Largo Commission Trying to Resolve Budget PuzzleLargo Police to purchase mobile computers and camera equipment for eight vehiclesBy Bill LopezLARGO - Eight police vehicles replaced in Largo this fiscal year can not all be equipped with new computers and cameras with budgeted funds because the cost exceeds the city's budget for these items. Accordingly requisitions for the computers and cameras for two of the eight vehicles have been initiated by the department with the existing budget. Purchase of equipment for the remaining vehicles will be made by amending the budget to allow for the increase in cost. The cameras cost $5,825 each and the computers $6,950. Of the $250,000 budgeted for vehicles and equipment only $33,968 remains requiring an amendment to the budget before the additional equipment can be obtained. A budget amendment ordinance (No. 2008-54) has been drafted for that purpose. Largoian Subdivision Replated - A parcel of land located along 1st Avenue NW between 6th St NW and Ridge Road was purchased by the city in 1989 to provide a public right-of-way connecting segments of 1st Ave NW. At the time there were deficiencies that have now been corrected with a complete survey detailing utility, drainage, ingress/egress easements and right-of-way dedication. Fees For City Services Increase In Largo - The city council has approved an across-the-board increase in fees for city services that effect most departments. Everything from library cards to the cost of photo copies and green fees has been reviewed according to Joan Byrne, Recreation, Parks and Arts Director. Her department as well as Engineering and Administration have adjusted the fees based on an analysis of costs. While some of the fee changes are minimal, the impact of all the changes over a year's time will bring an additional $75,000 to the operating budgets of the departments involved, she indicated. Clock Tower Plaza Design Completed - Clock Tower Plaza located in the Largo Central Park has been redesigned to renovate and update the site. A standing water multi-jet fountain with surface mounted lighting will be incorporated in a plan that adds 40 percent more landscaping to the area. The central plaza area will be framed with palm trees that will replace the present banner poles. Construction is expected to be completed by December. Art In Public Places - Beautification of cityscapes will be enhanced in Largo through a new ordinance that will foster creation of works of art throughout the city. Largo Parks, Recreation and Art, the Community Development Advisory Board and the Planning Board have looked at ways to have various works of art created in the city. After a review of what other communities have done, they recommend a funding mechanism that would enable creation of painting, sculptures, statues, engravings, carvings and art in many other media to be permanently displayed in the city. Funds for the art would come from contributions associated with construction projects in the city that exceed $500,000 and would be based on 1 percent of the cost of the projects not to exceed $200,000. A seven member Public Art Board would be established to oversee the creating and installation of art projects based on detailed guidelines and operating procedures that would be approved by the City Commissions. Contact Bill Lopez at blopezmmm@aol.com.
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