Page 14 - Boca Club News - November '23

Page 14, Boca Club News

Memo from County Tax Collector from page 13 golf cart drivers between the ages of 15 and 17 must possess a The celebration does not end there, as our office was
valid learner’s driver license or valid driver’s license. For both awarded the Jurisdiction of the Year Award for our response
commemorative pins are available now through November 30th. age groups, there are penalties for drivers who do not have a when COVID-19 arrived, and how quickly we turned our in-
Veterans are only eligible to receive one pin; therefore, if you valid ID. To learn more about driving your golf cart safely, visit person service model into a reservation-only process. We were
previously received your commemorative pin, no need to request https://golfcarts.org/a-complete-guide-to-golf-cart-safety/. also recognized for our commitment to deliver exceptional
again. You must be a Palm Beach County resident to participate. Industry Award Winners. I am thrilled that our agency is service by offering more convenient opportunities for our
We thank you for your service and we are most honored to the recipient of not one, but two awards at the 2023 Aumentum clients to do business with us online and enhancing the
recognize you with this special commemorative lapel pin. Customer Excellence (ACE) Awards ceremony held in Nashville, reservation-making process. It is extremely rewarding
Drive a Golf Cart? Are you and your family golfers? Tennessee! First, I am so proud to congratulate two of our that our agency is being recognized for the pioneering
Because of our balmy weather, many people in Palm Beach employees, Michelle Harris and AJ Balram, who each received innovations that help to deliver industry-leading customer
County enjoy the links year-round. And in some of our the Lisa Redding (ACE) Award for Project Management. This satisfaction results. I
communities a golf cart can be a convenient way to get around. award is given to recipients who demonstrated exemplary am so proud that the
So it is important to be aware and understand the rules of the leadership in managing an event, project or process by work our team does,
road when it comes to golf carts. demonstrating confidence, teamwork, determination, positivity, day in and day out, is
On October 1st a new law took effect regarding who can leadership, effective change management and communication. recognized nationally.
operate a golf cart on a public road or street. Previously, anyone All of which are exemplified by Michelle and AJ who were Congratulations,
over the age of 14 could drive a golf cart on a public road. The instrumental in ensuring a complex upgrade of our property Team TCO!
new law requires golf cart drivers who are at least 18 years old tax software was implemented without a hitch. Congratulations
to possess a valid, government-issued photo ID. In addition, Michelle and AJ!
From the Desk of County

Commissioner Marci Woodward: A Message from Marci

Commissioner Woodward, a 20-year There is so much more to our budget, but these three they need through financial assistance, group counseling,
resident of Boca Raton, was elected in lessons stood out as foundational to understanding how the healthcare navigation and more. In 2022, Promise Fund made
November 2022 as Palm Beach County cake is baked! a profound impact by assisting over 500 women.
District 4 Commissioner. She serves on District 4 Improvements. The Clint Moore and Jog Road Local Government 101: Sunshine Law
the following board of directors as a intersection is now open after a major improvement project that What is the Sunshine Law? Florida’s Sunshine Law
representative of the county commission: added two new lanes and other safety features. The project was guarantees the public’s right to attend and participate in
Palm Beach Transportation Planning funded by impact fees, a one-time fee for new development to meetings of government boards and commissions. The law
Agency; South Florida Regional help pay for the infrastructure needed to support the area. applies to all levels of government in Florida, from the state
Transportation Authority (TriRail); Over the next few years, nearly $18 million will be spent legislature to local city councils and school boards. One
Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council; CareerSource on major road projects in my south county district. So expect aspect includes that all meetings of government boards and
Palm Beach County; Palm Beach Cultural Council, and Value to see road crews out and about! commissions be open to the public, with limited exceptions.
Adjustment Board. Ms. Woodward graduated from the University What’s Coming Near PBI. PopStroke, the innovative Additionally, it requires that all notices of meetings and
of South Carolina-Aiken with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. mini golf and entertainment concept, is coming to Palm Beach agendas be published in advance, including where meetings
Happy Fall. We have had a busy month, and I just completed International Airport (PBI). are being held and what topics will be discussed.
my first budget cycle. I voted on budget priorities the day I was The state-of-the-art, two-story, open-air venue will feature How does the Sunshine Law apply to the Board of Palm
sworn in on November 22nd a year ago and have spent the past two 18-hole mini golf courses, a full-service restaurant, a Beach County Commissioners? The Palm Beach County
months learning everything I could about our budget. I have had playground, an ice cream parlor, convenient storage lockers Board of County Commissioners (Board) is subject to the
many “light bulb” moments in that time. While I am far from for luggage and a complimentary shuttle service to and from Sunshine Law. All meetings of the Board must be open to
becoming a budgeting expert, I want to share a few unexpected the airport. The flagship location will also offer a private the public, and notices of meetings and agendas are required
gems illuminating the process for me. events area and a rooftop pool with a bar. It is the perfect to be published in advance.
First, I learned that only 24% of this year’s budget, or $1.8 place to relax and have fun with friends and family before or The law also applies to any gatherings of two or more
billion, comes from property taxes. This money goes into our after your flight. PopStroke is expected to open in late 2024. members of the Board to discuss matters that will likely come
general fund. The importance of this gem is in understanding Remember to check out the cell phone waiting lot at before them at a Board of County Commissioners meeting. If
fund accounting. Much of our budget is tied to specific funds. the Travel Plaza (southwest corner of Belvedere Road and the Board is not officially in session, any meeting of two or more
This has to do with how we receive it and how it must be spent. Florida Mango) where you can get your car washed, fill up members to discuss upcoming issues is subject to the Sunshine
For example, money from Road Impact Fees from new the tank and grab a coffee until your loved ones arrive! Law and must be open to the public.
developments can only be spent on constructing new lanes, Nonprofit Spotlight. Promise Fund of Florida is a Why is the Sunshine Law important? When government
additional roadways or intersection improvements as needed compassionate local nonprofit dedicated to extending vital meetings are open to the public, citizens can witness and
because of additional traffic caused by the development. It financial and emotional support to uninsured or underinsured participate in the decision-making process. This helps ensure
cannot be used for resurfacing or maintenance of existing roads. women in Palm Beach County with breast cancer diagnoses. that government decisions are made in the public’s best interests.
This may seem overly cumbersome; roads are roads, right? The organization’s mission is to ensure that all women If you require assistance, please contact our office at (561)
However, much of the regulation tied to how funds are spent in our area have access to the quality breast cancer care 355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.
has to do with how and why they are collected.
Second, our budget dollar amount increases with allocations,
appropriations, and grants from state and federal programs. This
money is taxpayer money but not taxed by us, the county. It is a
win for us to get some of that money back for deserving projects,
and we must add it to our budget.
For example, we received $113 million in grants for cells
12 and 13 at the C-51 Reservoir Phase II from the state. This is
a huge win for the county, and we are thankful for it. However,
it goes into our budget and thus increases the dollar amount.
We also serve as a “pass-through” for funding from
the state or federal governments for some of our smaller
municipalities and organizations that use us to administer the
funds. This helps bridge the gap between larger government
entities and smaller groups within our county. All of these
items increase our overall budget. We offer many financing options such as:
Lastly, 43% of our budget, or $3.3 billion, is from
carryover funds from the previous year. Much of this is Conventional, FHA and VA loans, Statement loans,
reserves, which include capital project reserves. Why does Foreign National and ITIN loans, HELOC, Investor
this money carry over? Some of it is because many of our
projects take multiple years to complete, especially larger DSCR loans, Refinancing and much more.
building or road projects, and the money is only transferred
to pay in phases of completion. Some funds accumulate over
time to an amount necessary to begin the project.
For a personalized example, I can apply for a grant that Call today for a free consultation!
helps homeowners pay for major home renovations because
I need a new roof. I receive a $50,000 grant to be allocated at
equal payments over five years ($10,000 a year). I can save
the payments over several years until I accumulate enough to Slobodan Tesic
pay for the new roof, or I can pay for the replacement out-of-
pocket with either savings (reserves) or take out a loan (bond) Loan Originator | NMLS # 2317482
and pay myself back as the yearly installments come in. 561.887.8080 | stesic@certifiedhomeloans.com
I also have the option to spend any excess money on other 1200 S. Pine Island Rd., Ste. 670 | Plantation, FL
home improvements, but I cannot use it to buy a car, take a 33324 | NMLS #1806779
vacation, or anything else that is not a home improvement.
This is a very simplified version of fund accounting and www.certifiedhomeloans.com
carryover funds.