Key discussions during the meeting centered around the final public hearing for the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. The County Administrator, Don Donaldson, explained that this hearing was the concluding phase of the Truth in Millage (TRIM) process. The budget presentation detailed a decrease in the county’s overall millage rate by 3.66% for the countywide taxing authority and 1.117% for unincorporated Martin County. Despite a 10.04% increase in taxable values, the overall budget only grew by 5.6%. The budget also included a new position for a cybersecurity manager and 12 positions for various constitutional officers.

Following the budget presentation, the council adopted resolutions for the final budget, including specific details on each taxing authority’s roll-back rate and final millage rates. The resolutions covered various taxing authorities, such as the Board of County Commissioners and several Municipal Services Taxing Units (MSTUs). Each motion was unanimously approved. Public comments were invited, but none were submitted, leading to a comprehensive approval of the budget. Merley, who provided the presentation, expressed gratitude for the support from the board, county administration, and the Office of Management and Budget staff.

The meeting then transitioned to a legislative public hearing regarding Comprehensive Plan Amendment 23-10. Martin Commerce Park LLC requested a future land use designation change for 167 acres from Agricultural to Industrial. Samantha Lovelady from growth management provided details on the proposal, noting that it had been advertised in the newspaper. The applicant’s representative, Morris Kady, supported the staff recommendation, emphasizing the potential to mitigate urban sprawl by offering services and employment opportunities near existing residential areas.

During public comments, a resident, Donna Calibri, voiced concerns about the criteria met for urban sprawl assessment and requested postponing the amendment until a new board was seated. She expressed concerns about traffic on Martin Highway and the broader implications of increased development without adequate infrastructure. The dialogue highlighted a division between proponents of the amendment, emphasizing economic growth, and residents worried about community character and infrastructure capacity.

Significant discussion also centered around local infrastructure and land use. A speaker urged the council to collaborate with the state to widen a specific road, emphasizing the urgency due to forthcoming development. The speaker expressed frustration over the lack of proactive measures from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and suggested creative repurposing of land designated for an expressway interchange to support community services instead of commercial development.

Commissioner Sarah Heard responded firmly opposing the proposed land use amendment, arguing that the location was far removed from the primary urban service boundary and surrounded by agricultural land. She pointed out that the amendment failed to meet the criteria for future land use amendments and exemplified urban sprawl. Another commissioner acknowledged the distance from the urban core but defended the proposal by discussing potential benefits, including increased tax revenue and job opportunities. However, Heard remained skeptical about the proposal’s viability and potential consequences.

The board also considered a text amendment related to golf cottages at Three Lakes Golf Club, which proposed allowing each cottage to have two to 12 bedrooms. Despite the planning staff’s recommendation for approval, Commissioner Heard opposed the proposal, citing it as an example of urban sprawl. The discussion revealed a division among board members, with some supporting the proposal for its economic benefits and others sharing Heard’s concerns.

Further discussions addressed a public hearing on amending the ordinance around swimming pool safety barriers. The proposed amendment aimed to clarify regulations regarding barriers for pools, spas, and hot tubs, addressing a loophole that allowed residents to avoid barrier requirements by draining pools below 24 inches. The council engaged in a discussion about the necessity and effectiveness of the proposed ordinance, ultimately passing a motion to accept the staff’s recommendation despite some dissent.

The council also reviewed amendments to the Reserve at Park Trace Planned Unit Development (PUD) and the Cove Royale PUD, focusing on internal road connections and environmental considerations. Staff recommended approval based on compliance with established guidelines, and the council unanimously approved the amendments.

In other agenda items, the council discussed various grants, including a Safe Routes to School grant and contracts with the Senior Resource Association for transportation disadvantaged services. The council also reviewed a budget resolution for funds related to beach erosion due to hurricanes Ian and Nicole and addressed mosquito control budget and settlement agreements involving the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.