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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-05-2026 MinutesOCOEE CITY COMMISSION Ocoee Commission Chambers 1 N. Bluford Avenue Ocoee, Florida August 5, 2026 MINUTES 6:00 PM BUDGET WORKSHOP •CALL TO ORDER ,'3=if-€10 !.Ni Mayor Johnson called the workshop to order at 6:00 PM in the Commission Chambers of City Hall. City Clerk Sibbitt called the roll and declared a quorum present. Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner Firstner, and Commissioner Oliver Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, Finance Director Weber, Assistant Finance Director Lawitzke, Chief Accountant Meruena, and City Clerk Sibbitt • FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET OVERVIEW 6 01 ; frfl Finance Director Weber provided a PowerPoint overview of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget, outlining the budget process timeline, key budget highlights, cost -saving measures, staffing comparisons, the proposed tax rate summary, gross taxable value, general fund revenues and expenditures, and the financial challenges impacting the City's budget. Commissioner Kennedy requested clarification on Slide 5 and asked that a more detailed breakdown be included if the presentation is used during the budget hearings. City Manager Shadrix shared that the City is facing unprecedented times and noted that a recent community survey identified public safety as residents' highest priority. He explained that the cost of providing public safety services has increased and outlined the City's efforts to improve transparency by more accurately reflecting those costs. He further explained that several internal departments provide support services to the Police and Fire Departments, and those associated costs have not previously been fully reflected. City Manager Shadrix mentioned the Fire Assessment Fee Public Hearing scheduled for August 18t", noting that staff will recommend setting the fire assessment fee at 45%. He also discussed the potential for credits or refunds and announced projected cost savings for most property owners under the new methodology, if Amendment 3 is not approved. He further thanked City staff for their work in preparing the budget and maintaining strong fiscal discipline. • DISCUSSION 6: 4, F, I, kUJ Mayor Johnson opened the floor for questions from the City Commission. Commissioner Oliver shared that much of the feedback he has received from residents has centered around the loss of property tax revenue and asked the City Manager to clarify how the fire assessment discussions began last year, noting that they were not initiated as a result of the loss of revenue from the property tax amendment. City Manager Shadrix explained the growth of the Fire Department's budget, noting that increased equipment costs are largely driven by factors outside the City's control. He further explained the various costs associated with maintaining the Fire Department and noted that the City is competing in a market where there is limited supply to meet the demand. City Manager Shadrix advised that the City is taking a City Commission Budget Workshop August 5, 2026 proactive approach to the fire assessment fee, which will help ensure the City is prepared and will not have to react to potential changes between now and January 1st should the proposed tax reform be passed. Commissioner Willsen commented that the discussion is focused only on assessmen imposed by the City; however, Ocoee residents also pay taxes and fees to other agencies. S noted that residents who are concerned about their overall tax bill should also contact tho respective agencies, She also discussed the costs associated with Public Safety vehicles a further thanked staff for doing a great job developing the budget. I Mayor Johnson thanked staff and the City Manager for maintaining the millage rate at 4.95 mills. He commented that residents have been paying the fire assessment fees for years and many did not even realize it. City Manager Shadrix explained the proposed maximum fire assessment fee which was reflected in the notice residents received. He noted that the fire assessment fee in Orange County is higher and emphasized that the City has kept its fee relatively low compared to many other jurisdictions that impose both MSTUs and fire assessments. He briefly explained the the City's reliance on property taxes. He emphasized that this is only the beginning and noted that the City is fortunate to be in a strong and healthy financial position. He noted that the budget includes the increased cost of reclaimed water resulting from the rate increase imposed by Orange County and commended the City Commission for not passing those costs onto the residents. Commissioner Kennedy commended staff for doing a fantastic job and further commented th many of the budget changes were not driven by property tax reform, but rather by a desire f greater transparency. He shared that the City has begun implementing a zero -based budgeti # approach and expressed his interest in seeing the fire assessment fully fund the service 0 residents can clearly see what they are paying for and what services they are receiving. added that he would like to see a similar model applied to other core critical service fees. I Mayor Johnson thanked staff and the City Manager for all the work they did on the budget. Consensus of the City Commission was that the next Budget Workshop is not needed; therefore, the next budget meeting is the Tentative Budget Public Hearing scheduled for September 9th. -ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:41 PM. APPROVED: Attest: -1 i bitt, City Clerk