The proposed millage rate and budget drew substantial public interest, with residents voicing varied concerns. Triny, a local resident, highlighted the need for affordable housing in Orlando, pointing to the high rental prices that burden many residents.

Simon Carasa, another resident, supported the budget’s provisions for adding enforcement officers at Orlando International Airport. Carasa emphasized the importance of compliance with safety regulations, noting that Orlando’s current enforcement staffing is insufficient compared to other regions like Miami-Dade County. He highlighted unauthorized transportation services as an issue that the new officers could address.

Concerns were also raised by Commissioner Jim Gray, who questioned the adequacy of the $6.5 million allocation for paving rehabilitation. Gray expressed skepticism about whether the budget sufficiently meets the city’s infrastructure needs, stating, “we’re throwing a lot of money in the tax bucket,” but the results are not evident. This highlights ongoing concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of infrastructure spending.

Hannah Diaz, another vocal resident, criticized the allocation of city funds, accusing the council of favoring corporations and developers over the broader citizenry. Diaz specifically pointed to the funding for L Gardens and the cleanup budget for the Spellman site, arguing that the $500,000 allocation was inadequate. She also made pointed remarks about the need for transparency regarding the Pulse shooting, claiming significant misinformation affects the community.

Following these public comments, the council moved to adopt the budget resolution. The general fund was noted at $78.5 million, with revisions primarily due to changes in water reclamation capital projects and adjustments based on a recent agreement with Orange County Public Schools. The revised budget includes increases in police fees revenue, facilitating the addition of positions in various departments, including Parks and Recreation and the Orlando Police Department.

Subsequently, the council discussed and approved the tentative budget for the Downtown Development Board for the same fiscal year. The proposed millage rate was set at 1 mil, a 73.07% reduction from the rollback rate. This proposal passed without public comment or further discussion. The Downtown South Neighborhood Improvement District’s budget was also reviewed and approved, with a proposed millage rate set at 1 mil, a slight increase from the rollback rate.

After addressing these budgetary matters, the council briefly reconvened to express gratitude towards the financial staff for their diligent work. Plans were made to formally acknowledge their efforts in future sessions. The meeting concluded efficiently, with no further public comments.