The most pressing topic was the condition of city facilities, especially the tennis courts. A resident, Angela Raymond, described the courts as “an embarrassment,” citing issues such as nets held together with zip ties and duct tape, non-functional lights, and deteriorating scorekeepers. Raymond proposed a philanthropic approach to funding improvements, referencing a successful model she had observed in Florence, South Carolina. This proposal was met with acknowledgment from the council, who agreed on the necessity of addressing maintenance concerns.

The council also discussed the impact of potential tax rate changes on the city’s ability to fund essential services and infrastructure projects. The proposed budget included a tentative millage rate considered “middle of the road,” which would prevent necessary cuts and allow the completion of ongoing projects, including those related to infrastructure. Council member Davis articulated concerns about the long-term financial implications of rolling back the millage rate.

The discussion moved to the city’s financial situation and the challenges faced by residents, particularly those in condominiums, due to soaring insurance costs and substantial special assessments. Council member Jackson highlighted these financial pressures and advocated for prioritizing urgent infrastructure maintenance, such as stormwater management in the Presidential Streets area, over new projects. Jackson stressed the importance of maintaining existing amenities, citing drainage problems exacerbated by concrete installations that hinder water flow.

In response to Jackson’s concerns, a city staff member outlined potential solutions for stormwater management. These included installing more porous pavement in specific non-presidential areas to capture and dissipate water effectively, thus preventing flooding on roadways. The council discussed allocating $100,000 annually over five years for pilot projects aimed at reducing flooding, with the potential for expansion contingent on their success.

Financial scrutiny continued with inquiries about federal grants and significant reductions in grant allocations due to changes following Hurricane Ian. Concerns were also raised about tuition reimbursement for staff, which had been added to the budget at $50,000 to support employees pursuing advanced degrees. This inclusion was part of a broader increase in membership and training expenses.

The council deliberated on the budget implications of maintaining existing infrastructure versus funding new projects. A proposal was made to reallocate $2 million from a $6.2 million loan intended for a multi-generational facility to address flooding problems. The council emphasized the need for public engagement and workshops to involve the community in these decisions.

Attention was also given to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year. The council discussed adjustments based on changes in revenue estimates from the county, which impacted the projected budget for presidential streets. A policy decision was required regarding the funding for the Oak Lane project and whether to adjust the CRA budget to accommodate this.

The debate over the feasibility of cutting operating costs by 10% was met with skepticism, with concerns about the impact on services and training for city employees. The council also discussed the tax implications of moving to a rollback rate, estimating potential savings for residents but raising questions about sustaining services with a reduced budget.