The Eastern Shores Security Guard Taxing District (ESSGTD) was created and operated by the County in 1994/1995. The District was established to create public improvements and special services, funded by assessments to the property owners in the District. In December 2017 the residents voted to transfer the governance of the District from the County to the City and this was effectuated in February 2018. In June 2018, the Commission established the Eastern Shores Special Security Guard Special Taxing District Advisory Board. The City provides the governance, assessment, operation and maintenance for the District and the Advisory Board provides advice on service levels and other needs.
Currently, the 35th Avenue community guardhouse is staffed by NMB Police (or other law enforcement personnel) and funded by the District. The 35th Avenue Gatehouse Advisory Board has recommended converting the staffing to security guards instead of sworn law enforcement officers effective October 1st, 2021. They propose additionally using sworn law enforcement personnel to provide roving patrol within the District.
If the Commission approves the policy change, the board may consider funding and budget implications for the FY 22 budget. These recommendations from the ESSGTD are provided to the Commission, for approval of the assessment rates in the TRIM notices. The assessment rates are then adopted by the Commission as part of the Budget process.
Any financial impact to this policy change will be at the expense of the District, who funds the enhanced levels of service requested. Although there is no financial impact to the City this recommendation of policy change of guardhouse operation is being brought to Commission, in the event there are any objections.