Thursday, June 26, 2014
Curt Clawson sworn in as FL Congressman
Comment Up
Trivia:
Florida : The Republican House caucus is back up to its full strength of 234 members after businessman and now-Rep. Curt Clawson (R, FL-19) easily won a special election. He replaces former Rep. Trey Radel (R), who resigned the seat after he was caught buying cocaine from an undercover federal agent.
U.S. Representative Curt Clawson was sworn in yesterday as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by House Speaker John Boehner..
Trivia:
Florida : The Republican House caucus is back up to its full strength of 234 members after businessman and now-Rep. Curt Clawson (R, FL-19) easily won a special election. He replaces former Rep. Trey Radel (R), who resigned the seat after he was caught buying cocaine from an undercover federal agent.
U.S. Representative Curt Clawson was sworn in yesterday as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by House Speaker John Boehner..
Food Truck Invasion
Comment Up
Food Trucks
COMING SOON
What they say:
What they say:
That’s right. We’re heading back to Lake Worth.
Come out on 2nd Monday nights of the month and hang with us at South
Shores Tavern. We’ll be rallying up at the PNC Bank parking lot. While
you are there be sure to stroll the Downtown Lake Worth shops and bars.
Get some great drinks over at South Shores Tavern.
Do they have a city license?
Do they have a city license?
Lake Worth's Ballot Referendum - The Facts
Comment Up
Below are the particulars on the 30 year General Obligation Bond(s):
As previously mentioned, the city has thrown in another $300,000 for good measure. Please note the 30 years starts when the city finances the project amount, i.e. in 2019 the pay-out will be 30 years from that date or 2049.
The largest percentage of property owners have property valued between $10,000 up to $50,000. Based on last year's values, 08.66% of the city has a property assessed at (after deducting homestead), between $40,000 and $50,000. If your assessed value is $50,000 and your property NEVER APPRECIATES, you will be paying an additional $159.00 a year starting in the 5th year for 30 years not to mention what you have already paid for the first 4 years.
Don't forget--the city is only doing 30% of the roads. What happens a few years from now and they have that "ooops" moment and they tell us that they really must re-do another 30% of the roads. Infrastructure is collapsing all across the country. What are other cities doing? Last evening, the History channel had a movie on America's infrastructure and mentioned that it usually only lasts 50 years. Are we going to build up reserves to save for this day that will surely come or will commissioners still keep their travel budget a priority?
Below are the particulars on the 30 year General Obligation Bond(s):
Assumes
30 Year Financings:
|
|||||||
Year
|
AV Growth
|
Project Amount
|
Issuance Date
|
Annual Debt Service
|
Millage
|
Par Amount
|
|
2015
|
8.00%
|
28,000,000
|
6/1/2015
|
1,945,000
|
1.66
|
28,300,000
|
|
2016
|
4.00%
|
||||||
2017
|
4.00%
|
14,300,000
|
6/1/2017
|
1,005,000
|
2.33
|
14,600,000
|
|
2018
|
4.00%
|
||||||
2019
|
4.00%
|
20,000,000
|
6/1/2019
|
1,400,000
|
3.18
|
20,300,000
|
|
62,300,000
|
63,200,000
|
||||||
The largest percentage of property owners have property valued between $10,000 up to $50,000. Based on last year's values, 08.66% of the city has a property assessed at (after deducting homestead), between $40,000 and $50,000. If your assessed value is $50,000 and your property NEVER APPRECIATES, you will be paying an additional $159.00 a year starting in the 5th year for 30 years not to mention what you have already paid for the first 4 years.
Don't forget--the city is only doing 30% of the roads. What happens a few years from now and they have that "ooops" moment and they tell us that they really must re-do another 30% of the roads. Infrastructure is collapsing all across the country. What are other cities doing? Last evening, the History channel had a movie on America's infrastructure and mentioned that it usually only lasts 50 years. Are we going to build up reserves to save for this day that will surely come or will commissioners still keep their travel budget a priority?
Quote of the Day - Rush Limbaugh - Corruption
Comment Up
“The Republican establishment sought
victory via Democrat voters in the runoff, and they got them. Without the African-American vote from Democrat-leaning counties,
Thad Cochrane would have lost by eight or nine percent last night.”
~ Rush Limbaugh
Referring to the vote in Mississippi between Thad Cochran and Chris McDaniel with Cochran operatives securing a vote of black Democrats in a Republican primary by playing the race card. They sent out a flyer saying that the Tea Party wanted to prevent blacks from voting. This is outrageous; everyone should condemn this dirty political trick/action/lie. I agree with Rush.
“The Republican establishment sought
victory via Democrat voters in the runoff, and they got them. Without the African-American vote from Democrat-leaning counties,
Thad Cochrane would have lost by eight or nine percent last night.”~ Rush Limbaugh
Referring to the vote in Mississippi between Thad Cochran and Chris McDaniel with Cochran operatives securing a vote of black Democrats in a Republican primary by playing the race card. They sent out a flyer saying that the Tea Party wanted to prevent blacks from voting. This is outrageous; everyone should condemn this dirty political trick/action/lie. I agree with Rush.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Ooops - Oreo Cookie Truck takes wrong road
Comment Up
It's very rare to ever see an 18 wheeler on Lake Osborne and when you do, it's a trucker who made a big mistake. He had to turn around as he never would have cleared the 6th Avenue overpass.
It's very rare to ever see an 18 wheeler on Lake Osborne and when you do, it's a trucker who made a big mistake. He had to turn around as he never would have cleared the 6th Avenue overpass.
These guys sure can drive!
His wheels never touched my lawn.
Oreo cookie truck and nothing fell off the truck...darn!
Our fabulous Lake Worth Pool
Comment Up
A little over a year ago, the Recreation Department promised to raise money by finding revenue sources for our pool. We were told that the City's Recreation Staff would be looking into yearly memberships, water exercise classes, (we have that with wonderful Sally Welsh) US Navy Seals rentals, summer camp rentals, and Party package rentals where there "would be plenty of money to be made."
Last night we got the doom and gloom report which was no surprise. After all, this is Michael Bronstein's "white elephant." Juan Ruiz's report said that our pool is opened 5 days a week, part time. Cost to operate is $1,043 a day but we are only averaging $48 a day for those 5 days. The yearly operating costs are going up by $33,038 from $271,088 and our gate revenue is estimated at $37,591.16. What he failed to talk about last night was ECA Swim Club that is over and above the "gate revenue" that rents our facility on the following terms:
East Coast Aquatic Club, a company that is under a license agreement with the city (we use license agreements now so that the city can just bypass the mayor) to use our pool. The fee structure is as follows:
$1,500 a month until membership reaches 60
$1,800 a month until membership reaches 100
$2,200 a month thereafter
We have no idea if their membership is growing or how much money the city now receives.
The pool is not advertised and many people who visit our beach don't even know we have a pool. You can't see it from the road. Scott Maxwell asked all the right questions last night regarding our beach maintenance and our pool. This is a great asset. We just now need to let people know about it.
A little over a year ago, the Recreation Department promised to raise money by finding revenue sources for our pool. We were told that the City's Recreation Staff would be looking into yearly memberships, water exercise classes, (we have that with wonderful Sally Welsh) US Navy Seals rentals, summer camp rentals, and Party package rentals where there "would be plenty of money to be made."
Last night we got the doom and gloom report which was no surprise. After all, this is Michael Bronstein's "white elephant." Juan Ruiz's report said that our pool is opened 5 days a week, part time. Cost to operate is $1,043 a day but we are only averaging $48 a day for those 5 days. The yearly operating costs are going up by $33,038 from $271,088 and our gate revenue is estimated at $37,591.16. What he failed to talk about last night was ECA Swim Club that is over and above the "gate revenue" that rents our facility on the following terms:
East Coast Aquatic Club, a company that is under a license agreement with the city (we use license agreements now so that the city can just bypass the mayor) to use our pool. The fee structure is as follows:
$1,500 a month until membership reaches 60
$1,800 a month until membership reaches 100
$2,200 a month thereafter
We have no idea if their membership is growing or how much money the city now receives.
The pool is not advertised and many people who visit our beach don't even know we have a pool. You can't see it from the road. Scott Maxwell asked all the right questions last night regarding our beach maintenance and our pool. This is a great asset. We just now need to let people know about it.
$12 Golf Days at John Prince Park
$12 Dollar Golf Days
Monday, Jul 7 10:00a
More dates & times (4)
John Prince Golf Learning Center
Lake Worth,
FL
Discount on golf:
The John Prince Golf Learning Center is offering “$12 Days” on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hit all the range balls you want,
and play all the golf you want.
Phone (561) 966-6666
The John Prince Golf Learning Center is offering “$12 Days” on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hit all the range balls you want,
and play all the golf you want.
Phone (561) 966-6666
Sea Level Risings
Comment Up
As there is a segment of people in our city, even city staff, who like to ridicule Commissioner McVoy on his concerns about global warming and sea levels rising, a major new report released yesterday by a coalition of senior political and economic figures from the left, right and center, including three Treasury secretaries stretching back to the Nixon administration says that "more than a million homes and businesses along the nation’s coasts could flood repeatedly before ultimately being destroyed."
The report further stated that Coastal counties, home to 40 percent of the nation’s population, will take especially large hits from the rise of the sea, which could swallow more than $370 billion worth of property in Florida and Louisiana alone by the end of the century. Read the New York Times article
The immediate danger to us here in Lake Worth is salt water intrusion. Lake Worth completed its $24 million reverse osmosis water plant that can pump five to seven million gallons of water a day that flows without threats from saltwater. Presently, we are using a combination of RO and wells using only 1.5 to 3 million gallons a day from RO. We did have a water restriction up until a year ago that was imposed on our water irrigation usage to one time per week in order to avoid saltwater intrusion. That was lifted in January 2013 when the city wanted to generate more revenue.
Now the City is going to charge 5.25% more for water and sewer rates will rise accordingly starting October 1, 2014 according to the Burton and Associates Study, revealed last night, which is projected through the next decade. We had these same figures a few years ago but now the commission is serious on taxes.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
What Miami could look like in 2100
What Miami could look like in 2100
As there is a segment of people in our city, even city staff, who like to ridicule Commissioner McVoy on his concerns about global warming and sea levels rising, a major new report released yesterday by a coalition of senior political and economic figures from the left, right and center, including three Treasury secretaries stretching back to the Nixon administration says that "more than a million homes and businesses along the nation’s coasts could flood repeatedly before ultimately being destroyed."
The report further stated that Coastal counties, home to 40 percent of the nation’s population, will take especially large hits from the rise of the sea, which could swallow more than $370 billion worth of property in Florida and Louisiana alone by the end of the century. Read the New York Times article
The immediate danger to us here in Lake Worth is salt water intrusion. Lake Worth completed its $24 million reverse osmosis water plant that can pump five to seven million gallons of water a day that flows without threats from saltwater. Presently, we are using a combination of RO and wells using only 1.5 to 3 million gallons a day from RO. We did have a water restriction up until a year ago that was imposed on our water irrigation usage to one time per week in order to avoid saltwater intrusion. That was lifted in January 2013 when the city wanted to generate more revenue.
Now the City is going to charge 5.25% more for water and sewer rates will rise accordingly starting October 1, 2014 according to the Burton and Associates Study, revealed last night, which is projected through the next decade. We had these same figures a few years ago but now the commission is serious on taxes.
City goes out on RFP for landscape maintenance at the Lake Worth beach
Comment Up
Juan Ruiz gave a good presentation last night on our beach park property. One thing that came up was our landscape maintenance--
Lake Worth Beach Complex Landscape Maintenance
LS-BC-13-14-121
PURPOSE
The City of Lake Worth is soliciting bids from qualified bidders having the required experience in commercial lawn maintenance in accordance with the scope of services stated herein. The scope of service to be performed will consist of all services necessary for complete, year round commercial landscape management operations at the City‟s Beach Complex.
GOALS OF THE PROJECT
To maintain the Beach Complex grounds at a level comparative to other local first class recreational operations and consistent with levels expected of other City facilities and grounds.
BACKGROUND Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the newly reconstructed Lake Worth Casino Building and renovated Beach Complex officially opened to the public on March 1, 2013. It has quickly become the new travel destination in South Florida. The complex features a new oceanfront park, restrooms and picnic facilities which complement the William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier.
EFFECTIVE CONTRACT DATE & TERM
The effective date of the contract to be awarded pursuant to this IFB is anticipated to be October 1, 2014. Unless earlier terminated, the initial contract term shall be for three (3) years with optional two (2), one year renewal periods. The awarded contract will include a provision for termination by the City without cause upon thirty (30) days written notice.
Trees within the Beach Complex shall be maintained as follows:
A. Pruning - All trees shall consist of the removal of dead and/or broken branches; suckers or sprouts from ground level up to 15‟ in height as necessary for protection from wind, pests, and appearance. Proper pruning techniques shall be approved by the City.
B. Irrigation - All trees shall be watered to provide adequate moisture for proper growth.
C. Removal and Replacement - Successful Bidder shall inform the Facility Supervisor whenever damage occurs to trees. Successful Bidder shall be responsible for removal and replacement of any trees damaged by carelessness, neglect and improper maintenance practices of Successful Bidder, its agents or employees.
Juan Ruiz gave a good presentation last night on our beach park property. One thing that came up was our landscape maintenance--
Lake Worth Beach Complex Landscape Maintenance
LS-BC-13-14-121
PURPOSE
The City of Lake Worth is soliciting bids from qualified bidders having the required experience in commercial lawn maintenance in accordance with the scope of services stated herein. The scope of service to be performed will consist of all services necessary for complete, year round commercial landscape management operations at the City‟s Beach Complex.
GOALS OF THE PROJECT
To maintain the Beach Complex grounds at a level comparative to other local first class recreational operations and consistent with levels expected of other City facilities and grounds.
BACKGROUND Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the newly reconstructed Lake Worth Casino Building and renovated Beach Complex officially opened to the public on March 1, 2013. It has quickly become the new travel destination in South Florida. The complex features a new oceanfront park, restrooms and picnic facilities which complement the William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier.
EFFECTIVE CONTRACT DATE & TERM
The effective date of the contract to be awarded pursuant to this IFB is anticipated to be October 1, 2014. Unless earlier terminated, the initial contract term shall be for three (3) years with optional two (2), one year renewal periods. The awarded contract will include a provision for termination by the City without cause upon thirty (30) days written notice.
Trees within the Beach Complex shall be maintained as follows:
A. Pruning - All trees shall consist of the removal of dead and/or broken branches; suckers or sprouts from ground level up to 15‟ in height as necessary for protection from wind, pests, and appearance. Proper pruning techniques shall be approved by the City.
B. Irrigation - All trees shall be watered to provide adequate moisture for proper growth.
C. Removal and Replacement - Successful Bidder shall inform the Facility Supervisor whenever damage occurs to trees. Successful Bidder shall be responsible for removal and replacement of any trees damaged by carelessness, neglect and improper maintenance practices of Successful Bidder, its agents or employees.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Fight Fire with Fire - Burma is
Comment Up
We in this country coddle religious extremists under Freedom of Religion. Even Obama said, "A nation built on religious freedom must allow it" when talking about the Muslims who wanted to build a mosque by the site of the World Trade Center. "This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable," he said in 2010.
Is the world being taken over by radicals? It's a nutty place in some parts of the globe and there is a country that is considering taking a radical step to change its laws to end it, once and for all.
The country of Burma, 89% Buddist, that has an approximate 61 million population and is rich in jade, gems, oil and natural gas, is considering an “anti-conversion” law that would make it illegal for a Burmese Buddhist to convert to any other religion.
Read more...
We in this country coddle religious extremists under Freedom of Religion. Even Obama said, "A nation built on religious freedom must allow it" when talking about the Muslims who wanted to build a mosque by the site of the World Trade Center. "This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable," he said in 2010.
Is the world being taken over by radicals? It's a nutty place in some parts of the globe and there is a country that is considering taking a radical step to change its laws to end it, once and for all.
The country of Burma, 89% Buddist, that has an approximate 61 million population and is rich in jade, gems, oil and natural gas, is considering an “anti-conversion” law that would make it illegal for a Burmese Buddhist to convert to any other religion.
Read more...
Meriam Ibrahim re-arrested
Meriam Ibrahim and her husband, US citizen Daniel Wani, were held as they tried to fly out of the country. All this is happening because she will not renounce her Christianity. She is one brave woman.
Read about it...
Read about it...
On Sober Houses
Comment Up
Letters to the Editor
Palm Beach Post
June 24, 2014
Just read the article about the pending Greenacres sober home. I am not affected by this decision. I like to think of myself as a common-sense individual and with an advanced college degree who can think on my own two feet. Who in their right mind would ever consider this type of business proper for a residential community? It makes no difference if it’s a sober, drug, senior assistance, child care, etc. home; it’s a business.
None of these businesses belong in a residential community. There is a reason residential communities were zoned as such, and that zoning should be respected and followed. Zoning laws need to be tweaked to prevent this situation and to protect private residences from sharing the neighborhood with private business. There are so many abandoned businesses, especially in Greenacres, on Lake Worth Road. Look to these type of properties as a win-win solution for all.
The other issue I have, as a retired fire chief, is that these types of occupancies, with larger groups, should require commercial or residential fire sprinkler systems that are generally provided in commercial buildings and would require extensive modification in a residential structure. An effective means of escape or rescue is tougher when large groups must be moved in the generally narrower confines of a house.
Private businesses should be treated like all other businesses and kept out of a residential neighborhood.
BOB ROWAN, LAKE WORTH
Letters to the Editor
Palm Beach Post
Just read the article about the pending Greenacres sober home. I am not affected by this decision. I like to think of myself as a common-sense individual and with an advanced college degree who can think on my own two feet. Who in their right mind would ever consider this type of business proper for a residential community? It makes no difference if it’s a sober, drug, senior assistance, child care, etc. home; it’s a business.
None of these businesses belong in a residential community. There is a reason residential communities were zoned as such, and that zoning should be respected and followed. Zoning laws need to be tweaked to prevent this situation and to protect private residences from sharing the neighborhood with private business. There are so many abandoned businesses, especially in Greenacres, on Lake Worth Road. Look to these type of properties as a win-win solution for all.
The other issue I have, as a retired fire chief, is that these types of occupancies, with larger groups, should require commercial or residential fire sprinkler systems that are generally provided in commercial buildings and would require extensive modification in a residential structure. An effective means of escape or rescue is tougher when large groups must be moved in the generally narrower confines of a house.
Private businesses should be treated like all other businesses and kept out of a residential neighborhood.
BOB ROWAN, LAKE WORTH
Ric Bradshaw pushes back meeting on his budget
Comment Up
With a budget out of control ($531 million that includes an additional $32 million, a 15% bump), I've always said that Ric Bradshaw runs this County. Click here... to see what I mean.
He wants to push back the meeting with the County until the month of September. The commission's final budget vote is Sept. 22. The County will get an additional $41 million because of ad-valorem that they need for roads infrastructure and he wants the larger slice of the pie.
Who's the boss? I think it's the guy with the gun.
With a budget out of control ($531 million that includes an additional $32 million, a 15% bump), I've always said that Ric Bradshaw runs this County. Click here... to see what I mean.
He wants to push back the meeting with the County until the month of September. The commission's final budget vote is Sept. 22. The County will get an additional $41 million because of ad-valorem that they need for roads infrastructure and he wants the larger slice of the pie.
Who's the boss? I think it's the guy with the gun.
Inflation and the 30-35 year General Obligation Bond
Comment Up
If you read the graph, you will notice that percentages of inflation through the decades have been in the double and even triple digits other than the years of the Great Depression. For all of you who believe that the general obligation bond, that will extend 30 and 35 years won't affect you because your property values are too low, here are some graphs that might change your mind. With a rise in inflation, there normally is a rise in the cost of housing and a rise in property value. Also, if the bond should pass, it will affect 60% of the residents in this city who are renters. I've never heard of a landlord yet who didn't cover his expenses.
Rates of Inflation:
1970's: 102.91%
1980's: 62.08%
1990's: 32.10%
2000's: 27.93%
4 years in 2010's: 6.79%.
Housing prices were affected during the Economic crash and once again are starting to rise. There are some economists out there who believe, however, that we will experience another housing bubble.
Depending upon how they write that bond, this is just one more thing to consider. Your property may be under valued now, but in another few years or so, who can say. The charts speak for themselves. Save Our Homes was written into law in order for people not to be taxed out of their homes.
Click to enlarge
Rates of Inflation:
1970's: 102.91%
1980's: 62.08%
1990's: 32.10%
2000's: 27.93%
4 years in 2010's: 6.79%.
Housing prices were affected during the Economic crash and once again are starting to rise. There are some economists out there who believe, however, that we will experience another housing bubble.
Depending upon how they write that bond, this is just one more thing to consider. Your property may be under valued now, but in another few years or so, who can say. The charts speak for themselves. Save Our Homes was written into law in order for people not to be taxed out of their homes.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Life is Not Free -
Comment Up
AOL.com Article - Massachusetts mayor: Stop sending my city refugees
This guest blogger says that the world is F*&^%$ up and we are headed towards dooms day and there is nothing that can be done to correct the eventual order of things--a New World Order. For more information and explanation on New World Order, Click here. I for one, enjoy conspiracy stories/theories and you just never know if this is a "story" or not because of the way things are progressing in the world today.
"Our government, under
both political parties, has/is sending a lot of middle eastern, north African and
Asian, not to mention all the Latin Americans, into the larger
cities as well as here in the northeast. Now the Latin Americas are sending their
children to the US and a lot of them are winding up here in the northeast!!!
They know the American system and they will take advantage of it
until it is stopped, and I don't think it will be stopped. It's a mess boiling to a point of no return.
Then on top of all of this, besides government employment, there are very little jobs and all the baby boomers are retiring and counting the days to their government pensions which most will never get or a very reduced amount. The days of people retiring and moving to Florida, that used to move the Florida economy, are over. The people who do move to Florida are broke and are going to be looking for a government hand out there.
The problems of the world are not politically based; they are economic, based on a monetary system whose foundation is that of credit and debt and it's reaching its end cycle. We can not possibly extend more credit to anybody and our country is all tapped out. The middle east is on fire, Europe is on fire, all the Americas are on fire and the US is the frog in the pot that does not know it yet. Asia is starting to fire up and China is a mess.
This is all by design by the world bankers and their agents -- governments who own everything. There will be civil war just like the Middle East and the Ukraine--everywhere including here in the land of milk and honey, the U.S.A. They will let the masses "genocide" themselves with civil war, just like in the past and clear the money game and then tell the survivors that a one world government will be implemented going forward.
Nothing has changed...same as it always was. Lie about everything, divide and concur. We have all contributed to this mess in one way or another because the system is not broke but stacked against you--it's fixed whether we know it or not and now there will be a price to pay.
Life is not free."
Anonymous Guest Blogger from New York
AOL.com Article - Massachusetts mayor: Stop sending my city refugees
This guest blogger says that the world is F*&^%$ up and we are headed towards dooms day and there is nothing that can be done to correct the eventual order of things--a New World Order. For more information and explanation on New World Order, Click here. I for one, enjoy conspiracy stories/theories and you just never know if this is a "story" or not because of the way things are progressing in the world today.
"Our government, under
both political parties, has/is sending a lot of middle eastern, north African and
Asian, not to mention all the Latin Americans, into the larger
cities as well as here in the northeast. Now the Latin Americas are sending their
children to the US and a lot of them are winding up here in the northeast!!!
They know the American system and they will take advantage of it
until it is stopped, and I don't think it will be stopped. It's a mess boiling to a point of no return. Then on top of all of this, besides government employment, there are very little jobs and all the baby boomers are retiring and counting the days to their government pensions which most will never get or a very reduced amount. The days of people retiring and moving to Florida, that used to move the Florida economy, are over. The people who do move to Florida are broke and are going to be looking for a government hand out there.
The problems of the world are not politically based; they are economic, based on a monetary system whose foundation is that of credit and debt and it's reaching its end cycle. We can not possibly extend more credit to anybody and our country is all tapped out. The middle east is on fire, Europe is on fire, all the Americas are on fire and the US is the frog in the pot that does not know it yet. Asia is starting to fire up and China is a mess.
This is all by design by the world bankers and their agents -- governments who own everything. There will be civil war just like the Middle East and the Ukraine--everywhere including here in the land of milk and honey, the U.S.A. They will let the masses "genocide" themselves with civil war, just like in the past and clear the money game and then tell the survivors that a one world government will be implemented going forward.
Nothing has changed...same as it always was. Lie about everything, divide and concur. We have all contributed to this mess in one way or another because the system is not broke but stacked against you--it's fixed whether we know it or not and now there will be a price to pay.
Life is not free."
Anonymous Guest Blogger from New York
Utility taxes on the rise in Lake Worth - A City in Crisis?
Comment Up
You want to talk about a city that is going to sock it to ya? Do you want to talk about a city that will be totally unaffordable to live in especially if the voters vote in this bond? Do you want to talk about a city that simply can't afford itself? When does a municipality admit that it is sinking or has already sunk?
“For at least the last 20 years major U.S. cities have been playgrounds for left-wing experiments—high taxes on the rich; sanctuaries for illegal immigrants; super-minimum wage rules; strict gun-control laws; regulations and paperwork that makes it onerous o open a business or develop on your own property; crony capitalism with contracts going to political donors and friends; and failing schools ruled by teacher unions, with little competition or productivity.” Steve Moore, Chief Economist with The Heritage Foundation.
And even though we are not a major city, we have experienced many of the same situations. Property values have fallen to a ridiculous low and our city can't afford itself. So what do they do? They plan to tax you "every which way but loose." Even if the general obligation bond referendum fails, they will be taxing you to the max. Do you think taxes ever go away?
On The Agenda Tuesday and NO BACK-UP DOCUMENTS for most of it and you don't get to speak!
A. Discuss Fiscal Year 2015 proposed budget - estimated time 2 hours
1) Water, Local, and Regional Sewer Funds
2) Beach Fund
3) Golf Fund
4) Library Trust, Simpkin Trust
5) Code Remediation Fund
6) Building Funds
Are the water or sewer rates going up in FY 2014?
· YES, the water rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant.
· YES, the local sewer rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant due to the increasing pass through costs from the ECR wastewater facility.
· YES, the Regional sewer rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant due to the increasing pass through costs from the ECR wastewater facility.
Are the Water/Sewer Budgets going up in FY 2014?
· Water Fund: YES: FY14 $19,207,381 FY15 $22,011,324 ($ 2,803,943 increase-15%) Operating revenues are sufficient for operating expenses, debt service and contribution to general fund of $1 million. The FY 15 budget includes capital projects of $2,230,000, which are paid from reserves, and additional $ 6,151,000 transfer from reserves planned for the LW 2020 project in FY 2015. The increase in Administration expense is offset by a reduction in non-departmental expenses. The budget increase is due to the increased capital outlays in FY 2015, including the transfers to the LW2020 project. Utility rate studies recommend cash reserves of 33% of the operating budget ($5 million), which are maintained in the FY15 budget.
· Local Sewer Fund: YES: FY14 $8,526,912 FY15 $10,508,231 ($1,981,319 increase- 23%) Approx. 45% of this budget is for contracted wastewater transmission/treatment services, Operating revenues are sufficient for operating expenses, debt service and contribution to general fund of $0.2 million. The FY 15 budget includes capital projects of $568,000, which are mostly paid from reserves, and additional $2,094,000 transfer from reserves planned for the LW 2020 project in FY 2015. The increase in Administration expense is offset by a reduction in pumping expenses. The budget increase is due to the increased capital outlays in FY 2015, including the transfers to the LW2020 project.
· Regional Sewer Fund: YES: FY14 $6,430,639 FY15 $6,524,246 ($93,607 increase –1%) The Regional Sewer Fund was adjusted based on the settlement agreement reached with contracted sub-regional customers in FY 2013. A true-up calculation was completed based on audited FY 13 financial reports. The Regional Sewer Fund budget has been adjusted based on the planned 50% increase in the ECR wastewater fees for the capital improvements at the plant. The city treats out of town customers better than its own residents.
You want to talk about a city that is going to sock it to ya? Do you want to talk about a city that will be totally unaffordable to live in especially if the voters vote in this bond? Do you want to talk about a city that simply can't afford itself? When does a municipality admit that it is sinking or has already sunk?
“For at least the last 20 years major U.S. cities have been playgrounds for left-wing experiments—high taxes on the rich; sanctuaries for illegal immigrants; super-minimum wage rules; strict gun-control laws; regulations and paperwork that makes it onerous o open a business or develop on your own property; crony capitalism with contracts going to political donors and friends; and failing schools ruled by teacher unions, with little competition or productivity.” Steve Moore, Chief Economist with The Heritage Foundation.
And even though we are not a major city, we have experienced many of the same situations. Property values have fallen to a ridiculous low and our city can't afford itself. So what do they do? They plan to tax you "every which way but loose." Even if the general obligation bond referendum fails, they will be taxing you to the max. Do you think taxes ever go away?
On The Agenda Tuesday and NO BACK-UP DOCUMENTS for most of it and you don't get to speak!
A. Discuss Fiscal Year 2015 proposed budget - estimated time 2 hours
1) Water, Local, and Regional Sewer Funds
2) Beach Fund
3) Golf Fund
4) Library Trust, Simpkin Trust
5) Code Remediation Fund
6) Building Funds
Are the water or sewer rates going up in FY 2014?
· YES, the water rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant.
· YES, the local sewer rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant due to the increasing pass through costs from the ECR wastewater facility.
· YES, the Regional sewer rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant due to the increasing pass through costs from the ECR wastewater facility.
Are the Water/Sewer Budgets going up in FY 2014?
· Water Fund: YES: FY14 $19,207,381 FY15 $22,011,324 ($ 2,803,943 increase-15%) Operating revenues are sufficient for operating expenses, debt service and contribution to general fund of $1 million. The FY 15 budget includes capital projects of $2,230,000, which are paid from reserves, and additional $ 6,151,000 transfer from reserves planned for the LW 2020 project in FY 2015. The increase in Administration expense is offset by a reduction in non-departmental expenses. The budget increase is due to the increased capital outlays in FY 2015, including the transfers to the LW2020 project. Utility rate studies recommend cash reserves of 33% of the operating budget ($5 million), which are maintained in the FY15 budget.
· Local Sewer Fund: YES: FY14 $8,526,912 FY15 $10,508,231 ($1,981,319 increase- 23%) Approx. 45% of this budget is for contracted wastewater transmission/treatment services, Operating revenues are sufficient for operating expenses, debt service and contribution to general fund of $0.2 million. The FY 15 budget includes capital projects of $568,000, which are mostly paid from reserves, and additional $2,094,000 transfer from reserves planned for the LW 2020 project in FY 2015. The increase in Administration expense is offset by a reduction in pumping expenses. The budget increase is due to the increased capital outlays in FY 2015, including the transfers to the LW2020 project.
· Regional Sewer Fund: YES: FY14 $6,430,639 FY15 $6,524,246 ($93,607 increase –1%) The Regional Sewer Fund was adjusted based on the settlement agreement reached with contracted sub-regional customers in FY 2013. A true-up calculation was completed based on audited FY 13 financial reports. The Regional Sewer Fund budget has been adjusted based on the planned 50% increase in the ECR wastewater fees for the capital improvements at the plant. The city treats out of town customers better than its own residents.
Crime downtown Lake Worth
ASSAULT
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14088318
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700 BLOCK LUCERNE AVE
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Palm Beach County Sheriff
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6/22/2014 7:27:00 PM
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