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Hernando Today

Council Wants More For Capital Projects

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By TONY MARRERO

Hernando Today

Published: August 13, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - The budget may be tight, but the City Council on Monday reiterated a pressing need to start saving money for more capital projects ranging from sidewalks to water and sewer infrastructure.

The board asked staff to try to set aside some $560,000 - or about 1 percent of the city's total assessed property value - for capital projects.

It's a tall order considering the council also wants to keep last year's millage rate, or maybe even go below that, to help residents suffering in tough economic times.

The city has balanced its $9.08 million general fund budget at last year's rate of 6.32 mills.

The millage rate is $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value. Last year it was 6.32 mills.

At that rate, a property worth $150,000, with a $50,000 homestead exemption, would see a tax bill of $632.

"People are having a hard time paying bills and making ends meet," Council member Richard Lewis said, "but if we're going to get to those projects, we need to start now."

Council members agreed the city should save at least $40,000 this year to put toward a new air-conditioning unit to replace the aging one in the three-story former bank building that now serves as City Hall.

The unit could cost as much as $200,000.

Most council members voiced a reluctance to dip too far into the city's expected unallocated reserves of about $1.5 million.

One project that will come from reserves is a makeover for one of the city's most visible landmarks.

The Liberty Street water tower will be repainted this fiscal year at a cost of $150,000.

Councilmember Lara Bradburn suggested the city create a recurring fund for capital projects.

The council also asked staff for an analysis of the fleet maintenance department and whether the city would save by contracting repair work instead of keeping all three of its mechanics.
Public Works Director Emory Pierce said he's confident the department needs three to run efficiently.

The council asked staff to review utility rates to ensure the city is bringing in enough money to cover its expenses.

Water, sewer and trash rates already increase each year according to the rate of inflation.

Board members agreed the city would have to be losing money to justify an increase beyond that.

"I don't think our citizens could handle much more," Bradburn said.

The council also was slated Tuesday to discuss turning over city council candidate filing duties over the Hernando County Supervisor of Elections; the practice of waiving user fees for nonprofit groups; and the effectiveness of the city's eight advisory boards, but hadn't reached those agenda items by deadline Tuesday.

Reporter Tony Marrero can be reached at 352-544-5286 or lmarrero@hernandotoday.com.

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