A referendum is a general vote by the electorate (Town residents) on a political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision by their elected officials (Town Commission). After extensive and thoughtful deliberation, which can be reviewed by watching past Town Commission Meetings, the Town Commission has presented three referendum questions to residents for the 2024 Municipal General Election:
Question #1 - Financing a Sanitary Sewer Lining Rehabilitation Project
Ballot Language
A Referendum of the Qualified Electors of the Town of Highland Beach to be held on March 19, 2024, as to whether the Town shall be authorized to (A) finance and implement a Sanitary Sewer Lining Rehabilitation Project to repair, replace, and prevent structural damage to the sewer lines for a not to exceed cost of $3.5 million dollars, and (B) issue its General Obligation Bonds, payable from the full faith and unlimited Ad Valorem Taxing Power of the Town, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3.5 million dollars to finance the cost thereof.
Why This Question Was Chosen
Following a televised inspection of the sanitary sewer system, it was evident that the existing pipes had surpassed their intended lifespan, necessitating rehabilitation. After a thorough exploration of rehabilitation options, re-lining emerged as the preferred choice due to its minimal invasiveness and cost-effectiveness. The Town underscores the imperative for swift rehabilitation, given the continual escalation of costs associated with the current state of the sewer system.
Question #2 - Raising the Current Funding Limitation
Ballot Language
A Referendum of the Qualified Electors of the Town of Highland Beach to be held on March 19, 2024, as to whether the Funding Limitation of $350,000, set forth in Section 2.01(30) of the Town of Highland Beach Charter, shall be adjusted to $900,000 to account for the past 32 years of inflation and be adjusted annually thereafter on June 1 (beginning In 2025) in accordance with the Regional Consumer Price Index (MSA).
Why This Question Was Chosen
The Town Commission concluded that a proportional increase in funding limitations corresponding to inflation aligns with the spirit and intent of maintaining a spending limit. This approach ensures the Town can carry out essential operations and crucial capital projects without compromising financial prudence.
Question #3 - Ability to Designate Election Canvassing Duties to Palm Beach County
Ballot Language
A Referendum of the Qualified Electors of the Town of Highland Beach to be held on March 19, 2024, as to whether the Town of Highland Beach shall amend its Charter at Article I, Section 1.06(7) to provide the Town Commission the discretion to designate, by resolution, its canvassing duties to the Countywide Palm Beach County Canvassing Board for more efficiently run Municipal Elections.
Why This Question Was Chosen
The Town Commission has decided that, in the Town's best interest, it should have the authority to appoint the Palm Beach County Canvassing Board during Uniform Municipal Elections. The Town is no longer able to mandate the presence of the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections on its Municipal Canvassing Board during these elections. This change aims to avoid potential additional administrative burdens and associated increased costs for the Town.
