BELLE GLADE – 2021 is going to be a very good year not only for revenue for the city but also for residents in job opportunities, Belle Glade City Manager City Manager Lomax Harrelle told …
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BELLE GLADE – 2021 is going to be a very good year not only for revenue for the city but also for residents in job opportunities, Belle Glade City Manager City Manager Lomax Harrelle told commissioners at their Jan. 19 meeting at city hall.
He said the city issued 757 permits last year and took in $271,000 in fees. He said in addition to the revenue coming in for the permits for new businesses, each new business will also bring new jobs.
One company that will come into the former correctional facility property will employee 200 to 300 workers.
The city also took over the golf course and campground from two independent contractors.
“It has turned out to be very good for the city,” he explained. He said a business person in the city volunteered to help with the golf course, made a list of equipment needed for maintenance and then donated the equipment to the City of Belle Glade.
“2021 for the City of Belle Glade is going to be phenomenal,” Harrelle said.
Only three city commission members participated in the Jan. 19 special meeting of the City of Belle Glade Commission: Mayor Steve B. Wilson, Vice Mayor Mary Ross Wilkerson and Commissioner Johnny Burroughs.
Johnny Gooden, director of Public Works, was presented with the Employee Safety Award.
Vice Mayor Mary Ross Wilkerson said when Gooden sees the Public Works Department needs help, he jumps right in, whether it be mowing the grass or driving the recycling truck.
“A lot of people wouldn’t do that,” she said.
Gooden deserves to be employee of the year, she said.
In other business, the commission approved a mandatory year round landscape irrigation conservation ordinance and the water shortage plan ordinance.
The commissioners also approved demolishing the old water tower on NW Ninth Street.
The mayor expressed concern about people from other cities dumping trash and debris in Belle Glade. He asked for webcams to be placed at known dump sites so they can follow up and fine those who are illegally dumping. “They only way we are going to get their attention is to hold them accountable,” he said.
