HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-10-2025 MinutesOcoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
September 10, 2025 MINUTES 6:00 PM
-CALL TO ORDER
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 City Manager Shadrix, followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner
Firstner
Absent: Commissioner Oliver (City Manager Shadnx shared a message on behalf of
Commissioner Oliver explaining his absence.)
Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Schaffer, City Clerk Sibbitt, Assistant
Finance Director Lawitzke, and Chief Accountant Meruena
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A. Mayor's Announcement
B. Briefing by City Attorney 602' PM
The preliminary millage rate set by the City Commission and contained in the TRIM Notice is
5.5000 mills. The maximum millage rate, which may be levied by the City by regular majority
vote for the 2025-2026 fiscal year is 7.1100 mills, such maximum millage rate having been
Ida Statutes, The establishment of a millage determined pursuant to Section 200.1 85(3)(a), Flon
rate between 7.1101 mills and 7.8210 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
7.8211 mills and 10.0000 mills requires a unanimous vote of the City Commission.
A 'ionall a milla erateado teclabovethe relimina millaae rate of 5.5000 mills would
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C. Briefing by Assistant Finance Director
Assistant Finance Director Lawitzke ann ounced that the final budget hearing is scheduled
for next Wednesday, September 17th, at 6:00 PM, and presented a PowerPoint which
summarized the budget priorities, and commitments for FY 2025-2026. Highlights in the
presentation covered:
September 10, 2025
• Economic Highlights
• Departmental Budget Reallocation to increase transparency
• Tentative Millage Rate — no change
• Capital Projects
• General fund total increase is 1 .8%
No speaker reservation forms were received, therefore, the public hearing was closed.
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Assistant Finance Director Lawitzke recomputed the proposed tentative millage rate and
announced the percent by which the recomputed proposed millage rate exceeds the rolled -
back rate. This percentage is the proposed tentative percentage increase in propertytaxes.
City Manager Shadrix announced that the proposed new tentative millage rate of 4.9500 is
5.5% above the rollback rate.
- Chris Adkins, Ocoee Resident, expressed his concerns with funding and purchase
approvals made prior to the increase in fire protection non -ad valorem assessment and
garbage fees.
- Norine Dworkin, Vox Populi, asked for an explanation of how the budget balanced at
4,9500 mills after the Fire Assessment increase was put in place, City Manager Shadrix
addressed her questions.
The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Kennedy stated that the City Manager is working with Orange County to
address taxes. He responded to public comments on property values and taxation, noting the
limited ratio of commercial to residential properties and its impact on the millage rate. He
further cautioned of a potential financial crisis stemming from state -level decisions and
addressed questions regarding revenue from the Forest Lake Golf Course.
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September 10, 2025
Commissioner Wilsen commented on tax exemptions and explained that when a resident
receives an exemption, the City still must produce the money to operate and provide services
Lo residents.
Mayor Johnson expounded upon Commissioner Kennedy's explanation of the millage rate
relative to the ratio of commercial property; he also clared that the City is not purchasing the
golf course, it has always owned the property. He further explained that the City bought out
the previous operator's lease to regain control of the golf course's operation an hire a new
operator to make improvements, with more favorable contractual terms. Under the temporary
operator, the City is already realizing revenue, Mayor Johnson also explained that Orange
County and the Orange County School Board are two separate entities, both which assess ad
valorem taxes on residents' bills.
- Alan Vance, Ocoee Resident, inquired about the City's plan if the state eliminates
property taxes. Mayor Johnson addressed his question.
Commissioner Wilson spoke about the Florida League of Cities and the Local Voices United
program.
Mayor Johnson expressed the need for Ocoee residents to make their voices heard among
Orange County leadership. He further pondered the services and the value that Ocoee and its
residents receive from the County, taking into consideration the County's property tax revenue
from Ocoee residents. City Manager Shadrix addressed his comments.
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Commissioner Oliver absent. I
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September 10, 2025
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A
TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025, AND
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
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absent.
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 656 PM.
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City of Ocoee
Rusty Jdh on, Mayor