Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 09-22-08 special agenda - budget — reading text

633,887 287,865 2,911, 995 3, 833,747 Total Expenditures 19, 145, 573 2,209,215 415;724 14,085,219 35,855,730 Contingencies & Reserves 103, 893 15, 000 595, 959 714,852 Total Appropriated Expenditures, Transfers, & Balances 19.249.466 2. 224.215 415. 724 14.681. 78 ' 36,570.582 THE TENTATIVE, ADOPTED, AND /OR FINAL BUDGETS ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED TAXING AUTHORITY AS A PUBLIC RECORD. 2047207 ILIL FWB property owners could face higher tax rate However, the proposed 2008 -09 budget is slightly less than this year's Dusty Ricketts Daily News FORT WALTON BEACH - City residents likely find a higher millage rate when they receive their tax notices in November. Fort Walton Beach' s proposed budget for fiscal year 2008 -09 was $ 36. 3 million, about 1 percent less than this year's budget, which is based on a millage rate of 4. 1986. However, the City Council earlier this month set a tentative millage rate of 4.4190. That rate would generate an additional $ 237, 000 if there were items officials wanted funded that were not in the proposed budget. Rather than cutting the millage rate to the staff -recommended 4. 1986 mills, the council on Wednesday approved roughly $ 217, 000 in additional spending in the proposed budget. I think some of these things we can add back ( to the budget) are critical and they' re not that expensive," said City Councilman Mike Minich. The final millage rate, which will fall somewhere between the staff recommendation and the tentative rate, will be approved along with the budget after two public hearings Sept. 15 and 22. Wednesday was the last of three special council meetings to discuss the preliminary budget. Among the items the council added to the spending plan were: An extra $ 10, 000 for the city's annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration. 3, 000 to fund the city' s Kids' Days. 40,000 to buy two new police cars. 73, 463 to pay for a fire prevention captain. 80,000 for an additional 1 percent to add to the previously budgeted 2 percent cost- of-living raise for employees 11, 250 to fund the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance's work in Fort Walton Beach. The alliance also will receive $ 15, 000 from the proposed storm water utility fee. Even with the increase in the millage rate, the city's proposed budget still is slightly less than this year' s spending plan. Published in Northwest Florida Daily News, August 20, 2008. Reprinted with permission.  Matthew Gaetz 301 Brooks Street SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Cell Phone: ( 850) 362 -8908 • E -mail: matthewgaetz @yahoo.com Dear Neighbor, By way of introduction, my name is Matthew Gaetz and I live at 301 Brooks Street SE in Fort Walton Beach. Just like you, I love living here. Our schools are excellent, our streets are safe, and our neighborhoods promote a genuine sense of community. Sometimes, though, it is necessary for the people to perform a " sanity check" on government. I am astonished and disappointed to learn some members of our City Council are considering a $ 237,000.00 tax increase against the people of Fort Walton Beach. This increase will diminish the property tax reduction we were supposed to receive this year. Enclosed are the Daily News articles detailing this proposed tax increase. I know some in government believe difficult economic times call for more taxes to support more spending. They believe government has an absolute right to take what it wants —a right that outweighs the needs of citizens to keep what is theirs. I do not share this view. Neither do many of the people I have spoken to in our city. That is why I am writing you this letter —to encourage you to join me in opposing this tax increase. Most troubling to me is the fact that this tax increase is entirely unnecessary. It does not raise money for our schools. It does not provide direct assistance to our area' s most vulnerable citizens. Rather, it funds questionable projects such as $ 1o, 000 per year in additional Fourth of July fireworks and, ironically, a $ 73, 463 per year " Fire Prevention Captain." I love fireworks. Every year I watch them with my 4 -year old cousin, Michaela ( she likes the sparklers the best). For this reason I gladly contribute to the local Chambers of Commerce and other non -government groups who sponsor some of our area' s fireworks shows. But, during times when families and businesses are forced to tighten their belts, I don't believe our local government should increase our taxes for government- sponsored fireworks. Please turn over to finish reading) It is OK to oppose this tax increase and still support local firefighters. In fact, if we have nearly a quarter- million dollars in extra money, let's use it to support the families of our existing first responders, not for a new position. Using higher taxes to create more government jobs during difficult economic times is irresponsible. Already too many local residents are struggling with the effects of the slow economy, rising gas prices and unaffordable property insurance. This is not the time for more government and more spending on non -essential items. We are fortunate to have many dedicated, caring people represent us in local government. My disagreement with this tax increase does not diminish my respect for their commitment and service. In fact, not all our city leaders agree with this misguided proposal. It is in the finest tradition of our community that we can have healthy, civil debate and share our views with our elected leaders. The City Council is required to seek public input regarding their proposed tax increase. The meetings will be held on September 15 and September 22 at 5: 30 P. M. at City Hall. I invite you to join me at either of these meetings to show our opposition. If you are unable to attend, I have enclosed a petition for your signature. Whatever your views on this tax increase, I greatly appreciate your taking the time to read this letter. If you have any additional questions, or would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact me directly. My cell phone number is ( 850) 362 -8908, and I can be reached by email at matthewgaetz@yahoo. com. Thank you for caring about our community. Warmest Regards, ItO67 Matthew Gaetz