A significant portion of the meeting centered on the impact of increased water rates on local businesses, particularly those reliant on high water usage, such as laundromats. Kim Prince, a representative from a laundromat, highlighted that their water rates had more than doubled at the beginning of the year without prior notification. Prince stated, “The laundry does not make enough to cover this extra cost, and if this continues, it will put us out of business.” This sentiment was echoed by other business representatives who noted that the rising costs were unsustainable and placed local enterprises at a competitive disadvantage compared to neighboring cities with lower water rates. A council member clarified that the 92,000 gallons usage figure was indeed a monthly estimate, not an annual one, emphasizing the substantial financial burden on businesses.

The council discussed potential solutions to alleviate the financial pressure on businesses. One suggestion was to create a separate tier for water rates specifically for high-usage businesses, which could provide some relief. Another idea was to explore the possibility of a separate irrigation rate to help residential users who depend on irrigation for their lawns. The council acknowledged the need for updated metering systems to detect leaks promptly, thereby preventing unexpectedly high bills for residents.

City Planner Laura Jones provided an introduction to the budget, addressing previous inquiries regarding various departments. She clarified that the budget for Planning and Zoning was reduced due to the ongoing work on the comprehensive plan, and the decrease in building permits was linked to the completion of a substantial residential development. Jones noted that the reduced number of permits, alongside the expected drop in housing prices, would affect revenue from permitting. Additionally, the code enforcement budget saw an increase to accommodate training for a new officer, highlighting the rising costs associated with training and the need for additional resources.

The budget discussions also included the animal shelter, where Jones expressed doubts about the necessity of a full veterinary clinic. She emphasized the focus on establishing essential infrastructure and storage for donations received, as the shelter was currently operating with an empty building that required significant investment to become functional. Jones detailed the partnerships with local veterinary services, explaining that animals requiring immediate care are taken to Doc Bullock’s, while routine services are managed through the University of Florida’s veterinary program at reduced costs.

Finance Director Steel presented adjustments to the city’s budget, noting that the biggest challenge was recalibrating the general fund based on state-released estimates for intergovernmental revenue. Steel highlighted the adjustment to the debt service involving a fire loan and the inclusion of one police vehicle in the base budget without needing grants or loans. These changes resulted in a budget approximately 13.7% higher than the previous iteration, with adjustments made to the capital budget and better-than-expected insurance premiums allowing for a reduction in transfers within the general fund.

The council also addressed the water and wastewater usage rates. A scenario was presented where the upper tiers of water rates would be adjusted, resulting in an estimated revenue reduction of around $85,000 to $90,000. Sewer rates were examined, with a proposal to provide the first 5,000 gallons free for commercial users, anticipated to reduce revenue by approximately $45,000 to $50,000. The emphasis was placed on ensuring that enterprise funds operate at least at a break-even level, with concerns raised about balancing potential revenue reductions with the need to fund necessary capital projects.

Public comments included a suggestion for adding a welcome sign for Williston along Highway 27, framed as a safety concern, especially with the onset of the school year. A resident expressed anxiety over the speed of vehicles passing through the area, particularly in proximity to school bus routes. The discussion revealed that the current budget does not allow for new signs, but the Community Development department is pursuing a grant to implement a series of smaller, strategically placed signs.

Another resident raised concerns about traffic safety near the four corners of the BP station, where many drivers fail to slow down, particularly during early morning hours when school buses are present. The council discussed the need for cost-effective measures to improve visibility and traffic enforcement, with suggestions for simple metal signs to alert drivers that they are entering Williston.