Commission to set maximum millage tonight

The Longboat Key Town Commission told Town Manager Bruce St. Denis at a budget workshop this morning it doesn’t intend to set the town’s maximum millage rate any higher than the town’s current rate of 1.8872 mills.

At its 7 p.m. regular meeting tonight, the commission will set that maximum millage rate. Although the commission won’t officially set the millage rate until September, tonight it will put a cap on how high that millage rate can be raised before a new 2011-12 budget is adopted for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.

The maximum millage rate selected will be included in the estimated property tax bills that the county tax collectors’ offices mail out in August.

Also at its regular meeting at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, the commission will:

Consider forwarding to its Sept. 12 regular meeting for second reading and public hearing:
• An ordinance that reflects the reorganization of the town’s Finance Department due to the retirement of the purchasing manager.

• An ordinance that amends the zoning code to allow the Longboat Key Zoning Board of Adjustment to make determinations of the board’s jurisdiction to consider requests for variances from the zoning code.

Consider forwarding to its Aug. 10 special meeting for second reading and public hearing:
• Amendments to its Comprehensive Plan that relate to the Bayfront Park Recreation Center and the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Islandside renovation-and-expansion project.

Consider passing:
• A beach funding resolution in order to remain eligible for state grants.

• A resolution that establishes an implementation date for a new building department fee schedule, which would become effective Oct. 1.

Consider a request:
• To help fund a the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. Manatee County is seeking $134,301 and Sarasota County is seeking $154,477, which would help fund projects within the respective counties.

Consider a settlement agreement:
• Drafted by the town attorney to resolve Robert Smith’s appeal of a Longboat Key Code Enforcement Board order, which levied a $4,000 fine against his property for a repeat violation of overgrown weeds and grass.

For a wrap-up of this evening’s meeting, check back later at www.yourobserver.com.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].