Budget review - my first statement of concern and it is a big one: how the Village plans on spending $12.3 million.

Palmetto Bay is eligible to receive $12,282.434 based on its population from the American Rescue Plan, enacted into law in 2021 by the US Congress to provide relief for families and workers impacted by the COVID-19 economic crisis.  Eligible expenses under ARPA must be incurred by December 31, 2024. 

How about some relief to the Palmetto Bay taxpayers? Lower taxes means more more for economic recovery of our families.

How about using it for true one-time capital expenses such as purchasing the 22 acres at the Palmetto Bay Village Center (PBVC); part of the Luxcom property (to bring down the density or create a buffer park); or ????

And don't tell me what the current mayor has been saying, that these properties listed above are not for sale. That's not true. The property for Veterans Park was not for sale. The 10 areas on SW 168th Street Relating to protecting the land considered to be a wildlife sanctuary at SW 168th Street and 88th was not 'for sale'- see resolution t2007-049 But the Manager and I did negotiate and gain these properties for public use and enjoyment. The 22 acres at the PBVC remains on the EELs B list - meaning that the seller remains interested in selling - one way or another - cash or TDRs.  Using this money could result in the 22 acres along with the developmental density, meaning no additional units ever get build anywhere on the PBVC.

But it takes focus, commitment, and long term preservation. This is one time money. We have to spend it wisely. 

My first review concerns me; will the positions 're-hired' for need to raise taxes due when this stimulus money runs out? This is a finite source of money. I see a significant amount of regular maintenance in this spreadsheet. 

Village officials need to go through the 'how and why to spend' very carefully and obviously they can't even list it without an error - "PRJOECT ALLOATION" (sic, sic). Perhaps this is what happens when you throw budgets together just days prior to the first budget hearings.

Here is a link to the details spreadsheet posted on the Village website:
file:///C:/Users/eflinn/Downloads/2fa36f9cad64486d9f74.pdf

Or its available on my Google Drive:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10ZnUfA6rIVeoI8LAFriv6M8Y37YY6ReD/view?usp=sharing

It should be identical to what is posted below or it has been modified.