Update on Climate Change (Global Warming)

July 29, 2010 Leave a comment

NOAA has just published the an updated compendium of information on climate change (or climate warming).  A series of relevant measures are included that show rather clearly the impact of mankind on the climate and the planet.

The 2009 State of the Climate report released today draws on data for 10 key climate indicators that all point to the same finding: the scientific evidence that our world is warming is unmistakable. More than 300 scientists from 160 research groups in 48 countries contributed to the report, which confirms that the past decade was the warmest on record and that the Earth has been growing warmer over the last 50 years.

There is virtual no doubt that man through his economic and cultural practices has led to process of global warming that will require major mitigation and prevent efforts by the major contributors to this process.

The report emphasizes that human society has developed for thousands of years under one climatic state, and now a new set of climatic conditions are taking shape. These conditions are consistently warmer, and some areas are likely to see more extreme events like severe drought, torrential rain and violent storms.

The consequences of climate change for Coral Gables, Florida and the Tropics will be significant in coming decades.

Filed under Coral Gables, Florida

Coral Gables Taxes and Staffing: Much More to Do

July 29, 2010 Leave a comment

Take a look at the last few pages of the 2010-2011 Budget Estimate where there is some historical information.

Some salient facts there are

  • Property values increased 2.44 times in the period 2000 to 2009.
  • Property taxes increased 2.25 times from 2000 to 2009.
  • In the period 2000 to 2006 (during the most rapid property value increases), property values increased 1.93 times.
  • In the period 2000 to 2006, property taxes have increased 2.19 times.
  • In the period 2000 to 2006 total staff in Coral Gables declined as follows:  871 ( 2006), 875 (2007), 868 (2008), 808 (2009) and  791 (estimated 2010).

In short, on average, property taxes have followed assessed values in Coral Gables since the year 2000.  Rapid increases in property values were used by the city to raise taxes and increase staffing and spending as if this phenomenon was to continue without limit.  And following the stagnation and decline in property values, the city has increased taxes faster that assessed values.

The city has reduced the number of staff, but many of them are at the lowest  grade salary levels. Operating expenses, closely capturing staff salary and benefit expenses, have remained stable at $131.3 million (2007), $136.0 million (2008), $132.0 million (2009), and are expected to decline to $127.7 million (estimated budget 2010).

The number of staff has been reduced by 9.6% but the city’s operating expenses only fell by 3.1%.

This indicates that a much greater effort is needed to increase city efficiencies and reduce salary and pension costs.  When will the Commission get around to do this–this doesn’t seem to be the year.

Filed under Budget, Coral Gables, Finance, Property Values, Taxes and Fees

True Cost of Biltmore Not Paying its Back Rent

July 28, 2010 Leave a comment

I am struck by one of the proposals of the city manager, who indicated that if the City Commission wanted to adopt a millage rate of 5.895 compared to the proposed rate of 6.072,  $1,990,000 revenues would be lost.  We note that the Biltmore Hotel is stated in the budget to have refused to pay rent for $1,910,000. ( I understand a temporary agreement on this might have been reached.)

Therefore, we see what it would cost the city taxpayer’s to have to pay for the Biltmore.

On page ix of the Estimate Budget the following items are lost by the city:  reduce cultural funding, $75,000; reduce funding for 7 police officers and 1 civilian position, $560,000; reduce city paid health insurance, $685,000; reduce 2 firefighter positions, $145,000; reduce police overtime, $300,000; and reduce 2 workdays through furloughing, $225,000.

This is $1,990,000 and shows the cost to the city and taxpayers of Biltmore’s failure to pay–about 7 police officers, cut health insurance, lose 2 firefighters, cut police overtime and furloughing staff and cutting cultural spending. This the same tax reduction that would be lost by our citizens.  It is worth it for taxpayers and residents to suffer these cuts for the Biltmore?  I think not.

Filed under Budget, Finance, Property Values, Taxes and Fees

Coral Gables Budget: Police

July 28, 2010 Leave a comment

The cost of 255 police positions is $31.6 million in personal services at an average cost, including salary and benefits, of $123,900 per position. The average cost of 10 administrator positions is $156,300.  A large number of positions are 97 for uniform patrol ($128,400 per position), 42 in criminal investigations ($135,100 per position) and 56 in technical services, mainly communications ($98,000 per position).  The total cost of the police services is estimated at $36,933,675 that cover salaries, benefits and all other ancillary operating expenses services and equipment.

Filed under Budget, Coral Gables, Finance

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