Spending Up, Taxes Down in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

For the past five years, Robert Baldwin has served Dania Beach,
Florida, as city manager. Prior to assuming this position, he
worked as town and city manager, as well as assistant city
manager, of a number of Florida municipalities, including
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

During Robert Baldwins tenure as town manager, Lauderdale-by-
the Sea annexed a 900-plus-unit condominium development. In
doing so, the town expanded its tax base by 58 percent, allowing
it to increase spending by almost 30 percent while lowering taxes
by close to 20 percent. Taxes fell by $125 for homeowners who
file a $25,000 homestead exemption on a $150,000 home,
making Lauderdale-by-the-Sea one of the lowest-taxed
municipalities in all of Broward County.

A large portion of the increased spending went toward fulfilling
promises made to the owners of the Sea Ranch Lakes
condominiums, including setting aside $20,400 to improve the
Sea Ranch Lakes beach property. Additional spending allowed for
the hiring of two new police offers dedicated to patrolling the
beach, a meter repair specialist, and a private grant writer.