Holmes Beach to Anna Maria: 'Don't bother with study request'
By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter
A suggestion by Anna Maria City Commissioner Duke Miller and endorsed by the commission that the city participate a "tri-city study to determine the feasibility of consolidating services" will apparently get short shrift from Holmes Beach.
Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore said "don't bother" when informed of Miller's suggestion.
"We've tried this three times in the past and they've all failed because of Anna Maria. They are wasting their time. Myself and the commission are against any study of consolidating services with Anna Maria."
That was a sentiment echoed by Holmes Beach Commission Chairman Rich Bohnenberger.
"We've been there and done that" on consolidating services, he said.
"We've tried to consolidate police, public works departments and building departments and each time it did not turn out because Anna Maria rejected the idea. I'm only in favor of [a study] if it saves Holmes Beach taxpayers money. Other than that, it's a waste of time."
He did say, however, that if any commissioner wants to place the issue of a tri-city study on consolidating services on the agenda, he won't object. |
