State Representative Linda Cheney presented a check for $625,000 allocated for stormwater improvements. Cheney emphasized the importance of filtering stormwater before it enters the bay and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of local officials and fellow legislators in securing the funding. “We just I can’t say how much we appreciate everything that she’s done for us,” said the mayor, expressing gratitude for Cheney’s efforts. The audience responded with applause.

Public comments underscored various community concerns, with Vincent Toia voicing his dissatisfaction regarding the stormwater sewer tax and the city’s inaction on seawall projects. Toia called for accountability and prosecution for past financial misconduct, highlighting the necessity for investigations into the previous city manager’s actions. Karen Boer, a long-time resident, shared her negative experiences with a city inspector and criticized the city’s financial demands on residents. Boer urged the commission to prioritize local residents’ needs over those of tourists. In contrast, David Hubard praised the swift response of local first responders during a fire incident, highlighting the effectiveness of emergency services.

The budget presentation led by City Manager Rastelli and Finance Director Andrew Laughlin proposed changes, including eliminating the Chief Operating Officer position and creating an Assistant City Manager role. The Community Development Department would also be restructured to focus on Building Code Compliance and planning, with transportation responsibilities shifting to the Public Works Department. Rastelli justified the reorganization, stating, “If you build it, you should manage it and plan it,” aiming to streamline operations.

A discussion on the city’s financial reporting revealed that the general fund had the highest revenues, primarily driven by ad valorem taxes, parking revenue, and charges for services in the wastewater fund. The capital improvement projects fund benefits from the “penny for Pinellas” tax and annual transfers from the general fund. Outflows were noted to be stable over the past few years, with public safety highlighted as a significant expenditure area.

During the discussion on the millage rate for fiscal year 2025, the proposed rate of 3.0913 Mills per $11,000 of taxable value was maintained, anticipating additional budgeted ad valorem collections of approximately $1,268,000. A commissioner expressed concerns about rising property values and the financial burden on residents, suggesting a rollback plus 110% option that would still represent a 6% tax increase while reducing income by $413,000. The need for balancing the budget while ensuring necessary improvements to employee compensation and capital projects was emphasized.

The millage rate discussion also touched on the impact of maintaining the current rate versus potential reductions. One commissioner noted that a $400,000 cut could be identified within the budget, though reaching an agreement during the meeting proved challenging. Suggestions included potential savings from the Freebie service and exploring other areas for budget reductions.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the city’s cash investment portfolio, with holdings in treasury bonds amounting to $8.6 million. The speaker highlighted the commitment to maximizing returns on the investment portfolio, noting potential unrealized gains should interest rates decline. The budget analysis revealed that year-to-date actual expenditures were compared against the amended budget, with some revenue sources, such as intergovernmental revenues, falling short of projections due to delays in grant funding.

The commission’s deliberations on the budget and financial management also addressed concerns about the Freebie service’s compliance with contractual terms, particularly regarding the solicitation of tips. A proposal was made to put the service on notice for breach of contract, emphasizing the need for community reporting on violations.

The meeting included discussions on the city-owned Don Vista facility, with a proposal for a $250,000 investment in roof and HVAC system replacements. Concerns were raised about the facility’s financial viability and historical designation, leading to suggestions for further investigation into grant opportunities and potential delays in approving repairs.

Ordinance updates were also addressed, including amendments to the city’s code concerning seawalls, bulkheads, and retaining walls. The updated standards would require a marine engineer’s analysis for variance applications and incorporate minimum maintenance requirements for seawalls.