Page 7 - Boca Exposure - October '22

Boca Exposure, Page 7
Mayor’s Update: Boca Raton – A City With Continued

Low Taxes And Safe Neighborhoods; A Vision Ahead

Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor like the rare moment we seized to bring a Brightline high- In light of rising inflation and the money supply
of Boca Raton. A South speed rail station to Boca Raton later this fall. from the federal government, we are working on plans
Florida native, attorney, Above all, Boca Raton remains a safe and livable city, to take a regional approach to the cost of housing. We
mediator and small business thanks to the best-in-class public safety professionals. In are looking at working together with nearby cities to
owner, Scott and his wife, the last few months, I’ve traveled to four of our largest ensure more attainable housing within the region. Other
Bella, live in Broken Sound American cities (not on the taxpayers’ dime). In each cities can provide options for housing that will still serve
with their two young children. one, people warned me about areas downtown where it our employers, and my discussions with other mayors
While the message in wasn’t safe after dark–areas that should be part of prime reflect what we know: home prices are a regional issue
much of the country is tourist activity. I was disheartened to see tent villages that requires a regional strategy. We look forward to
of higher taxes, deficit in parks that I used to see as thriving public spaces. The discussions through a working group throughout the area.
spending and spiraling degradation of the quality of life in these American cities To close out on costs, our city is mindful of the pinch
crime rates, we are fortunate is beyond saddening. Boca Raton is a stark contrast, as we are feeling in pocketbooks. Our water and sewer rates
to have the opposite of all these in the City of Boca crime rates have been down over the past four years from are far lower than nearby cities, compounding the value
Raton. In September, we approved our city budget for what were already 40-year lows before that span. We have that our residents receive compared to other areas. In fact,
the coming fiscal year from October 2022 to September the safety we need, the peace of mind we want, and the some of the nearby cities mentioned above have rates
2023. I’m pleased to share that, yet again, Boca Raton has caring first responders we expect. four or five times higher than ours! We keep a close eye
one of the lowest property tax rates of any full-service In recent issues, I’ve discussed some of the goals that on keeping costs low and money in your pockets–where
city in Florida. Our rate is less than half that of West came out of our strategic planning sessions on maintaining it belongs.
Palm’s or Miami’s and lower than nearby cities: Delray a healthy economy and infrastructure. We all charted We are fortunate that, with our efficiently run and
Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boynton Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, visions of enhancing our vibrant and sustainable city. In successful city, we can focus on providing services
Hollywood and the other comparable ones. Of course, our recent budget, we funded several initiatives in this effectively and plan to avoid the challenges that too
most people would not trade our quality of services, parks area. We are working to enhance safety for pedestrians many other cities are facing. I’m running in the upcoming
and amenities for the ones in those cities. In fact, for the and bicyclists and to decrease the number and severity March 2023 mayoral election to help see more of these
10th year in a row our city’s property tax rate has only of crashes. goals to completion and keep working to raise and exceed
decreased or stayed the same. Later this fall, FDOT is due to open a new diamond expectations for what our great city can be. I would love
I’m proud to have voted for consistent reductions diverging interchange at Glades Road and I-95. The new to hear your thoughts on what we can do together to
in the rate and never for an increase. Unlike the federal design is focused on reducing left turns, making traffic reach our goals. Please share your comments, by email at
government, our budgets must be balanced, and we maintain move faster and more safely. We also allocated some ssinger@myboca.us, or on the web at singerforboca.com,
healthy financial reserves to guard against disasters and funding to expand the art in public places program and and stay connected for more news @ScottSingerUSA on
downturns in financial markets. Our strong reserves also proceed with our sustainability action plan by further all social media platforms.
ensure we have funds to take advantage of opportunities, recycling in public areas.
Tax Talk

Dear Friends: Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton. Take a break processing time. But remember, please do not include staples
With six service centers from the city bustle and enjoy a walk on the boardwalk, or tape with your payment and do not write on the envelope or
and an administration office visit the outdoor aquariums that represent the different your payment stub and always include your payment stub with
processing more than two Florida marine habitats, relax in the butterfly garden, or your payment. This will help us process your payment quicker.
million online, mail and check out the sea turtle rehabilitation facility. The cooler While The Eagle is still in flight training, I am looking
in-person transactions temps also signal the return of many of our municipalities’ forward to it earning its wings and taking off into production
each year, we are always green markets where you can stock up on locally grown for this upcoming property tax season.
looking for individuals to produce, plants, and baked goods. This market is in its
join my agency. There are 28th season and has been ranked in the top spot over Make Your Vote Count
several positions currently places such as Boston, Seattle and Hawaii. Looking for
available and the entry-level something with a little more action? Go out and play Election season is right around the corner and it’s
client service positions some pickleball, a fun sport that combines elements of important to be aware of current voter information.
are a good way to build tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Many of our Palm Did you know that due to redistricting, which occurs
upon one’s service oriented Beach County parks have multiple pickleball courts and every ten years, voting precincts and many polling locations
experience. My agency provide high energy fun for the whole family! in Palm Beach County have been
offers competitive salaries, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center reassigned? Anyone affected by
medical, dental and vision 1801 North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL 33432 these changes has been mailed
benefits and participation www.myboca.us/2096/Gumbo-Limbo-Nature-Center a new Voter I.D. card listing the
in the Florida Retirement Phone: (561) 544-8605 updates. Voters can also find any
System pension plan. If you West Palm Beach GreenMarket changes online at the Palm Beach
are looking for a work/life 101 S. Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401 County Supervisor of Elections
balance where no nights or www.wpb.org/government/community-events/ website, www.votepalmbeach.gov.
no weekends are required community-events/west-palm-beach-greenmarket Here are important deadlines
and there are paid holidays, Phone: (561) 832-5328 for the upcoming 2022 General Election in Palm Beach
consider joining our team. Pickleball Courts County:
I encourage you to apply by visiting www.pbctax. Multiple locations in Palm Beach County Deadline to register to vote: Tuesday, Oct. 11
com/culture-and-careers and reviewing the current open discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Amenities/Pickleball.aspx Early Voting: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Oct. 24 through Nov. 6
positions. I look forward to possibly welcoming you to USAPA Official Rules: www.usapa.org Deadline to request that a Vote-by-Mail ballot be mailed
our agency and joining the more than 320 employees who to you: 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29
strive to provide unparalleled service that inspires trust. Fly Like An Eagle! Deadline to return your Vote-by-Mail ballot: 7 p.m. on
Sincerely, Tuesday, Nov. 8
Anne M. Gannon, This year’s property tax season marks the inaugural flight of Election Day: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8
Constitutional Tax Collector, our latest addition to the tax collector’s office (TCO), The Eagle! Can’t make it to the polls on Election Day? You have
Serving Palm Beach County Yes, you read that right; however, it isn’t a predatory bird that options to vote your ballot. You can choose to cast your ballot
has joined the TCO, it’s the name of our new mail processing by mail or at a designated early voting site. To vote-by-mail
Outdoor Fun For Everyone machine. With a wingspan of 19 feet in length this state-of-the- you will need to request a ballot, which can be made online,
by email, fax, phone, or mail. A request for a vote-by-mail
art piece of machinery is capable of processing 16,000 pieces of
As autumn rolls in, us South Floridians will start mail per hour or four pieces of mail per second, triple the output ballot must be received (not postmarked) by 5 p.m. on the
enjoying a much-needed break from the heat. This is a of our previous machine! tenth (10th) day before Election Day (§101.62(2), F.S.). If
great time to enjoy and experience many of the outdoor Not only is The Eagle faster, but it is also smarter too. In the you miss the request deadline you can go in person to an
activities Palm Beach County has to offer. For those past, rejected mail had to be manually fed into a separate machine elections office and pick up a mail ballot.
of you who are nature lovers, you might enjoy visiting for processing, but this new Eagle machine has the ability to
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