When talking about the state of the city of Holiday Island, it is important to refresh our memories as to why we incorporated in the first place. Looking back at the presentations made in 2020, the following reasons were given:
• Provide supplemental funding for public safety
o Provide some funding for the fire department
o Assume responsibility for the deputy
• Provide supplemental funding for road resurfacing and maintenance
• Establish regulations for solid waste collection
• Code enforcement
o Building permitting
o Land use planning and zoning
o Animal control
o Nuisance abatement
Incorporating as a city gave Holiday Island access to tax revenue that our property owners and residents were already paying but getting no benefit from, as well as the opportunity to gain some control in areas where the Suburban Improvement District had no authority to regulate. The plan was and is for HISID to continue to operate the fire department, road department, sewer and water, and the recreational amenities.
Although no system is perfect and there are always challenges, I can say that based on the City's and HISID's ability to work cooperatively together, the state of the city is strong. The following are some highlights.
Public Safety:
In 2024, the city provided $54,000 to the fire department to help fund the much needed radio upgrade. The upgraded system allows for communication between our fire fighters and other agencies responding to emergencies without having dead spots in the valleys and behind the hills.
The city spent approximately $103,000 providing two sheriff department deputies to patrol in Holiday Island. Along with traffic control, those deputies respond to emergencies, medical assistance, wellness checks, criminal activity, accidents, and civil disturbances. The budget for 2025 increases to $147,000 in anticipation of additional patrol hours and salary increases.
Road Resurfacing and Maintenance:
During 2024, the city paid HISID $24,000 for maintenance of the roads that have been dedicated to the city, plus the city purchased $22,700 worth of new traffic and street signs. The city is in a position financially to do additional paving in 2025 and is working with HISID on a long term strategy for road resurfacing and maintenance. Unfortunately the city was not awarded the $300,000 grant to resurface Woodsdale Drive as only 37 of 147 applications for grant money were approved this year. We'll try again next year.
Building and Construction:
The city issued 25 building permits in 2024 with seven being for new homes and the balance for renovations, decks, or accessory buildings. Given the headwinds of rising interest rates and constructions costs, new construction remains steady.
Code Enforcement:
The Code Enforcement Officer issued approximately 70 notifications of violations in 2024. The majority of the complaints involved trash accumulation, property maintenance, vehicles blocking roadways, squatters, and failure to comply with other ordinances. Bringing some of the more serious violations to resolution sometimes takes several months. Especially when there are absentee landlords involved. It's not an easy job and it takes a great deal of patience.
Animal Control:
In 2024, the city council passed an animal control ordinance. However, the city was not able to hire an animal control officer to enforce the ordinance. The code enforcement officer has helped out in some of the more serious situations. We hope to be able to fill the position in 2025 as roaming dogs seem to be a persistent problem.
Planning and Zoning:
The Planning Commission issued 89 conditional use permits for short term rentals in 2024. That was a significant undertaking since each one required a public hearing. The permitting process has been very beneficial in that we now know where the short term rentals are located and have local contact information if and when there are issues with a property.
Business Licensing:
157 business licenses were issued in 2024. There are still a handful of businesses that are in the process of securing a license and a couple that have chosen to disregard the
requirement. The fire department deserves a lot of credit for getting this done since a fire safety inspection was required to obtain a license. The inspections proved to be very beneficial in making sure the health and safety of the customers was assured.
A&P Commission:
In 2024, the voters in Holiday Island passed an Advertising and Promotion tax and the city established an A&P Commission. The Commission is currently working on notifying those
businesses impacted by the tax and setting up collection procedures. The funds will be used to advertise and promote tourism in Holiday Island which includes lodging, restaurants, and recreational opportunities. The funds will also be used to promote events to bring people to Holiday Island. It is felt that this will promote home sales and construction since many of the people that move here did so after first visiting the community. With the A&P Commission taking over advertising that has historically been done by HISID, there should be a corresponding reduction in HISID's expenses.
Summary:
In summary, even though many of the things that the city does go unnoticed, I feel we are accomplishing what we set out to accomplish and I am very proud of and appreciative of all the volunteer hours put in by our council, commission, and committee members. And by our small but dedicated staff. And I look forward to a good 2025.
Dan Kees
Mayor, Holiday Island
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