Safety Harbor could lose city support for its annual Santa tour through neighborhoods, its Fourth of July fireworks and $145,000 in nonprofit grants. The cuts are part of an initial plan city commissioners will consider during a Nov. 17 meeting. The city is preparing for the financial impact of Amendment 3, which passed statewide with about 62% support. In Safety Harbor, roughly 54% of voters backed the measure.
Mayor Joe Ayoub said the city faces roughly $2 million in lost property tax revenue in the next budget year. Losses could approach $4 million annually after that. “We’re looking at everything now to just be prepared and put ourselves in a better footing for the following year when it takes effect,” Ayoub said.
The proposed reductions go beyond holiday celebrations. The plan identifies the following items for possible cuts:
- $145,000 in nonprofit grants
- $115,000 for Harbor Holidays
- $47,000 for Fourth of July fireworks
- $8,600 for the holiday parade
- $6,000 for Santa tours
- $2,000 for the annual tree lighting
The plan also covers community events, special-event sponsorships and downtown activities. That includes support for Third Friday on Main Street, the monthly event that draws visitors downtown and gives local businesses a chance to reach thousands of customers.
Beyond those items, the plan calls for reducing library and recreation hours and programs. It also proposes freezing vacant positions across city departments. City leaders call the measures preliminary steps to build savings while they learn how much revenue the city will lose.
Originally reported by ABC Action News
