Is there a hidden agenda behind study to combine Anna Maria Island cities? | Opinion

I am writing to clarify misinformation and provide insight into the hidden agenda believed to be the potential motivation for a strong-arm attempt to consolidate all three cities on Anna Maria Island.

We have often heard the phrase “follow the money” when diagnosing political decisions that seemingly defy logic. I believe this to be the case in this consolidation effort.

This overreach of political power began with parking and a parking garage in Holmes Beach. The debate was originally between Manatee County Chairman Kevin Van Ostenbridge and the city of Holmes Beach, following a reduction of street parking during the COVID-19 pandemic and Manatee County’s brief closure of the Public Beach. This gave the city time to evaluate and address a decade of public health and safety concerns by no longer providing unlimited beach access parking.

Holmes Beach provides excessive beach parking, including during peak holiday periods. The city clearly marks available parking spots on-site and online. Beach access signs have been installed at all Gulf Drive beach access streets within Holmes Beach.

Parking is plentiful. All are welcome. The county and delegation fail to recognize we have a traffic problem, not a parking problem.

I believe the parking crusade was a smokescreen to taint Holmes Beach for the county’s true intent of allowing Bradenton or the county to take over governance and control. Don’t be confused by their rhetoric.

Why? Well, I believe the delegation is masking the initiative by suggesting lower taxes and other efficiencies. In a meeting with state Sen. Jim Boyd and state Rep. Will Robinson, each island mayor agreed to support an Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) study on the consolidation of services, not cities.

When the notice was received, the order stated they would research the benefits of consolidating the three cities, contrary to the agreement of the three mayors.

In the initial meeting with OPPAGA officials, a representative said city of Bradenton and Manatee County representatives would also be included in the study to determine if the island cities should be annexed. This fact was not disclosed earlier to the mayors, leaving islanders at risk of becoming governed by Bradenton or Manatee County.

Following are some financial realities that may drive some of the ambitions of those initiating this “take”, resulting in considerable financial advantage for Bradenton or the county.

Holmes Beach has no debt, approximately $12 million dollars in reserves, assigned and unassigned, has lowered its millage rate for two years in a row and has an assessed valuation of $3.1 billion and will contribute about $6.5 million in total taxes to Manatee County this year.

This financial stability has been funded exclusively by Holmes Beach property owners who enjoy responsive service and a myriad of amenities for residents and visitors alike. In addition, Holmes Beach is the single largest contributing city to the Manatee County Bed Tax, through the Tourist Development Fund.

Over $40 million dollars has been upstreamed to the county by Holmes Beach visitors over the past 12 years with a meager $141,200 approved for its qualified projects in return. It is the Manatee County Commission controlling the allocations, in spite of the supportive TDC Board recommendations in the past. Stakeholders have asked frequently why we receive so little in return. I leave the reader to ponder.

Online research indicates Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach also enjoy financial stability.

Anna Maria, as of 9/30/21:

• Unrestricted reserves $1,934,693
• Debt $1,097,345
• Assessed valuation $2,043,623,664.
• 2024 real estate tax contribution: $4,189,424

Bradenton Beach, as of 9/30/21:

• Unrestricted reserves: $1,644,415
• No debt
• Assessed valuation: $993,269,201
• 2024 real estate tax contribution: $2,317,188

Collectively, the three island cities comprise an assessed valuation of over $6.2 billion, with total tax proceeds expected to be nearly $13 million in 2024.

Compared to other municipalities, the island cities have lower millage rates:

• Anna Maria: 2.05

• Holmes Beach: 2.05

• Bradenton Beach: 2.33

• Bradenton: 5.77 (includes fire district)

• Manatee County: 4.79

Both Manatee County and the city of Bradenton have substantial debt outstanding.

Manatee County, as of 9/30/21:

• Loans: $27,780,000
• Bonds: $330,500,000

Bradenton, as of 9/30/20:

• Loans: $48,378,338
• Bonds: $77,567,253

A comparison of each island city’s financial stability to that of Manatee County and Bradenton reflects a net positive financial gain to either if consolidation occurs, with a possible dramatic additional tax burden to island property owners based on comparative millage rates.

Each island city has been incorporated since the early 1950s and has evolved, prospered and created unique and independent societies with quality-of-life offerings that have drawn owners and visitors worldwide. Many have stated “We are the Golden Goose” of Manatee County, with the concern that such radical change would devalue this island community forever.

There is no reason to believe if consolidation occurs, that taxes paid by islanders will be allocated to maintenance and improvements on the island. The history of the bed tax contributions by Holmes Beach vs. the return on investment to our City provides insight into that concern.

In my opinion, overzealous politicians have initiated a study of futility at the expense of those who contribute their financial and societal support, establishing and maintaining a haven for relaxation, enjoyment and peace of mind. I will never believe other political entities could have matched the accomplishments of those who came before us and the thousands who defend our sovereignty, serve our cities and thrive here today.

Robinson believes there will be an insufficient number of citizens to step up and serve our three cities. I steadfastly disagree. All three island cities enjoy strong civic interest and participation.

I believe with the substantial value of island properties, there will always be citizens and property owners committed to protecting their investments and way of life, by filling the elected or appointed public service needs of our communities.

OPPAGA representatives said they have no plan to consult with the island stakeholders, nor are city referendums a part of the process. I suggest OPPAGA hear your opinions along with voicing your concerns to the delegation members who have taken this bold and unprecedented anti-home rule action.

Terry Schaefer

Holmes Beach Commissioner