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NEWS FROM THE MAYOR
This year has been one of the most exciting years,
and at the same time, one of the most challenging ones. Exciting because in
2005, you passed a General Obligation Bond for capital improvement, and already
you can see the positive results.
The challenge is our revenue situation. The
legislature passed a mandatory roll back on our tax rates, costing us $3.8
million. Since our general budget is about 85% labor, we have had to cut labor
and services. I am sure many of you have seen the results in loss of services,
while seeing little in the way of tax relief. This result was predicted. The
problem is not with the city, but with the unfair, inequitable, broken tax
structure within Florida, which still is not being addressed.
While the city did not lay anyone off, like other
cities did, we have stretched ourselves almost to the limit. We will still
provide quality services, but we are limited beyond that. Therefore, when asked
to help provide additional assistance, our answer will often be “No.”
My concern now is the January constitutional
amendment you will be voting on. The so-called “Super Exemption.” I ask you not
to vote for it. It is ill-conceived and harmful, costing us $7 million that we
cannot afford to lose. It will cause significant damage to your quality of life,
and our ability to provide services.
If I can be of further assistance, please let me
know by e-mail: rkaplan@lauderhill-fl.gov; or calling work 954-752-1732, home
954-742-6967, or City Hall 954-730-3016.
Richard
J. Kaplan
Mayor, City of Lauderhill
e-mail:
Office: 954-730-3016
City
Clerk: 954-730-3010
City Hall Fax: 954-345-8793
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