BELLEAIR BEACH – The City Council Monday night approved an extra $25,000 homestead tax exemption for seniors who have filed a state exemption of $25,000 and whose household income is $22,693 or less.
The council held a special meeting for that purpose and threw in a couple more items on the agenda.
The additional homestead exemption began as a $15,000 idea but council members in discussing it last month increased the amount to $25,000
For those who qualify, the total homestead exemption will amount to $50,000 yearly.
Perhaps the measure will be in the realm of gesture only. Given real estate values in Belleair Beach and the relative affluence of most residents, it is unlikely that many households would qualify.
In other action Monday, the council reviewed that latest wrinkle in design for the new city hall by Harvard Jolley Cleese architects and approved them.
With approval of the changes the design and development phase of the building can proceed.
The final touches were put on a survey that will be conducted in which residents will give their input on what they want in the city.
Among the ideas will be community planning ideas and Gulf Boulevard beautification. One idea being discussed is having the PSTA make bus stops in the city. The cost of that is being looked into.
On the city logo contest that was being held, the council agreed to keep the present city logo with some additional tweaking.
However, the entries submitted for a city logo will be judged and a $500 first prize will be given.
The council meets in its regular meeting Monday at 6:30 p.m.