Ryan Berden

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing for the 2024-2025 Proposed Tentative Budget. Discussions centered on resolving budget constraints arising from the Maximum Millage Levy (MML) determined by the Florida Department of Revenue, specifically concerning the funding allocated for road improvements. Various budget options were reviewed, factoring in different millage rates and associated road improvement costs. The Board ultimately adopted Option B, establishing a proposed tentative millage rate of 5.9517%, an Operating Budget of $3,782,623.45, and a Capital Funds Projects Budget of $1,939,766.02. The Consent Agenda, including the ratification of several applications and agreements, was approved. Key operational discussions focused on significant flooding issues impacting East Castle Circle in Unit 8 and Harley Terrace in Unit 12. The Board authorized the creation of a bid, not to exceed $250,000, to elevate the road drainage on East Castle Circle to resolve persistent flooding. Additionally, approval was granted to proceed with altering the Human Resource policy to ensure compliance with Federal and State laws, particularly regarding drug testing classifications.

The key discussion topics for this meeting include a public hearing concerning the proposed 2025-2026 Tentative Budget. This involves reviewing the proposed General Fund Operating Budget, millage rate, Capital Projects Fund Budget, and the 5-year Capital Plan, followed by considering the adoption of a resolution to approve these tentative budgets. The consent agenda covers verification of meeting notice and ratification of the Chairman's signature on a Line of Credit with First Bank. Other items include reports from the General Manager regarding contract approvals and mowing contract renewals, a report from the General Counsel, and a report from the Field Supervisor.

The meeting commenced with the appointment of Supervisor Nancy Imhoff as acting Chair. Key discussions included the presentation of the 2022-23 Audit, which received an unmodified opinion, leading to the approval of transferring $500,000 from the unassigned fund balance to the Capital Projects Funds for road improvements. The Board also approved Resolution 2024-1, an amendment to the FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget based on the audit results. Furthermore, changes to the Human Resource Policy were accepted to clarify termination procedures and forfeiture of accrued leave for involuntarily terminated employees. The Board authorized changing the Permit Coordinator position from part-time to full-time due to increased permit processing demands. The General Counsel reported on new legislative requirements mandating districts to adopt goals, objectives, and performance measures. Other business included updates on the road improvement bid advertisement and mandatory ethics training for elected or appointed members.

The meeting commenced with the reorganization of the Board for the 2023-2024 year, establishing the slate of officers. The Consent Agenda was adopted, covering the verification of proper meeting notice and the Fund Balance Policy 2023-24. Key discussions focused on improving the permitting process to address staff workload concerns, leading to the approval of adding a part-time position primarily for permit processing. Regarding the 2023-2024 Road Improvement Project, the board authorized the General Manager to advertise the bid and award the contract, as well as authorizing the Chairman to spend Capital funds as needed for the project. Financial actions included transferring $50,000 to a new culvert repair and replacement account due to recent failures, and approving employee appreciation bonuses of $3,500 for staff with over one year of service, funded by a transfer from unassigned cash. Supervisors were informed of the upcoming requirement for four hours of annual ethics training effective January 1, 2024.

The agenda outlines a Final Budget Public Hearing for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which includes reviewing and discussing the estimated millage rate and the General and Capital Projects Fund Budgets, followed by consideration for the adoption of related resolutions. The agenda also allocates time for general public comment, and includes reports from the General Manager, General Counsel, and Field Supervisor.