Following a brief introduction, the Mayor welcomed Town Administrator Patty Verde to her new position. The Mayor then expressed her gratitude to outgoing Administrator Alberto Villanueva for his hard work and dedication during his years with the Council.

    In her speech, the town leader revealed the following information regarding the town's financial status.

    Last year's budgeted revenue for April 1st, 2003 to March 31st, 2004 was $1,970,782 however, actual revenue collected was $2,728,164.05 - an increase of $757,382.05 or 38.33%. The San Pedro Town Council expects that this fiscal year will show an even greater increase from our budgeted figures to the actual statistics. This year's budgeted revenue for April 1st, 2004 to March 31st, 2005 is $2,093,727 - an increase of 6.24% from last year's budget of $1,970,782. Our cash balance on April 1st, 2004 was $258,176.77 while outstanding bills totaled $73,843.39 with a large percentage of this outstanding amount being used for road repairs and maintenance, due to an unusually long rainy season. This demonstrates that the San Pedro Town Council is well within the restrictions of its financial capabilities. Our checking account balances at the Belize Bank Limited and Atlantic Bank were a cumulative $241,562.58, while we maintain a balance of $1,747.35 at the Government Treasury, for a total of $243,309.93. The San Pedro Town Council continues to meet its obligations with Caribbean Coves Limited of $13,185 per year for 500 acres of land. This recurrent revenue collection is only possible through our island residents who have been committed to paying their taxes, licenses, and fees to the town. Once again, I take this opportunity to commend them for doing so, since it is the local taxpayers' money that is the driving force behind a better San Pedro.

    It was further stated that, to date, the San Pedro Town Council continues to receive only a $69,000 yearly subvention from the Government of Belize, an amount that represents only 2.5% of the actual revenue collected by the town. "The subvention amount received remained the same however, its significance on our revenue decreased by 1% causing some level of concern," quoted the Mayor.

    The Mayor then focused on San Pedro Town Council activities and what they have accomplished so far. She professed their dedication to maintaining and improving the standard of living for all of the residents of "La Isla Bonita" by providing essential infrastructure development - a key component of the tourism industry. These improvements included: construction of the south end ferry ramp, water services for the San Mateo residents on the north side of Boca del Rio, and the refurbishing of the 5-A-Side Stadium.

    Also mentioned was the completion or continued work being carried out on the following projects, and the acquisition of equipment, such as: the purchase of a 2004 Isuzu KIA K3000S delivery truck acquired at a cost of $30,427.08, along with a water tank at an approximate cost of $5,000; a 1995 Chevy pickup truck (for the foreman) and a 2004 gas- powered golf cart (for the Mayor). SP park improvements and maintenance resulted in the beautification and renovation of Central Park, Friendship Park, Boca del Rio and San Marcos Park, plus the imminent completion of Flamboyant Park in the San Pablo Area.

    Street and road maintenance projects listed the southern most portion of Barrier Reef Drive, roads in the San Marcos and the DFC Areas (from San Pablo to the Marina), and San Pedrito streets, which are currently in the process of being upgraded. It was further noted that Sea Star Street, (located between Coconut and Seagrape Drive), has been cleared and is being upgraded in an effort to provide more road access to the residents of this area.

    Other improvements noted the placement of additional speed bumps (two on Tarpon Street, one on Sea-grape Drive and another on Coconut Drive), the new Tourism Center, two sections of seawall (lagoon side - Boca del Rio Area), electricity provided to households across the Boca Del Rio (with additional plans for the southern end of the island underway), and municipal garbage bins (with assistance from the city of Chetumal, Mexico).

    Further mentioned was that the San Pedro Town Council has provided assistance to the SP Fire and Police Departments, the SP Roman Catholic Church (for the construction of the new shrine), as well as the SP Red Cross and Traffic Departments (office space in the San Pedro Town Hall).

    The cost of renovations to the San Pedro Town Hall building (with assistance from the Ministry of Finance) totaled $105,000. It was stated these improvements were necessary since the building would be used as the National Emergency Management Organization's (NEMO) Headquarters during a national emergency or disaster.

    In closing, on behalf of the San Pedro Town Council, the Mayor thanked all the government departments that have supported these projects throughout this term in office, in particular, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Finance, and Belize Rural South, as well as the SPTC staff and employees.

    During the next hour, a question and answer period was conducted. Several concerns were raised including vacant lots, the availability of water to the north side of Boca del Rio, speeding motorists and taxi drivers, crime, theft, truancy, curfew, a lack of youth/sport activities, and access to the cemetery.

    Both of the community leaders, Mayor Elsa Paz and Area Representative Manuel Heredia Jr., shared the responsibility of addressing many of these issues with assistance from the Town Councilors in attendance. It was stated that a proposal was in the works for additional classrooms or schools, and that the Ministry of Human Development would be contacted for assistance with truancy. The efforts of local Neighborhood Watch groups was commended, but it was suggested that more cooperation was needed from parents, with assistance from the police, in dealing with the amount of crime (and enforcing the curfew).

    The resurfacing of the cemetery access problem seemed to be an enigma to those in authority, who asked for assistance from anyone who knew how to deal with this ongoing challenge.

    Regarding the paving of Pescador Drive, it was noted that the SPTC had ordered 50,000 cobblestones for the pavement of Pescador Drive and was contacting the Ministry of Works for an update on when the project would begin.

    Responding to an inquiry of when the new marina would be operational, it was stated that the Ministry of Works and the Harbor Master had been contacted. These authorities suggested that the marina be utilized, despite the current minor inconveniences, but enforcing this may require that a Statutory Instrument be enacted into law in order to force island barge owners to move their equipment to this area.

    Concerns over the increased amount of cruise ship tourism, its harmful effects to the environment, and the lack of benefits it brings to the island, sparked some discussion. It was decided that the Minister of Tourism be invited for a visit to discuss this matter.

    The issue of the pitiful GOB subvention, and the minimal amount of government funds budgeted for the island prompted a suggestion from one community member that Ambergris Caye residents consider re-districting or establishing their own district, separate from Belize Rural South. Ending the meeting, the Mayor thanked the residents for attending, and reminded everyone to take advantage of the SP Town Council "Open Door Policy" to address any additional concerns not brought forth during this meeting.