Auditor says Zephyrhills is in fine financial shape

But the airport's delay to seek reimbursements for state grant money has cost the city, he says.

By MOLLY MOORHEAD
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 26, 2003

ZEPHYRHILLS -- An auditor's report on fiscal year 2001-02 found the city's finances to be sound.

Auditor John Henson had a few recommendations for City Council members but was mostly positive in his report.

"The city finances appear to be in excellent shape," Henson told the council in a meeting Monday night.

Henson's main criticism was that the municipal airport takes too long to request reimbursements for state grant money -- an issue that also came up in the previous year's audit. By expediting the requests, Henson said, the city could collect the grant money and then add to it in interest-bearing accounts.

"This area needs to be addressed more carefully," he said. "The delays have been costly."

The airport currently carries about $400,000 in debt.

City Manager Steve Spina suggested tracking grant reimbursements in monthly reports, and Henson suggested assigning one employee to handle all grants. Currently, Beverly Jones, who was given the title of grant administrator last year, requests and manages grants for the city -- but not the airport, which handles its own grants.

Last year, the city won about $1.4-million in grant money. It expects to collect more, possibly up to $2-million, this year.

In other council news Monday night:

Council members approved spending $5,117 to build a fence around the city's water tank. The state Department of Environmental Protection recommended building a fence for security reasons.

Members signed off on a $21,470 contract with Towson & Rogers Engineering Inc. for work on a proposed frontage road along U.S. 301 from Eiland Boulevard to Daughtery Road. The project is funded by a $700,000 economic development grant.

Members agreed to buy two tractors for use at the airport for $83,215.38 from AGCO. With the trade-in value of its current tractor, the airport's net cost will be $75,615.38.

-- Molly Moorhead covers news about Zephyrhills and crime in east Pasco. She can be reached at (352) 521-5757 or toll-free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6108, then 29. Her e-mail address is moorhead@sptimes.com .

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