Belleair Bluffs to Dip Into Reserve FundsBy Josh Valone The Belleair Bluffs City Council met Monday evening to discuss the proposed budget for fiscal year 2010-2011 and to honor one of their own. The meeting began with a special resolution to honor Grace Erdman, a member of the planning board from 2001-2010. The resolution in her honor stated that she played a key role in shaping the community of Belleair Bluffs into what it is today. To commemorate the occasion Mrs. Erdman was given a framed copy of the resolution, along with a plaque for her service to the city. Following the presentation, the council got down to business with a discussion of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2010-2011, which is set to be 1.8 million. The proposed budget slightly exceeds the expected revenue for next fiscal year by roughly $200,000, which would force the city to dip into its reserves in order to make up the deficit. There was concern amongst both the city council and local residents about the shortfall, but with very few options to cut costs it is unlikely that a deficit can be avoided. The reserve fund will allow Belleair Bluffs to manage for the time being, but it was agreed that the city would eventually need to investigate potential new revenue sources if it expects to maintain the status quo in the long-term. The first public hearing to adopt the tentative proposed millage rate is scheduled to take place Thursday, September 9, at 5:30 p.m.
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