Annual State of the Town Address
Good evening, I speak to you tonight from council chambers in Ponce Inlet to present the annual state of the town message to our citizens. After a comprehensive review of every aspect of the annual budget, and a substantial decrease in budgetary expenditures, I am pleased to report that the state of the town is healthy.
2009 was a year of change for all of us. Some 1200 citizens went to the polls in November 2009 and elected three candidates to fill seats 1, 3 & 5. Council members Tami Lewis and Tom Rutledge both bring a level of dedication and commitment to their positions and our community will undoubtedly benefit from their input, and perspective.
It was also a year of loss as well, as we remember two former council members and long time residents who passed away, former council members Bill Knox, and Frank Rogerson.
In January of 09, council awarded a contract that resulted in the installation of playground equipment at the Kay & Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park.
In March, we had substantive discussions as it relates to the town’s banking services relationship. We were receiving 1/5th of 1% on our funds in Riverside Bank, and I thought we could do far better. Additionally, it was discovered that the town had excess funds in a low interest checking account that could have been earning more interest in a set of laddered certificates of deposit, and I’m pleased to tell you that we are now receiving more interest on both the funds in checking, as well as those invested in interest bearing cd’s. In the current economic climate, the town is maximizing its revenue stream from our investments while maintaining liquidity, and preservation of capital. One of the outcomes of this process was that council also authorized the formation of a
Banking Services Selection Committee to develop a solicitation that would invite interested banks to offer their services to the town.
In the summer of 2009, during the budget review process, Ponce Inlet residents saw council undertake a zero-based budget approach to the annual review of the town budget and they achieved efficiencies that resulted in cost savings of over one million dollars and a lower tax rate for our citizens.
We renewed our inter- local agreement with neighboring communities for closest unit response, and also entered into an agreement with the county for Ponce Inlet to provide security at the Marine Science Center.
Staff undertook a comprehensive review of the Town’s fee structure, and after substantive discussion, and revision, council and staff arrived at what I think most people would agree is a more equitable fee cost model.
Throughout the year, work has progressed on the restoration project of the Historic 143 Beach Street home, and by resolution, council authorized the Historic Board to make recommendations relating to the restoration and preservation of the Meyers/Davis Home.
Council discussed and authorized the establishment and implementation of a Trap, Neuter, and Release Program.
Ponce Inlet took delivery of a new Fire Truck to replace and older unit that was increasingly maintenance intensive and approaching the end of its economically useful life. Council authorized staff to pay down a substantial portion of the new equipment which reduced our financial liability going forward. Council also chose to pay off the land loan for the town administrative complex, which also lowered our financial liabilities in future years.
Council discussed the difficulty of maintaining full consist boards, as well as the current design and process of our planning commission, & board of adjustments. After soliciting the input of the members of both boards it was decided that we would pursue a consolidated board that would provide both the ability to consider planning/zoning requests as well as quasi - judicial variance requests.
In November, the community recognized Mrs. Connie Hunter for her contribution s to the community, and proclaimed November 18th as Connie Hunter Day.
December of 2009 saw the first Ponce Inlet Christmas Parade. It was well attended, well received, and plans are underway for a second parade in 2010.
Mayor Tony Goudie
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