Florida TaxWatch Vice President of Research Presents at Bond Oversight Committee Meeting

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Monday evening, Florida TaxWatch Vice President of Research, Bob Nave, presented the Florida TaxWatch 4th quarter 2016-17 analysis report to the Broward Bond Oversight Committee. Florida’s premier nonpartisan government watchdog has been working with the Bond Oversight Committee to provide research and analysis to aid in effective oversight and transparency.

Mr. Nave reported that there were a total of 38 findings and 16 recommendations, and the SMART Program expenditures increased from $106.5 million to $123.1 million. The technology upgrade project has been completed, and more than $10.38 million was saved. The music and art equipment replacement projects have been completed at 70+ schools, and the track resurfacing projects for 3 middle schools and 5 of the 12 high schools have been completed.

“TaxWatch is honored to aid the Bond Oversight Committee in performing its important review of the activities the District has undertaken for the benefit of the taxpayers,” Nave said. “While we continue to scrutinize the progress and spending, we are confident that the district is committed to finishing the projects on time and on budget, and our report highlights some key areas where their work has already been completed ahead of time and below budget.”

In addition to Nave’s presentation, the Chairman of the committee addressed renovation plans for the “Big 3” schools – Stranahan High School, Northeast High School, and Blanche Ely High School. The District reported that while there is currently no renovation schedule set for these schools, work is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2018.

Superintendent Robert W. Runcie has assured that the delays are not due to a lack of will and that the District is working hard to conduct these renovations in the most efficient way possible while still meeting expectations. The renovations would be expedited if there was a way to do it without disrupting day-to-day order.

Based on the Florida TaxWatch 4th quarter 2016-17 report, the District has been concentrating on minimizing delays and cost overruns. Florida TaxWatch will continue to work with the Bond Oversight Committee to assure that the District can meet their goals while still keeping the public well-informed.

You can read the full report and the rest of TaxWatch’s work with the Broward Bond Oversight Committee here.

About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog for nearly forty years, Florida TaxWatch works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on citizens and businesses.
Florida TaxWatch is supported by voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants, and does not accept government funding. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled Florida TaxWatch to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the citizens it serves since 1979. For more information, please visit http://www.floridataxwatch.org.
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