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A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Tampa is a city on the move. The revitalization of our neighborhoods, the rebirth of Historic Ybor City, a newly planned Cultural Arts District, and the economic development and job opportunities in our city are those of historic proportions. Tampa and her citizens are enjoying prosperity never before seen. A major component of this success is the relationship our local government shares with its citizens. It makes me very proud to see the way Tampa's citizens, businesses and City government are working together to make Tampa a great place to live and work.
Each year, working through the budget process gives us an opportunity to take stock of how far we have come and how far we have to go in accomplishing our goals for Tampa. The following pages provide information regarding the $610 million City of Tampa Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2000 and ending September 30, 2001. The ad valorem property tax millage rate remains at 6.539 mills for the 12th consecutive year. There will be no change in the rates of Water, Sanitary Sewers, or Solid Waste services.
Public Safety will continue to be a priority. This budget will provide the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire Rescue with the tools they need to keep our residents and visitors safe. This includes a pilot Police Service Officer program whereby civilian service officers will be hired and trained to respond to non-emergency requests for police service, such as minor traffic accidents and burglaries. The new program will free up sworn police officers to concentrate on patrol duties. This budget also includes new state-of-the-art equipment to improve firefighter safety, a new fire station near Hunter's Green and a replacement station near Busch Gardens, as well as a Police and Fire Communications Center.
The City of Tampa will continue to build upon Tampa's rich history while encouraging responsible, compatible development. The City will maintain its program of historic preservation and is proud to preserve and utilize buildings such as the Historic Tampa Union Station, the German-American Club and the Free Library. Neighborhood Restoration will continue with the Mayor's Heights program and the East Tampa Initiative, the NEAT program, and the annual planting of 1,000 trees in our communities. The return of the Tampa-Ybor Historic Streetcar and the revitalization of Ybor City and the Channel District will bring new life to Tampa's downtown waterfront and offer new economic development and job opportunities to our citizens.
In FY2001, Recreation will concentrate on completing $17 million of bond funded projects to construct and upgrade recreational facilities throughout the City. Major projects include a new David Barksdale senior/special population center at MacFarlane Park; renovation of the Oak Park Community Center; and showers and equipment for the Ballast Point Fitness and Wellness Center.
Please take time to learn about your City budget. My administration will continue to pursue the goal of providing you with very high levels of service while keeping taxes and fees as low as possible.
Dick A. Greco
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DID YOU KNOW?
- The City has 60 Firehouse COPS at its 20 Fire Stations thus providing around the clock staffing.
- 1,290 adult softball teams with 19,500 participants utilize our ballfields and play 15,000 games annually.
- The Stormwater Street Sweeping Division cleans up 7,800 tons of debris each year, helping keep our drainage systems and Tampa Bay clean.
- 32,000 illegal signs have been removed by the Neighborhood Improvement Division between
April and August 2000.
- The Public Works Department repaired 9,920 potholes last year.
- There are approximately 85 recognized civic associations and 100 neighborhood watch organizations.
- The City of Tampa's Records Center is the oldest Municipal Records Center in the State of Florida.
- City vehicles use approximately 3,000 tires per year.
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