No matter who wins the election today, the TOSS Council will be facing a number of challenges in the coming years.
Just to mention a few:
Canal Dredging Project: bids are in, at $1.8 Million, $800,000 over the original estimate on which the State Grant was based. Presumably this will mean a large dip into the "Undesignated Fund" (which is also our "Hurricane" fund). This is only Phase 1 of 2, with no guarantee of any grant money being available. Phase 2 estimates exceed $2 Million. Expect a move to establish a special assesment for canal properties if no other funding can be found.
Juniper Trail Bridge: I'm not certain under what assesment or authority, but it has been said at several meetings that this bridge must be replaced within 5 years. Estimates range from $500,000 to $1 Millioin for this project. Having had the experience of sitting on that bridge during Hurricane Isabel in a SSVFD squad car, I believe it. How does a culvert bridge shake in the wind?
Storm Water Issues: two of the worst are the North end of Chicahauk and 12th to 13th at Duck Road. Abatement of the problem at just Chicahauk is estimated at $1 Million, while the problem on Duck Road is as bad if not worse.
All of the above are mentioned along with a number other worthy and necessary projects in the Capital Impovement Plan which the TOSS Council has adopted. A plan that was created to address the needs for the next 5 years, with total estimates ranging from $7 - $11 Million.
If our council is to just accomplish the major items above in that time frame they are going to have to be very creative with finances.
More on this latter.
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