From Staff Reports
The Apopka City Council, at its special workshop on Wednesday, put the finishing touches on the FY2024-25 budget.
The last-minute additions were:
- $50,000-$100,000 for local nonprofit sponsorship
- $100,000 for walkways at the Northwest Recreational Facility
- $50,000 for Main Street Apopka
- $143,000 for Police wage/benefit increases ($1,000/officer)
- $289,000 for Fire Union (additional per the new contract)
- $4,500 for Facebook marketing
- $192,000 to transfer an engineer position to the General Fund from the Water Fund
- $500,000 for sidewalk repairs
- $1,200,000 for street paving and resurfacing
The Council also agreed to a 4.6876 millage rate, an increase from the 4.1876 rate the City approved in the last three years, but a drop in the proposed millage rate of 4.8399 the Council approved in July.
The City also plans to increase the utility rate by 20-25%. The Council will officially set the amount at its September 4th meeting.
The remainder of the revenues from the millage rate increase would reduce the budgeted use of reserves.
As was the case at the last two City Council meetings, public comments were at the end of the workshop. But unlike the last two meetings, they were part of the live feed.
"The City of Apopka fiscal year 2024/2025 budget will be voted on at the September 4, 2024 - 1:30pm City Council meeting. The Workshop that occurred on August 28, 2024 at 5:15pm opened the door for the Council to attempt to adjust the budget based upon the financial status of the City of Apopka as presented by the current Mayor Bryan Nelson," said Commissioner Nick Nesta.
"There is still work to do in order to align with more of the needs of our residents.
Unfortunately, once again the residents came last and Public Comments came at the very end for the 3rd time during Public Meetings.
There are still many needs in the City of Apopka that are not being met on behalf of those experiencing the economic financial stress that no one should be indifferent to that are indeed residuals.
My personal commitment remains the same and I will continue to work ONLY for the exclusive benefit of our residents in the coming year and beyond."
The final votes will come in September when two hearings will be held to ratify the millage rate and budget. The first of those hearings is set for Wednesday, September 4th, at 5:15. The final budget hearing is scheduled for September 18th at 6 pm. Both meetings are at the City Hall Council Chambers.
This developing story will be updated in a future edition of The Apopka Voice.
Editor's Note: The Apopka Voice contacted all five City Council members and the City Administrator for comment but did not receive responses before publishing the article except from Commissioner Nesta.
