Government Smart: A reasonable approach
It would be irresponsible not to challenge the exaggerations presented by Mr. Schilling in an email to the Condominium Association of Fort Myers Beach and Mr. Melsek in Tidelines regarding the size and cost of Government.
– Size of Town Staff:
Mr. Melsek claims the Town’s staff in the last five years has increased from 26 to 52 full and part time employees.
According to the Town employee roster presented by Mr. Melsek, there are 54 employees; however, 25 of these employees are associated with Bay Oaks. In the past five years, the Town’s staff has grown by three, not including Bay Oaks.
Bay Oaks was acquired from the County in response to requests from the Town’s taxpayers that the Town not permit the County to close the facility.
– Millage Rate:
Mr. Schilling claims “Council’s voracious appetite for more taxes includes pushing property tax rates up aggressively in the last three years and now an expected fourth year in a row”.
The millage rate between 1996 and 2000 averaged 1.0889; whereas the millage rate for the last five years has averaged .7315, which is a lower rate than the first five years.
Recently, in Council and Workshop Meetings, I have used the term Government Smart as a better way to look at planning expenditures.
– Savings:
Despite Mr. Melsek’s referral to the Council as a Legal Aid Society, the year-to-date expense reductions to the town are $60,000.
Bringing the management of the water utility in house could save a minimum of $50,000 per year to $150,000, between the Water Utility’s and the Town’s budgets.
Government Smart, when used, presents a reasoned approach to managing our Town. To date, the results are measurable and the savings to taxpayers real.
Alan Mandel is a Council member for the Town of Fort Myers Beach. He can be reached at Alan@fortmyersbeachfl.gov