TOWN OF
SURFSIDE
GAZETTE
Town Manager’s Message FY 14/15 Budget
For local governments in Florida, September is budget month. Budget public hearings will be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, September 9 and Tuesday, September 23 in the Commission Chambers. As reported in last month’s Gazette, the Commission has agreed to lower the millage rate to 5.108 mills. This millage rate (5.108) is the approximate millage rate that is tax neutral for residents. In other words, for properties that have been homesteaded for each of the past two years, the bottom line tax amount for Surfside residents will be approximately the same in 2014 as it was in 2013. This marks the 4th consecutive year that the Town Commission will reduce the property tax rate. The total property value in the Town of Surfside for 2014/2015 is $1.3 billion compared to last year of $1.1 billion, an increase of $200 million in property value. This is a strong financial indicator for the Town and an excellent investment for the owners of commercial and residential real estate in the Town. FY 14/15 budget highlights include the addition of a Captain in the Police Department to enhance the command staff of the department and address succession planning. Planning projects for the upcoming year include a review of land development regulations in the Harding and Collins Avenue corridor. Also the budget contains funds for a 10 year water supply plan as required by law; seawall replacement; and a tree canopy initiative. Finally, an Enterprise Resource Planning project is included to change the current computer application for all Town Departments to provide for the integration of information among departments to facilitate the decision making process and providing outputs and opportunities for sharing Town systems/information with residents.
Sand Committee The Sand Project Community Monitoring Committee is in the process of finalizing its assigned tasks and preparing its final report. The Committee will review its final report at a meeting on September 2 at 7pm. The Committee’s report will be available on the Town’s website under Town news (Sand Updates). Also, complete information on the Committee’s efforts is listed under the Sand Updates. The report of the Committee will be presented to the Town Commission at its September 9 meeting.
Town Manager Recruitment The Town Commission has completed the interview and ranking process for the
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Former Elected Officials Honor Town Manager Former Vice Mayor Joe Graubart and former Commissioner Michelle Kligman presented Town Manager Michael Crotty with a plaque honoring his contributions to Surfside. The presentation was made at the August 2014 Commission meeting.
SEPTEMBER 2014 Surfside Gazette • SEPTEMBER 2014
Surfside Gazette • SEPTEMBER 2014
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