Dear Citizen,

It is a pleasure to share with you some highlights of the City of Tampa’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2005. This year’s budget totals $674 million and there are no increases in the property tax millage rate or any rate increases associated with the enterprise funds.

The theme of this year’s budget is “Investing in Tampa.” It’s a budget that invests in the entire community using our current resources – tying our revenues to our strategic plan for Tampa’s growth and development. That plan includes an emphasis on five key areas: investing in neighborhoods; economic development of our most challenged areas, using East Tampa as a model; creating a residential community downtown; efficient city government focused on customer service; and establishing Tampa as a city of the arts.

You will see that particular attention has been paid to public safety so that citizens and visitors alike feel safe in our community. Substantial resources have been allocated to police and fire to increase uniformed personnel and upgrade equipment, supplying them with the tools they need to do their job. In addition, police and fire will receive a pension enhancement that increases their retirement benefits helping Tampa recruit and retain the quality public safety officials you deserve.

We are continuing our commitment to improving the quality of life throughout Tampa by increasing expenditures for such things as street repaving, sidewalks, signage, traffic calming and roadway enhancements. City government is investing in improvements to numerous parks and recreation facilities. We have earmarked dollars to upgrade parts of our aging underground water and wastewater systems. Stormwater will embark on a pipe assessment system utilizing geographical information systems, laying the groundwork for the future.

Working with City Council we have developed a budget that is fiscally responsible while improving our quality of life. By aligning our revenues with our goals we can continue to transform Tampa into a diverse and progressive city celebrated as the most desirable place to live, learn, work and play.

I hope you find the information provided in this report helpful. It is an honor to serve you.

 Sincerely,           

 Pam Iorio, Mayor