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The LAKER EAST PASCO EDITION
LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM
M AY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7
Hearings authorized for impact fee hike By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
We’re with you every step of the way.
The Pasco County Commission has set into motion the process for boosting school impact fees, which are charged against new residential construction to help pay for new schools. Commissioners directed county staff to set up a hearing before the Development Review Committee and to establish two
public hearing dates on a proposal to boost school impact fees. In pushing the issue forward, commissioners rejected a recommendation by the School Infrastructure Funding Committee, which they had appointed to study funding needs and potential revenue sources for school construction. That committee recommended the County Commission adopt the full impact fee recommended by a school district con-
sultant, provided the Pasco County School Board votes to put at least a quarter-cent sales tax on the 2018 ballot, so voters can decide the issue. County commissioners didn’t like that idea. “I’m not very keen on the recommendation for this board to attempt to almost hijack the process, or tie the school board’s See HIKE, page 11A
Pasco County begins budget review for 2018
Board-certified pediatrician Kousalya Sara, M.D., is accepting new patients, same-day appointments, and walk-ins. To schedule an appointment, call 352-437-5003.
By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
to get involved. Both he and Grace Reich, from Elmore’s office, will take on leadership roles. Elmore believes that “4H is the perfect vehicle, to talk about entrepreneurship and leadership skills.”
Pasco County officials anticipate an increase in property tax revenues, which in recent years have been on an upward trend. But, that doesn’t mean the budget will be flush with money for fiscal year 2018. Pasco County commissioners will be grappling with an $8.1 million increase in the Pasco County sheriff’s budget; a request to restore operating hours for libraries to 2008 levels; and, a parks system trying to keep up with population growth. That’s a short list of anticipated budget requests. Commissioner s got a preview of the tough budget decisions for fiscal year Jack Mariano 2018 at a May 2 workshop in New Port Richey. Final figures on revenues and expenses are evolving. The Pasco County Property Appraiser’s office is scheduled to provide tax valuation data in June. Commissioners are set to review the budget in July and to have two public hearings before final approval. The fiscal year begins Oct. 1. At the workshop, county projections pegged property tax revenues according to three scenarios – a 4 percent increase, a 7 percent increase and a 9 percent increase. Even with the rosiest of scenarios, the county’s property tax revenues for 2018 will be less than where the county was 10 years ago, said Bob Goehrig, the county’s budget director. The county also will be facing the potential loss in 2019 of as much as $13 million in property tax revenues.Voters will decide in a 2018 referendum whether to increase the current $50,000 standard homestead exemption to $75,000. “That will make our decisions more diffi-
See CLUB, page 11A
See BUDGET, page 11A
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Grace Reich, who works at the Pasco County Extension Office, will take on a leadership role in a new 4H Unidos Club forming in Dade City.
4H Unidos Club aims to boost opportunities, bridge gaps By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
There’s a new 4H Unidos Club starting in Dade City that’s intended to reach into a community that traditionally hasn’t been part of such clubs. The club is specifically reaching out to Spanish-speaking youth and their parents, although it’s not an exclusive club. “It’s a totally inclusive club.Anybody can join.That’s kind of the nature of 4H and all Extension activities,” said Whitney C. Elmore, director of the Pasco County Extension Office. However, Elmore noted, it became clear last year during community stakeholder meetings that more services were being requested in Dade City’s Lock Street area. “Folks in the community were saying, ‘We want to know more about 4H,’” Elmore said. The meeting is set for May 13, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Resurrection Park, at 37124 Lock St., in Dade City. Free hot dogs and chips will be served. During the stakeholder meetings, Sammy Ortiz stepped forward and said he wanted
By Kevin Weiss
LAW FIRM, PLLC
As Pasco County’s population booms, traffic relief is on the way. That’s according to Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, the featured speaker at The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast on May 4. The commissioner provided updates to several county road projects, including: extension of State Road 56; widening of State Road 54; and, intersection improvements along Eiland Boulevard. Those projects are crucial, Moore said, as growth continues. The county recently crossed the 500,000-population threshold, and stands at roughly 505,000. The figure is estimated to grow to 750,000 people by 2030, and over 1 million by 2040. “We’re catching up (to Hillsborough County). We’re one of the fastest growing areas in the nation,” said Moore. Specifically, Land O’ Lakes,Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills are “probably the fastest growing...in the state of Florida.” Knowing that, Moore said county leaders must be “proactive” and “forward-thinking” on “big-ticket items,” including road improvements. Among the most ballyhooed is the fourlane extension of State Road 56 from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills. Construction on the 6.7-mile stretch is estimated to be complete sometime in 2019. “Relief is definitely on the way,” Moore said.“It’s going to open up economic devel-
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WHAT: An information session about a new 4H Unidos Club forming in Dade City WHERE: Resurrection Park Pavilion, 37124 Lock St. WHEN: May 13, 10 a.m. to noon WHO: Parents and youths are invited to learn about the new club. COST: Free DETAILS: Free chips and hot dogs will be served; parents and youths are invited to offer ideas about what kinds of activities the new club should do. INFO: Call Whitney C. Elmore at (352) 5180156 or Sammy Ortiz at (813) 563-5753.
Traffic ‘relief’ coming to Pasco County
HOLLIDAY KARATINOS HelpingInjuredPeople.com
New 4H Unidos Club
kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
KEVIN WEISS
Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore was the featured speaker at The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast on May 4. He discussed a wide range of topics, including roads, code enforcement and economic development.
opment opportunities in this area. But, at the same time, it’s going to relieve some of that traffic congestion that we see on (State Road) 54 coming into Zephyrhills or (U.S.) 301 coming into Zephyrhills.” The county also is working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on widening the State Road 54 corridor from four lanes to six lanes, up through Morris Bridge Road. Though he declined to provide a specific timeline, Moore said the right-of-way acquisition process is complete and the project will start “very, very soon.” Meanwhile, design studies are ongoing for various intersection improvements along Eiland Boulevard in Zephyrhills. The intersection of Eiland Boulevard and
Geiger Road will feature a traffic signal system and a right turn lane for eastbound traffic from Geiger to Eiland. The existing dual turn lane on Geiger Road will be restriped for left turn movements. A signalization project also is being planned at the intersection of Handcart Road and Eiland Boulevard, along with the intersection of Eiland Boulevard and Silver Oaks Drive. “Eiland needs to happen — it’s going to happen,” Moore said. Besides roads, Moore hit on the county’s ongoing code enforcement efforts. Over a year ago, commissioners approved a plan to increase code enforcement See TRAFFIC page 11A