Safety Harbor Finance Advisory Committee Meets Monthly to Oversee City Budgets and Encourage Citizen Involvement

Safety Harbor's Finance Advisory Committee, comprised entirely of local citizens, plays a crucial role in overseeing the city's financial health. The committee monitors city budgets, reviews millage rates, and examines existing fee structures for city services. They also review documented systems of internal control and provide recommendations to the City Commission, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

The committee meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the William Blackshear Commission Chambers. These meetings are open to the public, providing residents an opportunity to observe the financial discussions and decisions that impact their community. Agendas and minutes from past meetings are available in the Archive Center, with upcoming agendas and meeting recordings accessible on a dedicated page.

The current committee members include John Estok, Bill Hughes, Joseph Guinther, Les Smout, and Michael Matthews. Joseph Guinther serves as the Vice Chair. Mark Owen acts as an alternate member. Matthew Converse, the city's Finance Director, serves as the City Liaison for the committee. Residents can contact Mr. Converse at MConverse@cityofsafetyharbor.com or by calling 727-724-1555 Ext. 1222 for inquiries related to the committee's work.

Safety Harbor actively encourages citizen participation in local governance. Residents interested in contributing their expertise to the Finance Advisory Committee, or other city boards, can contact City Hall for an application. The Board Application is also available for download online. The Finance Department, located at 750 Main Street, Safety Harbor, FL 34695, can be reached at 727-724-1555 for more information.