Atlantic Beach Notebook: Sewage Tax Probe and Disappointing Police Report

's Board of Trustees reassured village residents on Monday that it is continuing its investigation of sewage taxes in the village, and whether enough money was budgeted to cover the fees.

Mayor Stephen Mahler assured residents that the board’s projected $60,000 budget for the tax will be enough to cover its expenses in the upcoming fiscal year, even while down from $85,000 in its previous projected budget package.

“The council sees this as quite an issue, and could result in savings for us,” Mahler said.

He and the board suggested that the sewage company is confused over expired deeds that claim beach houses are part of the beach district, which have since been categorized part of the village, ultimately exempting them from the tax.

“I think it should be two thirds what they are billing us right now,” he explained. 

South Nassau Communities Hospital

Dr. Abraham Port, from South Nassau Communities Hospital, introduced some of the hospital's latest advances, clinics and procedures at Monday's meeting.

Mahler assured him that there will be more publicity to draw a larger crowd for the hospital representative’s next presentation, educating the public of what they offer.

“I’m happy to be here with this intimate group,” Port said.

Police Report

Only 16 summonses were recorded on Atlantic Beach roads this past April, a number drastically down from 58 this time last year.

Mahler expressed disappointment with the numbers, a reported all time low on the village records, according to the board’s statistics.

“I’m out of words to describe the poor performance,” Mahler said about the . “We ask very little, just some coverage in the morning and evenings.”

Mahler told residents and board members that he would be writing a letter to police department to express his and the village's frustration.