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© St. Petersburg Times, published July 17, 2002
REDINGTON SHORES -- For the sixth consecutive year, the town's property tax rate, the second-lowest in Pinellas County, will remain unchanged.
The rate of 1.68 mills translates to $1.68 in property taxes for each $1,000 of taxable property value. Only North Redington Beach (1 mill) has a lower property tax rate.
Mayor J.J. Beyrouti reported that the town's initial 2002-2003 budget, which will be formally presented in August, has a $70,000 shortfall in revenues over expenses. "We are tightening our belts," he said.
"My philosophy this year is that due to the economy, the very last thing I wanted to do was to tell people we've increased taxes."
Part of that shortfall was eliminated Tuesday when the commission doubled parking meter rates at a beach park. The higher rates will go into effect as soon as technicians reprogram the meters, which are expected to generate up to an additional $45,000.
Beach visitors will be charged $1 an hour for parking, up from 50 cents. The new rate matches parking fees charged in Treasure Island and Madeira Beach.