May 1, 2019
From the Desk of the Mayor
Welcome to May and the beginning of Spring and the 2019 tourist season! What an early treat we have had in some very nice weather. But with the nice weather come the visitors and traffic. Our Public Safety Department is working hard to control the traffic and keep it moving, but it is the time of year that we all need to adjust our schedules to include some traffic delays on the weekends. Ahh, one of the costs of living in Paradise.
May 1st began another Turtle Season for our State. Be on the lookout for those turtle tracks on the beach as the Mama turtles come to lay their eggs. You will recognize the track — they look like small tractor tracks in the sand. Remember, if you see a turtle on the beach, laying eggs, or a marked turtle nest; do not harass the turtle, interfere with their nesting, or disturb a turtle nest. It is a Federal Offense with severe penalties.
With the month of May comes City Council’s favorite time of year, Budget Time! Over the next weeks, we will enjoy each other’s company as we trudge through another budget. The workbooks have been distributed to Council; as always, they represented a balanced budget with no tax increase proposed. We will work through each Department Head’s request and see where we come out on the other end. The finished project will be presented for a vote in June, so be on the look-out for this budget presentation. It is how your tax dollars will be used. As over the last years, I am certain the citizens of Folly will be happy with the outcome as we decide the best use of our tax dollars at work.
City Staff and I continue to try to have some derelict boats removed from our waterways. The bids are out and waiting on their return, with a contract to be awarded by City Council. Hopefully, this can be accomplished without impacting our major boating season.
All citizens need to be aware of the Island-wide 25 mile per hour speed limit and adjust your speed accordingly. I know it is hard to keep that speed, but the PSO’s are out writing tickets to help make our Island safer. I don’t know about you; but I am going to do my best to keep from getting an invitation to our Municipal Court.
Speaking of Court, welcome to our newest addition, her Honor Judge Kate Schmutz. Judge Schmutz will be a great addition to our court system. Congratulations also go out to Judge Chris Skipper, Folly’s new Lead Judge.
Last, but certainly not least, a reminder that June 1st is the beginning of the 2019 Hurricane Season! While the predictions thus far have this season to be slower than normal; remember it only takes one bad storm, and we could be in recovery mode for several years. Plan now to evacuate, have a communication plan with your family, gather your supplies, and know your evacuation routes. A little time planning now could be the life saver of the future.
As always if you have any questions feel free to contact me at (843) 729-0298 or tgoodwin@cityoffollybeach.com.
Mayor Tim
