HomeMy Public PortalAboutDecember 2002DECEMBER 2002 COMMUNITY UPDATES
Dear Town Residents:
Following are several updates on issues of importance in your community.
Tax Rate Held Steady: On September 24, 2002, the Town Commission adopted a Town budget and millage rate for
fiscal year 2002/2003. The $1.985 million Town budget maintains the existing millage rate of 3.7853 mills per $1,000
property valuation. This is the fourth consecutive year that the millage was set at 3.7853. Additionally, the water rates
were not increased for the seventh consecutive year. To put the Town's millage rate in perspective, the following are all
of the 2002/2003 millage rates a property owner in Gulf Stream pays:
City
3.7853
General County
4.5000
South Florida Water Management District
0.5970
School — State
5.8190
School— Local
2.6080
School— Debt
0.3520
Florida Inland Navigation District
0.0385
Total
17.6998
Please note that only 3.7853 mills goes directly to the Town for the many services provided. This millage is 21% of your
total tax bill. The other 79% does not "stay home", but goes to other county taxing entities with outside purposes.
Homeless Cat Update: Bev and Dave Hosokawa will host a cocktail party February 2, 2003, to raise funds for Gulf
Stream's new initiative to Trap, Neuter and release (TNR) its homeless cats. Invitations to the party will be mailed to all
residents in January. In the meantime, contributions to the TNR Fund will be accepted at Town Hall.
Road Resurfacing Continues: The Town has completed the scheduled resurfacing work for this year. This work was the
first major expenditure of the new fiscal year which began October 1, 2002.
Wastewater Feasibility Study: At the request of the Town Commission, our engineers have completed a wastewater
feasibility study that includes the entire Town. The study outlines and describes the process and scope of work by which
the town could connect into the wastewater systems of the City of Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. The Town is now
looking into the possibility of acquiring appropriations through the Florida Legislature as part of the Community Budget
Issue Request process. If the Town is fortunate to receive a substantial award, a public notice will be given and a meeting
will be held to provide Gulf Stream property owners with information to enable them to determine whether they want to
proceed. A strong majority vote would be required to start the project. The question that each resident must answer, "is the
perceived benefit worth the investment"?
We will make the initial contact with our legislative representatives. It is very important that they heartily support our
efforts through the political process. Throughout the coming months I will keep everyone informed as to our progress in
this venture.
Crime Prevention Reminder: The winter season signals an increase in criminal activity throughout Palm Beach County.
Please assist the Gulf Stream Police Department in keeping our community safe by keeping your homes and vehicles
secured, utilizing your alarm systems and reporting all suspicious incidents to the Dispatch Center at 243-7800.
Ulegal Dumping: As you may know, it is illegal for anyone to dump or discard yard waste or construction materials into
our drainage system and catch basins. Even yard clippings can accumulate and plug our storm water drainage system. If
you witness dumping in progress, please notify Town Hall or our Police Department immediately.
Holiday Greetings: As always, please feel free to call Town Hall if you have any questions about these news items or
any other Town business. On Behalf of the Town Commission and Staff, we extend our wish for a happy and safe
holiday season.
Mayor William F. Koch, Jr.