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Politics

Voters raise salaries of some elected officials, rein in some powers of cities

By CRISTINA SILVA
Published November 8, 2006

Along the south Pinellas County coastline, residents voted on a number of issues ranging from the salaries of their elected officials to whether they wanted their cities to have the power of eminent domain.

In Indian Rocks Beach, voters approved a charter amendment that would eliminate the city's power of eminent domain for the exclusive purpose of commercial development.

In Belleair Bluffs, residents voted to keep the term of elected officials at two years.

In Madeira Beach, residents split on two city charter amendments concerning election issues.

Voters decided against allowing the board of commissioners to decide the manner of holding both general and special elections and identify polling locations by resolution. But they voted for allowing the board of commissioners to designate a canvassing board for each election to certify all tests of election equipment and canvass precinct, absentee, provisional and any other ballots authorized by law.

Residents also voted to prohibit the use of the power of eminent domain for private economic development.

In North Redington Beach, residents voted to give the mayor and city commissioners a raise. The mayor's stipend was increased from $400 a month to $500 a month, effective immediately. City commissioners also got a raise of $100 a month.

In Redington Shores, elected officials also got more money. The mayor's salary was increased to $600 a month, while the salary of town commissioners was increased to $500 a month, effective in January.

Voters opted against giving more money to the Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue District, which serves eight coastal communities.

They voted against an increase that would raise annual rates from $190 per residential structure to $260.

Cristina Silva can be reached at 727-893-8846 or csilva@sptimes.com.

[Last modified November 8, 2006, 02:46:16]