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Suncoast Pinellas News
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A Long Shot
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Published: February 7, 2009
Last month, the cash-strapped Pinellas School District decided to close or consolidate a number of elementary and middle schools. Sheriff Jim Coats announced this week a reorganization under which, he said, the Sheriff's Office could "serve citizens as efficiently as possible given the present and future budget challenges."
In other words, things are tough all over, buddy, and government is seeking to cut spending or raise revenue until the economy stops sputtering.
The folks at Oldsmar City Hall appear to be taking the latter approach. They want to annex the East Lakes Woodlands subdivision, which is not exactly a poverty pocket. As part of the same annexation deal the city would welcome into its arms - and its property tax base - three pieces of revenue-generating commercial property, the Shoppes at Boot Ranch, East Lake Woodlands Shopping Plaza and the Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems complex.
The only people who will have a say in the proposed annexation are the registered voters within East Lake Woodlands precincts. They will have until March 10 to cast via mail their ballots with the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Office.
The subdivision's community association's board is urging the eligible voters to reject the annexation offer. Given the current economic realities, we can't imagine there is a majority of people within East Lake Woodlands willing to take on an extra layer of taxation, whatever amenities Oldsmar may offer.
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