Have you noticed that the coyote problem has just kinda...gone away? Sightings are more and more rare. Night vision cameras are showing no signs of their presence. Even Edgar Allen Pig is nevermore (sorry). No sightings and no attacks, but islanders can expect a big, bad bite anyway. Right in their wallets!
The most recent issue of The Island Eye quotes our new mayor, Pat O'Neil, stating that our town's budget is out of balance by $324,154. "We need to look at expenditures to see where there are savings. We need to look at revenues to see where we can increase them. The only one we can raise is property taxes."
Did this Council really look to see where expenditures could be cut? I hope all residents will take a strong look at the 2016 budget. Do you think there are any tax-funded, and unnecessary, expenditures that you could live without? Need to see a copy of the 2016 budget? Please call Ellen Miller, 883.3158, and request a copy. And don't forget to ask for a copy of the building contract between the Town and Hill Construction.
The Island Club and The Park Foundation are 2 community organizations included for funding in the 2016 budget. They are to receive $120,000 for improvements and enhancements. That figure represents 30% of the "necessary" $324,154 increase needed to operate our town. Why?
Historically, both of these organizations were founded on the voluntary participation of islanders to use their own time and talent to achieve community goals. They were never intended to become a liability to the Town and its taxpaying residents.
Equally noteworthy is the astounding cost of our new Town Hall. Council Member Chauncey Clark stated, "WE made a decision to build a new town hall, to get a new fire truck, and now WE have to follow through." Huh? WE islanders NEVER had a vote on a new town hall. Only 7 islanders did, and they are our town council members who, once again, denied islanders a voice on the cost, size, and scope of another predictably huge structure.
The new town hall is projected to dwarf the Fire Station when completed. What started as a $2.9 million dollar project (see attachment below) has now risen to a $3.9+ million dollar project that Town Council has also somehow exempted from the Town's building and zoning ordinances. Doesn't this sound familiar?
NOTE TO THE READER: Two SI council members were resoundingly voted off of council in town elections held one month ago. Another council member wisely chose not to seek reelection. Newly elected council members have promised an "Islanders First" agenda. Long overdue and feeling much frustration, islanders want a voice on all significant issues. These new council members, Bachman Smith, Rita Langley, Mark Howard, and Sarah Church must stand with islanders who have placed their trust in the promise of a new direction for Sullivan's Island.
Whiney Coyote (Karen Coste)
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| Cost Comparison for 3 Town Hall options, July17, 2012 |
My family can't wait for this "Islanders First" agenda! What matters in a community? Safety. Family. Partnership. Preservation. I'm a resident with two children who love the improvements planned for our island. I've had the opportunity to work with children teaching kids at The Island Club, and while it is adorable with "character," every place reaches a time for improvement. This is that time. The parks we visit daily are also getting a bit of love...love this! The poor Town Hall workers have been in a trailer for awhile.
ReplyDeleteThis island is a great place to live, let's enjoy and be thankful for it! :)