Austin Hosford

The Board of County Commissioners is proposing to adopt an operating budget that totals $48,659,592 in budget authority for appropriated expenditures and reserves. This budget sets the millage rate to the rolled back rate of 7.8266 per thousand dollars for FY 24-25, and includes a 3% Cost of Living increase for all county employees. The Solid Waste Non-Ad Valorem assessment shall remain at $248 for all residential dwellings and removed the assessment for all commercial properties. The Fire Non-Ad Valorem assessment shall remain $198 for all residential dwellings and $0.04 per square foot on commercial. The County will also begin Phase I of updating the Land Development Code.

The proposed operating budget totals $48,659,592, including operating transfers between funds. The millage rate is set to the rolled-back rate of 7.8266 per thousand dollars. The General Fund's contingency is budgeted at $500,817. The Solid Waste Non-Ad Valorem assessment remains at $248 for residential dwellings, while commercial properties are removed from this assessment. The Fire Non-Ad Valorem assessment remains $198 for residential dwellings and $0.04 per square foot for commercial properties. The budget includes reimbursable grants and capital projects expenses, as well as the expense for Phase I of updating the Land Development Code. A 3% Cost of Living increase for all county employees and an additional 2% increase for competitive pay for Fire & EMS employees is proposed. The county minimum wage will increase to $14.00 on October 1, 2024. The employer's contribution for participants in the Florida Retirement System will increase, effective July 1, 2024. Health insurance costs will also increase.

The Board of County Commissioners discussed and resolved to amend the budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 to increase appropriations in the Tourist Development Trust Fund by $97,360. These funds are allocated for procuring a county marketing plan and covering additional promotional expenses, utilizing deferred revenues from prior fiscal years. The resolution details specific line changes and allocations for various promotional and administrative services.

The proposed budget includes a total of $54,948,498 in budget authority for appropriated expenditures and reserves, with $8,740,534 in operating transfers between funds. The millage rate remains at 7.9500 per thousand dollars, resulting in a 1.56% tax increase. The Solid Waste Non-Ad Valorem assessment stays at $248 for residential dwellings, while the Fire Non-Ad Valorem assessment remains at $198 for residential dwellings and $0.04 per square foot for commercial properties. The budget accounts for an increase in state-levied taxes and motor fuel taxes, along with $17,757,920 for reimbursable grants and capital projects. It also includes funding for Phase I of updating the Land Development Code, costing $100,000. A 3% Cost of Living increase for all county employees and a 2% additional increase for Fire & EMS employees is proposed, along with an increase to the county minimum wage to $14.00. The budget also addresses increases in the employer's contribution for the Florida Retirement System and health insurance costs. The county will continue to pay off its three road bonds, totaling $980,435.

The Board of County Commissioners received unanticipated funds and approved a supplemental budget increase of $41,052. The funds, sourced from a police vehicle grant, will be allocated to the Sheriff's Office for the purchase of a police vehicle.