Yolanda Quiceno

The meeting addressed several key items, including the unanimous approval of previous meeting minutes. A new slate of officers was elected, with Richard Weinsier serving as Chair, Douglas DeYoung as Secretary, and Chris Stalder as Vice Chair. The board conducted a final review of participants and confirmed details for the upcoming Arbor Day Event, finalizing plans for giveaways such as food and ice cream tickets, Home Depot build kits, and an art contest. Discussions also covered improvements to refrigerator magnet information to enhance QR code readability and a decision to update the QR code on the New Resident letter to link to pertinent city information instead of the Tree Board's specific page.

The meeting covered several agenda items, including the election of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, and appointment of an Alternate Committee Secretary. Discussions centered on an update regarding the Classification and Compensation Study, with a preliminary report expected in February. The committee reviewed preliminary thoughts on the FY 26/27 budget, specifically concerning Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) which may need to be delayed due to potential ad valorem tax revenue reductions being considered by the Florida Legislature. Other potential revenue sources discussed included a possible increase in utility taxes, comparing the City's current rates to surrounding municipalities, and reviewing stormwater rates pending a utility rate study completion. The possibility of breaking out the fire fee as a separate taxing item was also explored. Committee comments addressed procedural matters, noting that officer elections should be on the agenda, and suggesting a future review of the City's budget to find efficiencies before considering tax or utility rate increases.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the January 15, 2026 meeting minutes, which covered the election of officers (Chair, Secretary, Vice Chair) and a final review of the Arbor Day Event details, including ticket giveaways and vendor confirmations. Other discussions involved improvements to a refrigerator magnet information flyer to enhance QR code readability and a decision to update the QR code on the New Resident letter to direct to pertinent city information instead of the Tree Board.

The meeting was informal, and due to a committee member's immediate resignation, a quorum was not achieved, precluding official business. For planning purposes, the committee members present discussed proposed dates and general logistics for upcoming 2026 City events, including Easter, Senior Health Presentations, the July 4th Celebration (250th Anniversary of America), Boogie on the Bridge, Light the Way, Santa Rides, and the Golf Cart Parade. The group agreed to prepare brief event summaries detailing sponsors, volunteers, and venue needs for presentation at the next scheduled meeting.

The Budget Committee meeting focused primarily on potential statewide property tax reform measures pending in the Florida Legislature, including exemptions for long-term homeowners, assessment value limitations, and senior exemptions. The committee discussed the potential fiscal impact of these changes on municipal revenue and the need to reassess or slow Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Projects if ad valorem revenue is significantly reduced. The committee also explored alternative revenue sources, such as reviewing utility tax rates (noting surrounding municipalities impose rates around 10%) and considering a possible increase in stormwater rates following an expected utility rate study completion. Additionally, the option of separating the fire protection fee as a distinct taxing item, potentially based on a service-demand formula, was discussed. An update was provided on the classification and compensation study, with a preliminary report anticipated in February. Finally, the committee decided to place the election of officers on the February meeting agenda and suggested a future review of the City's budget for potential reductions before considering tax or utility rate increases.