Interesting observation – why was an outside contractor used, not village employees? Is this yet another example of misspending in Palmetto Bay necessitating the tax increases being approved by this council?

Interesting observation made yesterday (Thursday, 9-16-21) as fellow residents watched a contractor crew take down the 2 trees Palmetto Bay smothered in Coral Reef Park: the observation/question is: 'why was an outside contractor used, not village employees?' Is this yet another example of squandering our assets and prior expenditures in Palmetto Bay, necessitating the tax increases currently being approved by this council?'

Looking back to 2016: The Village council approved the purchase of a bucket truck in 2016 (see: village resolution 2016-20). The purchase was not to exceed $143,560, $20,000 of which was covered by a US Urban Forestry Grant obtained under my administration.

So what happened to the bucket truck that was funded by the Palmetto Bay taxpayers (and the US Urban Forestry Grant)? Why own it if you are not going to use it?

CLICK HERE to view a 2016 presentation of the (then) Palmetto Bay Council urban forestry and tree addition initiatives 

(note that the policies and activities cited in this presentation reflect a prior, much different council, from those who presently sit on the council – as they say, ‘new council, new direction, new priorities’).

So take a look and ask yourself “What changed?” – SPOILER ALERT – the concern for the environment hasn’t changed within Palmetto Bay. The change has only occurred with the recent elections and the lack of prioritization, if not absolute disdain for our environment expressed through the actions of the current mayor, vice mayor and council.

FAIR QUESTIONS:

• Why vote to purchase an asset and not use it?
• Has this current Mayor and Council allowed this expensive asset to become unusable due to neglect or was it surplused and sold off? (Note: I cannot find any evidence that it was sold off).
• Is the current Mayor and Council not properly funding the training necessary for assets such as the expensive bucket truck to be used instead of hiring outside contractors?
• How many light bulbs can the current mayor and council change necessitating a $143,560 bucket truck?
• Is this yet another example of ‘leakage’ leading to the tax increases in consecutive years?