Residents press commission for dedicated traffic-enforcement funding; commissioners raise e-bike and boat-ramp safety concerns

At the start of public comment, resident Jeff Collitz told the Holly Hill City Commission that cars frequently turn neighborhood streets such as 6th Street into makeshift racetracks and urged a dedicated funding source to pay for traffic enforcement. "A $100 per year per property ought to scare up some money," Collitz said, proposing the fund pay for unmarked traffic-control vehicles and officers whose primary assignment would be traffic control.

Collitz also noted a stormwater assessment on his tax bill and suggested that any new assessment be placed on the ballot so voters decide. The commission and staff responded: the city manager and staff said the stormwater fee was moved to the tax bill for consistent collection, and staff clarified there is no statutory "police assessment" available for levy on tax bills. A staff member explained a fire-assessment fee exists but can be used only for fire services; the panel said a dedicated millage for a specific purpose (for example, traffic enforcement) is an available option, while warning that state-level preemption measures under consideration in Tallahassee may constrain some local revenue options.

Resident Jim Leggari urged stronger civic outreach and suggested reviving a citizens' training program so residents can better understand local government roles and responsibilities.

Later in the meeting commissioners raised public-safety and parks issues. Several members expressed concern about increasing incidents involving electric bicycles on sidewalks and paths, noting at least two recent near-miss incidents and urging public education and clearer signage. Commissioners also said Sunrise Park boat ramps are being blocked by general parking on busy weekends; they discussed restoring permanent signs to reserve spaces for boats and increasing weekend enforcement if signage does not resolve the problem.

The commission thanked speakers for bringing solutions and said staff would look into next steps, including further information during budget discussions about dedicated financing options and follow-up on signs and enforcement at park facilities. The meeting adjourned after routine business.