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P. O. BOX 979 KEY LARGO,
FLORIDA 33037-0979
Officers
Board of Directors
Glenn Patton,
President
Cara Smith
Ann Nickerson, Vice
President
Edwina Lindeman
Frances Simmons,
Treasurer
Pat McLaughlin
Mary Nelson,
Secretary
Annette Richard
Mike O’Connor
Oct. 4, 2002
Monroe
County
Mayor S. McCoy
Commissioner Murray Nelson
Commissioner G. Nuegent
Commissioner Dixie Sephears
Commissioner B Jiminez
Commissioner Elect D Rice
Dear BOCC
As president of the Port Largo Residential Property Owners Association (PLRPOA) and as an executive board member of the Island of Key Largo Federation of Homeowners Associations (IKLFHA), I have talked to hundreds of people and attended numerous meetings for the past two years. As a result I am sure the vast majority of Upper Keys Residents support the purchase of the Quay property. The opponents to the purchase are apparently misinformed about the issues and facts affecting the future of the Upper Keys. Some of the untrue statements made by those opposing the purchase of the Quay property leads me to believe they have their own selfish hidden agenda.
I'm sure that there were some people opposed to purchase of the Key Largo Community Park for $1.9 million in 1995. However, this investment in our community now is probably worth tenfold of its original purchase price. Everyone I talk to in upper keys agrees that the Key Largo Community Park has immensely improved the quality of life in the upper keys. The same holds true for Friendship Park's purchase for $412,500. These investments in our community cannot be measured just by their purchase price. These properties are now valuable assets which have significantly improved the quality of life in the upper keys. These properties are now valuable community assets which have significantly improved the quality of life in the Upper Keys.
In any event, NO ACTION should be taken on this matter at the Key West BOCC meeting Oct 16, 02. This issue is so important to the future of the Upper Keys any agenda item on the subject should be heard in Key Largo so everyone in the community can have input on the issue.
The PLRPOA Board fully supports the purchase of the property of the following reasons.
No Property Tax Increase
Paying for the Quay with 304 Infrastructure Sales Tax Money
Monroe County collects additional $.01 Sales tax for tourist and residents alike which brings in approximately $8.5 to 11 million each year. The County Administrator Roberts has a budget list of projects to spend this money and one of the items is $9 million for an Upper Keys Government Center. My point is that the Upper Keys residents are paying this tax and it is only a matter of where this money will be spent. If this money isn’t spent in the Upper Keys it will certainly be spent in the Lower Keys!
The County is sitting on $25 million in the Capital Projects Funds presently. The purchase of the Quay Property will not raise taxes…..
Excerpt from Monroe County Adopted Budget Summary!
Page 95 of 193
http://www.co.monroe.fl.us/pages/budget/Adopted%20Summary.pdf
Audited
Projected
Estimated
Fiscal Year 2002
Estimated
9/30/2000
Impact of FY 01
9/30/2001
Projected Actual
9/30/2002
Fund
Fund Bal
Operations
Fund Bal
Revenues
Expenses
Fund Bal
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDS
304 PENNY INFRASTRUCTURE SALES TAX
$28,185,154
($508,722)
$27,676,432
$11,192,500
$13,509,100
$25,359,832
305 1991 SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS
$1,377,428
$70,000
$1,447,428
$0
$1,447,428
$0
306 CLERK'S REV NOTE, CAPITAL
$494,390
($178,000)
$316,390
$0
$316,390
$0
TOTAL CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDS
$30,056,972
($616,722)
$29,440,250
$11,192,500
$15,272,918
$25,359,832
PLRPOA members surveyed
Recently the PLRPOA surveyed most of its members about what they wanted for the future of Key Largo. The results were that the two main requested items were a multi-functional Government and Cultural facility with meeting rooms and more access to the Key Largo waterfront.
Multi-purpose Government/Cultural/Meeting Center
A Multi-purpose Government Center Building would be located near the highway on the Quay property, allowing the bay front area to be used for recreational purposes. In addition, the grounds could be used for community festivals. A Multi-purpose Government center in the Upper Keys would be a prudent economic decision on Monroe County. Just by consolidating all of the government service providers (Sheriff's office, tax collectors office, commissioner’s office, wastewater board office and, extension office and others) into one building a County will save thousands of dollars per month that is currently being spent to rent a private facilities. Overall, the purchasing of the Quay property and the construction of Multi-purpose Government Center Building will be a very positive improvement to the Upper Keys Community.
Access to Bay Front
Access and use of the Bay front for Keys residents on the Quay property is a primary reason to purchase the Quay property. The Bay front could be a recreational area with picnic table and recreational facilities for kids. The Bay front Access is not for the Commissioners it is for the community!
Tarpon Basin & a Boat ramp
As far as a boat ramp being available on the Quay waterfront is not the main issue for buying the property. A boat ramp would be nice and could be free for Keys residents and while charging non-resident an access fee. If you can not get in and out of Tarpon Basin with your boat than you should not be driving a boat. See chart below! However, a boat ramp is not a mandatory item to provide Keys residents’ access to the Bay front.
Thanks for your consideration. - God Bless America
Glenn Patton
Glenn Patton – PLRPOA - President 305-451-4891
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