REDINGTON SHORES – Citing uncertainties about Treasure Island’s commitment, the Redington Shores Town Commission declined to approve a new three-year agreement needed to fund the Gulf Beaches Public Library.
Redington Shores, Redington Beach and North Redington Beach, along with Madeira Beach and Treasure Island, pay half of the library’s expense, making the support of each community critical to its continued operation.
Last year, the library went through a period of turmoil when Treasure Island decided to terminate its relationship with the library. Budgetary difficulties was given as the reason. A compromise one-year arrangement was eventually worked out where the five communities were charged half of their normal allotment, the remainder being made up out of the library’s then-substantial reserves.
During that period, then-library director Jan Horah was fired, in part because of alleged secrecy regarding reserve funds that built up.
Now, with the library seeking to regain some financial stability, Commissioner Lee Holmes reported that Treasure Island is seeking to “tweak” the new funding agreement, which divides the library’s costs among the five supporting communities based on population. Holmes serves on the library’s board of directors.
“Until we know what those things are that Treasure Island wants, we cannot approve this (agreement),” he said.
After hearing Holmes’ remarks, the commission decided to table consideration of the library agreement until the situation with Treasure Island becomes clearer.
Commissioner Casey Wojcik, a former library liaison, expressed his frustration with the continuing difficulties encountered in funding the library under the current formula.
In comments made following the meeting, Wojcik said the library “needs a secure, repetitive source of funds that people can’t capriciously change and that doesn’t have to be voted on every couple of years.”
He mentioned creating a special tax district for the library, but admitted that idea stands little chance of happening in today’s economic climate.
Library board chairman Nick Simons said he understood “minor adjustments” to the agreement were being requested by the Treasure Island city attorney. He pointed out that the library is funded in Treasure Island’s budget.
“I don’t think that will change,” he said.
So far, Redington Beach and Madeira Beach have approved the agreement.
Mayor Bert Adams and Commissioner Tom Kapper were absent from the commission meeting, which was chaired by Vice Mayor John Branch.
County to get bigger share of park revenue
Parking meter revenues from County Park will now be split 50/50 with Pinellas County rather than the town taking a 60 percent share as before.
The county had demanded 60 percent of the take, but settled on an even split after tough negotiating by Mayor Bert Adams, Wojcik reported.
“(Adams) did a great job of making this agreement equal,” Wojcik said.
Under the new arrangement with a lesser share going to Redington Shores, the town will do landscaping at the park and take over all maintenance, except restrooms. The county did the upkeep previously.
“At least we’re getting something,” Assistant City Clerk Patti Herr said.
