Holmes Beach Commission Candidates Share Views at Candidate Forum
HOLMES BEACH – Four candidates for the Holmes Beach City Commission discussed storm recovery, city finances, and infrastructure challenges during a forum hosted Sept. 24 by The Anna Maria Island Sun.
Incumbents Steve Oelfke, Terry Schaefer, and Carol Soustek are each seeking another two-year term. Challenger Jessica Patel, a first-time candidate, is aiming to win one of the three seats available in the Nov. 4 election. Voting will take place in person at the Island Branch Library, with vote-by-mail ballots distributed in early October.
Candidate backgrounds
Oelfke, a nursing home administrator and recent appointee to the commission, has lived in Holmes Beach since 2011. Patel, a nonprofit professional and parent leader at Anna Maria Elementary, moved to the city in 2020. Schaefer, a retired bank executive, has served as commissioner for six years. Soustek, first appointed in 2014, has been involved in island volunteer work for decades.
From left, Steve Oelfke, Jessica Patel, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek are competing for three city commission seats.
Hurricane recovery
Candidates reflected on the city’s response to the 2024 hurricanes. Schaefer highlighted the city’s detailed emergency management plan, while Soustek pointed to long-term efforts to improve preparedness. Oelfke praised first responders but noted challenges with contracted debris removal vendors. Patel called recovery efforts disorganized and said residents were left frustrated.
Budget and property taxes
The candidates also addressed the city’s $22 million budget and retention of the 1.99 millage rate. Soustek emphasized the importance of keeping taxes stable while funding core services. Oelfke said keeping taxes low is a major responsibility of the commission but that residents must feel their concerns are heard. Patel criticized the initial higher tentative millage rate and said community input should come earlier in the budgeting process. Schaefer credited city leadership with taking a comprehensive approach to the budget.
Stormwater and drainage
Flooding and drainage challenges drew significant attention. Oelfke and Soustek opposed increasing stormwater fees this year, citing residents’ ongoing hurricane recovery costs, but acknowledged future increases will likely be needed. Patel criticized what she described as piecemeal solutions and urged exploring practices from other coastal communities. Schaefer pointed to a consultant’s study identifying $21 million in needed projects and said fee revenues are critical for securing matching grants.
All four candidates agreed that the current stormwater fee calculation should be updated to reflect lot coverage and impervious surfaces, with larger developments contributing a greater share to drainage improvements.
The election concludes Nov. 4, when Holmes Beach voters will decide which three candidates will serve on the commission.