The most pressing topic of the meeting was the approval of several budget increases, starting with the Solid Waste Department. The Council passed Resolution Number 2024-R-42, which introduced a 10% increase in non-ad valorem assessment rates for the Solid Waste District, raising the rate to $382 per unit for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This resolution, approved with a 4-1 vote, faced opposition from a dissenting Commissioner who argued that the $1.8 million increase would be redirected to the general fund rather than being used exclusively for the Solid Waste Department’s needs. The Commissioner stated, “If this assessment increase was strictly being used for Solid Waste Department needs, I would be 100% supportive, but I cannot approve it because it is going to the general fund to help balance the general fund.”

Following this, the Council discussed and approved Resolution Number 2024-R-49, which adopted the tentative budget for the Solid Waste District for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget totaled approximately $16 million. The proposed rate was set at $32.50 per resident. The dissenting Commissioner maintained their opposition, reiterating concerns about the transfer of funds to the general fund.

In a related budgetary issue, the Council addressed the need for temporary space for the police department. Suggestions were made regarding the availability of portable units from the school board, which could potentially be rented or purchased to meet the immediate space requirements. This highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the police department in terms of operational space and the necessity for swift solutions.

The meeting also focused on the Road and Drainage District’s financial requirements. Resolution Number 2024-R-44, which proposed a 50% increase in non-ad valorem and capital improvement assessment rates, was introduced and approved unanimously. The City Manager explained that the increase was essential to generate sufficient revenue for the district’s functions. The proposed budget for the Road and Drainage District was approximately $29 million.

During the public comment section, residents expressed varying opinions on these budget increases. One individual voiced concerns about the ongoing issues with road drainage and acknowledged the necessity of the proposed increases to address the district’s needs. Another resident highlighted the severe need for improvements in road drainage, supporting the proposed budget increase.

Resolution Number 2024-R-48, which adopted the tentative budget for the Road and Drainage District, was also approved unanimously. Discussions during this segment included concerns about the fund balance report and the progress of a fund replenishment plan. A Commissioner noted that the current fund balance was lower than the required positive target, prompting inquiries about the status of reimbursements from FEMA and overall financial health.

Other discussions included the approval of Ordinance Number 2024-30 regarding the city’s millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed millage rate of 3.7667 per $1,000 of assessed property, higher than the rollback rate, was expected to generate approximately $36.5 million in revenue. The city manager explained that the increase was due to factors such as the hiring of additional personnel and rising operating expenses.

Additionally, the Council addressed the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which had previously been directed for discussion but appeared not to have been addressed. The parks and recreation director confirmed that it would cost about $250,000 and suggested that park impact fees could be used for funding. There was a consensus among the commissioners to create a capital improvement project sheet to allocate funds for the master plan.