State and Local Gov't News

Consultants Recommend No Increase In Lake Worth Water, Sewer Rates

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:53:57 GMT

Consultants with Burton & Associates are recommending no increase in water and sewer rates for Lake Worth Utilities customers during the budget year that begins Oct. 1. City commissioners are scheduled to discuss the consultants' water and sewer...

Florida Charter Schools Must Meet State Standards

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:26:23 GMT

Healthy debate about educational priorities is vital; however, misconceptions about charter schools overlook the extensive regulations (federal, state and local) requiring rigorous accountability and oversight. Charter schools are public schools...

Miami’s Financial Records for 2011 Get Thumbs Up from Outside Auditor

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:03:08 GMT

Nearly two months after missing the deadline, Miami on Tuesday published the city’s annual financial report. Ernst & Young, an outside auditing firm, gave an “unqualified” opinion on the accuracy of the city’s records for...

Lack Of Rules On Boynton Beach Expense Accounts Questioned

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:55:12 GMT

After Bill Orlove was elected commissioner in March 2010, he began collecting an expense allowance, now at $593 a month. Under city rules, he doesn't have to account for it, and he doesn't have to give back any unspent money. His colleagues...

Port Canaveral Can Fare Better, CEO Says

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:06:44 GMT

Port Canaveral is among the strongest parts of the local economy these days. But Canaveral Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Stan Payne said, although things are “pretty darn good” at the port, he is not going to rest on his...

Pinellas County Warms Up Bulldozers for Major Code Violators

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:07:44 GMT

Pinellas County is becoming tougher with owners who refuse to keep their property in good repair. Pinellas officials will tear down three structures and take ownership of a Clearwater home if county commissioners give their okay. The proposals...

HART Suggests Using Sales Tax to Pay for Expansion

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:09:52 GMT

Hillsborough transit planners have proposed a fare increase and service cuts to make up a budget deficit during the next five years. But looking ahead, HART leaders are now considering expansion of the system to keep pace with a growing number...

Five Ways Fort Lauderdale Could Spend the $14 Million It Found Lying Around

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:10:45 GMT

The Fort Lauderdale city commissioners must be patting themselves on the back right now for hiring Lee Feldman as city manager: Turns out he's a master at rooting around the couch cushions of city budgets for money that's gone missing. Bucking...

Florida: A 21st Century State With a 20th Century Tax System

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:23:47 GMT

Amid a fourth straight year of budget shortfalls, signs of fraying in Florida's tax system abound. Money for each of Florida's 2.7 million public school students this fall will be at its second-lowest level in eight years. Only last year was...

Florida Universities Rank High In Presidential Pay

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:24:58 GMT

Florida's universities trail the nation when it comes to state funding and academic rankings, but they do score high in one area: pay for their top leaders. The median pay for presidents of the eight research universities in Florida was $510,000...