Tidbits for June 2006

Town of Shalimar

Tidbits -- June 2006

Notes from the Mayor

At the April meeting, the Town Commission approved a statement of work and a $20K cost estimate from our engineering firm to begin the evaluation of our storm water flooding issues. In July, we hope to receive this evaluation and consider options to mitigate at least some of the problems. We continue to work with Okaloosa County on the Court House annex and Eglin Pkwy storm water-related issues.

We recently concluded two 2007 fiscal year budget workshops. With the continued increase in revenue streams, the commission has voted to lower last year’s 2.4 millage rate to 2.2 mills. Our intent is to not fund resolution of several storm water-related issues through property taxes. In September, you will have a chance to vote for a county-wide one-cent sales tax. Local governments are committed to resolving water-related issues with this revenue stream. If you desire a quicker resolution to Shalimar’s problems, please vote for this tax. Hopefully, the Shalimar commission can continue to lower your property taxes and also quickly resolve some serious issues.

The Shalimar Yacht Club condominium development project was granted a preliminary development approval during the May meeting. The project plans include a mix of residential units and marina related businesses. Rumors are that the developers are having second thoughts about proceeding.

Speaking of rumors, there is a strong possibly that Starbuck’s will be opening a store on the Exprezit Gas Station property adjacent to the car wash. It’s a fact that PK’s Bar closed last month and we don’t have any idea what’s happening with this property.

Hurricane season is upon us. If you plan on evacuating, I recommend you provide Town hall an emergency contact address and telephone number. More than likely, our Police Department will remain here. In the past, there have been instances when the Police Department needed to contact a Town resident concerning their property. If you’d like a report of what’s happening in the area while you are not here (even if you’re on vacation), please let us know how to contact you. The Town is here to help. Call us (651-5723) for whatever you need and we’ll attempt to help you or find you someone who can.

Have you noticed any new neighbors moving in. Please let us know, someone from the Town staff will drop by and welcome them to Shalimar.

Gary Combs, Mayor

Notes from the Special Services Commissioner

YARD OF THE QUARTER

I did not expect to find so many wonderful yards in Shalimar because of the hot weather and dry grounds but alas, our residents have beautified their gardens and yards rather nicely. This quarter’s honor goes to the home at 38 Shalimar Drive. Others that need mentioned for their efforts are at 902 Avalon, 911 Sara Drive, 2561 Palm Shores, 2587 Dana Court, 10 Plew and 216 Old Ferry. The Town Commission also wants to thank the residents of Garnier’s Cay for their effort in presenting a clean, well-kempt and beautiful row of yards. Keep up the good work for a beautiful Shalimar.

Ursel Behnken, Special Services Commissioner

One-Cent Sales Tax things to remember:

- Okaloosa County legally must comply with new standards of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and funds will have to come from somewhere (please visit Florida’s DEP site at www.dep.state.fl.us for information.)

- Why not let tourists help? Tourists are expected to pay approx. 35% of this tax

- All of Shalimar’s projects will be storm water-related

- This extra cent can only be collected for 5 years - it can NOT be extended without coming to another referendum

- State Sales tax may be deducted from federal income tax if Congress decides to extend the deduction

- The infusion of this tax will help keep property taxes low

Visit Okaloosa County’s web site (www.co.okaloosa.fl.us) or Shalimar’s web site (www.shalimarflorida.org) in the upcoming months for more information.

PLEASE REMEMBER that parking on Shalimar streets (or on the right-of-way) is against town ordinances. This practice not only reduces a driver’s ability to monitor the road for darting children, but can also restrict a neighbor’s ability to safely enter and exit their driveways. We will enforce the rules against parking on the street. If you have a temporary need for overflow parking for a special event, please coordinate this requirement with the police department or town hall staff.

Notes from the Maintenance Department

The town’s maintenance department has been working diligently in Cherokee Park. They have added new nautical material to the pavilion, the memorial fountain and table have been repaired and a new garden area was constructed around the fountain

YOUR PARKS ARE BEING VANDALISED!! If you are visiting the park or live near the park and see any inappropriate activity, please BE PROACTIVE and either ask the offenders to cease or contact the police department at 651-1115 or 651-7400 . REMEMBER, taxpapers (Shalimar residents) are paying for maintenance of the parks.