Tampa council seeks way to save projects

Property tax reform means $20-million less for the city.

By JANET ZINK, Times Staff Writer
Published August 22, 2007

TAMPA - City Council members on Tuesday brainstormed ways to generate money and save jobs and programs targeted for elimination by Mayor Pam Iorio.

Property tax reform at the state level is forcing the city to cut $20-million from next year's bottom line.

At the first of two workshops, council members fretted about the loss of the city's creative industries manager and summer swimming lessons, and suggested beefing up grant applications to bring in more money.

Council members John Dingfelder and Linda Saul-Sena suggested raising fees in the Parks Department, which is bearing the brunt of Tampa's cuts.

City finance director Bonnie Wise told them increasing fees for all types of city services should be considered.

But budget officer Jim Stefan said some state lawmakers have warned local governments not to offset cuts by raising fees.

Saul-Sena was not impressed. "Who are they to say that what we charge for pottery making is not appropriate?" she asked.

Dingfelder told parks director Karen Palus to let the council know of any programs that could be saved by raising fees.

Already, the council has successfully pushed for higher fees for a popular preschool program that was slated for elimination.

On Thursday, the council will vote on whether to raise the fee from $18 a week to up to $45.

Council member Tom Scott asked if department heads have looked toward January and the impact if voters approve a "super homestead exemption."

Police Chief Steve Hogue said he thinks that if the referendum passes, he will have to lay off officers.

Council member Mary Mulhern said the police and fire unions should start lobbying now against the referendum.

"We need to get that message out to voters," she said. "We shouldn't be sitting here waiting for the ax to fall."

Janet Zink can be reached at jzink@sptimes.com or 813 226-3401.

[Last modified August 22, 2007, 00:10:48]