Significant budget allocations include a $250,000 contribution to the affordable housing trust fund, aimed at mitigating affordable housing challenges. In response to the economic hardships faced by employees, the budget also proposes a 2.5% step increase for employees and a cost of living adjustment. The budget underscores the city’s dedication to its workforce by increasing the minimum entry-level rate to $16 per hour and implementing salary adjustments for existing employees to promote affordability and competitiveness in the job market.

The budget framework is constructed around six strategic pillars, with a notable increase in capital projects and one-time expenses, especially in utilities operations and Parks and Recreation. The city’s gross taxable values have surged by 11.3% to $4.75 billion, yielding an additional $2.7 million in ad valorem revenues, totaling nearly $28 million.

Among the major capital investments, over $37 million is earmarked for police and fire expenses, which surpasses the ad valorem revenue, creating a $2.8 million deficit. However, the city maintains a conservative approach to budgeting, safeguarding its revenue sources. The self-insurance fund, covering medical expenses for city employees, requires a $4.6 million contribution from the city, a slight increment from the past year, kept in check by wellness programs and cost-reduction strategies.

The city is also addressing pension costs, which are expected to climb in fiscal year 2425, due to salary hikes and investment returns. Negotiations with unions on employee wages are ongoing, with the proposed increases aimed at providing equitable compensation while addressing vacancies and enhancing the affordability of living for frontline workers.

Discussions during the commission meeting also highlighted the allocation of funds for various community partners and service delivery partners, such as Main Street Winter Haven and The Economic Development Council, amounting to approximately $615,000. Additionally, the general fund supports various entities, including the library, cemetery, and airport, and transfers to the transportation fund for capital projects. Advocacy efforts are ongoing at the state legislature level to address challenges to transfers from utility funds into general funds.

Furthermore, the city plans to retain six school resource officers within the police department, funded through additional allocations, and recommends the addition of various positions across public affairs, city clerk’s office, finance department, and public safety. The fund balance is expected to be about 36%, surpassing the 30% goal per fiscal policy. The surplus funds emphasize capital investments, with projects such as the fire station 5, acquisition of park land, and pickleball expansion facilities being prioritized.

The commission delved into improvement projects including shuffleboard court resurfacing, restroom upgrades at the Leisure Park rentals, and the addition of electric charging stations at strategic locations. The airport’s financial status was discussed, noting that revenues were meeting operational and personnel costs, with capital expansion supplemented by federal and state funds. projects at the airport include obstruction clearing and the Blue Line Aviation hangar development.

The Transportation fund received considerable attention, with the completion of the south portion of Pard Road and other road improvement projects, as well as the Community Redevelopment Agency’s plans for property acquisition, undergrounding overhead lines, and microtransit opportunities. Additionally, the solid waste fund focused on vehicle acquisitions and the recruitment of new drivers.

The budget discussions extended to addressing the high turnover rates in law enforcement and utilities, and the need for incentivizing positions to retain staff. The commission considered using CRA funds to fill vacancies and assist with retail outreach in the downtown area. Moreover, the city is exploring legal support to resolve probate issues with vacant lots in Florence Villa for potential housing development.

The city’s financial management received commendations for consistently navigating through challenges over the past two decades, with a focus on improving the budget and adhering to the Strategic Plan. Administrative matters concluded the meeting, including the awarding of a design-build contract for the water recycling facility at Pard Road and retroactive approvals for grant submissions.