The most topic of the meeting was the approval of the ad valorem millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year. The council held a public hearing to discuss an ordinance proposing a millage rate of 3.7667 mills, an 8.57% increase from the rollback rate. The city manager explained the necessity of this increase due to personnel and operational costs. The ordinance was read and subsequently adopted, with no immediate objections raised during the hearing.

Commissioner McDowell voiced strong concerns regarding the portrayal of the city’s financial management. He argued that while the millage rate had remained flat for five years, other financial maneuvers had effectively increased the tax burden on residents. He highlighted that the city had raised the electric tax twice and instituted a 5% payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT), both contributing directly to the general fund. Additionally, McDowell pointed out that $2.1 million in ARPA funds, originally set aside for specific projects, had been reallocated to balance the general fund. He also noted the increase in solid waste fees, which had further bolstered the general fund. McDowell asserted that these adjustments were not transparent and amounted to a tax increase without explicitly raising the millage rate. He concluded by stating, “It’s not telling the whole story.”

The council moved to adopt Ordinance Number 2024-31, which pertains to the non-district budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This budget, prepared based on directions from the city commission during the spring and summer, included upgrades to parks and other community projects. Despite McDowell’s dissent, the ordinance was passed with a vote of 4 to 1.

Following this, the council addressed the Fire Rescue District budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The city manager presented a budget of approximately $18.78 million, which represented a decrease from the previous year. The council adopted Resolution Number 2024-R-51 unanimously after a brief public comment period.

The Road and Drainage District budget was discussed next. The city manager outlined a budget of approximately $29.12 million for the fiscal year 2024-2025, also reflecting a significant decrease from the previous year. Resolution Number 2024-R-52 was adopted unanimously, with no public comments made.

The meeting then shifted to the Solid Waste District budget. The city manager reported a budget of roughly $60 million. However, underlying tensions surfaced during this discussion, particularly concerning the budget’s structure. McDowell dissented against the adoption of Resolution Number 2024-R-53, criticizing the inclusion of a payment in lieu of taxes. He stated that he would have supported the budget if it had been directed towards enhancing solid waste operations rather than being allocated into the general fund. Despite his opposition, the resolution passed with a vote of 4 to 1.

In addition to budgetary matters, the meeting also featured a discussion led by an emergency manager regarding preparations and responses associated with an impending storm. The emergency manager emphasized the importance of residents staying in structurally sound homes if they are not in an evacuation area. Options for evacuation included staying with family or friends outside the evacuation zone, seeking hotel accommodations, and utilizing Sarasota County’s evacuation centers. The emergency manager noted, “It may take a while for first responders to get to the storm,” highlighting that first responders would be kept off the roads during sustained tropical storm-force winds for safety reasons. A backlog of calls was expected during and after the storm, with prioritization of responses necessary due to potential flooding and debris on the roads.

Subsequently, a representative discussed solid waste management, focusing on scheduled pickups and guidelines for residents regarding bulk waste disposal. The representative explained how to request bulk pickups through the city’s customer service or website and emphasized the importance of properly separating yard waste from garbage. Limitations on bulk items were clarified, noting that tires and chemicals are unacceptable for curbside pickup.

The meeting also touched on the environmental impact of stormwater management. A representative explained the role of ditches and swales in managing stormwater, indicating that water should ideally clear within 72 hours post-storm, allowing for natural filtration of contaminants before entering habitats.