The budget cycle is just around the corner. Due to the budget crisis created by the hospital situation, the taxpayers of Alligator Point are painfully aware that receiving sufficient financial support for critical issues of health, safety and utility at Alligator Point are going to be an issue. I would like to remind the County that Alligator Point has probably received a smaller share of its taxes than any other section of the County except perhaps for Saint George Island. The neglect is obvious:

• Our roads are in the worst shape of any in the County
• The area in front of the former campground has never been adequately addressed over the years
• Franklin County residents from all over the County are forced to climb over rubble to fish. This is an accident and a liability waiting to happen
• Peoples’ homes are being dusted as every vehicle passes, taking away their quiet enjoyment
• Houses have been destroyed due to erosion and storm events that if not for better planning and action on the County’s part would still be on the tax rolls.

Alligator Point needs all its major road repaved (some are bare of paving now), the moving of the road inland through the former campground (and not with seven turns, some more than 90 degrees) and beach re-nourishment that ensures the future viability of the entire point, provides revenue to the County in the form of high property taxes and is a recreational amenity for all the citizens of the County.

We realize that the solutions to these problems are being worked out, but remain a moving target and are likely to remain so for a while longer. Today, we want to address the funding mechanism. APTA is in the midst of providing information to all property owners of the Point, both residents and non-residents alike so that they may vote on the level of taxation (if any) they are willing to support. We will have the results of this stroll poll in June. After that, the board of APTA will vote a recommendation that will be presented to you.

What I want to make the County Commission aware of today is that the likely result, will be a repudiation of any expense specifically targeted at the property owners of Alligator Point and environs. Paying for paving and other improvements for a revenue producing tourist area like Alligator Point is unjust and unwarranted. If Alligator Point had received it’s pro rata share of tax revenue through the years, there would be no issue. As it is today, we are forced to beg for what is our due. In addition, we resent the us vs. them atmosphere that is frequently aired. It is both disingenuous and a disservice to your constituents when arguments are couched in this manner.

APTA asks that any funding gap between the proceeds provide by State & Federal grants, potential developer exactions/contributions and any County funded portion in payment for the aforementioned projects be covered by a County Bond and paid for out of General Revenues as a County wide benefit, not an Alligator Point luxury. Preliminary numbers appear to show that this option might accomplish all of our objectives and cost the County little or nothing after increased property tax revenues are collected from the construction of new structures and the refurbishment of other structures are considered. Further, as a consequence of completing these projects we will attract more renters which will result in the TDC showing an increase in revenue due to the attractiveness and utility provided by safe access, beautiful beaches and upgraded construction that will follow the contemplated improvements. Lastly, the County will have "put to bed" an issue that was never fixed. Let’s do it right and not penalize any one group for what is, and will remain a wonderful County asset.