Digest

Around the bay

By TIMES WIRES
Published July 11, 2007

Millage rate expected to fall 10 percent 

PINELLAS COUNTY - Pinellas County's property tax millage rate would drop 10 percent under a preliminary budget compiled by the county staff, County Administrator Steve Spratt said Tuesday.

That means a $150,000 home with a $25,000 homestead exemption would pay $683 in county property taxes in 2008. This year, a home of that value paid about $762.50.

The property tax cut comes in response to a legislative mandate that local governments roll back taxes. Pinellas County is required to collect roughly 7 percent less in property taxes next year than this year.

Acting city manager to succeed Stanton

LARGO - Four months after firing Steve Stanton, Largo city leaders have chosen Norton "Mac" Craig as the new city manager.

City commissioners voted 6-1 to negotiate a contract with Craig at a special meeting Tuesday night, with Commissioner Mary Gray Black dissenting.

Craig was appointed acting city manager after Stanton was put on leave in late February. Stanton made national news when he announced he wanted to become a woman.

Mayor Pat Gerard, who voted for Craig on Tuesday, had wanted the city to conduct a nationwide search to find a candidate with extensive experience, especially in community redevelopment.

Wiregrass Ranch near Pasco's final approval

WESLEY CHAPEL - Pasco County commissioners Tuesday postponed a decision on Wiregrass Ranch's final permit.

Nearly four hours of discussions brought both sides close to a compromise on the 5,000-acre development's internal roads, essentially the last remaining hurdle.

The commission will take up the issue again Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Pasco plans to raise ambulance fees

DADE CITY - Faced with a funding shortfall, Pasco officials have turned to ambulances.

The County Commission on Tuesday unveiled a proposed $1.2-billion budget for next year that includes steeper ambulance fees, one way the county plans to make up for state-mandated property tax cuts.

Pasco is facing a $15.8-million shortfall in the proposed budget.

County won't approve 11-slip dock proposal

DUNEDIN - BJ Star loves to kayak among the dolphins and manatees in the waters of St. Joseph Sound. To preserve their habitat, she has asked various boards and commissions to reject proposals to build more boat docks.

She has lost every time. Until Tuesday, when the Pinellas County Commission failed to approve an 11-slip boat dock for a condo complex at 2624 N Paula Drive in Dunedin. The proposal failed to pass on a 3-3 vote.

[Last modified July 11, 2007, 02:38:03]