The city manager, Jerome Fletcher, presented the city’s budget, focusing on the outcomes-based budgeting format. This approach requires the city to define outcomes, assess their costs, and allocate available resources. Fletcher’s presentation outlined the general fund, road and drainage district, fire districts, and building fund, with a particular emphasis on growth’s impact.

The road and drainage district was reported to have a deficit of $15 million due to Hurricane Ian-related expenses, while the general fund maintained a balance of $7.7 million. Fletcher underscored the need to prioritize funding for capital projects, especially those related to hurricane damage, to ensure the city qualifies for future insurance reimbursements.

Economic development, environmental resiliency, and sustainability were also key points of Fletcher’s presentation. He spoke about the necessity to boost the commercial tax base. Furthermore, the city manager brought up discussions slated for the future regarding the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) update, the balance between commercial and residential taxes, and retaining the city’s workforce.

The council discussed the city’s efforts to generate more jobs and the proposed rewrite of the ULDC to transform single-family land into tax-generating entities along main road corridors. They emphasized the importance of creating walkable spaces and highlighted the Economic Development Gateway Corridor study, which focuses on areas around I75 and Sumpter. The council also recognized the need for diverse housing options to attract businesses and residents.

Developments in healthcare were noted, with construction of hospitals and commercial entertainment districts along the Toledo Blade Corridor. The council acknowledged the need for appropriately set impact fees to alleviate the burden on citizens and taxpayers. Discussions also included new employee requests, a potential incremental millage rate increase, and the necessity to update the city’s enterprise resource planning system.

The council addressed plans for a new police headquarters and the pursuit of federal funding for community projects, such as the new YMCA building on King Plastics property. The expansion of the State College of Florida was also mentioned, which is anticipated to impact healthcare programs and employment opportunities in the area.

The council concluded with a reminder of the importance of community involvement in shaping the city’s future through budget input meetings and engagement opportunities. Residents’ participation is seen as vital to the city’s prosperity and in ensuring that the growth and development reflect the community’s needs and desires.