Commission urges more budget cutting

The Longboat Key Town Commission does not intend to raise taxes and gave Town Manager Bruce St. Denis direction to find ways to trim the budget further at its regular workshop Thursday, June 16.

“We all have to live within our means and I ask you to please get creative and eliminate this shortfall,” Commissioner Lynn Larson said.

St. Denis agreed to report back to the commission next month with ways to eliminate the shortfall. St. Denis  also will show how making further reductions will decrease the town’s level of service.

The commission also agreed to create a subcommittee of commissioners and Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board members to further discuss Commissioner Jack Duncan’s concept of creating a long-term business plan and mission statement for the island.

Also at a special meeting and regular workshop today at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, the commission:

Granted:
• A request by the owner of the proposed Bleu Claire Condominium, 4765 Gulf of Mexico Drive, for an extension to hold off on obtaining building permits for an 11-unit condominium project until December 2013.

• A request by the town manager to give him authority to re-open the North Shore Road beach access when he deems it necessary.

Reviewed:
• An update regarding the Longboat Key trolley route that shows that riders per revenue hour have increased on the route.

• Administrative costs accrued by the town’s three pension boards.

• A new building permit and inspection service fee schedule for the Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building Department.

• A list of federal and state elected officials that represent the citizens of Longboat Key

Discussed:
• The possibility of using ad valorem taxes to pay for future beach projects.

Forwarded to its Monday, July 11, regular meeting:
• An ordinance that modifies the purchasing division to reflect the recent reorganization of the Finance Department because of the retirement of the town’s purchasing manager.

• A resolution that allows the town to remain eligible for state grants.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].