Emerging Issues Red Light Camera Program Implemented in 2012, the City’s red light camera program was designed to deter drivers from running red lights and reduce serious collisions at dangerous intersections in the City. Since the installation of eight cameras at six intersections, the City has seen a decline in the number of accidents due to changes in driver behavior. A multitude of attempts were made throughout the 2014 Legislative Session to water down revenues collected from red light camera infractions and none of the bills were passed. Charter School Funding No legislation addressed the stability of Charter School funding. However, Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) was given a more stable funding source by shifting a sales tax on electricity to gross receipts. Charter schools received $75 million of the State’s PECO funds, $15 million less than the year before. The PECO program provides funding for capital outlay projects for schools that meet certain criteria set forth by state statute. Texting While Driving A bill that would have established texting and driving as a primary offense never received a hearing in the House or Senate nor did a bill that would have banned all cell phone use by minors while operating a vehicle. However, a bill that would have deemed causing the death of a human or viable fetus while texting and driving a manslaughter offense did make it all the way to before the House and through one committee in the Senate only to fail. Commercial Recycling In 2008, the Florida Legislature first established a new statewide recycling goal of 75% to be achieved by 2020. With the help of an experienced consultant, the City conducted a survey of commercial businesses in Coral Springs to evaluate their recycling practices which resulted in the creation of a strategic plan. Commercial recycling represents 19% of the total waste generated in the City. The baseline recycling rate for the commercial sector is 23%. Approximately 80% of currently disposed commercial waste is recyclable or compostable. To achieve the goal of achieving a 75% City-wide recycling rate by 2020, the City of Coral Springs will address the challenges that businesses face in implementing effective recycling efforts. Staff will continue to research the benefits of incentives versus mandates and the effect of education and outreach practices for local businesses.
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Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Budget