Page 10 - Boca Exposure - September '24

Page 10, Boca Exposure
Mayor’s Update:

How Your City Government Is Saving You Money

Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor reserve in the event of a natural disaster or economic in the State of Florida. In fact, some of the nearby cities
of Boca Raton and was re- downturn. mentioned above have millage rates four or five times higher
elected in 2023. A South As assessed property values continue their rising streak than ours! We keep a close eye on keeping costs low and
Florida native, attorney and Boca Raton continues to hold the highest total property money in your pockets – where it belongs.
small business owner, Scott values of any city in Palm Beach County. The city is also sensitive that, with such high land values
and his wife Bella live in Because of the impressive increase in property values and little available land, a solution to the continued demand
Broken Sound with their two in Boca Raton over the past several years taxable property for homes for professionals and employees is a regional
children. You may also want values have grown by 50% in just five years. effort. I’ve had discussions with mayors of nearby cities on
to stay in touch on social With robust assessed property values, residents who what we can do collaboratively to address this need, which
media at @scottsingerusa. As have the homestead exemption (most of us) will be taxed employers have cited as a key issue. We will work on this
always, please reach out by at an increasingly lower rate compared to the rise in our regional problem with regional solutions.
email to ssinger@bocaraton- property values. Even though Boca Raton residents won’t be assessed any
fl.gov with any thoughts or requests. Honored to serve you! A top priority as mayor is to preserve more of your additional taxes, the next budget includes some additional
As the City Council advances both the short-term goals hard-earned dollars while providing outstanding services programming that will help meet the City Council’s strategic
and long-term vision for the City of Boca Raton, we prioritize with one of the lowest millage rates of any full-service city focus areas.
passing a budget that promotes a healthy financial plan and in Florida. This year marks a significant milestone for Boca Raton
builds on our stellar reputation of maintaining one of the With a millage rate of 3.68 per $1,000 of assessed as we celebrate our Centennial. As we celebrate our rich
lowest millage rates in the state. property value our residents pay less than half the millage rate legacy we are also budgeting and planning for an even more
In September the city is tasked with adopting its budget. than property owners do in West Palm Beach or Miami. Our successful future.
Unlike Washington D.C., our budgets are always balanced millage rate is lower than our neighboring cities of Delray We continue to fund public safety initiatives that keep
and we maintain healthy reserves. With our eye on the future Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boynton Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, our city safe. This year’s budget includes adding a homeless
we remain dedicated to providing the unparalleled quality of Hollywood and a slew of other comparable ones. liaison to the police department. We also pay close attention to
life that our residents need, expect, deserve and receive. Our city is mindful that the economic climate has our infrastructure needs and have allocated 8% of the property
Our residents have not faced a property tax increase in presented some challenges. With persistent inflation and tax revenue to fund the Capital Improvements Program.
over a decade, and I am proud that while I have been mayor rising costs the city is aware of the pinch many are feeling The city also has plans to add programs to bolster our
and a City Council member, the rate has only decreased. I in their pocketbooks. offerings, including public arts, a neighborhood street tree
have repeatedly voted foar consistent reductions and never One way we keep prices low for our residents is by program, a gopher tortoise preserve and a traffic mobility
for an increase – all while maintaining a strong financial continuing to offer one of the lowest water and sewer rates and connectivity division.
Council Corner: Summer Review, Fall Preview

By Deputy Mayor Yvette 2. Vibrant Economy – Economic vibrancy focuses on Watch the Trainovations Strategic Plan presentation
Drucker, a proud first- fostering a strong economy that supports living and from July 22, 2024.
generation Cuban American working in the city. See the Trainovations Strategic Plan presentation
and first Hispanic on the city 3. Financially Sound – A financially sound city (PDF).
council. Now recently re- exemplifies stability and fiscal stewardship through A few September events worth noting, but for more
elected to serve her second responsible management and sustainable practices. visit www.myboca.us:
term on the city council. 4. Quality of Life – Quality of life embodies a holistic • Thursday, September 19, 2024 at the Downtown
Her unwavering commitment approach to community well-being, encompassing health, Library 6 to 7:30 p.m. Join Janet Elinoff from the
to community service and livability and sustainability. League of Women Voters for a talk about the upcoming
involvement in governmental 5. World-Class Services – World-class service emphasizes amendments on the 2024 ballot.
positions like the Palm Beach reliability, innovation and excellence in service • Saturday, September 21, 2024 – The International
County Transportation delivery, supported by a robust and resilient community Beach Clean-Up, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Come out
Planning Agency and the Florida League of Cities advocacy infrastructure. to Spanish River Park to help clean up the beach and
and public policy committees underscores her commitment to 6. Transportation and Mobility – Transportation and intracoastal mangrove habitats.
shaping impactful policies. Beyond her civic endeavors, Yvette Mobility require reliable infrastructure, seamless I am always looking for input and available for
Drucker cherishes moments with her family and beloved dog connectivity, consistency and ease of travel. questions. I can be reached at ydrucker@myboca.us and
J.J., reveling in Boca Raton’s local parks, beaches, and the 7. Growth Management – Growth Management embraces you can follow me on social media at @yvettedrucker.
city’s diverse culinary and cultural offerings. principles of smart growth and responsible management. For more city updates visit www.myboca.us and hope to
Happy Fall y’all! For more information and details on the priorities visit see you around the city. – Deputy Mayor Yvette Drucker,
I hope you all had a wonderful summer. This summer www.myboca.us #thebestisyettocome
I traveled, spent time with family and friends but most
importantly I took some time to rest and reset. So important
as we embark in a very important year for our city.
The 100th Centennial Celebration next May (2024-
2025). The staff is working hard on the 100th Centennial
Celebration, which will take place next May. For 99 years ARCHIVE GALLERIES
Boca Raton has been a beacon of beauty, innovation and
community spirit. I can’t wait for all the events and to
celebrate this milestone with the community.
During our summer meetings we approved our PAYS HIGHER PRICES FOR FINE ART AND ANTIQUES
Strategic Plan for 2024-25, had our first city budget
workshop and had the post-session legislative update and
our appropriations presented to us during our July meeting • Oil Paintings • Sterling Silver • Collectibles
An overview of the City’s Strategic Focus Areas and • Oriental Rugs • Objects of Art • Fine Crystal
Priorities includes: • Tapestries • Sculptures • Orientalia
1. Community Safety – We create and service an
environment that is desirable to live in and promotes • Fine Furniture • Bronzes • Tiffany Items
health and well-being in our community. • Service Plates • Porcelain • Clocks

We Also Purchase Men’s And Ladies’ Items Including:

• Old Watches • Cufflinks • Smoking Items • Coins • Antique Jewelry
• Designer Handbags • Fine Modern Jewelry • Vintage Costume Jewelry

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