Commissioners will have to decide which capital improvements the city can afford - and whether residents are willing to pay more for them.
By SHANNON TAN
Published March 24, 2004
LARGO - The city is spending more money than it's taking in.
Revenues are down. But personnel, health care and city operating costs are up.
City staffers have developed a list of capital improvements for the next six years. But as officials discuss the upcoming 2005-06 budget, they're realizing they don't have much money left.
There are big-ticket items such as $5-million worth of computers for police cars; plus the new $21-million Largo Library will open next year.
"We're looking at a very tight year next year," City Manager Steve Stanton said.
As the city continues to grow through annexation, higher tax rates may be necessary to provide residents with the same quality of services.
Now, commissioners will have to decide if residents are willing to pay more for those services, activities and capital projects.
The solid waste collection rate, which has stayed the same for 11 years, could go up by as much as 23 percent. Sanitary sewer and drainage fees could increase by up to 25 percent. Property tax rates could go up in fiscal 2006 and 2007, while recreation fees might increase by 10 percent next year.
The city's property tax rate, which was raised last year for the first time in 11 years, is currently $3.75 per $1,000 of assessed value.
But to avoid a tax rate increase, officials may take a rain check on the proposed $1.5-million fire station on the east side of town. Ditto for a $1.3-million police firing range. Those $105,000 lobby restroom renovations and new fitness equipment in the Southwest Recreation Complex might have to wait.
Commissioners sniped at each other, groused over and dissected the list of proposed capital projects for four hours Tuesday night, stopping only to chow down on pizza that had turned cold.
Commissioner Charlie Harper suggested making a list of capital projects and prioritizing them to determine which items should be included in the budget.
Commissioners need to adopt the six-year Capital Improvement Plan by May 1.
On Tuesday, department heads made pitches for their projects:
Purchasing the PSTA property next to the city's wastewater reclamation facility, $2-million.
Adding parking lots for Clearwater-Largo Road businesses, $670,000.
Making Highland Avenue pedestrian-friendly, $1.7-million.
Making drainage improvements now will prevent costly fixes in the future, officials say. A new fire station will serve future annexed residents in the High Point area. Property is not going to get any cheaper out there, fire Chief E. Caroll Williams said.
Police Chief Lester Aradi pleaded for money from the general fund for new computers for patrol cars, telling commissioners public safety comes with a cost.
The department has already secured $1.75-million in federal grants for the project.
"I'm imploring you, don't derail this project for another year," he said.
Mayor Bob Jackson opposed increasing the property tax so the project could go forward. Commissioners, however, agreed to budget the project for fiscal 2005.
"Sometimes conservatism as far as financial responsibility can hold you back," Commissioner Gay Gentry said.
"Sometimes we have to take a leap and say we're doing the best for the long run."
