OCTOBER 2021
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I know…..it isn’t January 1st yet, but in the world of Government Finance, “New Years Day” is the first day of a new fiscal year, which for local governments in Florida is October 1st. So, “Happy New Year” is appropriate to say to a local government employee tomorrow. The fiscal year 21/22 budget has been approved by Council, and goes into effect tomorrow as well. Our tax rate remains the same, at 4.05 mills, as it has for many, many years now. We are very proud of our GFOA Award winning Budget document, which will be distributed to Council and available on the City’s website. The website version may not be as pretty as the bound document, because we must follow ADA regulations in presenting the data, but if you see the actual document, I think you will agree that the skills of our Administrative Services staff are pretty special. I keep thinking that the quality of the book can’t get any better, yet it seems to every single year. If you really want to know more about your city, I strongly suggest you look at a copy of this publication. You won’t be disappointed.
If you’ve been interested in keeping up with City events, you may have noticed that ABC-News recently presented a week-long series of video stories about our great city. If you missed any of them, not to worry, there is a link below that will take you to the recorded version of the stories. The pictures are wonderful, and remind me of what a beautiful place this is to live…..the stories are good, too, and the Mayor does a great job of presenting the many reasons why this is such a special city. It’s worth a look.
Along those lines, I also encourage you to look below, specifically for the link to the Downtown Development graphic, where there is updated information regarding downtown efforts, including the dates of the public meetings related to the Comprehensive Plan amendment.
As you are most likely aware, the City changed solid waste haulers, effective October 1st. After many good years with Republic Waste Services, we have now contracted with Orion Waste Solutions, moving forward. Anytime you have a transition process involving this much equipment, there are going to be bumps, so please try to be patient. Having said that, if you have a complaint or observation, please report it immediately. Once all of the new equipment is in place, we should be running smoothly, and Orion is absolutely dedicated towards making sure that we are satisfied. See section below for more information.
Burbank Road is now open, which is GREAT news…….it is the north-south road, right next to McDonalds on Tampa Road. It has been a long time coming, but we firmly believe this will be a significant help for traffic in our industrial area, especially for those leaving at quitting time. Check it out if you get a chance. We are also starting the construction phase of our Douglas Road Improvements, first with a portion of new trail. All of the Douglas Road work will take time, but once complete, it will give a whole new life to our industrial section of town, which is vital to the City’s economic well-being.
Most of you should have received the latest copy of the City’s fantastic magazine, “Experience Oldsmar.” It has fantastic photography, great stories about the people and businesses in our community, and you can use it as an updated reference for our programs and events, as well. Our Communications & Marketing staff do an incredible job every time, and it shows in the quality of the publication. Of course I am biased, but it’s worth every bit of the read.
Finally, don’t forget the Movie in the Park tomorrow night at RE Olds…..bring the kids! The movie showing is “Toy Story”….okay, bring the adults too (I saw it several times)….7 pm.
As always, there is a bunch of useful information for you to peruse below. The Rays are in the Playoffs, the Bucs are defending Super Bowl Champions, so are the Lightning, and it’s Football and Hockey season again!!!!! The weather is incredible….Who has it any better than we do? NO ONE!!!!!!!!
Have a great weekend!!!
Al b
