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SHANNON TANIf approved, the increase in recreation fees will range from swimming to summer camp to renting facilities.
LARGO - Increased fees for everything from park rentals to building permit reviews could take effect this year.
You might have to shell out 25 cents more for recreation swimming and 5 percent more for before- and afterschool programs. Summer camp program fees would increase by about 4 percent and tennis league play fees by as much as 50 percent.
It may cost more to rent recreation facilities and to hold weddings in Largo Central Park. And if you're renting the park, be prepared to make a donation to the Largo Central Railroad for free train rides.
The recreation fee increases were part of a proposal debated by the City Commission on Tuesday night. No final decision had been made as of 10:15 p.m., and the matter will probably be discussed further at a future meeting.
Officials also decided to put off voting on new and increased fees for the Community Development department. The issue will be discussed at a future work session.
Under the staff proposal, inspection fees, fees for moving a building and demolition permit fees would go up by 8 percent. Reviewing revised plans would cost $25 per page. Reviewing alcohol licenses would set you back $75.
The proposed changes would generate approximately $79,000 in additional revenue for the Community Development department and $30,000 for the Recreation, Parks and Arts department.
The Community Development fee hikes would help offset the costs in hiring a construction inspector, planning technician and building inspector in fiscal 2005. Those positions are needed to meet higher demand for such services as inspections.
"I have serious concerns about raising these fees to hire new staff when you have eight vacancies in your department," Vice Mayor Pat Gerard told Mike Staffopoulos, community development director. "You don't get new staff unless you're fully staffed."
Gerard said implementing new charges would affect customer service.
In other action Tuesday, the commission:
Agreed to let Pinellas County temporarily stockpile about 20,000 cubic yards of sand at the future Eagle Lake Park in Largo.
About 40,000 cubic yards of material will be trucked from the Allen's Creek habitat restoration project at Lancaster Drive to Brooker Creek Preserve and the Eagle Lake Park site.
It will take about three months to move the sand and silt, which will be used for county projects or to develop the park.
Approved incentives for homeowners in the unincorporated area north of Whitney Road and east of 58th Street. The 75.3-acre neighborhood was annexed Tuesday night. The city will maintain the area's stormwater system, sewer lift station, street lights and sidewalks.
More than a dozen homeowners showed up last week to protest the annexation of the Middlecreek, Overlook, Plantation Point and Seabrooke subdivisions.
They said they were unaware of indenture agreements signed by the former owners of the properties in 1986 and 1989, committing the area to be annexed into the city when it met city boundaries.
Representatives from the neighborhoods then met with city officials June 3 to reach an agreement on the incentives.
"This should have been done before the first reading (of the ordinance)," said Commissioner Gay Gentry.
Pinellas County has requested a full review of the annexation by the Pinellas Planning Council.
Increased monthly stormwater utility rates 15 percent for residents and businesses, garbage collection fees by 15 percent for residents and wastewater charges by 20 percent.
The rate hikes, which are due to increased operating costs, should take effect Oct. 1.
Awarded 21 scholarships worth $11,400 to the children of city employees. The annual Mayor's Golf Tournament generates money for the scholarships.
- Shannon Tan can be reached at shtan@sptimes.com or 445-4174.