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The Sewall’s Point elections come down to five issues:
1. South Sewall’s Point Road elevation and drainage known as the Resiliency Projects.
2. Sewall’s Point has been negotiating with the County Staff to elevate North Sewall’s Point Road as it is their Road. In the past 2 years, the County Commission has refused to add the project to their Capital Improvement Projects.
3. Septic to Sewer system. Initially to serve homes in the flood zone along South Sewall’s Point Road.
4. New Martin County water main to serve South Sewall’s Point.
5. Sewall’s Point Budgets and Taxes.
Projects Explained
1. South Sewall’s Point Road elevation and drainage.
The road is to be elevated to a height of 3 feet above sea level. This is coupled with new stormwater drainage with pumps and new outfall lines to the Indian River. The stormwater will utilize exfiltration pipes, stormwater treatment areas, baffle boxes, and weirs. This resiliency project is split into 4 phases. Grants from State and Federal governments have averaged $11 Million for each phase. It is estimated the grants will exceed $44 million when the project is complete.
2. Elevate North Sewall’s Point Road.
As a County road, they are responsible for maintaining it. Our team at Town Hall is working hard to get this accomplished and won’t let up until it’s done.
3. Septic to Sewer system.
Initially to serve homes in the flood zone along South Sewall’s Point Road and others. Martin County has granted up to $2,000 per connection. That could total $1,412,000. In addition, is a Federal grant in the amount of $8.4 million which would be enough to complete all 706 connections needed.
4. New Martin County water main to serve South Sewall’s Point.
Martin County Utilities paid for an entirely new water line for South Sewall’s Point. Some of the pipes were over 50 years old
5. Sewall’s Point Budgets and Taxes.
The Sewall’s Point millage for the past 4 years (2021-2024) has been 3.27.
An example of Sewall’s Point Real estate taxes
Total of your annual Real Estate Tax $8,000
The Sewall’s Point portion of your tax $1,577.48 - 19.72% of the total.
If the commission were to Reduce Town Taxes by 5%
Your tax savings would be $78.87 annually.
What would this do to the town?
The Current Town Budget: $28,663,320 (includes grants)
A 5% Budget cut would be $1,433,166.
A cut of that size would require reduction in all town areas:
- Loss of Town Maintenance
- Limited Town Infrastructure
- Loss of Town Staff
- Reduction in Police Department
MY CONCLUSION
The projects above will bring in roughly $65 million dollars in grants. All of these projects have not required any assessments!
Cutting the budget would have minimal effect on Real Estate taxes but could result in fewer staff members, meaning less service for our residents and fewer police officers affecting our safety.
We have a team of 3 who have done unbelievable work for the town. Led by Mayor John Tompeck along with Vice Mayor Frank Fender and Commissioner Kaija Mayfield the projects they’ve undertaken are beyond belief. The town is extremely fortunate to have them.
Why would anyone choose either of the other 2 candidates who have zero experience as elected officials and all they can come up with is a tax increase 5 years ago and cutting the budget.
We are a high-end community with a median listing price of $1.5 million
(https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Sewalls-Point_FL/overview).
The facts can be confirmed at town hall. Opinions expressed are my own.
I’ve lived here over 48 years and served as Mayor and Commissioner. The town has gone through many changes in the past 5 decades. They have all added to the quality of life we enjoy in our high caliber community.
Let’s not lower our standards and home values with 2 unqualified negative candidates.
Thank you for your time,
Don Winer
19 Ridgeland Drive
Sewall’s Point, FL 34996
772-245-0001
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