Fruitland Park commissioners approved a new millage rate and held the first of two hearings on a proposed $11.78 million budget for the coming year.
Commissioners agreed to set the millage rate at 3.9134 per $1,000 assessed valuation. The rate is the same that was adopted by commissioners last year during a contentious budget hearing and is 3.08 percent over the rollback rate of 3.7965. The rollback rate is the amount needed to collect the same ad valorem tax revenue as the prior year.
The proposed millage rate will result in ad valorem revenue of a little more than $2.78 million – an increase of about $254,733 from the past year. The city’s gross taxable value has been certified at more than $748.6 million, which is a 10 percent increase over the current year.
The proposed budget contains a general fund of $8.16 million that will be used to operate the city. It also includes a 3 percent cost of living raise for employees and monies to cover increases in their medical premiums, workers compensation and matching funds for the Florida Retirement System.
Other money in the budget include:
- Redevelopment Fund: $456,632;
- Capital Projects Fund: $899,540;
- Utility Fund: $2.14 million;
- Fire Pension Fund: $46,812; and
- Recreation Fund: $74,236.
“This budget was particularly tight and difficult decisions were made,” City Manager Gary La Venia wrote in a memo to commissioners. “We are growing very quickly but the revenue lags behind.”
La Venia said the budget also reflects hours of “thoughtful discussion” and cooperation among city department heads and staff.
“These dedicated city employees work hard to provide exceptional services to our community within our budget,” he said. “We are proud of the strong ties to the community and exceptional services provided to our residents, business owners and visitors.”
The second and final budget hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19.