District 4 Commissioner’s Corner by Alan Bildz
Hello Sunset Beach!
It has been a while so let’s get right into it. Have you noticed the beautiful new beach access signs? The 1993 oil spill grant has finally been settled, as it paid for the signs on Gulf Blvd. Treasure Island had to pick up the tab for West Gulf, but they all match. Other cities have inquired about these so I’m sure we will see them in other beach cities in the near future.
While we are on the beach, wasn’t it amazing how many people stopped coming to our area just because they couldn’t drink themselves brainless? The city never said we did not want them to come, just don’t come with that one purpose. Caddy’s is still plenty busy on the weekends but his staff is now well equipped to handle the crowd which means we spend less on the police on that area on the weekends. I know Caddy’s paid for most of that, but the city still had some expenses there, not to mention the personal wear and tear on the officers spending all day in the sun. Look for the commission to somehow extend that alcohol regulation as it worked so well.
The budget was going well until the commission was informed that the bridges in Capri and Palms are in desperate need of replacement. I hear our President talking about stimulus money to fix roads and bridges, but we have so far not qualified because they are not expensive enough. It sounds like a joke but it is true. Unfortunately, this is going to mean a significant jump in property taxes. I have been fighting to keep these increases to the bare minimum, and will continue to do so. I realize the city needs a certain amount to do the things it does, but this is getting ridiculous. The new off street parking regulations are almost done. I am not sure if the tortoise or the hare won that race, but it sure did seem like that took forever. Looking forward to the upcoming cooler weather.
Alan Bildz
Commissioner, District 4