If Palm Harbor becomes a city, be ready to pay

Re: Incorporation of Palm Harbor

Becoming a city carries high price

We wonder if those who wish to make Palm Harbor a city have actually looked into the costs to do so. After working in city government for many years and experiencing just what it costs to run a city, we don't see any reason for such costs to be placed upon Palm Harbor's citizens.

To become a city, you would need to elect a mayor and city council and appoint a city manager and city clerk/records department, unless the people would want a strong-mayor government — then a city manager would not be needed.

Then a public works department would need to be formed and a planning and zoning division, streets and drainage division, sewer division, engineering division, code enforcement division, parks/recreation division, finance division, human resources division, management information systems division and community development division, and employees hired with benefits, such as health insurance, vacation time, sick time and retirement benefits. Also, structures would need to be built or acquired to house personnel and equipment.

Of course, all of these services could be contracted out for a cost to the taxpayers; however, we feel these costs would be higher than what the county is presently charging us for these services. The county presently owns the infrastructure, so where does that leave Palm Harbor as a city? What does the committee propose concerning the infrastructure?

We've heard talk that the sheriff's services would be eliminated and another agency would take over. We are very pleased with the sheriff's services.

In these tough times, why is anyone willing to spend more money for something that has worked so well for years?

Bill and Cindy LeVan, Palm Harbor

Traffic trouble makes no sense

It seems such a shame to see so many visitors sitting in cars bumper to bumper trying to get on or off the beach. My suggestion to Clearwater is to hire fourth-graders to fix this problem, as it's obvious that the people who are in charge don't have a clue about moving traffic. And don't give me, "It only happens at spring break."

Back in 1948 you could drive from 49th Street in Philadelphia to the center city through at least 30 traffic signals without stopping because they had qualified people, without computers!

Why is this a hassle with all the technical knowledge available today?

Dick Groff, Clearwater

Re: Council member exits with thanks | letter by Janice Miller, March 20

Thank you, Janice Miller

The city of Oldsmar and its residents just lost a dedicated City Council member in Janice Miller. Her terms ran out and she is no longer eligible for the council seat, yet she still took the time to write the St. Petersburg Times and thank everyone for allowing her to serve.

It is we who should be thanking her for her service. Since we can't do it by re-election, I would at least like to say that I think she did a great job of trying to get the people's voices heard and their issues met and resolved during her tenure. We have lost a great lady who threw herself into her position.

Thank you, Janice, for a job well done. I am a 28-year resident and feel qualified to say that.

When you are ready to retire or slow your pace, please join our great Senior Center, which Emily Beard turned into a fun place to meet and socialize. What a hoot it would be having you around.

Dee Wydnyk, Oldsmar