Belleair Beach Seeks Funds for New City HallCauseway Bridge repairs and recycling programs considered by city council last Mondayby Bill LopezBELLEAIR BEACH - For a town of only 2,000 residents or so, Belleair Beach has embraced a lofty goal in completing construction of a new city hall that will cost an estimated $3.3 million. The city council reviewed its options Monday night during its regular council meeting and considered tapping into its Hurricane Fund to help pay for the building. Currently the balance of that fund is approximately $1 million. But Belleair Beach Finance Officer Maria Kemp cautioned council members that the fund is for emergencies and any depletion should be short term at best. No action was taken in the meeting pending further analysis. City Engineer Rueben Clarson reported again that the Harrison Avenue Bridge is in poor condition. He said the city has different construction options ranging upward from $290,000. The city is looking at a three to four month window to complete the work when approved. Volkert Engineering is being considered for the project. Also at Monday's meeting, the council looked at countywide curbside recycling with its present contractor or perhaps an alternative contractor. The city staff will provide an additional report at a subsequent council meeting.
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