Donald Carter

The budget workshop included discussions on the proposed FY 2025-2026 budget, highlighting that the General Fund budget is balanced at a millage rate of 7.2500 mills. Employee benefits, including a COLA increase of 4% and continuation of the 4% merit program, were reviewed. The city also discussed personnel additions and changes, such as the reclassification of the HR Manager to HR Director and the addition of a Community Services Officer in the Police Department. Capital projects, including the Resurfacing Program, Alternative Water Project, and Wastewater Phase 3, were also addressed. Additionally, the city discussed the possibility of lowering the tax rate in the future and reviewed departmental budgets.

The meeting involved multiple public hearings and recommendations for assigning land use and zoning classifications to various properties. These included properties on Park Road, Alta Vista Way, and Highway 547, with discussions on transitioning from Polk County classifications to City classifications. The commission also addressed a property on Huckleberry Road, with a note about access limitations.

The meeting included proclamations for Disability Pride Month and Florida Water Professionals Month. The city recognized outstanding licensed water and wastewater operators and awarded community grants to various organizations. The commission discussed and approved merit raises and a COLA for the City Manager and City Clerk. They also adopted the 2025 Polk County Local Mitigation Strategy update. Additionally, the meeting involved public hearings and first readings of ordinances related to land use and zoning classifications for multiple properties.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several ordinances related to land use and zoning classifications, as well as annexations of multiple properties. The commission approved the FY25/26 State Highway Lighting Maintenance and Compensation Agreement with FDOT and discussed the Cemetery Committee's recommendation to sell unused grave spaces. Updates were provided on a grant application for stormwater improvements and preparations for the 4th of July celebration. The Davenport Fire Department's new Sam Boost system was also highlighted.

The meeting included public input regarding the separation of church and state. The agenda covered assigning land use and zoning classifications to various properties, as well as annexing several properties. The FY24/25 stormwater tax roll was approved, and an interlocal agreement with the Polk County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement telecommunications and fire/rescue dispatching services was approved. The tentative millage rate for FY2025-2026 was set, and public hearing dates were scheduled. An update was given on the demolition process at the Lewis Mathews Sports Complex, and the city authorized declaring lights and brackets as surplus to sell.