Another Delay in Dock Repair

In September 2004 the Levy County Engineer declared Cedar Key's "Big Dock" structurally unsafe. The dock has been closed now for more than two and one half years. Business continues to suffer and fishermen have lost a prime fishing site. The pump-out station for boat sewage is not available, thereby increasing the risk of fecal contamination of our clam beds.

The most recent delay in fixing the dock comes from alleged fears that driving new pilings may damage nearby buildings. Those belated fears have necessitated another geotechnical study and structural engineering plan, now estimated to take two to six weeks. The last geotechnical study was delayed by equipment problems and bad weather.

Reconstructing the dock was initially delayed by uncertainty about funding. However, $1,300,000 in federal funds became available, based on an estimate in 2005. However, the amount needed will probably be more than $1,300,000 due to inflation during the multiple delays. Perhaps Levy County will provide any additional funds to get the job done.

Bidding on the project was delayed until late 2006 because the structural engineering contractor had no deadline regarding finishing the plans according to County Coordinator Fred Moody. Now property owners near the Big Dock are being blamed for the most recent delay.

Meanwhile, Cedar Key News has been told that Levy County owns the pilings and decking of the Big Dock, and alternatively that the contractor will own salvaged materials. Will this bring litigation and further delays? Who is responsible for all of the delays?

Levy County will collect over $77,000,000 in property taxes this year. The County Commissioners gave an eight percent raise to County employees this year. The County budgeted $4,500,000 for a garbage facility. The property tax buck stops at the Levy County Court House. Perhaps the responsibility for dock repair is a buck that should also stop at the Levy County Court House.