Now that there are several proposals floating around Tallahassee on real estate tax reform, here comes your local government saying what services will be cut.
You know what I say? Go for it!
But before you do, let us have public hearings to determine what is waste and what is essential. Furthermore, every citizen should be provided with a detailed breakdown of the budget and it should be provided free of charge. Last year, I had to pay $75.00 for a copy of the County budget proposal. I am not stupid, but I couldn't make heads or tails of it.
This move would let the public become more involved in the spending of our tax dollars and possibly decide what is and is not important for the community. Could this lead to slowing down the budget process? You bet it can. However, the old way of tax and spend is out of control and forcing homeowners to leave the area and the state.
The bottom line is it is time to let some sun shine on the budget process of our local governments.
Ric Cornelius is the Broker/Manager of Sand Key Realty Sales and Rentals, Inc. Sand Key Realty has three offices with 40 agents. One office is at 740 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-443-0032; the second office is at 2701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727-595-5441; and the third office is at 309 Belleview Blvd., Belleair, 727-461-4200.
