The Largo City Commission will consider next steps in the process of trying to trim $2.8 million from next year's city budget. Next year's budget must be presented to the commission by July 1 for the budget, which starts Oct. 1.
Some of the budget cuts could come in the form of fee increases. In order to change the fees, the commission must update a couple of existing city ordinances.
City business taxes could increase three percent as of Oct. 1. This would be the first adjustment in the business tax rate since 1995. The rate change would generate an additional $19,000 for the city's general fund. For 2012, the city expects about $644,000 in business tax receipts.
Some recreation and cultural fees could increase such as non-resident memberships, aquatic team fees, after care rates, camp registration fees, picnic shelter rental rates, adult softball fees, and ticket handling fees.
The city commission will also consider budget savings by having an outside company manage more of its landscaping. Tonight the commission will look at options, which include expanding outside contracting of landscaping without losing city jobs.
Here's the complete agenda for the Largo City Commission meeting tonight at 6 p.m. in .
At the so-called "community" meeting regarding the building of the 'already decided on' outrageous OVER $27,000,000 MILLION dollar recreation center the 'residents' were told #1 "No,we will not raise taxes" #2 "No, we will not raise fees", #3 "The recreation center will take 12 months to build" AND #4 "The people love these amenities". Okay, so now as of Dec 2012: They've #1 Raised taxes, and #2 want to, if not already done, to Raise Fees and #3 The recreation center is NOW going to take a minimal 19 months to complete, and #4 Not one person I have spoken to in the area has said they wanted the recreation center (in an area with several already vacant newly built 'parks') but would have rather left the trees that were there. So just be aware that if you go to any "so-called community meetings" what they say will most likely NOT be what they do. Assume they are being "politically correct and just babbling to soothe you" until they can blast their way through whatever project they already have planned for YOUR money. They forgot THEY work for the PEOPLE and not the other way around! They are suppossed to be SERVING US not their own bank accounts.