In accordance with the Charter of Sunny Isles Beach, I am pleased to submit the Adopted Budget for the fiscal year 2002-2003. It has been another year of significant growth for our city, both with regard to on-going redevelopment and the planning and implementation of major infrastructure and capital improvements necessary to accommodate the vision and goals of the Mayor and City Commission of this city. Hearings on this budget took place September 5, 2002, and September 26, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Chambers.

The single most significant item in the Adopted Budget is the proposed Capital Improvement Program. The Program, an approximately $33 million dollar, multi-year plan is the first of its kind for the City. It is broken down into two (2) distinct sections; that which will be accomplished over the next three years and that in the subsequent five years. The plan, which includes construction of the new City Hall and Police Station (for which debt service funds have already been put aside), includes beautification, parks, streetscape enhancements, and infrastructure improvements. It encompasses the dream and vision that the founders of this City have been striving to achieve. We can accomplish this and still maintain one of the lowest tax rates in Miami-Dade County. The plan is partitioned into the following categories: (1) park development; (2) streetscape plan; (3) construction and/or property acquisition; (4) public works facility; (5) road resurfacing; and (6) stormwater improvements.

With regard to staffing in the operating side of the budget, we are proposing to create the position of Capital Projects Director in order to implement the ambitious Capital Improvement Program. It is necessary to create a Fleet Manager position within the Public Works Department. Due to the steady growth of the operations in the city, particularly the police department, fleet management requires a new approach. Until now, a uniformed sergeant has been overseeing the maintenance of the city's fleet. Although doing a commendable job, we have now outgrown this arrangement and need professional services for a comprehensive fleet management program.

With the Gilbert Samson Oceanfront Park being in operation for approximately two years, we have decided to add lifeguards to that park in addition to those stationed at the Pier Park. The original plan was to move the lifeguards from Pier Park to the Gilbert Samson Oceanfront Park to be more strategically located within the center of our city. However, in an effort to provide the highest level of safety and security for all residents and visitors of our city, the decision was made to add lifeguards and the necessary equipment for them to better service the residents and visitors of our city.

We are planning to upgrade our computer system and add support staff. Databases need to be consolidated and efficient equipment purchased in order to set up one comprehensive system as we plan to move into a new city hall. This will also include upgrades to the city's telephone system.

In order to more effectively meet the demands of the development community, the City has contracted consultants to assist in the final formulation of our land development regulations and for on-going planning and zoning reviews. Once they are completed, we hope to embark on a comprehensive GIS System of having all property information computerized. This assistance is similar to that being provided to other newer incorporated municipalities in South Florida that have taken a comprehensive approach to engineering, planning, and zoning within their jurisdiction.

On the revenue side of the budget, the City has been fortunate. We continue to maintain a high level of success with regard to grants and State funding for a whole variety of projects, from the development of our parks to landscape beautification and traffic and safety improvements. We are evaluating our Building Department fees for the first time in several years and taking a close look at assuring the residents that we are covering our expenses for the review and costs associated with development plans, and not burdening the general taxpayers.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Mayor and City Commission for all their guidance, support, and help over this past year and during this budget process. It has been a tremendously rewarding experience to be able to brainstorm and discuss ideas that have led to the decision to move forward on a very ambitious, but necessary, Capital improvement Program. I would also like to thank the City Manager's Financial Advisory Committee for all their input and guidance on financial matters throughout the year. A special word of thanks goes to our Finance Director and her staff. I have been able to delegate more of the compilation of this budget document to her good office. I am very pleased with the results and look forward to their continued help and support over this next year, as financial oversight and management become more critical as more projects are undertaken simultaneously.

I look forward to working with all the residents of our city on these numerous projects and facing other issues that will surely arise in the future.

Respectfully submitted,

Christopher J. Russo
City Manager and Budget Officer
City of Sunny Isles Beach