City of Baconton

The commission discussed the 2026 Work Plan. The Century Home plaque application for 1017 West Lakewood Avenue was reviewed and approved. An update was given on the Patton Park Bandstand, including a tour with the Public Works Director, Planning Director, and the Streets and Parks Superintendent to assess the current conditions and needs of the Bandstand. The collaborative work with the Lake City Historical Society was discussed to develop and implement a heritage building identification signage/plaque program for downtown.

The agenda includes disclosing conflicts related to agenda items, reviewing and adopting the agenda, and a public forum. The council will review minutes from previous meetings in October 2025, expense claims, and confirm the appointment of Sue Weist to the Streets, Parks, & Public Safety Commission. They will also consider a request from the United Way to host a bingo and raffle event and authorize the removal of overgrown vegetation along the north end shoreline adjacent to N Lakeshore Drive. New business involves establishing fees and service charges for 2026, approving a minor subdivision, and a budget adjustment for classification appeals. Unfinished business includes approving the return of The Wave structure to its original location.

The City of Lake City's Comprehensive Plan serves as a roadmap for maintaining and promoting community vibrancy through planning efforts, guided by core values of collaboration, transparency, and respect. The plan focuses on key imperatives including a vibrant community and economy, safety, environmental preservation, all-age wellness, and effective municipal operations. It develops goals, policies, and strategies to foster a strong economy, enhance community services and housing, protect a sustainable environment, and coordinate an efficient transportation system. The plan aims to guide growth and development over the next five to ten years, ensuring thoughtful integration of natural beauty with physical development, and is designed to be a working document for decision-making and priority setting.

The agenda includes a Truth & Taxation Public Hearing to discuss the 2026 Budget and Property Tax Levy, along with the adoption of resolutions certifying the 2025 levy for 2026 and approving the city's 2026 budgets by category. Also on the agenda is the approval of a 3% COLA for non-union employees, a planning budget adjustment, and 2026 license applications for city-issued licenses. Staffing updates from the Ambulance and Police Departments will be shared. Additionally, the council will consider the reclassification of the Marina Administrator position.

The meeting included discussion regarding fishing off docks, proposed rates for 2026, and an end-of-year report. The proposed rates for 2026 included a 3% increase on all slips and Mobile Home. The board also reviewed and approved expense claims from July 30, 2025, to December 1, 2025, and discussed proposed projects for 2026.