Jennifer Fehrs

The Town Commission meeting discussed the FY26 Recommended Budget and Public Hearing. Key topics included revenue highlights, such as increases in certified real estate values and franchise fees, as well as adjustments to wages and benefits, including cost-of-living adjustments and merit-based increases. Other changes discussed were related to insurance coverage, indirect cost transfers, and the Capital Improvement Plan. The meeting also covered budget adoption and legal requirements, including public hearings and the posting of the Tentative Budget on the Town's website.

The Town Commission is working towards the construction of a Community Hall at the Town Center Green, supported by Sarasota County. The Town welcomed a new Police Chief, Russ Mager, who will be sworn in on August 4. Pre-Storm Sandbag Operations are scheduled for August 7 and September 4 to help residents prepare for hurricane season. The Utilities Undergrounding Project is nearing completion, with electrical work finished and new street name signs installed. The Commission is advancing key projects, finalizing the budget, and preparing for the new fiscal year, with budget discussions continuing and public hearings scheduled for September 8 and 22. Efforts are ongoing to protect sea turtle nesting season, and construction continues on the Gulf of Mexico Drive, Country Club Shores Turn Lane Project.

The Town of Longboat Key's Comprehensive Plan focuses on the orderly and balanced economic, social, physical, environmental, and fiscal development of the Town. It addresses future land use, population, mobility, housing, infrastructure, conservation, coastal management, recreation, intergovernmental coordination, and capital improvements. The plan aims to maintain the town's character, manage coastal hazards, ensure sustainable infrastructure, and coordinate with regional and state entities.

The comprehensive plan focuses on various elements including future land use, mobility, conservation and coastal management, housing, recreation and open space, infrastructure (potable water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste), governance, capital improvements, public school facilities (Manatee and Sarasota County), and property rights. It aims to improve the physical environment, protect public health and safety, ensure long-range considerations in short-range actions, promote political cooperation, and protect the public interest with consideration of private property rights.

The Town Commission is required to set a maximum millage rate that will appear on the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices at the June 27, 2025, Regular Meeting for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). Prior to setting the maximum millage rate for FY26, Town staff will provide an update on final values from the Property Appraiser's and the calculated rolled-back rate. The Maximum Millage Rate is the highest millage rate that the Town Commission may levy in September. Staff Recommendation: Set the Maximum Millage Rates for General Fund Operating Millage, General Obligation Facilities (Fire Stations) Debt, and Beach Gulfside and Bayside Districts.