The next fiscal year begins on October 1, 2009 and for Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida, that means that some major budget cuts will begin to take place. Due to the 13% decline in property values, property taxes will be raised by 9%. Less revenue will still be collected by the city, however if the tax rate remains the same, the city would be forced to close the doors to most of Clearwater's recreational centers and libraries.
At the moment, the Morningside Recreation Center and the Harborview Center will be closed and the East Branch Library is being threatened. According to Kevin Dubar, the director of parks and recreation, Morningside wasn't originally designed to serve as a recreation center and the building is beginning to deteriorate. The city would need to put nearly $70,000 into keeping the building functional, which would only be a short term goal. Eventually the city plans to rebuild Morningside, but at the current time finding the funds for operations and maintenance is the key issue.
A final public hearing on the budget will be held on September 17, 2009.
