Madeira Beach keeps current millage tax rate
By BOB McCLURE
Article published on Tuesday, July 15, 2008  |
MADEIRA BEACH – City Finance Director Monica Mitchell submitted a proposed 2008-09 city budget to commissioners that maintains the current millage rate of 1.7954.
The $11.3 million proposed budget includes the loss of one full-time Parks Department position that has been replaced with a seasonal position.
Additionally, the budget includes city funding for 100 percent of employee benefits and a projected 25 percent increase for health and dental insurance, as well as the Employee Assistance Program, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
In accordance with the city’s negotiated collective bargaining agreements with the Communication Workers of America and the International Association of Firefighters, those employees are tentatively slated for 4 percent cost of living salary increases and 3 percent merit pay increases. As approved in a pre-budget workshop, the city’s nonunion employees will receive a 4.1 percent cost of living increases and no merit pay adjustments.
Contributions to employee retirements will not increase.
The city’s largest expenditure comes in the general fund, where $5.7 million is ticketed for a variety of projects.
Overall, general fund expenditures are 7 percent less than the current budget, which is 9 percent less than fiscal year 2007. Mitchell said increases have been budgeted in group insurance, workers compensation, fuel and utilities.
“We all know the dramatic increases in fuel costs in the past year,” said Mitchell, “and Progress Energy is seeking a rate adjustment in the coming year of at least 16 percent in order to pass through increased fuel costs to their customers.”
The city’s agreement for law enforcement services with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is up 3.97 percent for 2008-09, which includes six deputies for around-the-clock coverage, as well as one additional deputy to serve as a community police officer.
The budget also includes replacement programs for computers and vehicles, as well as other capital outlay items. They include:
- $9,000 for the replacement of three air handlers at City Hall.
- $165,000 for the design of the Madeira Way streetscape.
- $50,000 for a beach rake.
- $4,500 for a mobile data terminal in the fire chief’s vehicle.
- $4,000 for hazardous materials gas detection devices.
- $7,800 for a riding lawn mower for the Parks Department.
The special projects fund, which is funded by Penny for Pinellas allocations, is estimated at $805,000. Under the proposed budget it includes repair of three dune walkovers at Archibald Park and site work for Archibald Park that will be done in conjunction with renovation to the former Snack Shack building.
The budget also includes a 10 percent increase for sanitation services, which is necessary due to increased fuel costs, Mitchell said. The sanitation budget of $1.25 million also provides for a replacement pickup truck.
“The proposed budget continues our trend of reducing staffing levels and discretionary expenses without sacrificing service levels,” said Mitchell. “Although the effect of property reform has been minimal so far, it will eventually impact service levels that residents will realize. In the future, service and cost reductions for quality of life items will be experienced by all residents.”
|
Article published on Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
