Town Manager Rafael Casals spoke on the budget presented being based on the current millage rate of 2.8332 as opposed to the ceiling millage rate of 2.9388 outlined in the TRIM notice received by residents and set via Resolution No. 22-63 adopted at the July 20, 2022, Regular Town Council Meeting, providing an estimated surplus of $173,000.00.
Finance Director Robert Daddario provided an overview of the General Fund revenues with a focus on the changes from the Second Budget Workshop held on July 27, 2022, on ad valorem, communications tax, revenue sharing, miscellaneous revenue, and special revenue fund.
Town Manager Casals and Finance Director Daddario provided an overview of the changes in expenditures for the departments of Town Clerk, General Government, Finance, Community Development, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation.
There was discussion on the cost of the General Election based on the extent of the ballot, the different methods used to fund training for Town Staff, a reduction in accounting and auditing services, reductions in professional services and other contractual services, a reduction in right of way permitting services and general engineering services, the addition of holiday lighting, a decrease in Town-wide median beautification projects, the possibility of applying for a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) landscaping grant for portions of land along US 1, an increase in hourly rates for part time staff for Parks and Recreation, and the possibility of seeking sponsorships for the holiday lighting of the Town's traffic circles.
Finance Director Daddario also provided an overview of the proposed budgets for the Special Revenue Fund and Special Revenue Projects which have do not impact the millage rate proposed due to financing from sources which include grants, impact fees, and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Capital Projects Fund, and the Stormwater Utility Fund.
There was discussion on $11 million in ARPA funds for water quality improvement projects, $10 million in ARPA funds for improvements to sidewalks, lighting at Town parks, the Cutler Ridge Park swimming pool, and upgrades to playground surfaces. There was also discussion on the design of the Caribbean Blvd project from SW 87th AVE to SW 184th ST, Marlin Road complete streets project design, the possibility of a public involvement meeting in October for the Stormwater Master Plan, and upcoming public hearings to change the unified method of collection of stormwater fees.
Town Manager Casals announced the First and Second Budget Hearings taking place on December 14, 2022, and December 28, 2022, beginning at 6:00 p.m.