City lists 17 options to raise income
BY VICI PAPAJOHN Gulf Breeze News vici@gulfbreezenews.com

City officials continue to research options for potential revenue in response to expected income loss.

Driven by citizen demand for property tax reform and insurance reduction, the legislature has imposed taxation limitations and proposed significant tax reforms. The Gulf Breeze City Council has responded by brain-storming 17 revenue-producing options.

"We brain-stormed and came up with a list of ideas," explains City Manager Edwin "Buz" Eddy. "And council rated the ones they liked and didn't like, and asked for more research on some."

The first item on the list was an increase in the Utility Service Tax which was implemented last year at 2 percent; council decided to leave it as is unless totally necessary. Council declined raising a stormwater fee.

Council agreed to raise Interfund transfers to 8 percent from 5 percent and the CRA could be billed for some police expenditures. 2008 proposed budget slides the funding for street lights into the CRA budget.

The City cut $100,000 from the resurfacing budget of $150,000 by slating only Daniel Drive for resurfacing in 2008.

Raising the fee for league play on city tennis courts is being considered, along with hosting sports tournaments.

Adding and servicing alarms for businesses and residences are also being reviewed.

"We have all heard about the RV park idea," Eddy said. "But due to community concern, that is on the bottom of the list."

Council also asked for more information on a proposed overnight mooring area off Shoreline Park.