The Commission focused considerable time on the urgent matter of the city’s aging infrastructure. The finance review committee recommended a wastewater rate increase as a response to the need for maintenance and significant improvements. The proposed increase was detailed as a 15 cent hike per 1,000 gallons on the sewer side and a $1.57 per 1,000 gallons increase for commercial use. Moreover, the discussion highlighted concerns about the potential for emergencies to impact the suggested rate increase and the ability to meet funding requirements for a proposed $50 million expansion project. The accumulation of $782,000 due to a cleanup required at the wastewater plant’s rejection pond was also a topic of debate, with questions raised about the violation that caused the need for this cleanup.

In conjunction with these financial considerations, the commission evaluated the scheduling of public hearings for the upcoming budget. The first workshop was set for September 10th at 5:30 pm, to be held within the commission meeting. Moreover, the proposed millage rate and hearing dates pursuant to the trim act were approved. The commission also deliberated on the most qualified bidder for the FDOT-funded Tennessee Avenue sidewalk project for engineering services, ultimately approving Duberry for the task order at $55,000.

Another issue on the agenda was the unfunded mandates set forth by the EPA or DEP, particularly the lead and copper rule revision. The commission considered a proposal for $55,000 to complete the lead inventory and submit the required documentation to the DEP by the upcoming October deadline.

The meeting also touched on the State Revolving Fund loan, which holds the promise of a 25 to 50% forgiveness on the loans and a potentially low-interest rate, as low as 0.89%. The debate extended to the use of sewer impact fees for expansion projects, with discussions centering around a proposal to channel all impact fees towards the headworks project and the expansion to reduce the loan amount.

Adding to the infrastructure discussions, the stormwater assessment rates were examined with a focus on the proposed six-year plan for fee increases that would fund day-to-day operations and capital improvement projects. Concerns were voiced about the assessment’s impact on funding and a potential restructuring of the tiered system to ensure fairness. The commissioners expressed an interest in hearing citizens’ input before any definitive decisions on rate increases were made.

Further, the commission discussed the historical transfer of funds from the water and sanitation department to support stormwater drainage and debated whether this practice could continue or if a new assessment would be necessary. This segued into a review of the Five-Year Plan for rate increases, with discussions emphasizing the importance of maintaining the assessment for stormwater drainage. The commission agreed to move forward with the 2025 proposal but requested further information and analysis.

Throughout the public commentary section of the meeting, residents voiced their concerns and criticisms on various issues. Notably, one resident sought clarification from the mayor regarding past behaviors and another criticized the mayor’s conduct. Additionally, the disbanding of the police department and allegations of corruption and conflicts of interest involving a former attorney were brought up by speakers.

The meeting also included the recognition of the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, with a proclamation that commemorated the signing of the Act and a call to affirm the principles of equality and inclusion for persons with disabilities.

In lighter matters, the success of the Fourth of July parade and fireworks was acknowledged, with gratitude expressed for the staff’s hard work and the great turnout. The discussion also proposed the conversion of basketball courts for pickleball use. Concerns about potential conflicts between different court users were raised.