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Commissioners Prepare For Public

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By MARK HOLAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 20, 2007

TAMPA - Rose Ferlita made the switch from Tampa city council to the Hillsborough County commission nearly a year ago.

'It's like the city council on steroids,' she said of the county board of commissioners.

Ferlita represents county District 1, which extends from Town 'N Country and other northwest neighborhoods to Apollo Beach and other South Shore communities. City neighborhoods such as West Tampa, South Tampa and Davis Islands also are part of the district.

A town hall meeting Thursday with commissioners and county staff is aimed at residents of District 1, yet open to all taxpayers.

Ferlita said she expects to hear about several issues of concern in the sprawling coastal district, including county and city proposals to dredge canals in waterfront neighborhoods.

Hillsborough's plans are on hold until after January's statewide property tax referendum, which could have an effect on county revenues. The city council is meeting Thursday to discuss whether to create a special taxing district that would assess canal residents for dredging.

Ferlita said she wants to move forward with establishing a similar taxing district for dredging work outside city limits.

'At first I think the community is going to be a little apprehensive about it,' Ferlita said. 'It might take even into late next year.'

She held out some hope of the county and city working together on the dredging issue.

The town hall meeting also might focus on more localized issues, including concerns in Town 'N Country about proposed regulations that could allow larger signs and billboards.
Davis Islands residents are concerned about the extension of a runway at Peter O. Knight Airport, and some central Tampa residents are worried about a proposed jet fuel pipeline to Tampa International Airport.

South Shore residents are anxiously watching developments of a proposed transportation plan.

As for her first year in county office, Ferlita said she was disappointed by the budget process, especially the refusal to tap into reserve funds.

'At least that would have given life to some programs that were killed,' such as the county's public access cable television station, Ferlita said. 'The focus was more personal than community and used as an excuse to give a hard time to programs some commissioners didn't like.'

Commissioner Mark Sharpe, who holds a countywide seat, said he expects constituents to press the board about budget cuts and other financial issues.

'I'm hearing, 'Our taxes are too high and government needs to do a better job,'' Sharpe said. 'I think we will hear about consolidating permitting and parks. People are saying this is how you could save money.'

Residents who can't attend the meeting can watch it live on HTV22, the county government cable channel.

During the broadcast, viewers also can call (813) 272-5275 to ask questions, or send their questions via e-mail to town hallmeeting@hillsborough county.org.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners' town hall meeting

WHEN: Thursday. Exhibits and information will be available at 5:30 p.m. Question and answer with commissioners will start at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Jefferson High School Auditorium, 4401 W. Cypress St., Tampa

Reporter Mark Holan can be reached at (813) 835-2102 or mholan@tampatrib.com

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