Town of Shalimar

Tidbits -- September 2003


 

Notes from the Mayor -

Hopefully, you’ve noticed the completion of the Clifford Road stormwater abatement project, the repaving of Clifford and the new right turn lane at Cherokee and Eglin. After five years of planning and work, this long term goal is complete. The Cherokee Park upgrade is our next priority. The weather (mostly rain) continues to hinder the progress in the park. Please be patient, we hope to be back open to the Public some time in late October.

If you have not heard, there is an Atlanta based sign company attempting to pressure the Town to permit construction of two large billboard signs along Eglin Parkway. Two of our local gas stations have entered lease agreements with this company. Even though our ordinances prohibit these types of signs, the sign company has come before the Town Commission to protest administrative disapproval of their sign permits. Your Commission unanimously upheld the disapproval decision. Destin likewise disapproved this company’s request and is currently being sued. We are anticipating a similar suit. If you’d like more information on this subject, please stop by Town Hall and talk to Tom or Tina.

Okay, barking dogs continue to be the Number One residential complaint in Shalimar. As a good neighbor and responsible pet owner, the Commission requests you please take necessary measures to kept the peace. The prolonged or continual barker is our primary concern. As good neighbors, everyone should be tolerant -- dogs will occasionally bark. As an owner of a barking pet, I can attest that an electronic barking collar does work.

In closing, believe me when I say, “Our Town employees are outstanding professionals!” They are dedicated and hard workers. Don’t hesitate to thank them!

Gary Combs

 

 

Notes from the Staff -

 

In October D. Michael Chesser will celebrate his 30th year as the Town Attorney for Shalimar. He was awarded with a plaque by Mayor Combs at our quarterly League of Cities Dinner.

 

 

Notes from the Commissioners -

 

The town is pleased to announce that starting October 1, 2003, we will offer our residents participation in the Okaloosa County Library Co-op program. Families can obtain library cards at any of the libraries below. Cards allow use of all libraries in the co-op. To enroll:

1.  Pay a $20 fee at the enrollment library of your choice.

2.  Bring your card or receipt to Town Hall for reimbursement of your enrollment fee. Please call Town Hall with any questions.

PARTICIPATING CO-OP LIBRARIES INCLUDE:

Okaloosa County

Public Library Cooperative

204 North Partin Drive

Niceville, FL 32578

609-5101 or 609-5102

www.readokaloosa.org

Destin Library

150 Sibert Avenue

Destin, FL 32541

837-8572

Fort Walton Beach City Library

185 Miracle Strip Pkwy.

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

833-9590

Valparaiso Community Library

459 Valparaiso Parkway

Valparaiso, FL 32580

729-5406

Niceville Public Library

206 North Partin Drive

Niceville, FL 32578

729-4070

Mary Esther Public Library

100 West Hollywood Blvd

Mary Esther, FL 32569

243-5731

Robert L.F. Sikes Public Library

1445 Commerce Drive

Crestview, FL 32539

682-4432

Bookmobile

689-5581

 

 

** Please Remember **

The Shalimar Town Hall is available for meetings and gatherings at no charge (with a resident sponsor). Please call town hall at 651-5723 for more information.

 

 

2003-2004 Budget

GENERAL FUND

TOTAL FUNDS

ESTIMATED REVENUES:

Taxes: Millage Per $1000.

$190,000

$190,000

Ad Valorem Taxes (2.800 Mils)

Local Option Gas Tax

$20,000

$20,000

Franchise Fees

$25,000

$25,000

Utility Taxes

$50,000

$50,000

Communication Revenue

$45,000

$45,000

Licenses & Permits

$9,000

$9,000

Grants

$54,000

$54,000

Intergovernmental Revenues

$54,700

$54,700

General Government

$12,900

$12,900

Fines & Forfeitures

$30,000

$30,000

Interest Earnings

$6,000

$6,000

Other Miscellaneous

$1,000

$1,000

TOTAL REVENUE AND BALANCE FORWARD

$497,600

$497,600

EXPENDITURES:

Executive

$3,000

$3,000

Financial & Administration

$75,000

$75,000

Legal Counsel

$6,000

$6,000

Other Government Services

$35,000

$35,000

Law Enforcement

$170,550

$170,550

Physical Environment

$71,650

$71,650

Transportation

$61,700

$61,700

Park Capital Improvement

$54,100

$54,100

Library Co-op

$600

$600

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

$477,600

$477,600

RESERVES

$20,000

$20,000

TOTAL EXPENDITURES AND RESERVES

$497,600

$497,600

 

 

Notes from the Police Department -

The Police Department has a new part-time officer. His name is Patrick Draper and he was recently sworn in by Chief Self.

 

 

Flood and Hurricane Info

 

Handicapped and elderly persons seeking shelters and who are in need of transportation should call Okaloosa Coordinated Transport at 833-9168 as soon as it has been announced that shelters have opened. Please remember to take your medications with you.

 

Listen to your local radio for the latest information. The Official Emergency Alert Stations in our area are 1260 AM, 99.5 FM, 96.5 FM and 105.5 FM.

 

If you have Internet access, you can track the storm by visiting the Okaloosa County web site (www.co.okaloosa.fl.us) and then click on “Learn More” under “Public Safety”.

 

Please check your property insurance coverage for flood and wind damages. Flood and wind coverage often requires a separate policy or are subject to different deductibles.

 

Reminder: Shalimar Code of Ordinances state that no person shall throw or place any debris in any drainage ditches, drainage easements, catch basins or any part of the storm water management system. This includes yard trash, earthen fill and all trash/litter. Please notify Town Hall if you observe any illegal dumping in our storm water drainage systems — let’s stay high and dry!!!