Finance Director Scott Reynolds presented the second and final reading of the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget, set to take effect on October 1. Key components included maintaining the mill rate at 23.894 for operations, a 3% water rate increase, and a 7% increase for stormwater. Property values increased by $1.4 billion, contributing to higher ad valorem tax revenues. Non-union salaried employees would see a 5% salary increase, with health care costs split 90/10 between the town and employees. Notably, no reserve funds would be utilized for the upcoming fiscal year, a positive development compared to previous projections.

Reynolds elaborated on the property value increases, attributing 8.29% to valuation hikes and less than 1% to new construction. The rollback rate for FY 2024 was projected at just over $3 million, with a proposed millage rate 8.1% higher than the rollback rate. The general fund is expected to see a $6.1 million increase, mainly due to salary and benefits, along with transfers to Jupiter Fire Rescue. Conversely, there was a $981,000 decrease when comparing the current budget to the previous year’s adopted budget.

Discussions also covered adjustments in the community investment plan (CIP). Requests were made to accelerate funding for the Indiantown Road Western Corridor project and to reduce the carry forward for the small meter replacement project by $1.6 million. Further adjustments to the carry forward for stormwater redevelopment grants were also mentioned. One council member expressed confusion regarding previous pushback on moving the Indiantown Road project funds, referencing correspondence from FDOT confirming the project’s funding in FY 2025 and emphasizing the importance of aligning the budget with state allocations.

The council deliberated on the necessary actions regarding the proposed CIP adjustments, focusing on immediate project funding and alignment with state funding timelines. There was consensus on moving funds into reserves as part of the carry-forward process. The council also decided to cancel the stormwater redevelopment grants, which had not seen requests since 2019, clarifying that future requests exceeding current funds would be addressed individually.

The adoption of the millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year was then brought forward. The proposed millage rate was set at 23.894, with the debt service rate at 8.54. The council approved the second reading of ordinance 20-24 and the community investment program under ordinance 21-24, alongside resolution 10724 for the operating budget and pay plan. Notably, ordinance 21-24 encountered dissent, passing 4-1, with the mayor being the sole dissenting voice.

Next, Richard Radcliffe, the executive director of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, presented on the upcoming flood maps to be implemented after December 20. Radcliffe emphasized the importance of public outreach related to these maps, which would affect building codes and flood insurance requirements, particularly for residents with mortgages. The council was thanked for hosting an open house event to inform residents about these implications, scheduled for September 26 at the community center.

The meeting also featured a discussion on a recent ruling by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal, which upheld a three-minute rule for public comments during meetings. The unanimous decision underscored the reasonableness of such restrictions. A suggestion was made to share this ruling with other municipalities.

Further discussions included appreciation for the finance department’s efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in the absence of reserve financing for fire rescue, which was seen as a positive outcome. The importance of residents checking their flood zone status due to upcoming changes in base flood elevation was also highlighted, with recommendations for obtaining flood insurance even for those not currently in a flood zone.

Persistent public complaints about trash accumulation on Center Street were addressed, with one council member stressing the importance of enforcing code compliance and improving cleanliness. Additionally, the effectiveness of the Jupiter Connect program, designed for residents to report issues such as street light outages, was discussed. A proposal was made to increase awareness and utilization of this resource by reaching out to property management companies and homeowners’ associations.