Page 1 - The Shores of Jupiter - September '20

Our Village Voice

VOL. 31 NO. 9 www.seabreezepublications.com SEPTEMBER 2020

Tax Talk Bill’s Box

Dear Friends, Anne Gannon: Taking Charge
It’s been a very busy By Bill Thompson
summer as we continue And Making Changes What’s On Your Mind?
to serve more clients by If you don’t know who
appointment in our offices. Anne recently sat down with to call, let me know if you
I am receiving mostly Penny Pompei, host of Talk of the have questions relating to
positive feedback from Palm Beaches on 95.9 FM, to discuss Board activity. Our property
clients who enjoy coming in the many innovative changes she is management firm, Realtime
for service without waiting implementing at the Constitutional is also a first place on most
in a crowded lobby. Many Tax Collector’s Office. issues. Their management
clients are able to complete “We faced some very difficult team assure that calls are handled promptly. If you
their transaction with us in challenges with this coronavirus,” need help knowing who to call, call me.
less than 15 minutes. said Anne. “But we used it as an Criticism is often thought of as negative. Not true.
September is also a busy month as we have two opportunity for improvement.” Criticism can also be positive. Think movie critics who
important tax deadlines this month. If you are enrolled During the 50-minute interview, Anne discussed a wide range praise a move they reviewed. By the way, I haven’t
in our budget-friendly installment payment plan, your of topics including: seen any letters to the editor lately. This editor will
second payment is due Sept. 30. It’s also time for business • Steps she is taking to ensure the agency is able to continue print what you submit. Readers appreciate constructive
owners to renew their local business tax receipt by Sept. to serve the public safely and efficiently and informative comment. If it is general comment,
30. Both payments can be conveniently paid online at • Operational improvements she is implementing to help save keep it civil. Today in some quarters, civility is in
www.pbctax.com. clients time and money short supply. It doesn’t have to be that way. Our little
Don’t forget ... Our offices will be closed Monday, • Improvements to the appointment process including new Village can lead the way, set an example.
Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. email reminders Economic And Social Conditions In The USA
Please enjoy a safe holiday weekend! Listen to the full podcast at: https://www.pbctax.com/ The “virus” has affected all of us to various degrees,
Anne M. Gannon, interviews-with-anne/. some severely. Though all of us are fully aware of
Constitutional Tax Collector, how they feel. Personal income has been reduced
Serving Palm Beach County Tax Talk on page 2 through job loss or reduced hours. How then does one
feed their families, pay bills, and put on a good front.
Solid Waste Authority Some of those people are forced to forego certain
home maintenance requirements. How does that make
Of Palm Beach County News them feel? Those who have jobs can work from home;
others cannot. Therein lies fear – fear of contracting
the “virus.” No one seems totally safe, even when
As Storm Threatens, Limit determination on any facility closures following all the strong and convincing precautions.
Fear, despair, loneliness, and depression takes a
Yard Work To What Is or cancelled garbage, recyclables toll. It kills the inner spirit. Without self-generated
and yard waste collections in the
inspiration, some of us are hurting emotionally.
Necessary unincorporated parts of the county. Probably feeling droll and useless. Some need help,
But, we need the help of every especially the older residents who are too proud to ask
As Palm Beach County can usually be in a cone of resident for the efficient removal for help. Often, they are living alone. Who are they?
uncertainty, that is not the time to do major yard work or of debris leading up to and after the We don’t know. Maybe we should seek them out and
begin construction projects. storm. tactfully see what you can do for them. Some will be
The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) For additional information on reluctant and embarrassed for you to see the collected
asks all county residents: debris collection in unincorporated parts of Palm Beach dust, dirty floors and general disarray inside the home.
• Not to cut down trees or do major yard work. County, contact SWA Customer Information services at (561)
• Not to begin construction projects that produce debris. 697-2700 or 866 (792) 4636 (toll-free), or visit SWA.org/ Bill’s Box on page 4
Once a Watch or Warning has been issued: Hurricane.
• Do not trim vegetation of any kind. Residents living within city boundaries should call their
• Do not take materials to the curb, transfer stations or local municipality for their bulk collection guidelines. Check
landfill. Services may be suspended and facilities closed the SWA website for municipal contact information. PLEASE
early to prepare for the storm. Homeowners email addresses are
The SWA cannot guarantee debris pickup when a storm is COVID-19 Impacts On SWA essential to receive timely notices or
approaching. There is not enough manpower, equipment or
hours in the day to collect and dispose of large amounts of Programs And Services important information.
debris when a storm is nearing landfall. Once wind speeds Simply send your email address to Realtime
increase, trucks cannot safely be on the road. The SWA and Garbage, recycling and bulk waste remain on schedule
the haulers must prepare their own facilities and equipment for Palm Beach County residents and all SWA are open and Property Management, Beth White,
to safely weather the approaching storm. operating at normal capacity. bwhite@realtimepm.com or mail to
The SWA is working with the PBC Emergency Operations If using an SWA facility for a crucial need, we ask that 140 Intercoastal Dr., Jupiter, FL 33477
Center to monitor the storm’s potential path to make a you please wear a mask.
If taking this time at
home to clean up or clean REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
out, use your curbside bulk IMMEDIATELY
collection for disposal. In
unincorporated Palm Beach TO THE JUPITER POLICE
County, bulk item pick up DEPARTMENT
is provided once a week (561) 799-4445
and limited to 3 items per
Use 911 for emergencies only.
Solid Waste Authority Lock car doors. Do not leave valuables in the car.
on page 3