In Pompano, 3 bond ballot items worth voters’ support

We were happy to see that the Sun sentinel supports the infrastructure bond issue on the Pompano Beach ballot on March 13. However, we were surprised and disappointed to see the negative recommendations on the public safety and parks and recreation bond items.

The proposed bond projects have been thoroughly vetted in the city during the past three years. We are aware that print media budget cuts over the past several years make it difficult for the Sun Sentinel to consistently be aware of all that is going on in every city in Broward. So, we ask that the Sun Sentinel and its readers consider the following facts:

The City of Pompano Beach has the ninth lowest millage rate of the 31 cities in Broward County. Assuming all three of our ballot proposals were to be approved by the voters, Pompano’s millage rate increase necessary to repay the bonds would only move the city to perhaps eleventh lowest, depending on whether and how other cities change their millage rates this year.

This situation is a direct result of the extreme frugality under which the city operated for decades prior to 2008. Beginning in 2009 the city began to use excess reserves and CRA funding to launch the by now well-publicized renaissance the city has been enjoying over the last several years. However, the city’s excess reserves are now drawn down, and the county has made it clear it wants to sunset our primary source of CRA revenue.

So the City of Pompano Beach, which has not issued a General Obligation bond since 1989, and whose general fund is essentially debt free, is going to the voters and asking them for a vote of confidence, and the necessary funds, to continue the city’s renaissance, which has been so warmly received by residents and visitors alike.

We urge the voters of Pompano Beach to vote “For” the three bond ballot items: infrastructure, public safety, and parks and recreation. The city was on a starvation diet long enough. Let’s not throw in the towel just when we are beginning to get it right.

We urge the voters of Pompano Beach to vote “For” the three bond ballot items: infrastructure, public safety, and parks and recreation.