The commission’s most significant agenda item was the approval of the fiscal year 2024-25 budget. This new budget, which reflects a growth in taxable value from approximately $2 billion to $3 billion due to the Villages’ expansion, will generate over $3 million in new tax revenue. These funds are earmarked for public safety enhancements, including increasing police and fire staffing levels. The millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year remains unchanged at 3.4752 mills per $1,000, representing a 7.5% increase over the current year’s rollback rate. This adjustment is primarily driven by rising operational expenses.

During the public comments segment, a resident raised concerns about rising property taxes, emphasizing the financial strain it could place on homeowners. Clarifications were provided, noting that for homestead properties, tax increases are capped at 3% annually once the homestead exemption is filed. However, the resident’s concern highlighted the broader issue of tax implications and affordability, especially amidst rising property values.

The city manager presented an overview of the budget. The increased revenue from the Villages is expected to fund critical public safety improvements and reduce the city’s reliance on transfers from the electric utility’s enterprise fund. This strategic allocation aims to bolster the city’s infrastructure while maintaining financial stability.

The commission also discussed electric rates, emphasizing a commitment to keeping base rates low despite rising power cost adjustments. The base electric rate remains at $17 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours. Efforts are underway to negotiate an early exit from a contract with GE, which could save the city approximately $1 million annually in metering costs.

In addition to the main budget, the commission approved resolutions for the Carver Heights Montclair and Greater Leesburg Community Redevelopment Agencies’ amended fiscal year 2023-24 budgets and the fiscal year 2024-25 budgets. For the Carver Heights Montclair area, the budget included allocations for personnel costs, operational expenses, debt repayment, and a substantial increase in the home improvement grant budget to $600,000 to support 224 homes.

The Highway 44127 CRA’s budget discussion highlighted a 24% growth, bringing the total to around $3 million. This budget primarily focuses on debt repayment and capital projects.

Further discussions during the meeting included the city’s building fund, where rates have been reduced by 50% to incentivize contractors and builders. The city manager mentioned that maintaining a steady pace of approximately 300 housing units per year could negate the need for future fee increases.

The commission moved to a public hearing concerning the proposed millage and budget for fiscal year 2024-25. The tentative approval of the millage rate at 3.4752 mills was followed by public comments, emphasizing transparency in the budget process. A resolution for adopting the tentative budget was introduced and passed unanimously, with the final adoption scheduled for September 23, 2024.

The meeting also addressed a resolution related to imposing fire protection assessments against properties within the city. This assessment aims to support funding for fire services and programs for the upcoming fiscal year. Public comments were invited, but no significant disagreements were expressed.

The session concluded with brief comments from commission members and a motion to adjourn, formally closing the proceedings.