DAVIE UPDATE

By Mayor Judy Paul

Timplementation of a Body Worn Camera Program and increasing the number of community service aids to assist Road Patrol and Special Operations.

The final primary focus for this upcoming year is stormwater management, which has been a high priority for the entire Town. In mid-April, Broward County and Davie experienced historic, unprecedented rainfall, which increased and supported our need for a robust stormwater management system. Thankfully, we weren't as impacted as other communities, but we saw flooding in many of our communities and neighborhoods. Many, after having experienced the flooding in their backyards, had a renewed vigor and appreciation for stormwater management. To clarify, the Town is responsible for conveying stormwater to the secondary canal system from public roadways and properties. We expend approximately $1.5 million annually towards the operations and maintenance of this drainage system and have committed $20 million over the past 5 years towards stormwater improvements throughout the Town.

Now that I have shed light on our two priorities for the upcoming 2024 fiscal year, we will be seeking additional revenue to support these initiatives to pro - tect your properties, enhance our public safety service delivery and continue our infrastructure improvements. How will this be accomplished? First, we are proposing an increase to the residential fire assessment that will fund the previously discussed fire department capital projects and operational enhancements. Our Fire Rescue Department is second to none in Broward County, as demonstrated by our Insurance Services Organization (ISO) highest possible rating of 1 and numerous awards. This fire assessment increase will ensure we maintain and enhance our life-saving capabilities for our residents, visitors, and businesses. The other assessment under consideration is a stormwater assessment. If approved, this assessment would collect and dedicate dollars solely for stormwater maintenance and capital projects. Although we have made one-time capital commitments to our stormwater system through grants and reserve dollars, the Town is in need of recurring revenue that will support enhanced stormwater maintenance and fund new stormwater capital projects. These proposed revenues will help the Town continue delivering exceptional service expected by our residents while securing our future.