The following e-mail was received on Friday, 2/20/09 from Lennard Ciecieznski:
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners plans to cut 20 percent from its overall general fund for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. This is necessary to meet the current challenges resulting from the national economic downturn and to plan for the continuation of reduced revenues in the county.
As they consider the reduction or elimination of public services and programs, commissioners will host three public budget meetings in March to solicit feedback from residents.
Tuesday, March 3: Palm Harbor University High School, 1900 Omaha St., Palm Harbor
Monday, March 23: Osceola High School, 9751 98th St. N., Seminole
Thursday, March 26: Gibbs High School, 850 34th St. S., St. Petersburg
All of the meetings will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
The sharp decrease in county revenue reflects the national economic crisis, local reductions in real estate values and property tax caps. Commissioners are currently involved in the process of setting priorities on the county services and programs. Knowing that it cannot continue to provide the current level of service, the commission wants to know the community’s priorities.
The feedback provided at the public meetings and through other public outreach efforts will be used in the decision making process as the budget is resized. The goal is to offer core services, which will be delivered in a consistent, predictable and reliable manner.
For more information, call (727) 464-3000 or go to www.pinellascounty.org/budget.
Nancy Obarski
Beach Trail/IRB
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2 comments:
Hooray for the County. In case youu haven't we need tax relief from all government agencies.
Government agencies need to pull back because the economy is still going down.
Looks like IRB is repeating the sins of its first incorporation. Too much spending which ultimately led to disolving the city. Not a bad idea, all we citizens need to control is planning and zoning (keep the high rises and high density out).
Has anyone else ever wondered how much we taxpayers spend on the fiefdoms all up and down the beach? I mean, how many other counties have a city hall every three miles? Tajs for all!
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