City of Keystone Heights

The council held a public hearing regarding the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Key discussions included an overview of the program's four categories: housing, commercial revitalization, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development, alongside the low to moderate income threshold criteria. Staff proposed acquiring the former volunteer fire department facility as a community center to reduce blight, and the council deliberated on project service areas, funding limits, application timelines, and potential match funding sources.

The meeting focused on debriefs for the fourth-grade field trip and the Chautauqua event, identifying both successes and areas for future improvement. Key discussions included planning for upcoming projects such as a state historical marker, an inventory database, and the acquisition of a new event banner. Members also coordinated upcoming community events, including a Fourth of July pie-eating contest, a July round table, and a December tour of homes. Additionally, the commission reviewed social media updates and the current budget.

The committee reviewed the March budget performance, emphasizing the completion of budgeted tasks within the Community Redevelopment Agency budget, specifically noting parking design expenditures. Additionally, the committee requested that a draft of the upcoming fiscal year budget be prepared for the next meeting. The discussion regarding the list of assets exceeding $5,000 was postponed to the following month due to time constraints, and the audit status and long-term financial discussions were not addressed during this session.

The meeting included special recognition for the Keystone Heights High School Weightlifting Team for their status as state champions. The council conducted a second public hearing regarding a Small City Community Development Commercial Revitalization application for the 2026 fiscal year.

The committee meeting addressed several financial matters, including the review of April budget documents for all accounts and a list of assets exceeding $5,000. Key discussion items included the FY 2026-2027 draft general fund budget, an update on the status of the audit, and long-term financial discussions regarding CIP and non-property tax income. The committee also discussed rescheduling a future meeting to accommodate a legislative wrap-up event.