TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Residents share advice on water, services

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOHN W. ALLMAN

jallman@tampatrib.com

Published: May 15, 2009

TAMPA - The Hillsborough County Commission heard from its Citizens Advisory Committee on Thursday about a host of issues that the appointed board hopes to address this year.

Several themes surfaced, chief among them helping the county save money in the midst of a budget crisis, and eliminating hardships on residents who are penalized for following county ordinances.

The 12-member citizens' committee discussed seven issues in all.

One of those was a concern that homeowner associations might fine residents who adhere to mandatory water restrictions and don't water their grass as required by some association bylaws.

"There should be no time our citizens should be in conflict with a local law and a homeowner association," Commissioner Kevin White said.

Another issue discussed: Duplication of services. Citizen appointee Bea Black, said there are currently 53 county services provided by other agencies and nonprofits locally.

Black said the citizens' board wants to review about 10 of those to see whether the county could save money by consolidating services.

Kay Doughty, advisory committee chairwoman, said the board will meet with commissioners again in June.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT