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IRB facing millage rate hike
By HARLAN WEIKLE
Article published on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 |
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – What goes up may come down. At least that’s what the City Commission hopes as it flies in the face of state-mandated reductions and voted unanimously Tuesday to raise the tentative millage rate to 2.2.
Last year’s rate of 1.4695 continued a downward trend begun in 2001 when, as property values began to soar, tax rates shrank. By 2006 with the real estate market slowing and home prices in decline, revenues from taxes would fail to keep pace with spending.
This year’s figure would have been 1.6531 in order to maintain the same funding balance from last year. City staff recommended a higher value however at 1.8939.
When a recent audit of IRB finances revealed a pattern of transfers from the city’s enterprise funds to the general fund had left those funds without the required reserve, officials acted quickly. Proposing to raise utility fees by as much as 80 percent, the commission hopes to replenish the depleted enterprise funds within two years.
Tuesday’s unanimous vote then to set the tentative millage rate at 2.2 is a significant departure from that recommended by staff at 1.89, which would have provided an increase to city coffers of nearly $260,000. Both Commissioners Bert Valery and Terry Wollin urged the 2.2 level, calling it a prudent precaution in the face of uncertainty regarding the future of property values.
Wollin, who initially made a motion to set the rate at 2.0, later amended her motion to the 2.2 figure after listening to comments from Commissioners Dan Torres and Cookie Kennedy, both of whom pointed out that by law while the tentative rate may be lowered as the result of further budget considerations, it may not be raised.
Watch your stuff
Sgt. Joseph Gerretz of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reminded citizens that during peak vacation season, theft of items left unattended on the beach is an increasing problem. He recommended taking extra precautions with belongings while enjoying the beach.
Formal attire to make comeback
The Sheriff’s Office has also determined that in order to maintain a level of recognition as well as professionalism, patrol officers would return to the use of the standard long sleeved white dress shirt forgoing the recently adopted short sleeved Polo shirts.
Patrol officers were allowed to wear the less formal attire in an effort to provide relief from Florida’s intense summer heat. Beach communities agreed deeming the more casual dress community friendly. However according to the PCSO report, the department had several complaints regarding the casual appearance of the deputies and an internal policy review had resulted in the change. It is uncertain whether the bicycle and beach Gator patrols will be affected.
Commissioner Valery objected, saying that personally he liked the casual look.
“It looks like you’re our police. We have a contract with you,” he said to Gerretz. “We can recognize you as our guys. Besides, I would think that gun on your belt would send a pretty good signal that you’re a cop.”
Gerretz said the decision was an internal policy decision, reminding the commission that there are many who would attempt to impersonate officers.
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Article published on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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