The most pressing topic of the meeting was the approval of a 5% increase in monthly rates for City Water, Irrigation, and Wastewater services. Finance Director Jim Ingram provided a detailed breakdown of the proposed changes, highlighting the necessity of the rate adjustments to cover escalating operational costs and to maintain the city’s infrastructure. The base monthly water charge will increase from $3.49 to $3.66, with incremental increases across different usage levels. For example, the water consumption rate for up to 8,000 gallons will rise from $2.36 to $2.48 per thousand gallons. The average monthly bill for a typical residential customer is expected to increase from $13.34 to $18.52.

The council compared Temple Terrace’s rates with those of neighboring municipalities, finding them to be in the middle range. Ingram emphasized that the city had not previously kept pace with rising costs from Tampa, which processes Temple Terrace’s wastewater. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. The discussion also touched on exploring other wastewater treatment options, though Tampa remains the city’s primary choice for now. The resolution for the 5% rate increase passed without opposition.

Following the discussion on water and wastewater services, the council approved a similar 5% rate increase for solid waste and recycling services. The curbside collection rate will rise from $33.66 to $35.35 per month, while the qualifying senior exemption residential curbside collection rate will increase from $21.48 to $22.55 per month. Commercial service rates will also see adjustments, with charges ranging from $82.80 for a 2 cubic yard dumpster with one weekly collection to $1,427 for an 8 cubic yard dumpster with five weekly collections. Yard waste debris collection fees will increase from $92 to $96.60 per 15-minute increment, with other yard waste pickups rising from $11.20 to $16.80 for the same time frame. Ingram noted that these increases are essential to maintaining the city’s sanitation fund, which has seen a turnaround.

Another issue addressed was the fiscal year 2025 tax levy. The proposed property tax millage rate of 6.455 per $1,000 of assessed value remains unchanged from the current fiscal year. This rate is 6.02% higher than the rollback rate, contributing to increased ad valorem tax revenues. These revenues will support cost-of-living adjustments for general employees, increases in liability and property insurance costs, and funding for public safety contracts. The council secured a two-thirds affirmative vote to adopt the proposed millage rate.

In addition to financial matters, the council discussed the second reading of Ordinance 1571, which concerns the adoption of the annual budget for fiscal year 2025. Significant expenditures include water and sewer infrastructure improvements, capital projects funded through reserves, and operational cost increases for city services. The budget approval was unanimous.

Employee compensation was another notable topic, particularly regarding the three Charter officers. A motion was made to grant a 6% raise effective October 1st, acknowledging the challenges posed by staggered evaluation schedules. The motion passed unanimously after a debate about the fairness of automatic raises versus performance-based evaluations. There was a commitment to explore alternatives for improving the evaluation process for Charter officers.

Public safety was also highlighted during the meeting, with the recognition of Commander Cheryl Shingleton as the Employee of the Month for August. Shingleton was commended for her work in implementing the Pro Phoenix CAD system, which has enhanced operations for the police and fire departments. Her dedication was noted, including countless hours of effort to ensure the system’s success. Shingleton expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to her work.

The council also issued a proclamation for Florida Missing Children’s Day, scheduled for September 9, 2024. Additionally, an appointment to the library board was confirmed, with Mrs. Carol Dell expressing her desire to continue serving. Her reappointment was unanimously approved.

Public comments included a discussion on upcoming community events such as the Senior Expo and a food collection event by the Women’s Club at the library. Ellen Snelling, a resident, urged citizens to educate themselves about Amendment Three, which would legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. She voiced her opposition, raising concerns about the amendment’s implications on local governance and regulation.