The fiscal year 2012 budget process is beginning and I'd like your input on what services are most important to you and what services you think can be reduced or eliminated. The Broward County Commission will hold several budget workshops where these important issues will be discussed. Workshops will take place in Room 430 of the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, on the following dates:

May 17, 2011 - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
June 7, 2011 - 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
June 21, 2011 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
August 23, 2011 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Broward County Budget Facts:

• Property taxes fund 67 percent of the County's general fund budget.
• More than 50 percent of the general fund budget goes primarily to the constitutional officers.
• Broward County taxes are only 24 percent of total taxes collected – 76 percent are levied by more than 80 other taxing authorities.
• Unfunded state and federal mandates cost the County millions.

West Park is open for business at their new City Hall. I was privileged to join city officials as they cut the ribbon on the long awaited building. The West Park City Hall is located at 1965 S. State Road 7, West Park (Home Depot Plaza).

West Park City Hall: Broward Commissioner Barbara Sharief celebrates
the opening of the new West Park City Hall with the West Park
City Commission. April 2011

Congratulations to the City of Miramar for taking home an environmental Emerald Award in the category of Innovative Green Practices. Two District 8 companies also won Emerald Awards. Hamilton Sundstrand Worldwide Repair took home an Emerald Award trophy in the category of Pollution Prevention and Hazardous Waste Reduction. Cycle Race Tek, located in Hallandale Beach, also won an Emerald Award for their outstanding recycling efforts.

The Emerald Award program recognizes businesses for their voluntary efforts in four areas: waste reduction, recycling, improved operating practices and other "green" strategies that reduce pollution and waste. Both large and small businesses are eligible. For more information, visit the Pollution Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality Web Site.

The town of Southwest Ranches is celebrating its 11th birthday! In March 2000, residents voted to form their own town rather than be annexed into the nearby City of Pembroke Pines. A contest was held to name the Town, and 122 different names were submitted and Southwest Ranches won. The town was officially incorporated on June 6, 2000. Southwest Ranches is the 30th incorporated area in Broward County.

Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30. A typical season is most active from August through October. It's important to begin hurricane preparations early, before a storm is headed our way. Visit the County's Hurricane Web Site to learn more about hurricane preparedness. You'll find information of what to do before, during and after a hurricane. To stay informed, residents are encouraged to register now for the Broward County Hurricane Update email. To receive updates on your cell phone or email, follow us on Twitter.

We are seeking residents with an interest in public service to represent the needs of the district on open County boards. If you are interested in being considered, please forward a detailed resume to bsharief@broward.org. Be sure to include: your residency/permanent address; phone number and email address; whether you are a registered voter; whether you are a registered lobbyist; whether you serve on any other board, authority or agency (dual office holding); whether you are related to any Commissioner; and whether you have any potential conflicting business relationship. For a detailed description on advisory boards and a list of vacancies, please visit the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Professional Standards Web Site.

Effective Sunday, May 1, Broward County Transit made service adjustments on the 95 Express bus service that included an additional stop in downtown Miami, and earlier morning and later evening service. For details, please call the customer service center at 954-357-8400 or visit the BCT Web Site.

The service adjustments are as follows:

95 Express Pembroke Pines

• Southbound service from C.B. Smith Park & Ride will depart 15 minutes earlier. The first trip departs at 5:30 a.m.; the last trip departs at 8:40 a.m.
• Northbound service from downtown Miami will depart 15 minutes earlier. The first trip departs at 3:40 p.m.; the last trip departs at 6:50 p.m.
• A new stop in downtown Miami will be added at S.W. First Street and S. Miami Avenue.

95 Express Miramar

• From Miramar Town Center, the first three trips depart at 5:45 a.m., 6:10 a.m. and 6:35 a.m.
• The 8:30 a.m. trip has been discontinued due to low ridership.
• Northbound from downtown Miami, buses will depart 15 minutes earlier and additional evening trips will be added. The first trip departs at 3:25 p.m. and the last trip at 7:25 p.m.
• A new bus stop in downtown Miami will be added at S.W. First Street and S. Miami Avenue.

Broward County Housing Finance and Community Development Division is encouraging homeowners facing foreclosure to apply online for mortgage assistance under a new federal program called Florida Hardest-Hit, which is being administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

The Florida Hardest-Hit program provides mortgage assistance to qualified homeowners statewide who are facing foreclosure and who are unemployed or underemployed through no fault of their own. There is no cost to apply. Applications are accepted only through the Florida Hardest-Hit Web Site.

Questions about this program should be directed to the Florida Hardest-Hit program, through the Contact Us feature on www.flhardesthithelp.org. More information is available on other affordable housing and homebuyer/homeowner assistance programs.