On Tuesday, April 26, 2022, City Council approved the first reading of the proposed FY23 budget beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023. The proposed budget dos not include a property tax increase, keeping the City's millage rate one of the lowest in the area.
The budget includes revenues of $22.5 million and expenses of $23.9 million.
Some of the Key Initiatives included are:
General
- Provision for 2.5% wage adjustments for all City Departments
- Recreation Bond paid off in June 2023
- Construction of public park and greenspace at the Public Dock at the IOP Marina
- Sponsorship of resident Eco Tour outings from the IOP Marina
- Tuition reimbursement program available for all full-time employees
- Development of a Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan
- Ongoing shoreline monitoring of the entire beach
- Provision for contracted grant writer, media specialist, lobbyist and traffic engineer
Police Department
- Replacement of 3 patrol vehicles
- Replacement of low-speed vehicle and purchase of License Plate Readers for parking enforcement
- Replacement of traffic counters at IOP Connector and Breach Inlet
- Purchase of de-escalation and use of force training system
- Provision for additional code enforcement officer
- Increased funds to support additional County Deputies to assist in summer traffic management
- Initiation of Text-to-Park option for Front Beach Parking
Fire Department
- Replace 3 pickup trucks, an all-terrain vehicle for beach patrol and a personal watercraft for water rescue calls
- Refurbishment of gyms at Public Safety Building and Fire Station 2
- Purchase of a second set of bunker gear for all personnel
- Purchase of a rescue drone
- Installation of exhaust system at Public Safety Building and Fire Station 2
- Provision for development of a Fire Department strategic plan
Public Works
- Construct drainage outfalls at 30th and 36th Avenue
- Reconstruct and elevate Waterway Blvd multi-use path
- Underground utility lines at 21st Avenue, with additional projects in future years
- Comprehensive Drainage Plan by Davis & Floyd
- Provision for targeted drainage projects identified by the Comprehensive Drainage Plan
- Ongoing storm water ditch maintenance
- Provision to address issues at Front Beach garbage compactor
Recreation Department
- Reconstruction of the outdoor basketball courts
- Construction of two pickle ball courts
- Funds to support 7 community events including Front Beach, Music in the Park, and Holiday Fests