Beach city takes a step back from trolley proposal

Several people speak out against joining the county's proposed trolley system, fearing it may bring unwanted taxes.

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 23, 2000

ST. PETE BEACH -- City officials backed away Tuesday from endorsing a proposed county-operated trolley system amid warnings that it would be a "Trojan horse" that could lead to higher property taxes.

City Manager Carl Schwing told commissioners that the county will need an answer within two months and, at the commission's request, he will continue to negotiate the terms of joining the trolley system.

"The county does want us to be a part of their transportation system. I've made it clear that we have no interest in ever being a part of PSTA," said Mayor Ward Friszolowski, who said it was a "big issue" that he preferred to discuss with his constituents before making a decision.

Former mayors Ron McKenney and Mike Horan spoke passionately against the trolley system.

"I'm guaranteeing you it will fail," McKenney said.

"The word has been out in the county for a long time to get the city's tax base for the PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority). I see a Trojan horse being pulled outside the city. I implore you, don't pull it inside," Horan said.

The county wants to create a beach-wide trolley system that would transport residents and tourists up and down the beaches. Service from Clearwater to John's Pass in Madeira Beach is scheduled to begin in January.

The trolley would replace Treasure Island's city-owned transit system and St. Pete Beach's contract with BATS transit system. Both St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island are concerned that if the trolley system does not work financially, they would be forced to join the PSTA, which is financed through ad valorem property taxes.

Schwing and Treasure Island City Manager Chuck Coward have proposed a joint transit system as a "back-up" alternative to the PSTA in the event the trolley system is shut down.

"We agreed it makes sense for Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach to put together a transportation system of our own," Schwing told the commission, stressing that it would be a "short-term solution" to ensure public transportation continued until a longer-term program was approved.

Commissioner Jim Myers appeared to favor the alliance with Treasure Island, calling it a "win-win situation" that could make entering the trolley system a "risk worth taking."

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