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A Not for Profit 501(c)3 Corporation
Chartered January 24, 1950
Purpose of the Martin County Taxpayers Association:
"To study the tax situation in Martin County, Florida; to work with Public Officials and Boards toward economy and efficiency in the operation of the Government of Martin County and other political bodies in said County; to improve, extend and place upon a safe and more permanent foundation the general tax program of said communities and county, etc."
In Your Corner
It is extremely disappointing that the Witham Airport Action “Majority” (WAAM) have again opted to go to court to try to overturn the agreements Martin County finally reached with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last year. After many years of dealing with WAAM’s objections and legal maneuvering, the Martin County Board of Commissioners (BCC) managed to negotiate a favorable agreement with the FAA that:
- Permanently fixes the boundaries of the airport to those requested by the County.
- Permanently fixes/limits the length of the airport’s main runway
- Prohibits scheduled commercial service unless specifically requested by the County.
- Accepts defined “preserve areas” on the airport property
- Provides FAA funds to construct an aircraft arrestment system that will bring Witham’s runways into compliance with federal safety regulations.
- Provides funds to complete the buyout of civilian properties affected by safety considerations and/or noise.
- Provides funds to sound insulate other private homes/buildings located inside established noise contours.
- Provides for continuing airport maintenance funds via FAA grants
- Helps the incorporation of appropriate aircraft departure and arrival procedures that will reduce noise over populated areas of the County.
The BCC signed a Comprehensive Plan amendment last December that incorporates the requirements negotiated in this FAA agreement. The FAA also accepted the terms of the agreement by signing a new Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for Witham Field on February 11 th. The ALP approval is conditional, but the conditions are based on items agreed to during the negotiations led by Commissioner Heard. These actions should provide a positive conclusion to the decade long controversy over the use, growth and control of the airport. The County and airport spent well over $400,000 in legal and consultant fees trying to reach just such an agreement, while defending against WAAM’s numerous claims and objections. Even more significant, Martin County lost the opportunity for many high paying aviation jobs that moved to other counties when the companies decided they would rather invest in areas with a more stable political situation.
In summary, it is time to quit wasting taxpayer funds (and WAAM contributor’s) with actions that will not be productive, but do impede development at a time when we need high paying jobs and “green” industries in Martin County. If they or anyone else identifies a new threat to our environment at Witham we will be ready to join their fight. However, rehashing the same arguments that have already been settled after the expenditure of considerable time and money is a waste of resources sorely needed to address real problems.
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We would like to endorse the concept embodied in Commissioner Hayes’ proposal at last Tuesday’s BCC meeting to have open, announced Commission workshops to craft staff guidance. If properly constructed, these workshops would go a long way toward providing appropriate, specific guidance to the Administrator and his staff on difficult issues facing the County. Major problems we have noted in the past were the result of a lack of definitive guidance between the BCC and the Administrator and/or too much communication between individual Commissioners and lower level staff. The way the system “works” now requires Commission guidance be given one on one (due to “sunshine” laws) or superficially along with a multitude of agenda items in front of a large audience. This system invites wrong interpretation, duplicity between public and private guidance and undermining of the Administrator’s authority. We are always for public involvement. Open, advertised workshops focused on specific issues can still fit this criterion while allowing detailed analysis and guidance.
It is not our place to comment on the decision to remove Duncan Ballantyne as County Administrator. We have found him an intelligent, honest and forthright individual stuck in what can be a thankless job, especially in a bad economy. We appreciate the time and effort he put into working with us and wish he and his family well.
We encourage your comments, criticisms, ideas, or any questions about how your taxes work; call or fax 772-288-0474 or write to us at PO Box 741, Stuart, FL 34995 or e-mail us at admin@mctaxpayers.org or visit our WEB site, mctaxpayers.org.