The Finance Director, Steven Bloom, provided an overview of the proposed budget, noting a 14.3% overall increase from the previous year, with contributions from the airport’s financial performance. Bloom emphasized the preliminary millage rate’s importance and the scheduling of two public hearings to discuss it further. The council debated maintaining the millage rate at 6.75, which would result in roughly an additional $131,000 in city revenue, versus a proposed increase to 7 Mills, potentially generating an additional $42,000. It was acknowledged that keeping the millage rate steady does not preclude an increase in property taxes, given that property values fluctuate.

Salary increases for city employees, particularly police officers, emerged as a point of contention. A salary hike was proposed to combat the high turnover rates and prevent the police department from becoming merely a training ground for officers before they move on to better-paying agencies. The council compared salary ranges with neighboring areas, such as Trenton, Chieflin, Ocala, and Marion County, to ensure Williston’s offers were competitive. The police department’s proposed budget included an increase in the investigations budget to cover DNA testing costs and an increase for police vehicles due to a decrease in USDA grant funding. The proposed 4.5% raise for police officers aimed to address the competitive law enforcement market and the growing demands due to population expansion.

The council also grappled with the challenges of maintaining city reserves, especially in the Utility Fund, with members expressing a commitment to avoid drawing from these unless absolutely necessary. The need for transparency and informed decision-making was emphasized, particularly regarding the allocation of funds for fuel costs and the practice of officers taking patrol cars home.

The discussion extended to the fire department’s vehicle financing needs, recognizing the unique challenges posed by the essential nature of their services and the potential implications of continued population growth. The council acknowledged the stressful nature of law enforcement and the current societal perspectives impacting the career’s perception.

In the debate over salary increases, the council contemplated the merits of a uniform increase across all departments versus tailored adjustments based on job competitiveness and hazards. Performance evaluations were brought up as a mechanism for informing salary decisions, with some members dissatisfied with the current evaluation process and advocating for improvement and a clear timeline for its implementation across departments. Furthermore, the council deliberated on the implications of cost of living adjustments on staff, with an understanding that forgoing such adjustments could save approximately $180,000.

The meeting also touched on the potential removal of the Victim Advocate Program from the budget, with an offer from the sheriff’s department to provide support in this area.