WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2009

City Sets Preliminary Millage Rate

At the July 8th Budget Workshop, City staff presented the Commission with the proposed budget for next fiscal year which begins on October 1, 2009. A lengthy presentation full of financial information presented a bleak picture of city revenues and the need for budget cuts. The property tax millage rate was set at 6.243. This does not mean the Commission will adopt that millage rate in September at the Budget Hearings, but it does establish the maximum rate which can only be reduced.

As is evident throughout the country, cities are taking drastic measures that haven’t been seen in a generation. In preparation for the year to come, City leaders are evaluating government operations and services, and making specific cuts that would minimize the impact on services provided to the community. After careful scrutiny from all departments, the city was able to reduce its operating budget by approximately $9 million. A significant portion of the proposed budgetary cuts were made in the area of salaries. The unfortunate but necessary cuts would include the elimination of 48 full-time and 16 part-time positions, a 6% reduction. For the remaining employees, a 5% decrease in salaries has been proposed. Several fee increases and a few new revenue sources are being considered as part of this multi-pronged approach to steer the city through these challenging times.

The proposed budget includes a fire assessment fee as a new revenue source. A fire assessment fee would be used to pay for a portion of the costs and improvements for fire services to properties in Coral Gables. At a proposed annual charge of $50, the fire assessment would provide a financially stable means of funding these services and facilities. The fee would be equitable because it would not depend on the assessed value of your property or date in which you purchased your home. The program aims, in part, at diversifying the City’s revenue sources and reducing its dependency on property taxes. The funds received from this assessment would be dedicated to fire protection.

Out of the total amount of property taxes paid to the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office, 38% is directed to the Miami-Dade County Public School system, 32% is directed to Miami-Dade County, 27% goes to the City of Coral Gables and the balance is sent to the state. With fewer tax dollars going to the city than other local government entities, Coral Gables remains on the front lines of providing vital services and beautification efforts to its residents. It is worth noting that 55 cents out of every dollar spent from the city’s general operating fund goes toward public safety (Police and Fire Departments).

This discussion is about more than just dollars. After you’ve lived in a community for a while, you (hopefully) develop an attachment to it and even a sense of civic pride about it. You are comforted by the familiarity of it, and you want it to thrive because in many ways, your fortunes are attached to the fortunes of your community. As a resident you may wish to give thoughtful consideration to what’s important to you which, at its heart, should be about: What makes up a community? Is it just its people, or is it also its places, its institutions and its quality of life standards? And does it remain the same community if you begin to gut its institutions and change its standards? No matter where you live in Coral Gables, your city government is taking this time to consider the dismal economy and what your community can afford to maintain and what it can do without. As we have already stated, the discussion should not just be about dollars; it should also be about what constitutes a community and what makes it a place where you and others want to live.

Coral Gables Named A “Playful City USA” Community

In a time when 82 percent of parents believe children don’t spend enough time playing outside, 93 communities across the nation, including Coral Gables, have taken innovative approaches to make play a priority for the health and well-being of their children. To honor this commitment, KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to bringing play back into children’s lives, has named Coral Gables a Playful City USA community. Our city was chosen for implementing programs to positively impact childhood wellness, public safety and the quality of life. A primary goal of Playful City USA is to encourage cities and towns to share creative ideas, concepts, and programs in an effort to increase play opportunities for children. KaBOOM! selected Coral Gables for its dedication to play and its ongoing renovation of several play areas.  

July Is Parks & Recreation Month

It’s time to get outside, pack a picnic, play on a playground, compete in a sport and enjoy the sunshine. The City of Coral Gables is celebrating Parks and Recreation month this July by promoting its recreation facilities and parks. There’s plenty to do this summer, such as going to the Venetian Pool, participating in one of the Youth Center’s summer camp programs, or playing tennis at the William H. Kerdyk Biltmore or Salvadore tennis centers. Kids of all ages, as well as seniors, have a variety of opportunities for leisure activities in the City of Coral Gables. Spending the day at a Coral Gables park is not only a great way to save money, it’s great for your health too. Frequently going to a park and being active can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, help ward off obesity and decrease feelings of depression. 

Winner Of Hopkins/Cooper Scholarship Is Announced

Congratulations to Leigh A. Cooper Peabody, winner of this year’s Donald R. Hopkins/William A. Cooper Scholarship award. Leigh, a Coral Gables Senior High School graduate, will receive funding assistance for her college studies. The scholarship helps young black residents in Coral Gables to attend college and is based on financial need, academic performance, career goals and residency.  Established in 1990, the scholarship is named in honor of Dr. Donald R. Hopkins, born in Coral Gables and current Associate Executive Director of the Atlanta-based Carter Center, an organization that helps eradicate and control infectious diseases. The scholarship is also named after the late long-time Coral Gables resident, William Cooper. He was a founder and former president of the Lola B. Walker Homeowners Association of Coral Gables, which represents the historically black neighborhoods in Coral Gables. Cooper was very active in his church and was an advocate for community safety and improvements. 

Be On The Lookout For New Tree Pests & Diseases

The Florida Division of Forestry wants Coral Gables residents to be on the lookout for two new tree pests/diseases that will most likely affect South Florida in the future: Laurel Wilt and the Texas Phoenix Palm Decline (TPPD). The Laurel Wilt may have a major impact on our South Florida avocado industry while the TPPD disease may have a detrimental effect on many landscape palms, including the Sabal palm. The Laurel Wilt is a disease caused by a fungus that enters the host tree through the feeding of a non-native ambrosia beetle, a small cylindrical insect. The fungus attacks the sapwood of the tree, causing the foliage to wilt and die. Common trees affected in Florida are redbay, swampbay, sassafras, pondberry, pondspice and avocado. Wilting is also caused by TPPD in various species of palms by preventing the flow of nutrients and water within the tree. While the exact species of insect transmitting this infection is unknown, it is thought to be transmitted by leafhoppers or planthoppers. Many of the symptoms of TPPD are similar to those of Lethal Yellowing. For more information about the Texas Phoenix Palm Decline, click here. For more information about the Laurel Wilt, click here. 

Children Eliminating Boundaries Is New JOB Theme

The new Junior Orange Bowl Committee Board of Directors, led by president Marti Bueso, presented a plaque of appreciation to the Coral Gables City Commission in honor of their yearly support for this international youth festival. Under the new theme of “Children Eliminating Boundaries,” the 2009-2010 festival will again include more than 14 events from October through January, including the world-famous Junior Orange Bowl Parade. Some of the sporting events attract more than 4,000 people from 90 different countries. The Junior Orange Bowl Festival is possible with the support of the City of Coral Gables, Miami Children’s Hospital, the Orange Bowl Committee, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners. For more information on participating or volunteering with the JOBC, click here. 

Enjoy Singing And Do Better In School

A recent national study reported that children who join a chorus enjoy singing and do better in school. Additionally, the study showed that the majority of chorus parents reported improvements in their child’s problems such as solving ability, creativity, focus, self-discipline and punctuality. So why not sign up your children today to audition with Miami Children’s Chorus and see where it leads? Until August, Miami Children’s Chorus will be holding auditions for new members. Youth aged 8-16 may audition, though boys must have unchanged voices. No preparation is required to audition, nor is it necessary to have a background in music and singing. Upon acceptance, new choristers will be placed into one of three courses, depending upon ability. Auditions and rehearsals are held at Riviera Presbyterian Church, 5275 Sunset Drive. Audition cards may be downloaded, by clicking here. For more information, call 305-662-7494. 

Score A Touchdown At Flag Football League

Are you ready to play football? The Coral Cables Youth Center Flag Football Program season begins August 19 through November 7, and now it’s the time to register. The community supported league designed for boys and girls ages 8-14 adopts a philosophy of a fun, non-pressured “athletic first, winning second” environment. Practice for 8-11 years old takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-6 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Practice for 12-14 years old is also held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. Equipment is provided by the Parks and Recreation Department. Shoes and other necessities are the responsibility of the participant. For information on how to register, please contact the War Memorial Youth Center at 305-460-5600.