CDD delays budget approval

HERITAGE HARBOUR — Supervisors on the Heritage Harbour South Community Development District board have initiated the budgeting process for the Fiscal Year 2013 but did not take action to approve a proposed $502,000 budget, in its entirety, at their meeting May 2.

Supervisors will continue discussing budget items through September, at which time they will adopt the final budget.

Last week, supervisors approved 3-1 the administrative portion of the budget, which sets aside $60,000 for potential legal fees associated with two lawsuits filed last year against the district, and reserves $3,000 for the creation of a website to make the district’s records available electronically, as requested by residents.
Supervisors, however, decided to hold off on approving sections of the budget pertaining to re-use water services and community services for Stoneybrook and Lighthouse Cove.

“I need more information,” Supervisor Richard Lane said of why he wanted to delay approval of the re-use water section, which includes a multiyear aquatic and wetland plant installation program. “The bottom line for me is it’s a very large number. It’s one-fourth the cost of the total program.”

The 2013 Fiscal Year budget reflects programs and services included in the Fiscal Year 2012 budget, including a multiyear program to fund clean-up efforts after a major storm event, as well as to improve the district’s stormwater facilities.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

In Other Business:
• Supervisors voted 3-1, with Joseph Jaudon opposed, to the hiring of Fishkind & Associates to provide expert consultation, expert opinions and litigation support, if needed, in dealing with lawsuits against the CDD regarding changes in assessments. Litigation support services will cost $15,000 and include the consultant make depositions and court appearances, as needed. Meeting attendance and presentations will be billed at an hourly rate: $800 per hour for Fishkind and $650 per hour for a senior associate.

• After much discussion, supervisors directed district contractor Matt Morris, of Morris Riley, to research costs associated with purchasing a radar speed sign for use in the community.