Tidbits for December 2005

Okay – What’s up since the last issue? Well, we lowered the Town’s millage rate from 2.8 mils to 2.7 mils. I think we are the only municipality in Okaloosa County to lower the property millage rate in the last four years (and we’ve done it three times!)

Like most of the county, Shalimar did experience significant damage from Hurricane Ivan. I hope you noticed that our debris cleanup was a little more organized than other parts of the county. You can thank the Town Maintenance department and Mr. Burns for this feat. And yes, Hurricane Ivan debris pickup is over, please ensure your contractor removes all new or renovation construction debris.

On a commercial note, the “Solaris” is no longer permanently docked at the Shalimar Yacht Basin but the cruise ship still occasionally picks up charter groups from the local marina. The new Hotel has their construction sign up, so expect construction to commence soon. Finally, the new Waffle House is currently open for business. The biggest local development is the Yacht Basin’s request to rezone from commercial to mixed use property. The Planning & Zoning Board is currently reviewing/considering the request.

The most recent phase of Cherokee Park upgrades is done but we are still looking for additional plants and nautical/outdoor fixtures for the area. The park is open daily and I encourage you to visit and enjoy it. Due to Hurricane Ivan, we will probably delay the official Grand Opening party until next Spring.

If you’d like more information on the above topics, please stop by Town Hall (or call 651-5723) and talk to Tom or Tina. Come by the town hall Christmas Open House on the 14th and get into the Christmas Spirit with your friends and neighbors.

The 2nd annual Town of Shalimar boat parade will take place on December 14, 2004 at 4:15 p.m. After the parade the town will be hosting a small Christmas get together with hors d’oeuvres following a short monthly Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Town of Shalimar offers many “hometown” services to our residents:

Free notary service

Free limited copies

Free faxes (receive and send)

Marquee notices

Some town equipment loans (utility trailer, tractor, etc.)

Reservation of the town hall conference room with attached kitchen

Hazardous Waste drop off at town hall

Spring Cleanup dumpsters

Flood Insurance Library/Services

Our police department offers free house watches for when you are out of town. Just stop by (or go on-line) and fill out a house watch form.

If you have any questions about the above services, please feel free to give us a call at 651-5723.

There have been several car break-ins recently so please be sure to lock you car doors.

Also, be safe during the holiday season. If you have a blue tarp covering your roof because of hurricane damage, please don’t use your fireplace and forego putting up Christmas lights until the tarp is gone and you have a “real” roof in place.

	GENERAL FUND	TOTAL FUNDS
INCOME:
Ad Valorem	$200,000	$200,000
Local Option Gas Tax	$25,000	$25,000
Franchise Fees	$32,000	$32,000
Utility Taxes	$49,500	$49,500
Communication Revenue	$50,000	$50,000
Licenses & Permits	$8,500	$8,500
Interfund Transfer	$20,000	$20,000
Intergovernmental Revenues	$54,700	$54,700
State HWY Reimbursements	$3,800	$3,800
Mun. Share Occ. License	$1,200	$1,200
Cert/Copy/Record Search	$100	$100
DOT Maintenance Contract	$10,000	$10,000
Fines & Forfeitures	$32,000	$32,000
Interest Earnings	$6,000	$6,000
Other Miscellaneous	$2,500	$2,500
TOTAL REVENUE	$495,300	$495,300

EXPENDITURES:
Executive	$6,000	$6,000
Financial & Administration	$79,500	$79,500
Municipal Code Book	$200	$200
Legal Fees	$16,500	$16,500
Other Government Services	$38,900	$38,900
Law Enforcement	$208,900	$208,900
Physical Environment	$57,250	$57,250
Transportation	$47,550	$47,550
Library Co-Op	$500	$500
Capital Improvements	$20,000	$20,000
Contingency Fund	$20,000	$20,000
TOTAL EXPENDITURES & CONTINGENCY	$495,300	$495,300