Delray Newspaper | August 2017

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Delray needs new leader By: Marisa Herman Associate Editor Delray Beach’s next city manager may be the person who currently serves as second in command. During a city commission meeting last month, Interim City Manager Neal DeJesus said it is time for him to begin to find his replacement. He agreed to stay on board through the city’s budget cycle before he returns to his role as fire chief.

When asking the commission about hiring a search firm to bring forward candidates, Commissioner Mitch Katz proposed possibly promoting assistant city manager Caryn Gardner-Young. “I think you have found us a city manager,” he told DeJesus, referring to Gardner-Young. “We have somebody who we have been able to watch and put into a working situation for the past

few months. Personally, I have been impressed.” He said her professionalism in dealing with developers and residents has been “phenomenal.” Gardner-Young was brought on board by DeJesus in March to serve as one of his assistants. She came to Delray from Parkland where she served as city manager for nearly a decade.

Mayor Cary Glickstein agreed that Gardner-Young has stepped in and stepped up in her new position. “She has demonstrated a fair and firm protocol with all the department’s she’s charged with,” he said. “She has jumped in. I think she has done a great job.” Glickstein went as far as saying there isn’t one city manager he would hire again in hindsight except for DeJesus or Gardner-Young. But not everyone was

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Lower tax rate set, no sight of budget Staff report Delray Beach taxpayers will be charged a lower property tax rate this upcoming fiscal year. City commissioners set the preliminary millage rate at $7.09 meaning for every $1,000 of assessed property you own you will be charged $7.09. If you own a $250,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption you will pay about $1,418 in city property taxes.

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The current rate totals $7.21. This is the fifth year the city has reduced the millage. But this year, commissioners approved the rate without seeing even a preliminary budget. Interim city manager Neal DeJesus said he is working on balancing the budget to reflect the lower millage rate.

“We have had some unanticipated revenue shortfalls,” he told commissioners. “We have had some increases in cost. Everything is going up. We are making those adjustments. Our job is to bring you a balanced budget based on the millage you set.” Not seeing the budget concerned some

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