Community Newspapers SERVING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SINCE 1958
SUN
OCTOBER 18, 2010
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE WEDDING AT PELICAN COMMUNITY PARK
Page 8
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EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE Page 12
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CONCERNED CITIZENS
S unny I sles B each
VOL. 28, NO. 42
At Your Service City maintaining high levels of service for fiscal year 2010-11 BY BARI AUERBACH
T
he Sunny Isles Beach City Commission recently approved the 20102011 fiscal year budget without cutting services, tapping reserves or eliminating employees – good news many other municipalities and counties round the country have not been able to report given the state of the economy. Thanks in part to franchise fee revenues from new construction and a minimal increase in the property tax rate (up from last year’s 2.65 to 2.89 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value), the city was able to avoid the elimination of programs and services. Due to declining property values, many homeowners’ tax bills may be less than they were last year. The new Sunny Isles Beach 2.89 millage rate also remains one of the lowest in Miami-Dade County (in neighboring Golden Beach, the millage rate is now 8.50). The budget further reflects the City Commission’s commitment to attain optimal cost efficiency as this year’s $27.8 million budget is about comparable to last year’s $27.5 million budget – and even
lower than the $29.2 million budget for fiscal year 2008-2009. Here is a synopsis of the high levels of service contributing to the great quality of life Sunny Isles Beach residents and visitors of all ages will continue to enjoy yearround:
SUNNY ISLES BEACH SUN... Around the World
Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n S e r v i c e s : Feel like getting around town - but don’t feel like driving? Just hop aboard one of the city’s convenient shuttle buses - a free transportation service provided seven days a week with three different routes. E d u c a t i o n a l S e r v i c e s : Sunny Isles Beach Community School principal Dr. Annette Weissman was recently proud to report, “SIB Community School has been recognized once again as an ‘A’ school. Our students’ performance on the 1st and 2nd grade Stanford Achievement Tests and on the FCAT for grades 3-7 was terrific. “This year, we’re delighted to welcome our eighth grade students and the new teachers we’ve added to our staff. In addition we are excited about the expansion of
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