The meeting’s most notable topic was the council’s decision to adopt a substantial increase in mobility fees, which are assessed on new developments impacting the transportation system. The council voted to approve the mobility fee increase at 85% of the recommended amount, with provisions for a 15% discount. The measure passed with a 4-1 vote after extensive deliberation and public comment.

The mobility fee increase, which had not been adjusted in seven years, was designed to address the growing gap in funding for transportation infrastructure. Rising construction costs and the need to manage growth and congestion in St. Cloud were cited as primary reasons for the increase. One council member emphasized the importance of these fees, stating, “this is the only tool I have in two years to help the citizens.”

However, the increase was met with concerns from the development community. Matt Smith, representing Center Lake Properties, highlighted the financial strain posed by the new fees, noting that the increase could add around $45 million in costs to their upcoming projects. Smith advocated for a phased approach to the fee implementation, allowing developers more time to adapt and secure financing.

Joe Johnson, another participant, echoed these concerns. He proposed a 20 or 25% discount and a phased implementation to mitigate the economic impact. Johnson emphasized the need for a balanced approach that supports infrastructure funding without placing undue burdens on developers and homebuyers.

Several speakers, including representatives from the Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA) and the Oula County Association of Realtors, voiced apprehensions about the potential economic impact of the fee increases. Liz Swain, representing the Oula County Association of Realtors, warned that the fees would add to the existing barriers to homeownership, particularly for first-time buyers. She urged the council to reconsider the fee structure, stating, “For many of these clients, affordability is already a significant barrier and this substantial increase in the mobility fee will only be passed down to the homebuyer.”

The council’s decision to approve the fee increase came after a detailed presentation by city staff, who explained the methodology behind the new fee structure. Scott Zornick from HNTB clarified that the study used consistent methodologies and incorporated recent data on trip generation rates. He noted that construction costs had risen significantly, necessitating a reevaluation of the mobility fees to ensure they remained aligned with actual project costs.

In addition to the mobility fee increase, the council also discussed the establishment of a final ad valorem tax millage rate for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The finance director presented the proposed millage rate of 5.1128. The necessity of the millage rate was attributed to rising personnel costs, including a cost-of-living adjustment and new positions in the police department. The proposed millage rate passed unanimously following the public hearing.

The council also approved the city budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, totaling $273.5 million. The budget supports significant public safety projects, including the construction of two fire stations and a public safety complex. The finance director highlighted that public safety funding constituted nearly 56% of the budget.

Another topic was the proposed ordinance to amend the city code regarding mural art. The ordinance aimed to integrate murals into public or semi-public spaces and establish criteria for their installation. The council approved the ordinance with a 5-0 vote, expanding permissions for murals to the CRA area and arterial roadways.

Lastly, the council discussed modifications to an interlocal agreement concerning mobility fees and road obligations. The removal of the Sunbridge development agreement was a key point of contention, with concerns raised about the implications for consistent fee structures across projects. The council decided to continue the discussion on this agreement to the next meeting on October 10, allowing more time for review and stakeholder input.