HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-2024 MinutesF * I VI_WT - U, m ""I r 6 1, 1 we,
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N� Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
September 11, 2024 MINUTES 6:00 PM
-CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Mayor Johnson called the tentative budget hearing to order at 6:00 PM in the Commission
Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was led by Ages Hart, Ocoee Resident, followed by th4
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
A. Mayor's Announcement
B. Briefing by City Attorney 601 PM
The preliminary millage rate set by the City Commission and contained in the TRIM Notice is
4.950 mills. The maximum millage rate, which may be levied by the City by regular majority
vote for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is 7.0235 mills, such maximum millage rate having been
determined pursuant to Section 200.185(3)(a), Florida Statutes. The establishment of a
millage rate between 7.0236 mills and 7.7259 mills requires a two-thirds vote (super majority)
of the membership of the City Commission (or 4 votes). The establishment of a millage rate
between 7.726 mills and 10.000 mills requires a unanimous vote of the City Commission.
Additionally, any millage rate adopted above the preliminary millage rate of 4.950 mills would
require notice by first-class mail to each taxpayer. The tentative millage rate adopted at this
at the public hearing on the final millage rate. A unanimous vote or a two-thirds vote may be
required to adopt the tentative millage rate as the final millage rate. At the final public hearing,
the City Commission may adopt a millage rate which is less than the tentative millage rate.
C. Briefing by Finance Director 6:02 PM
Finance Director Roberts thanked Acting City Manager Shadrix and Acting Assistant City
Manager Rumer for their guidance and assistance with the proposed budget, and further
presented a PowerPoint which summarized the budget priorities and commitments for FY
2024-2025. Highlights in the presentation covered:
• Economic Highlights
• Retaining Employment
• Increasing Public Safety Costs for Police and Fire
• Rising Costs of Health Insurance
• Millage Rate Trends.
Mayor Johnson inquired about the handout placed at the dais and noted that the Recreation
Department was not included. Finance Director Roberts addressed his concern.
Tentative Budget Public Heari
September 11, 2024 1
1. Public • 615 PM
• Johnson opened the !• for public •
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, commended Finance Director Roberts and staff on a job well
done on the budget. He thanked the City for flying flags at half-staff on Patriot's Day and
provided a brief history overview of the day. Mr. Moyer requested that the City Commission
earmark an amount of money, not less than $15,000 for patriotic events throughout the year
and also proposed setting aside no less than $10,000 per fiscal year for patriotic projects for
the next two fiscal years.
The Public Hearing was closed.
,ommissioner Oliver expressed that one major concern was public safety, and he thanked
staff for being able to handle that and distinguish those concerns. He voiced that staff did a
�great job balancing the budget. He noted that the City already hosts patriotic events each year
but expressed openness to adding more. He voiced his support for Mr. Moyer's efforts to
highlight additional patriotic events,
Commissioner Firstner echoed Commissioner Oliver's comments and expressed
satisfaction that the City was able to address the public safety issues. He urged the City
Commission and staff to exercise caution, particularly with the Police and Fire Departments,
as they are the largest departments with the biggest budgets. He also concurred that while
the city celebrates patriotic holidays throughout the year, he supports adding more
celebrations.
Commissioner Wilsen commended City staff for a great job on the budget. She expressed
that it will be a very tight budget this year; however, the City will continue to move forward.
She also thanked Acting City Manager Shadrix, Acting Assistant City Manager Rumer, and
City Manager Frank for their role in putting the budget together, and keeping the millage rate
at 4.950.
Commissioner Kennedy requested that Finance Director Roberts review information
provided • the Fire r-•. Acting City Manager Shadrix informed the City
Commission that the fire fee has remained unchanged since its implementation, set at $69,50
•- fire protection unit. Commissioner Kennedy •-• the • • the previous
Commissioners and commended staff for a job well done on the budget. Finance Director
Roberts noted that fire fees were $710,000 in 2014, increased to $2.9 million in 2022, and
have remained flat since, with expectations of another increase in 2025.
Mayor Johnson commended the Cit
is amazed at the great job staff does each year.
NOTE: RECESS (if needed) to recompute the proposed millage rate and rolled -back
,tercentage increase.
September 11, 2024
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No speaker reservation forms were received; therefore, the public hearing was closed.
E. Motion to Adopt the Tentative Millage Rate 6:31 PM
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
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for 4.36% increase in the milla-ge rate over the rolled -back rate; Moved by
F. Motion to Adopt the Tentative Budget 6:33 PM
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
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Seconded by Commissioner Firstner. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Johnson announced the public hearing to consider the final millage rate, and final
budget, is scheduled to be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall
Commission Chambers. The hearing has been advertised in accordance with the provisions
of Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, and Section C-37 of Article VI of the Ocoee City Charter.
The appropriate Ordinances necessary to adopt the Final Millage Rate and Final Budget will
be prepared by City staff, and all other action necessary to comply with the requirements of
Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, will be undertaken.
-ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 PI
Attest:
City of Ocoee
Rusty Jo Mayor