A considerable portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the city’s water and sewer rates. It was revealed that these departments were being financially supported by the sanitation fund, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the city’s finances. A speaker elaborated on the necessity for the water department to become financially independent to prevent further draining the sanitation fund. To address this, a plan to incrementally increase water rates over five years was proposed. The speaker emphasized that these increases were essential for maintaining service levels rather than generating surplus funds.

The discussion also highlighted comparisons to neighboring cities, cautioning that decisions should not be based on external benchmarks alone. Historical context was provided, noting that Lynn Haven had not increased its rates for many years, unlike other cities, necessitating the current proposal to catch up and ensure financial stability.

Another topic was the proposed millage rate for the upcoming tax roll. One commissioner strongly opposed raising the rate from 4.0 to 4.05, arguing that the city’s growth should naturally support the budget without increasing taxes. The debate included calculations based on property values and exemptions, ultimately leading to a motion to accept the proposed budget with a millage rate of 4.05. The motion passed.

The budget for the fiscal years 2024 and 2025 was a focal point, with approximately half a million dollars from fiscal year 2024 rolling into 2025. The finance director detailed various departmental budgets, noting decreases and reallocations, such as the Economic Development budget showing a decrease in salary due to a reallocation between the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Economic Development. The stormwater department faced a significant reduction due to delays in projects pending readiness from other governmental entities. The sanitation department’s budget was set at $3.4 million, deemed comfortable by the finance director.

Public commentary included concerns about the budget’s transparency and the decision-making process. One resident emphasized the need for greater public involvement in financial planning, calling for more inclusive discussions. The city manager confirmed that individual meetings with commissioners had occurred but were not open to the public, prompting calls for more transparent and inclusive budget discussions.

The stormwater assessment fees were another important topic. A commissioner suggested moving from a three-tier to a four or five-tier system to achieve fairness among citizens. The proposed increase was estimated to bring in an additional $300,000, addressing the department’s negative cash position and ensuring adequate funding for maintenance and future projects. Public comments reflected frustration over continuous increases in funding for stormwater management and the perceived ineffectiveness of previous assessments. The city manager noted improvements in stormwater management, citing a reduction in flooding incidents compared to previous years.

The meeting also addressed the city’s debt, which had been reduced from approximately $65 million to between $35 million and $39 million. Specifics of the city’s financial obligations and post-disaster management were critical points of interest. A resident questioned the city’s expected revenue from the sir tax fund, expressing frustration over the slow progress in paying back bonds.

In new business, the commission approved a resolution setting stormwater service assessment fees for the fiscal year 2024-25. Questions arose about maintaining the current rate, with concerns about the department’s financial sustainability without increasing fees. The stormwater department had a negative cash position of about half a million dollars, highlighting the need for adequate funding to support operations and infrastructure maintenance.

The meeting concluded with the approval of a development order extension request from the Eminem Market on Ohio Avenue due to delays caused by the engineer’s health issues. The commission unanimously approved a one-year extension, reflecting support for the market’s community presence and reliability.