MEXICO BEACH UPDATE:
MEXICO BEACH HIGHLIGHTS 2007 Over the course of a year, a lot happens in a small town. This report is a recap of some of the activities of the City Council over the year. DREDGE – A new dredge was acquired for the canal. This is a new piece of equipment that cost $275,000. A donation of $75,000 from the county and cash from the city financed this piece of equipment. There was no increase in city debt for this dredge. CDBG – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – This grant is in the amount of $600,000 and is intended to help low to moderate income families to renovate their homes. Applications are submitted to City Hall. PIER – A Grant from the State in the amount of $400,000 was received from the State and the required matching funds of $200,000 were provided by Bay County. This grant will allow an extension of the pier by another 53’ plus adding a “T” at the end. Further review of this design is currently being done with the possibility that the “T” will not be added and the pier extended a total of 120’. PIER – Additional work was done on the pier to replace all the boards on the top of the pier. SAND FENCE / SEA OATS - This project was funded in the amount of $109,000 by the State. It’s designed to enhance protection to the beaches and allow the natural rebuilding of sand dunes and sea oats on the beach. WEST JETTY IMPROVEMENTS – This is a $439,500 project fully funded by FEMA to rebuild the west Jetty. Current materials will be replaced by boulders and work will commence shortly and be completed in 60-90 days. EAST JETTY IMPROVEMENTS – Improvements to the East Part of the Jetty will provide additional protection for the canal. In connection with this project, there will be a sand-by-pass system installed which will pump dredged sand from the canal to a locations east of the canal and help rebuild the beaches east of the pier. BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN – This study is fully funded by the State and will blueprint the beach. The will provide a basis for rebuild if damage is done by storms. BOAT RAMP – A new boat ramp is being constructed north of Highway 98 and will have three ramps and a loading basin. Also included will be parking, picnic tables, sidewalks and restroom facilities. All costs are being paid by the St. Joe Company. SIDEWALKS – A sidewalk master plan has been developed and submitted to the State for funding. A decision is expected in the summer. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - The city comprehensive plan was completely reviewed and submitted to the State for approval. Approval is expected shortly. CITY PARK – A plan was developed and grant request written to re-construct the tennis court, basketball and playground near the water plant. An answer is expected this summer. RECYCLE PLAN – The city re-started the recycling plan and drop off bin are available near the water plant on 21st street. AD VALOREM RATE – The city lowered the ad valorem rates for property for the 4th consecutive year. WATER/SEWER RATES were increased this year. The city buys waters and sewer service from the County and they raised water rates 62% last year. City rates were raised 30% to cover the increase and provide funds to pay off a sewer debt that will come due in the future. MUTUAL AID WITH TYNDALL – The city participated in the first joint exercise with Tyndall AFB. EMERGENCY SERVICE purchased a new emergency vehicle and responded to 293 calls last year (prior calls were 208 in 2006 and 127 in 2005) FIRE DEPARTMENT was evaluated with a resultant lowering of our Public Protection Classification (Lower is better).
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