Displays are meant to educate, not persuade, officials say
Ocean Ridge Hammock Park is among county parks with signs at entrances and parking lots to remind residents that their tax dollars support public facilities. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
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By Rich Pollack
So, what’s with these “Thank You Residents” signs popping up in parks and public facilities throughout Palm Beach County and in Delray Beach?
They are, county and Delray Beach city leaders say, part of an educational campaign to remind residents where their tax dollars go.
And it’s no accident that the signs have been appearing just a few months before voters go to the polls to vote on Amendment 3, a proposal that would increase property tax exemptions but reduce revenues that local governments say are needed to provide a wide array of services.
“This is an education initiative,” Delray Beach City Manager Terrence Moore said.
Palm Beach County leaders, who say as many as 500 signs will be going up throughout the county, echo Moore’s comments, saying they hope the signs will fill a gap with many residents not understanding what services and facilities are paid for with tax dollars.
“We found that not all residents understand how county funding works,” said John Jamason, the county’s interim director of public affairs.
The county also found that many residents would not be happy paying for services they now get for free, including parking at several beaches.
Residents became outraged after learning that county leaders had planned to charge $3.20 an hour to park at several county-owned parks, including Gulfstream Park near Gulf Stream and Ocean Inlet Park at the Boynton Inlet.
As a result, the county changed course and decided to keep parking free for residents at several parks — provided they get a free permit — but charge others $4 an hour at those parks beginning in October.
Moore and Jamason point out that the signs don’t take a position on the amendment.
Counties and cities are prohibited from using public funds to advocate for or against ballot issues or constitutional amendments under Florida law.
“This is education, not advocacy,” said Moore, adding that his city has been holding Town Hall meetings to help residents better understand how budgeting and municipal finances work.
While the county has been placing signs in parks and in front of libraries — and has plans to put some on roads and bridges — Delray Beach’s effort is much smaller.
Just a handful of signs in the city are posted in parks and in front of City Hall, and Old School Square has a banner.
The city has also employed social media to remind residents where their tax dollars go, using about six different images, including one of a police boat with a reminder that public safety and emergency management are funded by property taxes.
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