The most discussion centered around the tentative adoption of the millage rate for the 2024 tax year. The finance director explained that the proposed millage rate of 5.37 remains unchanged from the prior year but is 7.71% higher than the rollback rate of 4.9858. This increase is intended to cover personnel and operating costs. There were no public comments or opposition, and the resolution was passed unanimously by the commissioners present.

Following the millage rate discussion, the meeting shifted to the tentative adoption of the 2024-2025 budget. The proposed budget totals $86,155,894. The finance director outlined that the majority of the budget increase is driven by capital expenditures. The board members briefly discussed grant opportunities for upcoming projects, with one commissioner noting that they are seeking grant funding.

Later in the evening, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) convened to discuss its budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The CRA’s tentative budget was set at $1,013,703, showing a 13.8% increase over the prior year’s budget, largely due to a 9.12% increase in taxable values within the CRA. This additional revenue will be allocated to various CRA projects. The resolution for the CRA budget was also passed without any public comments or objections.