Column for Parkland Life

Many people are struggling in this new economy. While it is unfortunate, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Most economists still predict the recession to end in less than one year and it appears that real estate sales will continue to increase. Thankfully, our City has engaged in fiscal prudence for many years and we will continue to weather this recession and provide you with the best possible services at the lowest possible tax rates.

Given that revenues from most sources are significantly lower, we are currently projecting a wage freeze for our employees and exercising the legislature-given opportunity to collect the same amount of property taxes as the previous year in order to avoid layoffs and focus on public safety. City Management has been asked to identify areas where we have had consistent surpluses so that we may look to decrease our expenses accordingly while simultaneously looking for economic development opportunities that can enhance our revenues without increasing taxes. We are cautiously optimistic.

We will continue to be innovative and leverage all of our human assets in the City. For example, we are the first City to ask the State Attorney General for his legal opinion on how we can utilize Facebook to communicate and collaborate with you. We are currently seeking input from you through Study Circles on how we can become greener, conserve more and spend our limited resources even wiser. We have created a Sustainability index where we are regularly measuring our progress in steps we have taken to save on energy consumption. For more information, please look at our website, www.coralsprings.org.

We are continuing to push BUY CORAL SPRINGS. Have you taken advantage of the coupons to save money at local stores like Whole Foods and Crème Brulee Bakeshop? Please visit City Hall or City hall in the mall or any of the participating retailers to get your coupon and save money while supporting your local businesses! A list of all the retailers is located at www.coralsprings.org - click on Buy Coral Springs on the Home page. If you are a retailer and want more business through our campaign, please visit www.BUYCS.org. It is simple to register.

If you have been affected by the Chinese Drywall issue, we have information on our website's Home page for you that can help. We will also be putting information on our site about how your organization can take part in State Farm's 50 Million Pound challenge as our community focuses on fitness. I will be personally involved with this endeavor along with others. If you are interested in learning more information, please email me at Scottbrook@scottbrook.com.

Join us as the City once again hosts its annual Memorial Day ceremony at 9 AM on Monday, May 25 at Veterans Park, 8601 Royal Palm Boulevard. During this ceremony, the City honors area veterans for their commitment and service to our country. Also visit the City's online community calendar at coralsprings.org/events for information about the Flag Day celebration on June 14 as the date nears. For more information, please call 954-345-2200.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my awesome wife, Brenda, for allowing me the time and giving me the support to be Mayor of this Community of Excellence. Lastly, Happy Birthday Dad!

Posted: Thursday, Apr 9, 2009