From the Voice in the Choice Community Meeting - Topic: Financial, Real Estate and Local Business Impact Group:

• The City needs to do all that it can to maintain or improve property values – public safety is the most important factor to do that, not something to take a risk with.
• Possible revenue sources to support robust police service (PBSO). In the short term, raise millage rate. Long term would be to pass a special assessment of all property for fire and police services.
• There is no confidence that the City administration is up to doing the job.
• Promoting business is the key to future investment. Value equals safety for residents, businesses, guests (consumers and tourists)
• Perception of being a safe place to live is a key psychological factor in whether someone wants to live or do business in Lake Worth.
• Power of the vote for future City Commission/Mayoral candidates that acknowledge the importance of public safety. The City Commission hires the City Manager who runs the rest of the city. With one goes the other.
• The report did not identify what else could be cut from the budget. There was no public input. It did not look at the effects of the switch, only monetary benefits. PBSO and a Lake Worth Police Department would not be the same quality, resources, numbers and equipment.
• We need stability in our business environment to attract new investment. Current businesses may leave – need a retention effort, through the Chamber? An exodus of businesses or residents, caused by the perception that Lake Worth is an unsafe place, brings in blight and crime. This makes things worse, not better.
• Tourism should be important to the City. There are already tourist based businesses here, but there could be more. Being seen as an “unsafe location” hurts existing tourism-based businesses and prevents new ones from coming in. Tourists need to know that it is safe to walk around the streets.
• The City needs to access Tourist Development Council dollars, market the City as a tourist destination nationally and internationally. Get the Convention and Visitors Bureau involved. Amenities like a water taxi would help.
• PBSO is essential to the revitalization of the beach and the downtown walking area – people need to feel safe!
• Timing of this issue is suspicious – it is a diversion and the timing before the elections, the mayor leaving is telling. Does not help promote the image of stability or help with attracting grant monies.
• Neighborhood associations should be hubs where residents can go and learn what is real information and what is misinformation. City Hall has to do a better job with communications.