THE SOLUTION

A Reform Plan for the City of Shoreacres

Local Solutions. Local Control. A Stronger Future.

1. Fiscal Responsibility: Spend wisely, plan long-term, no surprises

2. Transparency & Trust: Residents deserve clear answers

3. Local Control: Independence through competence, not consolidation

4. Fix Before Expanding: Infrastructure and basics first

Financial Reform & Accountability

Annual Independent Audits: On Time, Every Year

• Complete and publish required annual financial audits on time every time

• Hold a public audit presentation for residents

• Create a corrective action plan for any audit findings

Multi-Year Budget Planning

• Move from reactive budgeting to a 3–5 year financial forecast

• Identify structural deficits early

• Tie spending decisions to long-term sustainability

• Post recorded council meetings within 72 hours

• Clear agendas posted from council, committees, and boards

Budget Transparency

• Publish a plain-English budget summary

• Post check registers, contracts, and financial reports online

• Use clear visuals (not just PDFs)

• Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)  posted as required by law

Infrastructure & Capital Improvement Reform

Infrastructure Assessment

• Commission a full review of:

  • Water & sewer lines

  • Drainage & flood risk

  • Streets and right-of-way

• Prioritize repairs by risk and cost

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

• Develop a 5-year CIP

• Match projects with funding sources (grants, reserves, bonds)

• Avoid deferred maintenance

Grant Strategy & External Funding

Dedicated Grant Function

• Assign or contract a grant coordinator

• Track deadlines, compliance, and matching requirements

Targeted Grants

Focus on:

• Flood mitigation & drainage

• Water and sewer rehabilitation

• Coastal resilience

• Planning & technical assistance

Revenue Reform (Without Overburdening Residents)

Fair & Modern Fee Structure

• Review permitting and service fees

• Ensure costs are recovered appropriately

• Avoid across-the-board tax increases

Short-Term Rental Regulation

• Register and permit STRs

• Enforce safety and occupancy standards

• Collect applicable hotel occupancy taxes

Additional Generated Revenue

• Park and Recreaction rental facilties fees

• Golf Cart permits

Clear Roles & Oversight

• Strengthen council oversight of contracts and expenditures

• Regular performance check-ins with city administration

• Ensure compliance with state law and best practices
  
  

Community Engagement & Communication

Proactive Communication

• Monthly updates from city leadership

• Clear explanations of major decisions

• Advance notice of budget or tax discussions

Independence Without Consolidation

Shoreacres can:

• Meet legal and financial obligations

• Access grants and external funding

• Maintain services responsibly

• Plan for the future

Reform is the alternative to consolidation.

Shoreacres does not need to give up its independence to succeed. With transparency, accountability, and disciplined leadership, we can reform our city, strengthen our finances, and protect local control for future generations.