The Chief Financial Officer, Lean Evans, delivered a report on the county’s sales tax collections, which have outpaced projections. To date, collections have reached $1.2 billion, surpassing the projected $951 million—128% of expectations. This increase is attributed to a shift in workforce behavior post-pandemic, where small businesses are filing quarterly tax returns, leading to unexpectedly high revenue figures. However, despite this positive news, the sunset provision requiring a minimum of $1.35 billion by September 1 of any given year will not be met this year, as the expected figures fall short.

Evans clarified that the current referendum would conclude in December 2025, with the new one starting in January 2026. A summarized large project budget was presented, focusing on major changes since the last meeting, expenditures, and open purchase orders. Discussions emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency and documenting all expenditures to assure voters that all promised projects were completed.

Cost escalation updates were shared, noting that $17.8 million has been used for facility renewals. This change would allocate $27 million from the $190 million plan to Roosevelt.

Future funding and project plans were also discussed, with unawarded projects potentially requiring borrowing due to increased costs. The committee stressed managing funds effectively to ensure all projects are completed within anticipated timelines.

Significant discussion centered around project budgets and timelines, with concerns about potential funding shortfalls. The speaker emphasized the importance of accurate estimates before proceeding with construction initiatives, urging the facilities department to expedite work to avoid escalating costs. A proposal to consolidate projects under a single vendor was suggested to enhance efficiency and reduce expenses, potentially saving money.

Updates on capital plan changes were provided, noting a significant increase of $22.3 million in the sales tax interest reserve for the year, contributing to funding for Roosevelt Middle School. Additionally, the sales tax reserve was increased by $5.7 million to reflect earnings from the current year. The decision to use impact fees instead of borrowing for the construction of Acreage Elementary School was highlighted, funded almost entirely by two years’ worth of impact fees received at once. This measure aims to avoid unnecessary borrowing.

Further budget increases were proposed for various facilities, including a $2.4 million increase for Bon Beach to address shortfalls in the construction budget for essential items like fire alarms and exterior lighting. Similar increases were noted for Lantana Middle School and Manatee Elementary. These adjustments were necessary due to the original budgets being established eight years prior, illustrating changes in financial requirements over time.

The meeting also included a discussion on future plan modification estimates, with rounded figures such as $400,000 and $600,000 for specific scope items. The speaker expressed confidence in their team’s collaboration, stating, “we’re a good team because I follow up on all his items.” A motion to accept the future plan modification estimates was made and accepted without objections.

Project updates emphasized facility renewals, including roof work, sidewalk repairs, LED lighting installation, exterior window refurbishments, hallway classroom lighting, and restroom improvements. A notable plan involved demolishing an old building for new parking, expected to complete by the following spring break. Windbrook’s modernization was discussed, with students occupying a temporary campus during renovations. Similarly, West Riviera’s modernization revealed that students had moved to Lincoln Elementary while demolition commenced, with completion projected for the following August.

A capital plan overview highlighted a 10-year projection that includes construction projects, maintenance, furniture, technology, security, transportation, debt service, property insurance, reserves, and transfers to charter schools from the capital budget. A revision segregating referendum proceeds for clarity and breaking down non-construction maintenance projects into planned maintenance and facility improvements was noted, aligning with guidelines from the Council of Great City Schools.

Plans for new school construction included a new Western Communities Elementary School, expected to be built in two years, with careful enrollment monitoring emphasized. The capital plan also saw adjustments in reserve fund allocation towards necessary maintenance tasks such as roofing and window repairs.

The need to elect a chair and vice-chair for the committee was addressed, with a proposal to request a waiver of term limits for the committee chair. A motion to approve the annual report as presented was seconded and passed unanimously. The next meeting was scheduled for November 8.