I sincerely hope that everyone is paying attention out there. Concerned Citizens across Deerfield need to unite against this common threat to all of us. That threat is the inability of our City Commissioners and City Management to see pass the big red trucks and hear pass the loud sirens. Investing time in thorough research of all viable options to reduce the millage rate without imposing a new tax and investigating all cost saving ideas. Maybe, even cutting back on some proposed Capital Improvement projects until our economy comes out of the crapper and the City can actually afford them without laying off its workers.
If they could at least accomplish that feat, maybe we could have a lowered millage rate and not need a utility tax because all of the viable options for City revenue and cost savings would be reviewed. Now is not the time to take your continued stance and say we can't look at one department over another. Especially, when it is apparent to those who keep locked out of the political process because the Commission has adopted the policy that the "public should be seen and not heard". What are you people so afraid of if you allow the public to fully participate in the discussion of items on the consent agenda. Are you afraid that you will hear the following:
Do we really need another park? The money that will be spent on Tam O' SHanter and other proposed projects could be used to fund programs for kids, youths, and teens at our current operating park facilities. Use grant moneies for their intended purposes and cut out all the administrative fluff from the grants budget(s). These things are not hard and the CIty has many qualified residents who would love the chance to assist and give their input, but the City shuts them out at every turn. I have had said my piece on the subject.
The following is a letter from a concerned citizen that was sent to the Commission and Management.
To the Commissioners,
For over two years we have discussed the Fire Department situation, I have seen you all accomplish nothing. As others around the county and state, public or private, large and small make the necessary decisions.
1400 teachers lost there jobs the other day – it was a difficult decision but they did it, and this was not the first time and may not be the last.
All of us agree that we need a strong EMS as that is our main need here in Deerfield Beach. The amount of Fire personnel required is a lot less. You have not done what we have asked, instead you are looking just to move it to the county and the county wants it because of all the fat. I feel you all have clearly misled the people here in Deerfield Beach.
By making this move, it accomplishes little or nothing. Further you are trying to bypass the people on this - why? Are you worried that the people you represent will not pass your decision if it is put in front of us? Is this the case?
Further do to the little action that was taken, and because it looks as if you are over budget for this year and short, also there is the issue of a Utility Tax.
This leads me to say that I am not happy with your performance at all.
And I am not happy with you all not being upfront with us.
Not only are we paying what I consider to much to the management, but while everyone in this county is cutting back. You all are not only given a salary which I consider high, but to take insurance and a pension to boot for part-time work is outrageous! It use to be that this was considered more or less a volunteer type position. Lead by example!!
Along with these factors, its sounds as if you are trying to put yourself in a situation so that your bond rating stays strong and you can vote in a bond during a time where many people are having difficulties. This confirms to me that you all do not give a damn.
YOUR ACTIONS CLEARLY SPEAK LOUDER THEN YOUR WORDS. AND WE WOULD NOT NEED A UTILITY TAX IF YOU WERE TO DO WHAT IS NEEDED WITH THE FIRE AND EMS. FURTHER WE WOULD MOST LIKELY EVEN BE ABLE TO LOWER THE MILLAGE.
The compact between the governed and the government is a delicate instrument that is predicated upon trust.
John Grassi
If they could at least accomplish that feat, maybe we could have a lowered millage rate and not need a utility tax because all of the viable options for City revenue and cost savings would be reviewed. Now is not the time to take your continued stance and say we can't look at one department over another. Especially, when it is apparent to those who keep locked out of the political process because the Commission has adopted the policy that the "public should be seen and not heard". What are you people so afraid of if you allow the public to fully participate in the discussion of items on the consent agenda. Are you afraid that you will hear the following:
Do we really need another park? The money that will be spent on Tam O' SHanter and other proposed projects could be used to fund programs for kids, youths, and teens at our current operating park facilities. Use grant moneies for their intended purposes and cut out all the administrative fluff from the grants budget(s). These things are not hard and the CIty has many qualified residents who would love the chance to assist and give their input, but the City shuts them out at every turn. I have had said my piece on the subject.
The following is a letter from a concerned citizen that was sent to the Commission and Management.
To the Commissioners,
For over two years we have discussed the Fire Department situation, I have seen you all accomplish nothing. As others around the county and state, public or private, large and small make the necessary decisions.
1400 teachers lost there jobs the other day – it was a difficult decision but they did it, and this was not the first time and may not be the last.
All of us agree that we need a strong EMS as that is our main need here in Deerfield Beach. The amount of Fire personnel required is a lot less. You have not done what we have asked, instead you are looking just to move it to the county and the county wants it because of all the fat. I feel you all have clearly misled the people here in Deerfield Beach.
By making this move, it accomplishes little or nothing. Further you are trying to bypass the people on this - why? Are you worried that the people you represent will not pass your decision if it is put in front of us? Is this the case?
Further do to the little action that was taken, and because it looks as if you are over budget for this year and short, also there is the issue of a Utility Tax.
This leads me to say that I am not happy with your performance at all.
And I am not happy with you all not being upfront with us.
Not only are we paying what I consider to much to the management, but while everyone in this county is cutting back. You all are not only given a salary which I consider high, but to take insurance and a pension to boot for part-time work is outrageous! It use to be that this was considered more or less a volunteer type position. Lead by example!!
Along with these factors, its sounds as if you are trying to put yourself in a situation so that your bond rating stays strong and you can vote in a bond during a time where many people are having difficulties. This confirms to me that you all do not give a damn.
YOUR ACTIONS CLEARLY SPEAK LOUDER THEN YOUR WORDS. AND WE WOULD NOT NEED A UTILITY TAX IF YOU WERE TO DO WHAT IS NEEDED WITH THE FIRE AND EMS. FURTHER WE WOULD MOST LIKELY EVEN BE ABLE TO LOWER THE MILLAGE.
The compact between the governed and the government is a delicate instrument that is predicated upon trust.
John Grassi
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