Page 10 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - September '21

Page 10, Jupiter Ocean Mile
Commissioner’s Update

County Budget Crunch Time Revenue sources for the general fund include property Supervisor of Elections’ budgets, the Board approved the
taxes (63.3 percent), fund balance – the excess of fund allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars
By County Commissioner assets over liabilities (17.5 percent), intergovernmental for eligible expenses, which include capital improvement
Maria Marino revenues – in the form of grants, entitlements, shared projects for PBSO and county facilities. Those funds
In a previous article, revenues, or payments in lieu of taxes (13.2 percent), must be under contract by fiscal year 2024 and spent by
I described the many licenses, permits and fees (3 percent), charges for services fiscal year 2026. While this is not a recurring, long-term
responsibilities of a county (2.6 percent), and interfund transfers (.4 percent). solution to shortfalls, budget analysts anticipate a gradual
commissioner. Probably one The pandemic dealt epic public health and economic return of revenues to pre-pandemic levels over the next
of the most important of hardships to individuals, families and businesses, and five years.
those duties is the adoption at the same time, county revenues came up short, to the For an in-depth look at the county’s tax dollars and
of a balanced budget for each tune of $74 million since fiscal year 2019. Gas taxes, the financial health, and important economic trends, the clerk
fiscal year, which begins infrastructure sales tax, and parks and recreation fees were of the circuit court and comptroller publishes annually
every Oct. 1. The budget, down a combined $17.7 million this past fiscal year. All the a citizen’s guide known as Checks & Balances. You can
which funds many vital while, costs for providing public services and constructing find it online at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/pafr, or,
services to the public, is really a plan to accomplish goals capital improvement projects continue to go up. you may contact them by phone at (561) 355-2468 or by
and objectives identified as necessary to the purpose of your The Board had to find a way to fill a $46.4 million email at ccpbc@mypalmbeachclerk.com.
county government. Included in the budget are estimates shortfall for the coming fiscal year. In order to avoid As always, please contact me if I can be of assistance
of the appropriations of the resources required, the tax and substantial cuts to reserves, department budgets to you by calling (561) 355-2201 or send an email to
nontax revenues available to support implementation of and staffing, the Sheriff’s Department (PBSO), and mmarino@pbcgov.org.
projects and programs, and the number of staff positions
estimated to fulfill the optimum level of service.
Strategic priorities identified by the Board of County Award Winning Service and Operations
Commissioners for ad valorem funding (the money
development, housing and homelessness, environmental Team at La Posada Creates an Elevated
collected from your property taxes) include economic
protection, infrastructure, substance abuse and behavioral Experience for Residents
disorders, and public safety.
For the 11th straight year, the Board has set the
countywide millage rate – the tax rate per $1,000 of your La Posada, a Kisco senior living
real property’s value – at 4.7815 mils. This will generate community in the heart of Palm Beach
approximately $1.054 billion, a 4.8 percent increase, Gardens, specializes in providing its
given the increase in property values. residents with a full-service, resort-style
lifestyle. Thanks to a unique approach and
Medicare Corner philosophy centered on the satisfaction

and peace of mind of residents, La
With Kathy O Posada maintains a focus on five-star
service in all areas. Residents have access
to a variety of luxury amenities and
conveniences, from chef-prepared meals
As an insurance to concierge services, state-of-the-art
agent who specializes wellness programs and so much more. It’s
in Medicare plans, I am this commitment to five-star service that
often asked, “Why do recently earned La Posada team members
I need a local agent?” the President’s Tanzanite and Effective La Posada - gated community in Palm Beach Gardens
Medicare can be complex Team awards from parent company Kisco
and confusing with all the Senior Living. recipiency of the Effective Team award for their efforts
different options and all The annual awards recognize the individuals and teams and perseverance over the last year helping residents
the mailers, commercials who work diligently each day to make a difference in the maintain a sense of ease and peace of mind, while
that promise the moon, lives of the residents and fellow associates around them. This providing quality service and managing results.
suggestions, “facts” or impressive achievement is a testament to the high-quality A key element to La Posada’s success is the
stories you might hear service that residents, their families, and La Posada staff community’s commitment to safety and security. These
from friends, relatives or enjoy every day. The President’s Tanzanite award is given to primary initiatives have long been an integral aspect
neighbors. In fact, my mom an associate who goes above and beyond Kisco’s company of La Posada’s philosophy, and the communities team
fell into this web of confusion, and I watched her struggle standards, exemplifies dedication to quality work and members are trained to ensure that all the worry is taken
with navigating plans as she moved between North provides outstanding service to residents. Sebasjon Larsen out of living an independent lifestyle. At all levels,
Carolina and Florida and during annual enrollment each received this year’s award for his unwavering commitment trust and transparency are key components that provide
year. She had complex medical issues and a fixed income to each resident and his professionalism at all levels. residents and their loved ones with confidence. La
so additional benefits were very important to her. When Posada continues to proactively prepare, plan, and protect
I would ask her questions about her coverage, she had against outside threats to ongoing service delivery. The
no idea and no one to turn to for help. It broke my heart community follows best-in-class protocols and continues
to see her struggle and frustrated me that I didn’t have to set the standard for keeping its residents and associates
the knowledge to help her. I had a life and health license comfortably safe and sound.
since 2008 but was only trained in life insurance. I also Featuring 193
did customer service for property and casualty but could luxurious independent
not offer my own mom the type of support I could give living apartments and
my clients at work. A close friend working with United 11 independent living
Healthcare Medicare plans encouraged me to take the cottages, in addition
training necessary to be appointed and I joined him in to assisted living
2013 working with Medicare consumers. My mom was La Posada Operations Team apartments, memory
my first client. care suites and private
Many people are great at Internet research and can “At La Posada, our primary aim is to provide exceptional rooms for short-term
analyze and choose a plan that works for them. But did service for those who call our community home,” said rehabilitation and
you know; if you choose a plan and enroll, you cannot add Brad Cadiere, executive director of La Posada. “This skilled nursing, the
a local agent later. Your only resource is the 800 number recognition of our associates from our parent company is community provides
on the back of your card. one that we don’t take for granted. Our aim is to ensure opportunities to
Most extra benefits of a local agent happen after you that our residents know we are diligently focused on strengthen the mind,
enroll. I am a resource for my members. I can reorder lost providing them with service that enables them to live and body and spirit at all Sebasjon Larsen receives
cards, answer benefit questions, give a list of specialists, enjoy an independent lifestyle every single day. While we levels of community President’s Tanzanite Award
review notices, claim statements and so much more. The do not work for recognition, it’s an honor to see our team life.
best part is there is no cost to you the Medicare recipient! acknowledged for all they have done over the course of “We’re incredibly proud of the vast array of service
I’m an educator of Medicare Basics: I guide you the last year.” and program offerings that we provide to make every day
through enrollment. We meet one on one to review and The Operations Team, led by Paulina Jacobs and at La Posada distinctive,” said Cadiere. “We’ve worked
analyze your specific health situation and needs. We including Yolanda Saniago, Marisol Tassy, Rick diligently to create a myriad of choices and opportunities
review the features and benefits and limitations of plans. Minichino, and Bob Kinney, at La Posada’s dedication for our residents to enjoy. Our community offers the
I also look up costs of medications, check out doctors and was further recognized by the Operations Team’s ability to thrive all while living on one’s own terms.”
networks and compare multiple plans with you.
I speak Medicare: Supplement, Drug Plan and
Advantage Plan. For a free Medicare plan review please Now is the right time to consider the invigorating environment La Posada offers.
call me. Kathy Olejniczak, agent, (561) 212-7640. Schedule your personal tour or RSVP to attend the upcoming Resident Panel Lunch and Learn on
September 29 -- call (561) 277-0680 or email LaPosadaRSVP@kiscosl.com.