in their efforts, and Clearwater City Council members should be open to continued discussions over issues, complaints or suggestions for improvements to government services.
Obviously, there is more than a murmur of dissatisfaction with city government or the three areas wouldn’t have more than $60,000 to date for the study.
Politically astute elected officials know that keeping the lines of communication open is part of their job description and failing to do so can have consequences at the ballot box. There is strength in numbers.
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Article published on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009
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