Mayor Betty Resch supports the Ballot initiatives
"As your mayor, I walk our streets and see two different versions of Lake Worth Beach. I see the city we all love — rich in history, character and diversity.But I also see the physical toll that decades of delayed maintenance and an outdated city charter have taken on our most precious assets. On March 10, we face a defining moment. We can choose to cling to the no-to-everything mentality that wants no change, or we can choose to provide a better future for Lake Worth Beach.
Our city is at a critical point, both physically and fiscally. Our 100-year-old municipal golf course needs major renovations and updating; the clubhouse needs some loving care. The historic city hall annex — a major historic contributor to our downtown — now sits empty but could once again be functional. At the beach, our empty pool is a sad example of decades of neglect. Our current charter lease limits make public-private investment nearly impossible.
The hard truth is that clinging to the past and fearing the future cannot fix leaking roofs or flooding greens. We are facing a looming financial crisis that we cannot ignore."
Now the City is deathly afraid of what might happen in the Florida Legislature that would collapse their general fund because they can't ever save a dime.
"The Florida Legislature is considering two bills that could devastate our city’s budget: one that could cut nearly $8.5 million from our property taxes and another that would slash over $16.2 million from our general fund. This is a potential $24.7 million hit to the services you rely on every day. Cities all over Florida are facing this devastating legislation. There are no provisions to replace those funding sources. Ballot questions 2 and 3 are the keys to our revitalization," she says.
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In November 2016, Lake Worth voters approved a $40 million, 30-year bond specifically to address deteriorating, crumbling roads throughout the city. How about an update on the funds still available as we have to pay for 20 more years and some of the roads still need repairs that are constant. Now the city is into affordable housing again and recently received an $850,000 grant which doesn't cover our expenses.
Thanks to Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill, in 2013 we had a Charter Amendment that passed--placed on the ballot and approved by voters on March 12, 2013, solidifying the 45-foot and 35-foot height limits, with exceptions for existing buildings and previously approved permits.
Money comes and money goes as quickly as we get it. So, we are supposed to vote in 99 year leases for our entire city? A 'no' keeps the rule that voters must approve those leases by referendum..
