The Sun Herald reports (http://bit.ly/YopGlc ) Mayor Billy Skellie gave his annual State of the City address Wednesday, telling those gathered the area continues to overcome challenges.
In 2012, 27 new businesses opened, and five more received permits to construct new buildings. The city also issued 14 residential permits.
Skellie says the city saw a decline in property and sales taxes last year but was able to balance its budget by making cuts and did not raise taxes.
He says the biggest issues with the hurricanes are higher insurance rates and elevation increases for homes and businesses on or near the beach.
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Information from: The Sun Herald, http://www.sunherald.com
