Heritage Harbour earmarks more dollars for ponds, reserves

Heritage Harbour South Community Development District supervisors are taking steps toward better preparing their district for just in case scenarios.

The board members pumped more dollars into the community's capital reserves — $35,296 more than last year to be exact. Board members moved dollars around on the tentative 2015-2016 budget they reviewed at the CDD's May 5 meeting.

Supervisors allotted $53,000 for capital reserves, for road repairs and other costs the community might accrue over the year. District Engineer Rick Schappacher estimated the district would need more than $750,000 in road repairs within the next 10 years.

"It's important to have money in the reserves, more money than what we've been setting aside," said Michelle Patterson, CDD chairwoman. 

District Manager Greg Cox strongly recommended the community allot closer to $100,000 each year into the account to help fund the costly roadwork, along with other capital projects. 

The CDD also shifted more dollars into aquatic plant restoration to improve the appearance and health of the community's dozens of ponds located throughout the East County community. The group set aside $12,500 for plant replacement — a jump of $7,500 from the previous year.

Supervisors decided to mull over the budget more before approving the first draft. They will revisit the budget at their June 2 meeting.

For the full story, pick up a copy of the May 14 issue of the East County Observer.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected]