Consolidation of Shoreacres with La Porte

[Johnny Hill]

Council,

I wouuld like to start a discussion and get your opinions about consolidating The City of Shoreacres with La Porte. I believe that this is the best course of action for our community and I intend to start a campaign of educating our citizens on the Pros and Cons of this consolidation option. After our recent budget adoption, we effectively kicked the can down the road on needing to raise taxes this year because of the new state law that requires you to have certified financials in place in a timely manner, which we did not have. This required us to transfer money from our Tex Pool funds to balance the budget without a tax raise. However, by doing this we will be facing the same dilemma next year and will probably have to raise taxes even more than the 11% that was proposed for this year. Due the fact that we already outsource most of our major services, you can bet that the costs of those services will be going up by at least 2-3% per year. However, our revenue base is basically flat and possibly declining. That math does not end well for us and sooner or later we will be bankrupt.

I see the following things as Pro positive points for consolidation

1- Shoreacres residents would immediately get a 15% tax cut on their property tax because La Porte’s rate is that much lower.
2- La Porte has a better CRS flood rating score and currently has a 25% flood insurance discount vs. our 15%
3- We would fall under La Porte building codes and flood plain requirements which means that our current requirement for all new houses or remodels be done to VE standards would go away.
4- Public works and Parks maintenance would be much improved since they have the budget for this and the staff to handle it.
5- Code enforcement for things like abandoned swimming pools, junk cars, and abandoned houses would be more robust and effective.
6- Access to La Porte fitness center at reduced resident rates
7- Access to city dump services and better brush removal options
8- Better emergency management services to help citizens during all phases of storm recovery.
9- Animal Control Services which we don’t currently have.

I am sure that there are other things I am not currently thinking about, but would like for all of you to voice your opinion and whether or not you support going forward with this. I intend to add this discussion to the next scheduled Council meeting for further discussion.

Respectfully submitted,

[Johnny Hill]

Council,

I have requested an agenda item for the upcoming special council meeting on the 27th of this month. My agenda item is for a special presentation by Barry Plante regarding possible consolidation with La Porte and for us to discuss and answer questions after the presentation. Please reply to let me know if you are in favor of this presentation for our consideration. I need at least one of you to be on board to get the presentation on the agenda.

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