Page 12 - Boca Club News - October '22

Page 12, Boca Club News

Government

Mayor’s Update: Boca Raton – A City with Continued

Low Taxes and Safe Neighborhoods; A Vision Ahead

Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor Above all, Boca Raton remains a safe and livable city, In light of rising inflation and the money supply from
of Boca Raton. A South Florida thanks to the best-in-class public safety professionals. In the federal government, we are working on plans to
native, attorney, mediator and small the last few months, I’ve traveled to four of our largest take a regional approach to the cost of housing. We are
business owner, Scott and his wife, American cities (not on the taxpayers’ dime). In each looking at working together with nearby cities to ensure
Bella, live in Broken Sound with their one, people warned me about areas downtown where it more attainable housing within the region. Other cities
two young children. wasn’t safe after dark–areas that should be part of prime can provide options for housing that will still serve our
While the message in much of tourist activity. I was disheartened to see tent villages employers, and my discussions with other mayors reflect
the country is of higher taxes, deficit in parks that I used to see as thriving public spaces. The what we know: home prices are a regional issue that requires
spending and spiraling crime rates, degradation of the quality of life in these American cities a regional strategy. We look forward to discussions through
we are fortunate to have the opposite of all these in the City is beyond saddening. Boca Raton is a stark contrast, as a working group throughout the area.
of Boca Raton. In September, we approved our city budget for crime rates have been down over the past four years from To close out on costs, our city is mindful of the pinch
the coming fiscal year from October 2022 to September 2023. what were already 40-year lows before that span. We have we are feeling in pocketbooks. Our water and sewer rates
I’m pleased to share that, yet again, Boca Raton has one of the the safety we need, the peace of mind we want, and the are far lower than nearby cities, compounding the value that
lowest property tax rates of any full-service city in Florida. caring first responders we expect. our residents receive compared to other areas. In fact, some
Our rate is less than half that of West Palm’s or Miami’s and In recent issues, I’ve discussed some of the goals that of the nearby cities mentioned above have rates four or five
lower than nearby cities: Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, came out of our strategic planning sessions on maintaining times higher than ours! We keep a close eye on keeping
Boynton Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood and the other a healthy economy and infrastructure. We all charted costs low and money in your pockets–where it belongs.
comparable ones. Of course, most people would not trade our visions of enhancing our vibrant and sustainable city. In We are fortunate that, with our efficiently run and
quality of services, parks and amenities for the ones in those our recent budget, we funded several initiatives in this successful city, we can focus on providing services
cities. In fact, for the tenth year in a row our city’s property area. We are working to enhance safety for pedestrians effectively and plan to avoid the challenges that too many
tax rate has only decreased or stayed the same. and bicyclists and to decrease the number and severity other cities are facing. I’m running in the upcoming
I’m proud to have voted for consistent reductions in the of crashes. March 2023 mayoral election to help see more of these
rate and never for an increase. Unlike the federal government, Later this fall, FDOT is due to open a new diamond goals to completion and keep working to raise and exceed
our budgets must be balanced, and we maintain healthy diverging interchange at Glades Road and I-95. The new expectations for what our great city can be. I would love to
financial reserves to guard against disasters and downturns design is focused on reducing left turns, making traffic hear your thoughts on what we can do together to reach our
in financial markets. Our strong reserves also ensure we have move faster and more safely. We also allocated some goals. Please share your comments, by email at ssinger@
funds to take advantage of opportunities, like the rare moment funding to expand the art in public places program and myboca.us, or on the web at singerforboca.com, and stay
we seized to bring a Brightline high-speed rail station to Boca proceed with our sustainability action plan by further connected for more news @ScottSingerUSA on all social
Raton later this fall. recycling in public areas. media platforms.
Council Corner: Happy Fall, Y’all...

The Best is Yet to Come!

By Yvette Drucker, who was re- my appointment to serve on the Florida League of share with communities locally and around Florida the
elected to the Council in her own Cities 2022-2023 Transportation and Intergovernmental successes we have had here in Boca Raton. I am looking
name. Ms. Drucker had been Relations Policy Committee. As a member, I will help forward to working with my colleagues to advancing
serving on the Council after being develop the League’s Legislative Action Agenda, which solutions for housing affordability, transportation mobility
appointed to fill the vacancy left details priority issues that are most likely to affect daily issues and infrastructure needs.
by Jeremy Rodgers when he was municipal governance and local decision-making during Check out all the fun activities happening in October.
called to military service. the upcoming legislative session, as well as help League For all Fall fun and Halloween events visit www.
Seasons change, and we are staff understand the real-world implications of proposed myboca.us As always, I want to hear from you and if
changing for the better as big things legislation. Committee members are also asked to serve you have any questions or concerns, please email me at
are coming to Boca Raton! As we approach the fall season, as advocates for local decision-making throughout the ydrucker@myboca.us and you can always follow me on
we continue to be busy and, yes, #thebestisyettocome! legislative process. I am excited to take on the big issues @yvettedrucker on all social media platforms. Happy Fall,
Last month, the city approved the City’s FY 2022-23 that municipalities face daily throughout the state, and be safe, have fun and, most importantly, enjoy our city!
balanced budget. The balanced budget is a requirement of
Florida state statute and is defined as revenues and other
sources equaling expenditures/expenses and other uses,
including our reserves. The budget supports the goals
defined by the city council during our strategic planning
workshop that was held this past May. The budget and
strategic goals will commence on October 1st.
What’s new for 2022-23? The budget includes new
positions that are necessary so that we can continue to
provide and sustain outstanding quality services in our Stylish Modern Atmosphere Make Reservations happy hour
city. We will continue to make improvements at the Boca Mon. - Thurs.
Raton Golf & Racquet Club (BRGRC). Ongoing projects at Bar Only all Day
include the replacement of the clubhouse, cart barn roofs,
new restaurant/bar and extensive golf maintenance. We Mon. - Fri. 3 - 6 pm
will continue to invest in our infrastructure with our inside Only
approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Continuing to add to all amazing things in Boca, Lunch SpeciaLS
we anxiously await the Wildflower Park opening and
Brightline Station. every Day
$
The Wildflower Park (Fall 2022) is almost ready to starting at 11
open its doors as it approaches completion, and we are so
excited! Construction continues at Wildflower Park as we
continue to add the art sculpture, play art, seating and the
water feature. The art pieces were designed and created
by May + Watkins Design and make for some beautiful
additions to our waterfront parks!
Brightline Boca Raton station continues to make
progress and is still on track for completion late this Fall;
we can’t wait to be All Aboard!
Lastly, The Florida League of Cities, the united
voice for Florida’s municipal governments, announced -

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