The budget presentation highlighted significant allocations, including $435,500 for commercial property improvement grants, $400,000 for business incentive grants, $230,000 for residential improvements, and $100,000 for first-time homebuyer assistance. Several infrastructure projects are set to receive funding, such as $500,000 for electrical undergrounding on Southwest Fourth Street, $640,000 for potable water improvements in Avocado Village, and $1.5 million for upgrades to the Flagler Avenue gravity sewer system, which has faced issues due to previous breaks.

A notable discussion centered around the sewer improvements, with questions raised about properties unable to connect to the sewer system within designated areas. It was mentioned that a new infrastructure master plan would be developed to assess the current state and future needs of infrastructure.

In addition to infrastructure, $992,500 is allocated for the Keep CRA Beautiful initiative, intended to enhance the appearance of targeted corridors adjacent to development sites. The budget also includes plans for the Crow Marketplace facility and downtown business signage improvements.

The budget discussion also brought up the possibility of reallocating funds from grant programs, which have seen consistent underfunding in previous years. A dual approach to budgeting was introduced, permitting amendments after six months based on actual funding needs, providing flexibility to address underfunded or overfunded areas. Phase two of a signage initiative for downtown businesses was noted, with an allocation of $177,000 designated for individual business signage.

A point of contention was the residential improvement fund, budgeted at $230,000. Some board members suggested moving the entire allocation to economic incentives due to slow progress and limited engagement from residents. However, others advocated for maintaining support for the residential program, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly and low-income residents facing code compliance issues. Ultimately, it was agreed to revisit this allocation at the mid-year budget review to assess its effectiveness and need.

Public comments included concerns about sidewalk conditions in the downtown area, particularly tripping hazards due to paver issues. The CRA budget was approved pending discussed amendments regarding the movement of funds from residential improvements to economic incentives, with a plan to revisit the budget in six months.

The meeting also involved discussions about the city’s proposed millage rate and operating budget for fiscal year 2025. The city manager emphasized the administration’s responsibility for the Citywide Grant process and the transformative projects planned for Homestead. The proposed budget stands at approximately $274 million, with allocations for the general fund, electric utility, solid waste fund, and health self-insurance fund.

A point of discussion was the proposed reduction of the millage rate by 1%, which the city believes will not impact operational needs. The finance director noted that the general fund would see a 12.76% increase, but without the nonspendable portion, the real increase would stand at 9.25%. New staffing investments of $2.5 million and existing personnel cost increases of $1.4 million were highlighted, along with specific increases for departments like police and fire pensions and public works.

The electric utility reported securing loans exceeding $12 million for capital projects aimed at enhancing the capacity, resiliency, and redundancy of Homestead’s electric grid. The stormwater utility included $760,000 for a drainage project on 6th Avenue, supported by grant funding.

The session also addressed the Homestead Regional Park Cultural Facilities Grant Program application, seeking council support for a $1 million grant requiring $500,000 in matching funds from the city. The grant, if secured, would provide funds for the construction phase of the Homestead Regional Park project.

Finally, the council discussed the potential for a Community Arts Center, with public comments emphasizing the benefits of creating a space for visual arts, music, and community engagement. The mayor acknowledged the proposals and connected them to prior discussions about enhancing public art initiatives.