No New Taxes in $109-Million City Budget

After sailing through a public hearing with just one call for better medians on Beach Boulevard, the City Council is set to adopt a $109-million operating budget next week.

The budget--$213 million when capital funds such as water and sewer operations are added--is 1% higher than last year’s and includes no new fees or taxes.

At previous hearings on the city’s spending, some residents urged the council to step up improvements to the water and sewer systems. Public works officials agreed and noted that $2 million has been set aside for repairs this year; a citizens committee is considering long-term solutions.

Last week, a representative of auto dealers on Beach Boulevard asked for more resources to spruce up one of the city’s best-known routes.

“We do need to fix the medians down Beach,” said Rick Evans, who spoke for the city’s auto dealers association. “It is the gateway to our city.”

City officials said a major study of Beach Boulevard started about two months ago and would include strategies for improving its appearance.

Council members, some of whom bemoaned the lack of space left for commercial development, voted 6 to 0 to ready the budget for adoption Monday.