beautiful downtown Cocoa, Florida, 65th Stone Street. We will have invitation by Councilwoman Weekes and a pledge of allegiance by the DM group back there, Don and Melissa. Would y'all come
forward, please? Um, thank you, sir. Um, um, we're going to do invocation first and then we'll have you all do the pledge. Y'all come on up. Don't be scared. WE WON'T INVITE YOU. Would everyone please ma'ams and sers secure your cell phones
>> and we will have invocation. >> Let us pray. Our dear heavenly father, we just uh thank you so much tonight for the rain. Uh we can do without the lightning and thunder, but Lord, we thank you for the rain. And Lord, we just ask you to give us wisdom this evening as we do the city's business and
the people's business. And Lord, we ask you to be with all the employees of the city of Coco. Lord, keep them all safe, especially those who work outside in this weather. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Madame clerk, may we do roll call, please? Ma'am. >> Yes, sir.
>> Thank you. >> Mayor Blake >> present. Ma'am, >> deputy Mayor Goins >> here. >> Council member Hearn >> here. >> Council member Cos >> here. >> Council member Weekes >> here. >> City Attorney Gargani >> here. >> $20 fine. >> And city manager Whitten.
>> Thank you. >> Yeah. Check your cell phones, please. All right. Thank you very much, Madame Clerk. Um, Arsenal. Proceeding on to item number two-1, agenda, regular meeting of July 28th, 2026. What are the
wishes of council? >> Move to approve. >> We got a motion on the floor by councilwoman Weeks. >> Second. >> Second by Councilwoman Cos. Chair's going to call the question. All in favor by saying I. >> I. >> Any nays? Eyes have it unanimously.
Proceeding on to item number two-2 minutes regular meeting of May 12th 2026. What are the wishes of council? >> Move to approve. >> Got a motion on the floor by councilwoman Weeks. >> Second. >> Second by Deputy Mayor Goings. Chair is going to call the question. All in favor
by saying I. >> I. >> Any nays? Eyes have it unanimously. Proceeding on to awards and presentation. Item number 3-1. Accept the annual comprehensive
financial report for fiscal year 2025 2026-614. Um this will be performed by the finance director first and then we have the effervescent yours truly standing at the uh microphone there our good friend.
>> Thank you Mr. Mayor. Uh this is the annual end of audit presentation to city council presenting the financial statement audit uh results and status of the city's finances for the fiscal year as reported on the financial statement.
Mr. Joel Knob who's partner at Forvis Mazars which is the city's uh auditors will give you a presentation on the city's financial audit. >> Thank you very much Mrs. Bowman. Joel floor is yours. Miss Bowman and Mayor
Blake and council members. Pleasure to be here and again present the results of the audit. This is for the year end is September 30, 2025. Uh there was a separate communication letter. Just wanted to highlight that there were no audit adjustments identified in our audit. So that's
that's really good. That's uh >> wonderful clean audit man. indicates that um the financial reporting controls are working for the city and and um all the adjustments that needed to be made to the balances were made. So uh we also got full cooperation from Miss Bman and
her team. So really appreciate all the effort they put forth and getting us all the information we needed to look at. Um as it relates to our deliverables, you'll find our reports throughout the document. The first one is the report on the financial statements. We issued an unmodified opinion which is a clean
opinion that the numbers are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. And then the remaining report you'll find towards the back of the document in the compliance section. Uh there's a report related to government audit standards where we consider internal controls over
reporting and compliance significant to the financials. Uh that was a clean report. There were no findings noted. And then there are two reports required by the Florida Auditor General. One is a management letter, another is attestation
examination on the city's compliance with investment policy. Uh those were both clean reports as well. Um some significant work goes into this next report related to the major grants of the city. So we looked at one federal
program um the hazard mitigation grants uh program as and then one state project as well which was the statewide water quality restoration projects. uh both were approximately one and a half million in spend expenditures. Uh there's a lot of compliance rules
related to those how those dollars are spent and the uh the management of the grant uh the reporting that goes along with it. So uh we looked at that as well as the internal controls over compliance and those were both clean audits for those two grants.
Uh just a few financial statement highlights want to point out. Uh this first slide looks at the overall long-term uh assets and long-term liabilities of the city um as well as this shortterm and you can see um you had a positive
increase um a positive change in net position for both governmental activities and business type activities uh for fiscal year 25. So so good results. uh the unrestricted net position also is positive u for both governmental and business type
activities. So um that's pretty good considering um a lot of times those long-term liabilities for governments specifically pensions and and other post-employment benefits a lot of times make that unrestricted number a negative. So um you know it's really
really good to be able to show a positive unrestricted net position there on the general fund side. Also a key uh metric for the city is looking at fund balance and the unassigned fund balance of 28 million was an increase over 24.
You can see unassigned fund balance was 60% of a total expenditures. So also very healthy stable um financial condition for the city. On the budget side we also look at compliance as it relates to what the budget or what the
city approved for spending. Um you can see the city approved to spend down fund balance by 12 million actually had an increase of three million. So a positive budget variance of 15 million uh for fiscal year 25 as there are less
expenditures than um were budgeted. And then lastly the water and sewer system. Just want to point out this as well as the major utility fund of of the uh of the city. And you can see again positive operating income. You want to
see that at a healthy level and and that is at 26 million which was an increase over 24 and a positive change in that position. So so all things look good financially uh for the city for fiscal year 25 and you know as you look ahead to the the challenges coming um it's
good to be in this position. So again, my appreciation to Miss Bowman and the team and um congratulations to the city on a on a clean audit for fiscal year 25. >> Thank you, Mr. Joel Mop. Sir, we would like to just thank you for your concise
and details in reference of the general fund, the water and the sewer, the that you have this positive collaboration with Mrs. Bowman and our city and uh it's been a pleasure. Yes, >> there's big ships and little ships, but nothing like a friendship or a
relationship or even a partnership, but more so than anything else, being physical sound and taking good care of the stewards tax dollars. >> So, that's a wonderful thing. So, kudos to you, sir, and Mrs. Bowman and staff
and the city of Coco. Thank you. Any comments from council? Seeing none, sir. Thank you, Mr. Joel. >> Thank you. >> Drive home safely. >> Appreciate it, >> sir. Yes, sir. >> Mr. Mayor, if you can make a motion just to accept the financial statements as presented.
>> So, move second. >> Wonderful. Wonderful. Motion by Deputy Mayor Gowens and a second by Councilwoman Weekes to accept u the report that has been stated. Chair is going to call the question. All in favor by saying I.
>> I. Any nays? eyes have it unanimously. Okay. Job well done, sir. Godspeed home, my friend. >> Thank you, Mr. Joel. And thank you, councel and staff and directors. All right, the moment we've been waiting
for. Item number two-2. Thank you, sir. Um 2-2 um recognition of an outstanding student achievement uh with council in conjunction with uh deputy mayor Goins for the effervescent
yours truly Addison mayor would y'all please come forward for the 2026-618 deputy mayor Goins city manager city staff uh city attorney I'm trying to say as on
Mrs. >> Please ma'am. All right. Good evening and good evening everyone. Uh number one welcome uh come to the uh Koko city council meeting. Um this is al always a great opportunity for the council in the city of Koko to
recognize outstanding citizens throughout Bavar County and those who touch the lives in the city of Coco. And today, um, I've been knowing this young lady and we all have seen her at some point, especially our last 8 years. Um,
it seemed like she's 25. Uh, but she's only 12, am I correct? >> Oh, she 13 now. >> Um, and and she's taller than me and she lets me know that quite a bit as well. Um but at Addison along with so many
young people uh I know when I was 13 years old um coming to city council meetings or being part of the government was boring. I didn't think it even affected my life. Um but she along with her beautiful family uh Miss Jen and her
husband and her brother um they they are they use a conscious effort to involve their children in in the lives of in government. And so again, we thank her family as well um for introducing government to her at such a young age.
And if she's not the governor of Florida uh sometime soon, then we know something is wrong. All right. All right. So, I'm going read some of her accolades. Addison recently graduated with an outstanding 4.3 GPA,
demonstrating excellence in academics. while maintaining an unwavering dedication to serving the community. To date, she has completed 454 hours of volunteer service. Wow. Wow. With numerous organizations
including NAACP, Space Coast Pride, a Fight for Zero, Foundation 451, Merid Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the Little Black Book Drive, which we have do our Junth festival as well. Uh through her volunteer efforts, Addison has made a meaningful impact on
organization that supports civil rights, environmental conservation, community outreach, and local families. Her dedication to service has previously earned her the president's gold volunteer service award for four consecutive years, and she was on track to receive her fifth gold award before
the program was discontinued. She is also working toward the prestigious president's lifetime achievement award and remains committed to reaching her personal goal of 4,000 volunteer hours by the time she finishes school. So
again, thank you Addison for all that you do. So she's just not important to the city of Coco, but she's going through all every event. I wonder how is she beating us there sometimes. But again, we appreciate you. We appreciate your
family as well. And I know the council um I'll read this certificate first and then allow council to chime in. A certificate of achievement. This certificate is awarded to Addison Mayor in recognition of your exceptional academic achievement and extraordinary
commitment to community service. Your accomplishments exemplify leadership, compassion, and a strong commitment to improving the community. Presented on behalf of Coco City Council this day, the 20th day of July 2026, signed by
Michael C. Blake, Coco, Mayor. Do favor, we have a council member from the south side. Whenever we go to Rockland council meetings, sometimes Sammy Brown will come and say he want to see the best kind of local government. Right. So with with your blessings, sir, we would like
to honor and acknowledge our council woman. Mrs. Connor from South Co, better known as Brock. Everybody give her a hand. >> Stand and be recognized, man. Come on, man. You're young and just like Yes, ma'am.
Just like she is. And I know you're not used to meetings going past 12 minutes, but but we're we're ahead. Work your way around. >> I remember Addison for quite a while now. I mean, we've really watched her grow up. Thank you for being such a
model to our community. >> I haven't known you as long as they have, but you are impressive. And how awesome your volunteer hours with your schoolwork is incredible. It just goes to show you can do whatever you put your
mind to. So way to go and yeah I agree governor of Florida. >> Certainly. So I know tonight is going to be a good meeting. Anytime I see Addison I know it's going to be a good day. So uh it's pleasure to see you here. Um I like uh council or deputy mayor go
stated. I haven't been to a volunteering event uh and not seen your face. I think you make more city events than I made. So um it's a pleasure to have you here in Bvard County. I look forward to you having a bright future and uh just continue the good work. So,
you've been a good servant for the people, ma'am. Job well done. Greatness awaits you because there is no saturation point to education and you exemplify that and we're very proud of you. Not only are we as a council, but
the entire Bavar County and beyond. So, just continue to do the correct thing, do things decent and in order, and listen to your family because they're your backbone. Trust me, when the rubber meets the road, you're going to find out. So, kudos to your family. So, with
your blessings, Deputy Mayor, would you bring up her family to friends and all that? >> Bring up the whole Meer family. Everybody. And he's getting tall, too.
It's powering numbers. Power. >> I'll stand in the back. >> Took a minute. This is my adopted kid, >> right? >> Apparently. >> Yes, sir. >> I'm getting adopted. >> It's all good. >> Come on in. >> Y'all come on around.
>> Okay. Also, see if she has anything. >> There you go. >> Family over there, too. Come on. Everybody, >> come on. Come on, >> Hait team Coco, ma'am. Until you cross that Mason Dixon line,
then you know what's on our mind. You stand to the right of her, please, ma'am. >> I am over here. >> We good? >> Okay. Congratulations.
>> Any words of wisdom you would like to share with this young lady? Miss 4.53 GPA, you rock. >> 4.3 4.3 43. Okay. >> According to the system, it was very weird.
>> I don't want to teach a system. >> Um, I just wanted to say thank you to my mom and my brother because they uh I would not have been able to get all of those hours without them. Um, and for mom to make me do my school work. >> Don't forget your dad. He He makes the
money. >> Oh yeah. >> Yes, indeed. >> It's very important. Helps hopes the car. >> Okay, one last question. Let's give her a round of applause, please. >> What's your next event?
>> Your immediate event? School is almost getting ready to start here in about what, two weeks, I guess, give or take a week and a half, August 10th. Anything new on the horizon, if I may ask? >> Um, well, my next event is my teen band
book club that I host. Um, >> nice. >> But I did want to share this. So, I'm technically going in I'm I'm 50% going into high school. Um, >> good for you. I'm going into eighth
grade, but I'm taking 50% high school classes. >> All right, let's give a audience right here. >> Okay, anything else before we do something to them? Even um the devil won't even do turn you loose. Anything
else you want to say before we turn you loose? >> All right, let's give Addison another round of applause. Thank you for your support for her. >> Okay, got it. Great job. Good job. Awesome job. >> Way to go. Way to go. I enjoyed chatting
with you with >> 17. Again, let's give Addison a round of applause, please. Wonderful. Okay, proceeding forward to delegations. I have I think four cards here. be
mindful that you have uh three minutes to elaborate on your particular item and first on the list will be JB Dennis. Would you come forward and state your name
and then after that will be Miss Anita Gibson and then Jose Otterio. >> Reverend JB Dennis, president of the Cocoa Florida Chapter National Action Network. I'm here to speak briefly on common sense and policing.
Uh I would not want to live in a place where we do not have any police. I'm not any police. But with qualified immunity and no death penalty, police is getting out of hand in several places. I'm going to name two. Farm Bay, Tylersville.
That's two. So the first issue I'd like to talk about dog muzzles. A K9 dog that's used in policing should have a muzzle on it because if a dog bite somebody in this county and I get the call, you know, we gonna bring Benny
McCrump in cuz he is the attorney for the National Action Network. He had 495 members. All right. Second issue I want to bring up bean bag rounds. A lot of people I call it a murder. If somebody approaches you or the police come to the
scene and a person have a knife. When I was training for marine patrol officer, you weren't supposed to allow them to get no more than 40 feet from you. But we use what you call bean bag rounds. So I would like to see police in every city
have bean bag rounds and start putting mothers on dogs because I have had the pleasure of watching the broad county sheriff always put a dog on a guy that gave up. We had the pleasure of seeing a video over there putting a dog on depression in handcuffs in Palm Bay. But
uh also I want to say that see that Coco had a good police chief. I got to give it to him. He's my homeboy and uh we haven't had to bring Veno Crump up in here. I haven't got a call about Coco police in over a year. Let's keep it that way. Thank you.
>> Thank you, sir. Next will be Mrs. Gibson, ma'am. And then after Mrs. Gibson will be Mr. Otterio host way. >> Uh good evening all council members, staff and others that I may omit to
recognize. My name is Anita Gibson. I live at 451 Stone Street, Cocoa, Florida. And I have several issues, but I'm going to just touch on four that are near and dear to my heart. and so that we can keep this issue and information
brief and you will see me multiple times after this over and over again. My first number one issue I'm going to speak on briefly and keep going down the line. My number one I spoke u the other day at
our C uh Diamond Square committee regarding Jolie Smith's uh I'll call it renovation rehab or whatever. I spoke to the fact that it's now more an outhouse or an in-house for the homeless and I
feel that it's a travesty that Dr. Jolie Smith is a pioneer and um all of you and all of us should think about our legacy going forward. If it be a councilman, your committee, your community, what it looks like for you, your children, what
are they going to say about you that you did the good all you could in this community. So, uh, with that, I will just end to say, um, there should be 23 37 houses that will be coming up within the next two years. And I'm positive
there's something that could be done to the old Jolie that would be of usage to the new Diamond Square upgrowth in our committee. So, um, we'll speak on that at the CRA at another time. My second point would be very quickly is that I
thank God and I am very very proud that Habitat and God saw fit that I have a new house from the ground up 13 years ago. But I would caution people or anybody with a contract, be it Habitat, be it whatever. You must must must read
the fine print. Not be so ecstatic like I was to say, "Oh, I got a house. Wow." But you must read the fine print. Know what you are in for. Know what you are out for. And know what rights that you have. And then the last thing I'll say
and again I will say I will bring all of this back again and again until this works out the way God will work it out and I would want it worked out in our favor as a community. I'm not doing parties and uh Democrats and districts
and this and that. I'm doing people. What it means as Coco as a whole. The last thing I'm going to say is I will schedule a meeting next week with the city manager and the chief of police and this will be the start of many. Thank
you for your time. >> Thank you, ma'am. Okay, I have two lights on. Deputy Mayor Gins and Councilwoman Cost. >> So, Miss Miss Gibson came to the Diamond Square meeting as she stated. Um, and I'm I'm, you know, I'm appreciative that she she brought that up. And I I
answered the question at the Diamond Square meeting, but I I think it'll be appropriate today for the city manager to kind of something short just kind of explain what exactly we have done uh involving the uh Jodi Smith Center kind of like the just a little timeline if
you can. >> No. So, so each year we ask for state and probably federal appropriations for the uh Dr. the old Dr. Jolie Smith Community Center. So, we've not been successful in securing state or federal
dollars. uh we thought we had an initiative uh going with the uh Bezos Foundation and that didn't work out there and and and but each year we're actually actively out there uh mining the sources for dollars for the uh old
building. >> Okay, that was it. I just I just wanted him cuz I I I said something similar, but I wanted to put on record that the city manager can can can say that. So >> kick that can man. >> Yeah. And so mine was just a question
because I was unaware there was >> a significant homeless issue over there. Is it the old Jolie? Is it the new Jolie? Is it >> the old one? >> Just around right now it's both. But my concern is the one the old one.
>> Okay. And is there actually permanent kind of homelessness there or is that just uh >> is it I mean is it regular? I mean is it it's regular? The neutral >> the homeless is regular. Okay.
>> Um they do whatever they sleep whatever they clean up and they move on. But uh I'm not truly concerned about it because um Matthew's Hope where I volunteer on Tuesday and Thursday is my passion. So whatever they can do to help them, we'll there's other facilities that are at
work to help them. Be it Matthews Hope or other sharing center or other people. But the old Jolie is really really my passion that um with the 32 homes coming up. I know there's something that we can do, a clinic, a tutoring that that
building can facilitate something. And I will not stop until I get a firm answer within the next two years when those new homes will be up and running. Those people need somewhere to be, somewhere to go, be tutoring, be it whatever. There's brilliant minds all over this
cocoa. And even in here that can say, "Okay, yeah, we need dollars. Hey, make it a historic uh preservation building that hey, Dr. Jolie Smith was a fixture, a pioneer, and he did XYZ for a whole lot of people, including my myself
and my family that I know of. That's another long horse story. But my number one thing is I'm I'm not going to stop until they do something with that old Jolie to facilitate the new people that are coming up in our Diamond Square community. whatever the dollars look
like, the grants, historic monies, there's there's something that could be done. And there's no way I'm going to stop to say, "Well, we got a inherit a baby that had troubles 30 years ago." Okay, you got a baby. I got a baby >> two years ago, not 13 years ago. They're
big babies and I got big problems, but they're doable to make our case >> and they're fixable. >> Yeah, we're trying. That's that's what we're going for. Thank you. Thank you, >> Deputy M. >> Yeah. So, the the uh to kind of answer
the question too about the the homeless part, >> it is really So, this this more of a PD thing too, Chief. >> Um on this on the back side, that's what she's talking about. It's it's the backside and that little 10x5 little cutout area where the two doors are.
That's basically the area where a lot of sleeping happens. And so, I seen it today as well. And I asked the people to move on because the the kids that are playing at at at the wreck for summer wreck, the playground is right there. And so
they they really didn't give any issues towards me, but I really didn't care anyway. But but my my son goes there, too. And so um but so they did they did move on. So maybe that's something that can be a a conversation because there's a lot of children that play in that
area. And so and we don't know who is sleeping in that area. We don't we don't excuse me. >> Sorry. That's all I had. >> Okay, that's it. >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mrs. Gibson. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Thank you.
>> All right. Yes, Mr. Joseero. >> Hey, how you doing? >> Good evening, mayor, uh, city council members and staff and fellow neighbors. My name is Jose. Um, I know you guys get a lot of I know this is a tough tough job and you guys get a lot of gripe and
and complaints about the city. This time I'm not going to complain. I'm just gonna tell you guys you guys doing a great job and thanks for showing up. Um, thanks for keeping the water running, Mr. Jack. Um, just one one thing though, I did see uh
driving down on Highway One and and same with uh I believe it was Fisk. Um, some of the bus stops don't have any covering in Islam. 93 degrees out there. Hot, hot. Just something to think about.
All right. Thanks again, guys. Appreciate it. >> What can I just say? >> Yes, ma'am. For eight years, I've been trying to get a bus stop shelter for eight years and it's just
I'm not sure why. Um, some of it's scat, maybe some of it's followup on our part, but for eight years. So, whoever takes over next, I hope you go for it, too,
cuz it's hot out there. Okay, this concludes this portion of delegation and we will proceed to item number five, consent agenda item. What are the wishes of council to approve? >> Got a motion on the floor by Councilman Hearn? >> Second.
>> Second by councilwoman Weeks. Chair is going to call the question. All in favor saying I. >> I. >> Any nays? Eyes have it unanimously. Proceeding on to public item number six, public hearing. Um we are going to
address this particular item. Um it's in reference of PNZ26-006 0000001 or number 27-2026 Gryom Parkway 1.29 acres of will be annexation. This
is in its second and final reading. On May 26, 2026, the city approved the first reading. It was a unanimous vote and I look forward that this will be continue to move forward. Um I think
this is in since it's Gryom Parkway. Is that yours, ma'am? >> That would be mine. >> Okie dokie. I just want to check. >> Yep. No, sir. >> As always, you passed the test. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Uh, Esquire Gargani. Sir, would you read this into the minutes,
sir? >> Certainly, mayor. This is the second and final reading. Also a public hearing item, ordinance 07-2026. An ordinance of the city council of the city Koko Bavar County, Florida, annexing approximately 1.29 acres of real property generally located east of
Gryom Parkway, north of Oxbow Circle and south of Canaveral Groves Boulevard. Providing for the amendment of Coco Charter, Article One city boundaries to incorporate the real property into the city boundaries. providing for the filing of the revised Cocoa Charter with the Department of State. Um, also
required by law providing for the repeal of prior and consistent ordinances and resolutions severability and an effective date. Again, second and final reading. And I think our city planner has a few things to say to give you an update.
>> Thank you very much, Esquire Gargani. Um, before we get started, I have a simple question for you, Mrs. Webster. Um the we have the applicant here in the audience as well. >> Yes, sir. Um there's an applicant representative in the audience this evening, Miss Allison. Um so she's here
if you in case you have any questions. >> Super fantastic. Let me go on my crystal ball again. >> No brainer. The floor is yours, ma'am. >> Thank you, sir, and good evening, council. I am Jen Webster, a planner here at the city of Koko. I just have a
little update um to um the ordinance 07 2026. Uh subsequent to the first reading before council on May 26, 2026, a numerical correction was made to the area of the parcel from 1.16 to 1.19
acres. This correction was to include a right-of-way easement on the parcel that had not originally been included. Prior to the second reading, the Bvard County Board of County Commissioners was notified of the corrected acreage 10 days prior to the first of the required
legal ads in the newspaper. The ad was published 14 days prior to the second hearing and again 7 days prior. There were no responses or inquiries as to the change. Also, after the first reading, the applicant who originally applied for
the annexation as Park Industrial LLC purchased the property from Dale and Lorie Morris and now owns the parcel under the newly formed company SDH Coco BP LLC. The applicant provided a copy of a special warranty deed which conveyed
the subject property from Dale and Lorie Morris to SDH Cocoa BP LLC with the closing occurring on June 25th, 2026 and the deed recorded on June 29th. The city received all updated application forms
with the signature of an SDH Coco BP LLC officer providing relevant o owner authorization for the current application and is all is provided in the staff report. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Do we have any questions for Mrs.
Webster before I open it to the public there? Again, you know where I stand on this issue and it is in uh district number three. I will not go out there but I got a strong suspicion.
Okay. Do we have any questions? Seeing none, chair like to close this portion to the pub I mean council and open to the public. Please come forward and state your name. If you have any concerns pertaining to this particular second and final reading of this
ordinance. Going once. going twice. Chair like to close this portion to the public and return it to council. Move the wishes approve. >> We have the motion on the floor by councilwoman Weekes. Second by the
chair. Welcome neighbor on the annexation. All in favor of saying I. >> I. >> Any nays? Once again unanim unanimously approved. All right. The next portion we will be dealing with the um the
comprehensive portion of it in reference of the plan the flum future land use map um let me read it correctly PZ26-0000500 01 ordinance number 08-2026 park uh Gryom Parkway
1.2 29 acres comprehensive plan future land use map amendment. Second and final reading. On July the 1st, PNZ board approved this with conditions. July 14th, city council approved this with
conditions and it was a unanimous vote. Esquire Gargani. Sir. >> Okay. This is a comprehensive plan amendment. Uh second and final reading public hearing ordinance number 082026 an ordinance of the city council of the city of Cokco Boulevard County Florida
relating to comprehensive planning amending the future land use map for one parcel of real property within the city of Coco consisting of 1.29 29 acres generally located east of Gryom Parkway north of Oxbow Circle and south of Canaveral Groves Boulevard being legally
described on exhibit Attached here to changing the future land use map designation of the real property from BVAR County residential 4 to the city of Cocoa Industrial providing for the repeal of prior and consistent ordinances and resolutions incorporation into the comprehensive plan severability
and an effective date and legal status of the plan amendment. Again, this this ordinance has a conditional effective date. It's conditioned upon the annexation ordinance that you just approved becoming effective. Mayor, >> thank you. Esquire Gagani,
>> this is Webster. Ma'am, the floor is yours. >> Thank you, sir. Uh, I just have a quick update. Uh, it's the same update as with the um annexation ordinance is with regard to the um ownership. So, subsequent to the first reading of this
comprehensive plan amendment before city council on July 14th, the applicant, as I said, who originally applied as Park Industrial has now purchased uh and owns the parcel under the company SDH Cocoa BP LLC. And again, the applicant
did provide a copy of the special warranty deed conveying the subject property from Dale and Lorie Morris to SDH Coco BP LLC. uh closing occurring on June 25th, deed being recorded on June 29th, and the city received all of the necessary
updated application forms um and which is also included with your staff report. Thank you. >> Do we have any questions for the effervescent? Yours truly, Mrs. Webster. >> Seeing none, chair like to close this
portion to council open to the public. Come forward and elaborate on your particular item. Ordinance number 2600540-1 second and final reading. Going once, going twice.
Chair like to close this portion to the public and returning to council. What are the wishes of council? >> Move to approve. >> Have a motion on the floor by councilwoman Weeks. >> Second. >> Second by councilwoman cause. Chair is gonna call the question. All in favor by
saying I. >> I. >> Any naysay? Eyes have it unanimously. Okay, we two for two. Working on three for three. Um, this final portion of this particular item off of Gryom Parkway,
PNZ 26-021 0 01 ordinance number 09-2026 Gryom Parkway 1.29 acres zoning map amendment. Yes. And it's its second and
final reading for this zoning. Thank you, sir. um uh amendment for this map. Also, as previously stated, July 1st, 2026, PNZ approved this with conditions,
excuse me, conditions. July 14th, council approved this unanimously with conditions. So, I think we will be three the exact way. And I do believe in this. Ma'am, the floor is yours. Or anybody
else in the audience? Did I skip you? I'm sorry. >> That's okay. >> Forgive me. >> Yep. Second and final reading ordinance number 092026. It's the same property as the the prior two ordinances, but the reasoning component an ordinance of the city
council of the city, Cocoa Pavar County, Florida, amending the zoning map for one parcel of real property totaling 1.29 29 acres more or less. Generally located east of Gris Gres Parkway, north of Oxbow Circle and south of Canaveral Groves Boulevard being legally described
on exhibit Attached here too. Changing the zoning map designation of the real property from Bvard County general use to city of Cocoa M2 manufacturing and industrial providing for the repeal of prior and consistent ordinances and resolution severability and an effective
date. Again, second final reading and this ordinance has a conditional effective date. It becomes effective when 08 2026 becomes effective. Mayor, >> thank you. Squad Gagani and forgive me, sir. I got a little ahead of myself. I think it's going to be a three for so
forgive me y'all. Okay, Mrs. Webster. >> Thank you, sir. And again, this is uh the update for the zoning map amendment with regard to the ownership uh subsequent to the first reading. um uh before city council on July 14th. The
applicant Park Industrial LLC um has now purchased and owns the parcel under the company SDH Coco BP LLC which again the applicant provided a copy of the special warranty deed. It was um the property
closing occurred. The deed was recorded with the county and the city received all updated documents and application forms uh which have been provided with the staff report. >> Thank you very much, Mrs. Webster. >> Thank you. >> Do we have any questions for her before
I turn this over to the public? Seeing none. Chair like to close this portion to council and open to the public. Please come forward and state your name. And if you have any concerns on this particular ordinance, please come
forward and identify your concerns. Going once, going twice. How about those Gators, man? Bull Gators. How about them? >> Go Gators. Chair like to close this portion to council. No to the public. Excuse me.
Return it the public to council. Here we go. What are the wishes? >> Motion to approve. Motion to approve. >> I'll second. >> Okay. >> I was waiting for you to finish, sir. >> Okay. So, what do you want to do? What would you like to do? >> I'll second it.
>> Okay. We got a motion on the floor by Councilwoman Weeks and a second by Councilman Hearn. Oh, I love it when we have things go in the right direction. Teamwork is dream. Team Coco. Allison. Team Coco. Ma'am. >> Yes, sir.
>> Yes, ma'am. All in favor saying I. I I >> any nazs eyes have it unanimously. All right. This concludes this portion of those readings. >> One more. >> Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. I have Yes, number four. But I'm just talking about
the readings for Gryom. You're okay, ma'am. You're fine. Um, item number 6-4 PZ 26-02 00002 Uptown CC zoning text amendment to add
an optical service second and final reading for this particular item. I'm happy to say that this was brought before us, ladies and gentlemen, on the second and final reading. And once again, June 3rd, 2026, the PNZ approved
this um this ordinance. On June 9th, 2026, the city of council approved this ordinance. Esquire Gargani. >> Okay. So uh this is u an ordinance number 11-2026 second final reading an ordinance of the
city council of the city of Koko Boulevard County Florida amending appendix A article 11 section 22 of the zoning ordinance of the city of Coco to allow for optical services as a permitted use in the uptown neighborhood undistrict of the Cocoa waterfront overlay district where the underlying
zoning district is core commercial CC providing for repeal of prior and consistent ordinances and resolutions incorpor oration into the code severability and an effective date. So ordinance is being presented for final approval. Mayor,
>> thank you. Espani, do we have any questions? Seeing none, Mrs. Webster. Ma'am. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. So, um uh there haven't been any changes uh since the first reading, so I have nothing to add. >> Okay. Seeing there hasn't been any
changes since the first reading, we're going to if it's not broke, why fix it? So, we're going to proceed forward. Um, do we have any questions? Council, seeing none, chair like to close this portion to council, open to the public, please come forward and state your
concerns about this particular item and this ordinance. Going once, going twice. Chair like to close this portion to the public and return to the council. What are the wishes of council? >> Motion to
>> I'll second then. >> Okay. Deputy mayor Goins said he approved this particular item. There's motion to be approved and a second >> by councilwoman cost. >> Just going to call the question. All in favor saying I.
>> I. >> Any naysay? Eyes have it unanimously. Moving forward on our final item for tonight, the moment in which we've been waiting so diligently but patiently.
>> Yes, sir. I think we will be. There's some uh as we say some room in the upper house, man. You know that old spiritual song. Okay. Item number five, approve resolution number 2026-053 establishing the roll back rate. Approve
a proposed millage rate for the purposes of notification to the taxpayers by the Bvard County Property Appraiser. Set the date, time, and place for the first public hearing to consider the physical
year 2027 budget. It is also recommended for the city manager to be instructed to complete the Florida Department of Revenues certification of taxable value
forms DR-420-2026-619. Now I know you're next, Mrs. Bowman, but I always I'm addicted to Esquire Garage or the city attorney because we're going to turn it over to you. Either one of you two gentlemen have anything you would like to share, >> please.
>> I have nothing, mayor. >> Okay, sir. >> Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, this is um not the first step in the process, but this is the next step. As you know, we've had, I think, two budget priority meetings um
as a result of uh one as a result of you guys receiving the recommended um 2027 uh proposed budget as required from the city manager as required uh by the charter. And so this is the the first
step uh in actually the formal adoption of the rates and ultimately the budget. And so Mrs. Bowman will walk you through that and I'll jump in as usual. >> Sir. Yes, sir. >> Ma'am, the floor is yours.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um, so as the city manager just just stated, this is another step. Um, in the budget adoption process at this meeting, we normally uh establish a roll back rate as you stated, adopt a proposed
millage rate, and then set the first public hearing. So, those are the three steps that we're going to do one by one. Um, just as a reminder, y'all need to take each step one at a time uh once you come back from public comment uh in
reference to these actions. So, as part of this process, we review uh what every other what the other cities are doing as far as their avalorum rates. This year is a a
transition year due to a new statute uh that established new voting requirements. And so if you go uh anywhere within 110% above roll back, it's going to require a vote of four out of five of the council members.
>> And um if you'll see up there on the slide highlighted in orange, all those cities are going above the roll back rate. Um it's nobody knows what's going to happen
with property taxes in uh November. Um so that just this is a slide that we normally do each year anyways. Everyone wants to know what everyone else is doing. Um but it's showing you that most of the cities are going above their roll back rate. Palm Bay and Melbourne being
the exception. um that they're staying at their roll back rate and that does uh affect the voting on the um millage rate which you're going to establish tonight as a proposed millage rate not the final mill rate.
Let me let me jump in, Rebecca. And so the the the comparison is of cities, but the the county is also going above the rolled back rate. >> Their general fund uh rolled back rate is 2.8129.
Their proposed rate is 3.0942 and then they have an aggregate roll back rate which is uh 4.4753 4753 and that aggregate proposed rate is 4.7492. And so just give you that not as a
comparison, but just uh note that um not everybody pays the individual city tax rates, but everybody uh who lives in Bvard County pays the county uh wide rate there. And so they they are
also at above roll back rolled back. >> Thank you, Mr. Whitten. And also um they went above their cap uh for the military this year, >> the county. >> So um this slide we normally show you
what your options are as far as um revenue based on whatever decision that uh council makes. So with the proposed millage rate which is keeping the millage rate the same and the budget has been um uh generated using a millage
rate of 6.9532 mills excuse me at uh 95% which state says we have to budget at least 95% of our uh property taxes. We would get about 13.6 6 million, which would be an increase of
$432,952 over last year's uh collections based on final uh gross taxable value. At roll back rate, which is slightly lower than the um proposed millage rate, we would collect about $13.4 million. So there
would only be an increase of about $260,000. And then of course council could go as far as 10 mills and we'll collect an extra $6.4 million um in revenue there.
Uh we did experience some uh new construction this year which we had about 3.3% increase in uh property values and of that about 1.4% was new construction. Um, as a reminder, there are transfers
to the CRAAS. So, even though we may collect an extra $400,000 out of that $400,000 and a h 100,000 of that is going to the CRAAS because we need to transfer uh their portion essentially of the Avalor
revenue. Uh should council go to the roll back rate, there would actually be a reduction in revenue uh for the CRAAS uh Coco a reduction of $18,354 and Diamond Square reduction of $5,918.
So, at the last uh meeting that we had uh regarding the budget, uh council, some council members voted to go to the roll back rate. And um the instruction was to come up sharpen our pencils and
come up with reductions in the budget should city council vote in a manner that we would need to go to a roll back rate. So these are some of the things that um we looked at and are proposing that could be reduced if uh council
decides four out of five to go with the roll back rate. So let me let me also um so the the department of uh revenue that that's the uh state agency that's in charge of um trim compliance and
property tax compliance there has said that you can go simple majority at this rate hearing and move it on even though it's not at the roll back rate. At the first hearing, you can go simple majority and move it on. But at the
final hearing, which is the last day of the fiscal year for us, or close to it, >> close to the last >> close to it, you have to have a supermajority. And so if if you if you're going to not have a supermajority, then I think it's
better to make those cuts uh sooner rather than later because at that last budget hearing, we would actually have to make some real time cuts there. And so so in terms of talking about um and again it's a I'm going to round up to
173,000. Um here are major categories and and again we've advised you that the salary increases total 1.9 um um for all of the the city employees.
And so it's really a policy decision. Obviously you guys have to decide whether or not you're going to go to that super majority. And if you're not going to that supermajority, then um you need to come up with $173,000
in cuts. Um again, I've given you a balanced budget proposal. That balanced budget proposal was based on maintaining the current uh millage rate, which is above uh the um the um roll back rate.
And so, uh, salary increases, you can determine whether or not you want to be at the percentages that are in the, uh, balanced budget proposal or something short of those. Uh, the major capital requests, um, I knew I wasn't going to end up on my sheet there, but the major
capital requests are, um, pretty simple there. So, so there are six police cars um in the major capital request. >> A dump truck. >> Yeah, they got there's a dump truck. Are you on that list?
>> Yeah, just read those out. >> Oh, I don't have it. >> I got it here somewhere. So So there are >> Give me a second to get to it, Mr. Mayor. >> Take your time, man. >> Take your time. >> So for the 821,000,
we have six police cars. We have a $200,000 fiveyard dump truck. Um we have um exterior wall repair at the Harry T. Moore Center. Um we have safe rout
that's 89,000. We have safe routes to school signage of 62,500. The vehicles for the police department were 365,500. And then our city phone system is at end of life and that's uh rounding up to
105,000. And so and so again you can see that um they're pretty significant items um rubber meets the road sort of items uh uh kids safety items that are in the
major capital uh requests. Um we have of course the annual street paving um program. You know you guys have been successful in moving that from the 300,000 um more than a few years ago to a half a
million. Um and so that's that's a total of $500,000 for that program. There is a pavement assessment um that's undertaken each year or updated each year. And so through that
we determine which roads are in the poorest condition and need to be repaved and uh and go about that program. Um there's the parks maintenance. Um again citywide for parks that's that's a
little bit more difficult for us now after we sign the new agreement with the county. Um there are other building city building costs that are in there. There are other buildings like for instance the museums. um the playhouse
um those buildings that are that don't house um city staff. Cemetery maintenance. Remember a couple of years ago you guys actually uh increased the budget with regards to cemetery maintenance so you could take care of those neglected cemeteries. Again, for
the second, I think this is the second year in a row, we're adding um firefighters and a police officer. And then you have the the annual sidewalk repair uh budget of $60,000.
And so the 172 or the 173, again, these are all general fund cuts. And as you can see, um there are categories that you would uh you could take the it from, but again, all of those categories in my mind are significant in terms of
providing services to the public. And so we'll park on on that slide for some discussion. Um Mr. Mayor, >> thank you. Equini program. Yes, sir. Uh Mr. City Manager, sir.
>> Okay. I have a few lights over here that's illuminating and we'll proceed in this order. Councilwoman calls and then councilwoman Weekes. But be mindful when um whatever decision we make if we have to do a reduction.
Think about um what you're willing to give up and what you're not willing to give up. Take all that in consideration. whatever your projects in your district. Okay, floor is yours, ma'am. >> Yeah, I I think that's the main point I
want to make at this point that if we were to roll back, that's a policy decision. Implementing that policy decision will be a matter for the city manager who has
intimate knowledge of all these areas and is quite able to make those prioritizations. Whereas one of us, I haven't looked at the condition of the exterior wall that needs repair or familiar with the phone
system or pickup trucks or whatever. Um, I do know that in 2024 we had $20 million left in unrestricted
funds at the end of the year. In 25 I think it was 24 million. >> That is where we underestimated expenses or no we overestimated expenses and
underestimated revenues. Now, I understand we're facing the referendum we're facing from the governor's office is devastating, but we don't know that that's going to take place yet. We take action on that
once that's a real thing. There are a lot of things falling on that too that is uh making it question. It was not quite the slam dunk we once thought it was going to be. And so, you know, when we ask for a
tightening of the belts, um, given our history and our fine financial position and the excellence of our staff in maintaining that, I don't think I think that's where implementation
meets the road. Now if we go back to could you go back to the slide that shows the other municipalities. So here we are our propose is at 6.95 making us the second highest in Bvard
County. If we go back to the roll back we'll we'll be number three. But thinking about even thinking about that referendum from the governor's office that came about because there is a sense
the public is hurting our citizens are hurting and th this is actually and if you could move to the slide that shows so the variance what is the variance I think it was is it 259
That's $73,000. >> So relatively small amount. >> That tells citizens that we're, you know, we're putting oursel in their shoes and we're going to
squeeze where we can in order not to push up yet another bill for them. So, um, that's why I'm and I'm Could somebody explain to me the voting again?
You have to have four people in order to >> So, so you got to have a uh to go above roll back up to 110% of of roll back. You got to have a supermajority vote. >> If you want to go roll back or under, that's a simple majority vote. If you
want to go uh 110% to the cap, that's a unanimous vote. >> So, our roll back will just be a simple majority. >> Yeah, it's a simple majority after you guys cut $173,000.
>> Okay. >> Okay. Well, I'll I'll close it there. >> Listen to others. >> Close yours, ma'am. you said that very well. Um and um when
when we look at the the surplus and look at the roll back rate and we look at the difference, um it's it's easy to sit up here and go, "Oh, well, we're going to have to cut this and this and this." Realistically, when when the guy came and did the budget with us,
there was nothing that was going to have to be cut. Even at the roll back rate, we still had a balanced budget and we wind up with extra because of uh the um
because of as the cost and versus what we take in versus um you know our our proceeds versus what we spend. Um, and we as public officials,
this is the people's money that we're dealing with. And the people to me are better at spending their money than what we are. They, and this is not a huge amount, but it does show that we understand people
are hurting. And every time we bring it up, it comes up that, well, yeah, we have the second highest millage rate, but look what we take in. Well, that's because so few people in the city of Coco are paying taxes. Now, that is increasing thanks to all of our growth.
We're going to see that spread out over time. We're seeing that in taking in an extra $24 million. So, why are we quibbling over this little bit of roll back rate? I don't get that. Let's give the people back a little of their money, their hard-earned money, and show that
we understand and we feel their pain, and that um as stewards of the public trust that we understand that and um so again, I'm in favor of the roll back rate.
>> Okay. Um first of all, we no matter what, we have to establish a roll back rate. That's first priority based on the resolution. >> The second thing is if we do not get a super majority four fifths vote to do
keep our current rate at 6.9532. That means we have to do some cutting. >> Now um I'm the only one up here is at large. Now, I want council to be mindful of if you do if you go back to uh if we do not
get that four fifths vote, then we have to cut. And that means, as it was alluded to, a reduction in pay. So, I'm just saying to you two, um, council members, council ladies, is that you're
going to tell, um, our fire department, our police department, our union people, our CRA, you're going to tell the insurance not to increase. Are you going to tell the school signage, those vehicles which are used citywide?
Um, you're telling me that they're not going to be included because you do not want to come across and and be that that swing vote. Then if that if that is the case along with paving because we know that traditionally certain areas have
been um negated or deprived for decades for decades. I've lived here all my life. So I'm just saying I've seen the change in the switch of this area and I'm saying it has been um very
instrumental in moving forward. So my question is if you all one of you two will not surrender your position then I think it will be as you alluded to it's a policy decision. Are you willing to give up any of your
projects in district one? Um count deputy mayor Goins. >> No I need to increase them. >> Okay. Uh Councilman Hearn are you willing to give up any of your projects that you have slated? >> Uh not at all. as you know they're much needed projects. So
>> So my concern is you all don't want to surrender any of um your position from swinging over and coming and doing this the right way. Um then I my recommendation is if we have to do a cut, we cut it from district
three and district 4. >> That's pretty simple. >> Yeah. and and I'm I'm talking and I'm standing on that and I know district three and district well district three has a industrial base there too as well one of the largest budgets but guess
what ma'am and sir we're all in this together and there's power in numbers and I'm just willing to let you know I'm standing on that issue if they don't want to come over if either one of those two will not desire not to come over then I say we target their project so
then so that our indiv individuals can get their pay. So that we have to deal with the increase of insurance. We have to deal with the concerns about our CRA that has been proven. And because um Deputy Mayor Goins, you're the only
person here that are on two CRAAS. That's downtown and Diamond Square. So you're going to feel it doublewise because you're the liaison. So, we're talking about when it is a proven track record, we see the positive progress in
this and that you do not care to see and maintain the positive level of individuals that that have a positive integrity. We talk about trying to keep our qualified personnel not going to other municipalities or even to the
private sector. Ladies and gentlemen, we have to stand behind our issues. Yes, we're transparent. When people see the improvement, which they are, they will stand with you. We have to pay um some. You pay for what you get and what you
get, you're going to pay for. And I strongly believe in our employees. I strongly believe in our citizens of Coco. I strongly believe in our council. So on that note, I'm going just be transparent and I'm opening up
my heart and we can give a breakdown on the districts and then if it's a simple majority vote then we vote to take that revenue out of their area out of their project and I'm willing to debate that under all conditions.
Okay. Now on that I will hear from Councilwoman Cos. One other thing. Um, you're talking about unfunded u balance and so forth. Um, can someone talk to me about the city of Cape Canaveral, what they're experiencing right now? Paiso, I'm sorry you have to deal with this and
I know your ears are tender, but um, let's be honest, take a good look at the city of Cape Canaveral and their financial situation that they're enduring as well. Could either one of the staff members or city may >> Yeah, Mr. Mr. Mayor, let me let me uh
jump in there on that and talk about a whole lot of things there. And so so um I started uh paid in local government in the Broward County Budget Office in October
of 1990. That that was 36 years ago. And so I think my area of expertise is budgeting. Um, the charter requires me to present to the city council a balanced budget proposal. I did that.
And so now it is not my job to unbalance that. It's your job to say whether or not you accept my balanced budget proposal and the rates associated with that. And if you don't accept it, then you tell me how to get back to the cuts.
So So that's number one. Num number number two in terms of the fund balance um you you never um depend on savings from month to month to pay your light
bill. It has to be your recurring revenue that you know that you're going to get from your job or from some source that you can depend on uh day in and day out but not from savings. And so we don't call fund balance a surplus. I can
Miss Bowman can take you to class for days, weeks on fund balance there. But we would never and we've worked very hard, you've worked very hard over the course of the last five years to not balance this budget on savings because
that's not sustainable. You get to a point to where those savings run out and then you're in the predicament that um others are in where you have to uh significantly severely uh reduce the uh
expenditures or you have to uh come up with additional revenues there. And so we've we've we've presented a balanced budget proposal. Again, that's predicated on a particular tax rate, but if you don't want to go there, then you have to direct me to where uh you want
to take the cuts from. Um, and I I've said this about uh uh Mrs. Bowman, if if if you want somebody to to watch your money and be a caretaker of your money, she is the perfect person because she's
doing an excellent job in managing the finances, the investments, um accountability when it comes to accounts payable, receivable, receivables, and all of those things. And so and so we don't um just luck up
and have uh fund balances that we have each year. It's been uh plan. But um I am never going to present any council, any county commission, any city council that I work for a budget that is based
on uh non-recurring revenues matched against recurring expenditures. That's just the wrong thing to do. So, um, and and and let me give you the perfect
example of why it is your decision with regards to, uh, what cuts you want to make. And so, what I'm passing down is the the the road paving uh, listing. And so,
that first sheet talks about the worst roads in the city. And so if you're saying, "Hey, Stockton, it's your responsibility to go back and cut uh 173 from uh this listing." That first
listing, the first page is um the worst roads in the city. The second page is not the worst roads in the city, but it's the one that saves us approximately $30,000 because we don't have the
mobilization costs there. And so whether you pick the two list or not, if you say to the city manager, okay, you decide, well then then that's the politics of the job that is not a part of the job
description because I would in essence be choosing to reduce from somebody's district and and again that's that's your responsibility to do that. Um so so that's a that's an example of that.
We've worked with the unions to uh come up with contracts that have particular payraises. I've been of the mind that and I think I didn't do it one year um that what the union gets the general employees should get. And so I presented
the budget that way. Um um with the exception of the one union and I forget who's getting the uh the 8% >> EVA. >> It's so it's the uh police rank and file. Um and they deserve it. You know, it's it's police and it's fire and it's
public safety and it's where the rubber meets the road and it's what we need to focus on here in the in the city of u of Coco. And so so the the after the manager has given you a balanced budget
proposal, it is the responsibility of the council to then determine how they either want to uh unbalance it or bring it back into balance. Uh again, you guys could move on with a simple majority
>> um based on what I've submitted to you, but at some point if that supermajority isn't going to be there, then you got to make the cuts. We don't want to be here at the 11th hour making those cuts, you know, and so, you know, with all due
respect to my fine friends up in Tallahassee, I just think they got that wrong. You know, to say that you can go simple majority, simple majority, and then you have to go super majority at the last public hearing is just really, in the words of Commissioner Scarboro,
stupid, you know. So, um, so, you know, there's that. Um, again, I don't know, Mrs. Bowman, if you want to jump in on the on the fund balance and and underp projecting revenues and underp
projecting expenditures and so how we get to a fund balance number and not and not all of that is cash. Um, and so so you may want to talk about that because not all of what he presented is actually cash.
That's correct. Uh Mr. Whitten. So the fund balance um can change from year to year as you saw in the presentation. Um it went total governmental funds from 19 million to 9 million. General fund uh was 3 million this year and it was
higher in previous years. So it all depends on how the spending is going. So for example um right now we have certain things budgeted. People are p pulling purchase orders, but that money is not going to be spent this year and that's a
snapshot at a point in time what you're looking at on a financial statement. So, okay, we didn't spend all of the money. Well, what is going on behind the scenes is also you have purchase orders that are open that didn't get completed by
the end of the year. all the money didn't get get spent and so that needs to be reduced from that number that you're seeing as an assigned fund balance and there's um a liquidity reserve. What if we had to had a hurricane and we needed to have cash so
that we could go do repairs in the city and things like that? So the fund balance can change from year to year and you don't bank on having savings every year. um you could have savings, you could not have savings. Some of the
increases in un in fund balance in total is because of the interest that's been earned in the last several years. That's not not a recurring revenue. It happened during the course of a year. And so that's going into that fund balance
total um to be used for a one-time project at some point in time in the future. >> Okay. Um I I'm not finished because I want to just say two more other points that I would like to share. Um and I know we believe in compromising. I mean
it happens on a federal level, on a state level because even here in our in our state um we were one of the few cities to get seven plus million dollars from the state and and and and I attribute that to our staff, our
lobbyists, our city manager, our city attorney, all 411 um employees, the citizens of Coco and council. What I'm just saying to you is that you are willing to not bargain in good faith. So, I'm just
thinking about a few other things um to put on the list in reference of if we're going to have to cut if no one cares not to come across that aisle. The conservation camp, the conservation area that's in um Tiger Bay on that
backside. What district is that in? >> Three. >> Three. the museum. What district is that in? >> Fourth. >> That's fourth. So, I'm just saying if if you I don't want anyone to hold me hostage, but if you're going to hold me
hostage, then I'm going, you know, dictate and do the same thing and reciprocate. So, if you do not care to not work and be equitable and fair across the board, then if you're going to draw that line in the dirt because there's been positive progress in the
city, then I'mma honor that line in the dirt. And then we as council can determine which areas we're going to cut. And that's all I'm going to say to you because there's power in numbers. If you don't, just like my good brothers up
there in Washington DC and Tallahassee, if you don't want to budge from your stance, then I'm not going to budge from mine. And I'm the only one up here that is citywide. And there again, there has been positive growth. There's been positive uh future investments for us
and our Diamond Square and CRA areas that were beaten down are not and once upon a time blighted. It's paying off, ladies and gentlemen. People want to come here. And there was an event when we were doing um former Councilman Jim
Walden's dedication. Multiple people came up to us and and and stated as I think that's in your district, right? Councilman Hearn said that they don't mind paying additional dollars or increase of millage in order that if we have that proper security uh the proper
support that we need and it's not failing us. So if it's not failing us, don't fail the people, don't fail our community, don't fail our city because the last five letters in the word communities unity. And that is the
reason why um Deputy Mayor Go, you asked that question and I said there's a special chamber in that room that we can um address that. So we will proceed in this order. I think it was like this. Councilwoman Cos, Councilwoman Weeks,
and uh Councilman Hearn. >> Uh okay. Well, I'll just start by saying if I thought we wouldn't continue to see positive growth, I would not be suggesting that we not raise taxes.
But in fact, such a minor amount given our financial situation is not going to take away from our positive growth. I've been here eight
years. Eight years we have raised taxes. Eight years we have had unrestricted uh monies at the end of the year. And just to that the comments you made about
restricted funds. I did want to point out because the budget and all the budget terms can be a little confusing. But let's not be confused by an assigned fund balance. That's that's not the same as an unrestricted
fund. Okay? We have money put aside for restricted monies that have already we've already decided to spend. We have monies put aside for our reserves. And in fact, we have a really fine, as
you've heard from everyone, a fine financial situation. We are in we're in a good place. And this is a small amount to make the difference of raising taxes
or not. And well, let's see. And the thing about I you talked about compromise, but you are holding us hostage. Um and and that's what it feels like. It
feels like we're being held hostage, that we can't really do anything but maintain that rate. And I do want to commend the city manager for bringing this forward. Now, he's right. It's good that we have this debate now. This is
when we need to talk about it. But, um, I think as a resident of district 4, as the representative of district 4, um, but also representative of the entire city because that that's the vow
we take when we take this office. I just have to say that this is the year where we can show empathy to the people, where we can show that we are willing to to run an efficient operation, a tight ship
with minimal impact and continuing positive growth. And that's why I want to vote for the roll back rate. come down. >> So, um
I I to say that we don't care about employees or we don't care about anything else is I don't appreciate that quite honestly. Um, I care very much about everything
that goes on in this city, but that little bit of money is showing our people all the residents. And my particular district pays a lot of the taxes that cover the districts that
don't pay as much and they deserve a little bit of a break. And to say you're going to look at cutting stuff in my district when we're the ones that are paying the taxes, give me a break. I do not appreciate that at all. Makes
me angry actually and I don't get angry. The cuts are minimal. You don't have to give up the police officer. You don't have to give up any of that. We know where there are things. There are issues with our budget. And I'm sorry to say part of it is the
firefighter overtime problem. That's where there's issues, not in the rest of this at all. So, let's look at those things and not at this stuff. To me,
let's give our people a little bit of a break. 172,000 out of our giant budget is nothing, but it's enough to say to the people, we gave you a roll back rate because we
know you're hurting in a little bit helps. A little bit helps and the city can absorb that easily. So, don't look at the districts that are wanting to give a break as the ones that
you want to attack. I won't put up with that. That's all. >> Councilman Herm, >> you good? Uh, Deputy McGowens, >> the qu the question I have for both of you and you and y'all can answer it separately or not um or don't answer at
all, but if the city the city manager made a statement about uh he feels like staff is not should not be responsible to to make those cuts. What what cuts do you feel now the 173?
What does that look like for you? Is that is that do you still feel do you agree with him about it's not his responsibility to do that? That's my question. >> Go ahead. Do you want to say >> I'd say I think it is his responsibility
unless he wants to spend time really educating me. And I mean I'm going I'm talking about I need to go look at the exterior wall. I need to understand the phone system. No, it's not staff. is a city manager's responsibility and he has
proven himself to be and as well as our finance director who have won all sorts of awards are at the top of their field and quite capable of doing that. Now, I worked for city government for six years, and yes, it was several
decades ago, but there was never a time in that department when we didn't know what we could cut if we had to. And I've got a feeling as smart and as
educated and as top as much as they are on the top of their game, our staff can do that, too. and I gave you my thoughts on >> Okay. So, so I I've said this before. I
think at the last few budget hearings that we had, um I feel it's our responsibility. A a lot of the times, you know, we we I appreciate the spin as well saying that the staff is qualified to do um this particular job, but at the
same time, we we are uh of our city manager's boss, right? Um I the things that happened inside of my district, I made that motion. I didn't wait for city manager to make that decision for me. It's my responsibility to to make that
call to to tell uh public works that hey, I see um the plan for this particular district or this particular street. I want this street done in my district. And what did she do? she turned around
and removed a street and added the street that I made the motion to request because we have that responsibility. So on one hand we say um you know we are we are the controllers or we are we are
city council but now when it's time to make these tough cuts now you want to shovel it back on the staff. >> Yeah. >> So which one is it? Are we are we the bosses like We we are but we're the policy makers as
well. So you have the responsibility to make these calls. That that's just that's just me and that's not me attacking as well. I just want to let you know that that's I've said this before. I do not feel this staff's responsibility to make those those
decisions when it come down uh to to things that we may want in our districts or things we want with paving or whatever the case may be. That's just just my humble opinion on that >> and that is the reason why the citizens elect us to make that tough decision.
It's that representation that de democracy that we must abide by and unfortunately ma'am you know and surge I have to check my feelings because I'm the only one up here elected as a whole right now. You all just have your single
member districts and yes you can use that term loosely. I represent the city as a whole, but technically in all actuality, here it is. Here it is. And this is the other thing I'm concerned about. If again, sometimes
if you when you draw that line in the dirt and you wear your feelings on your sleeve, this is the decision we're going to have to make. And I'm just I'm going ask you once again, consider consider that. If not,
you know, district one or two has been deprived ever since I've been a young spud. I lived here all my life. I lived here when it was a struggle just to come down here to the riverfront where I'm not welcome at all times and still pay
and invest in my community and that and you all have only been here. I didn't move here. I lived here. I was born here. So then you're just telling me because you have a certain area and it's the fastest growing area
because that's what the zoning dictates, >> right? >> You know, and that's where we wholesomely agree upon. But just to say because you get upset and get mad because over $173,000. No sir. No ma'am. Everyone is held
accountable. So, I want to provide that quality services for the entire city because those people are going to look at it. Your unions, your non-unions, your employees, the citizens of Coco, they're
going to look at this and say, "Look, ladies and gentlemen, do what's best for the city as a whole." And we you you alluded to it. We got the best city manager, best city attorney, best finance directors, the best
directors, period. It's everybody. It's a team effort. It's team Coco. And guess what? Sometimes in a team, if you ever play sports, you do not always get what you want, but you have to do what's best for the city as a whole. So there again,
yes, you are holding us 32. Yes, you are. No matter how you look at it. Yes, you are. So, if you're not going to budge, then we have to honor that. And I'mma stand on that. And we can agree to what? Disagree. But it's
okay because we're going to do what's best for the citizens of Coco and our community. We're being recognized statewide, nationwide. We have other people emulating the practices and skills that we have
incorporated right here within our own department. So, we're getting it right, ladies and gentlemen. And you just want to be able to say, "I did this." Booya. Okay? So that prevents us from moving
forward with the proper personnel, with the proper leadership, both physically sound and also economically sound too as well. But hey, I know for a
fact we got to do this resolution. That's the first thing. And then let's cut to the chase. And yes, sir, I am. Yes, sir. And then we have to determine because it's a three-step prong right here. Prong, excuse me, prong. We have a
three-step prong here. They use that term in in old school legal matters. A three-step prong, just like a prong on a fist. Those four three steps that we must do, ladies and gentlemen, state required mandate. So my thing is if
you're not going to move from your position, if you're not going to go that way, even though we can't go simple majority tonight and still and wait to the final to get the super majority, then why why cut, you know, why procrastinate? Let's go and start
addressing this issue so that they can make a well-informed decision and place it upon us and then it's going to come back across our lap and we're going to deal with it. So my thing is is this. Let's move forward, ladies and gentlemen. Um, I will hear from you and
then we'll let her do finish her doing her presentation and then we'll come back to the threeprong. We'll hear from the public and come forward. But there again, ladies and gentlemen, we're being recognized. We have people and businesses coming here. Our people are
selling homes. It's growing. It's growing. Ladies and gentlemen, you're a realtor. I mean, you can cite me these other things, but guess what? We were just at Allegra. We were just at um what's that? Coco Windwards.
>> Yes, sir. We was just there. We getting ready to get threequarters of a million dollar homes. Million dollar homes. First time ever. First time ever. First time. And and and some of us make our money
off growth. We all do. All of us. even from the water department on down. But I'm not going to cut off my nose in spite of my face. Councilwoman Cost and uh Councilman Hearn, then Deputy Mayor
Gowens, and then we'll proceed back to Mrs. Bowman to see what we need to do and then open it to the public. >> Yeah, I was just going to say, ladies and gentlemen, we are going to continue to grow, continue to be
positive. $172,000 is not going to make the difference between Coco going forward and being pushed back. It's just not. In fact, in eight years, eight years, we have never had this small amount to be able to go
back to the roll back rate, to be able not to have to publish in the paper that we are raising taxes. And that's what people react to. That's why the governor was able to get, you know, so much momentum.
We are still going to go forward. Koko is still destined for greatness. The council manager form of government says that the city manager that the council makes policy decisions.
the city manager implements those. And that's why getting into petty horse trading, we're going to cut this or cut that is inappropriate for for us on the dis who are part-time
who don't have the different expertises that the city manager has access to through his staff. So, at any rate that I think, you know, we've said enough
and I think I hope everyone understands that we all want the best for Coco. I think we're on that path and we've got one opportunity in the eight years I've been here not to advertise that we are
raising taxes and for a very small amount of money. So thank you for listening >> Mrs. Bowman. >> Yes sir. >> The value of our city has increased right even though we still keeping our
millage rate. Yes. Now, how do you want to look at that glass half full or half empty? And my thing is there again, um, if the millage rate doesn't change, but everyone likes to see their property increase,
correct? >> Right. Because when your property increase, you have better services that you demand from your local officials, which is the best form of government because it's the form of government
that's closest to the people. But see, people don't come knocking at your door like they knock at mine. Even now today, it's location, location, location. But if I could just send some of those people that knock at my door quite
frequently at all odd hours to your front door, then it'll be a different scenario and you want to be your brothers and sisters keeper. So I am going to stand on that and it's
still the same millage rate and our property has increased so we can provide provide better quality better services for our citizens of Coco and I hate to train people and then they leave. That's a loss.
We now have to start all over again for $173,000. They go to either another municipality or the private sector. But where are you then? Where are you then,
Mr. Hearn? Councilman, sir, thank you. Um, this is a question uh probably for Miss Bowman and it may be a difficult question because I know we have uh homes that are assessed at different values, but um if we were to go with the roll back rate, has there been an estimate on how much the potential savings per
taxpayer is? Is is it I've done some math and >> there there would be there would be no savings and let me let me tell you how I got there. it. Everybody pays the county.
I just told you guys maybe what was two hours ago we've been in this discuss um the county is going above roll back >> y >> both on the general fund and on its aggregate. >> So regardless of what you do,
everybody's going to experience a tax increase. I don't know what the school board is doing, but they're probably not going back to roll back. And so you have those two countywide entities that are on everybody's tax bill.
And so, you know, you do what you want, but your citizens aren't going to experience a tax decrease because the the two biggest players on the tax bill are
raising their their uh their rates. And that's a double-edged sword, you know, because, you know, you can go back to roll back and you're not going to get any credit. Um, and we have the scenario where if you take it in isolation, we can tell you what what that that uh that
saves um someone, you know, that's a hypothetical, but but again, when the trim notice goes out and the trim notice goes out and and it says uh if the if the council adopts this rate, if it
adopts this rate, if it adopts this rate, and then it's the display ad in the paper that actually says it's a taxing increase or decrease. Well, how many people out there are reading the display ad? You know, they're getting the trim notice. They're going to get the trim notice and they're going to
have all of the taxing districts that they pay. And I can guarantee you that because the county is going above roll back, the school board is going to be wherever they're going to be, that they will see no tax increase. >> I think your math was right on with mine
>> decrease. I'm sorry. Um just looking at you know what I came up with I don't see those savings u uh outweighing the benefits of uh losing any services. We want to maintain the services that we've been providing. Actually we want to increase those
services. So >> uh that's where I'm at with that. >> Deputy Mayor Goins. Sir. >> Yes sir. I I I believe I'm probably one of the chiefest council members up here. Right. I don't want to pay any more myself, right? I don't live in another
city where I don't pay taxes. I don't like it either. But what I do appreciate is when we're able to fix sidewalks. We're able to pave certain streets. We're able I can pick up the phone and I can call 911 and have
officers right there on the spot and not have to do a mutual aid agreement possibility. You know, I'm just I get it because I feel it myself. My daughter just transferred to Bthoon Cookman University. Her now I got to pay
money, right? So, I got to figure that out, too. So, and I work for my father. I haven't got a pay raise in seven years, right? I hope he hears that, too. But I I I get it. Trust me, I I do understand. I'm
living in it. I'm not I'm not a millionaire. I don't I don't I I understand moments. I understand about a few dollars. But if I can see and I can feel it and I can touch those
$50, $25 more I may have to spend in my city, I'm willing to sacrifice that. I I I remember when before I first ran, it was it was the six cents gas tax conversation. This was probably 2016.
You had probably 500 people in there fighting and some of them were fighting for the six cents gas tax and the other half said they didn't want it. The people who didn't have the means were fighting to pay for it because of
the services it provided. the ones who were maybe a little bit more affluent, they didn't want to pay five extra dollars a year because those services didn't impact their life. And so I I I
do understand where you're coming from, Councilwoman Weekes and Councilwoman Cost for sure. I get it. But I know a lot of people definitely in district one who may not have those funds, but when they walk out of the house, especially on South Carolina, and
they seen them sidewalks being poured, >> it changed their whole mindset. And it's something as simple as that. But I just I just wanted to make that statement and I and I'm not I do understand, trust me, I do understand what you're saying 100%.
I do. But I just I'm I'm willing to sacrifice. My family is willing to sacrifice for the greater good. And I know right now is is to to to the mayor's point, I know the the way that he said it definitely sounded like he was attacking, but it it but it does to
me make sense that there's right now over $200,000 some odd dollars left over at Junior Rios right now. So, if we're talking about $175,000, are are we willing to give that back? Are we willing to put that back into
general funds? That that's the questions that we're we're we're facing right now is is, you know, is that sacrifice? And I'm not saying that to do that. No, I'm not saying that. But I think to his point, I think that's the question that he's asking. You know, are are you
willing to sacrifice that? Are we saying, "Oh, we want to cut on one end, but we still want to do all these things at this particular park that's going to cost x amount of dollars." I I just I just don't understand.
Personally, I just don't And maybe you could help me with that. I was trying to avoid saying it because of the process. >> But I'm debating whether I should or not. >> Okay. >> Maybe wait.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. I want to say one other thing. You got your light on, ma'am. Go ahead, ma. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I was just going to say there, you know, I feel like having seen the budget as we have and getting >> your mic's on. >> My mic's on.
>> Oh, maybe I wasn't talking into it. I'm sorry. Anyway, um having seen the budget, I know that there are areas besides these that could easily be um absorb that
127,000. So to say, you know, oh, we're going to we have to cut here, we have to cut there, that is I don't see that at all. And um and I do feel that there are areas where it could easily be absorbed
and not affect what everybody wants to do in their areas. So that's why again I I just feel like it's um it's a good thing to do and I am sorry that I got angry. I apologize for that because I don't you all know me.
I'm not that way. Um but I I was feeling very attacked at the moment. So, um I will just drop it at that point. Let's go through our process here and do what we have to do. >> Chief Lamb. >> Yes, sir.
>> The same time last week, Monday, I was at my church because I'm the chairman of my trustee board. One of my trustees had a heart attack. Young lady
sitting right there in front of me. The day prior to Monday, Sunday, a childhood charm friend, which is a Tom of mine died. So the thing that I'm saying to you is that on a Sunday
to a Monday, death was all around me. The thing that saved that young lady, a prominent young lady, works with the children advocacy. The thing that saved her life was the
trustees in that room applying CPR till 2416 showed up and they had the proper training and the right apparatus to save that young lady's life. And when we have that equipment that
we're talking about, she has a second chance on life. And that is the reason why I am proud. I want to give you your shout out now to your men and women of the fire department 2416
from the lieutenant down to Hulk to the driver because they excelled. They saved another life. The apparatus and you can help me uh Councilman Hearn to put your hands up and it pumps your chest for you. Um they had showed a picture of it
when um at that time Senator Graham when they were transporting him had automatically did that >> Lucas device. >> Thank you sir. But the thing I'm saying proper training proper equipment
had the right equipment to transport that person. The fire truck showed up on time. Matter of fact, they they showed up ahead of time and that was clearly denoted. So, what I'm saying to you is that thank
you, and it goes to all departments and all directors. Thank you for what you do for our fine city. Councilwoman calls, >> I would just say that that really pulls
on heartstrings and it's um we are very fortunate to have a competent and welle equipped fire department. Again, not raising taxes this one year for $172,000
is not going to change the people of Coco being able to get the care they need or having someone respond in emergencies. It's just not it's not that much.
So, that's all. Ma'am, were you tittling on that death that thing called death? When you're a victim of it, when you smell it and taste it and you experience it and you see it, do you think you're caring about dollar
signs or you talking about your life? That's reality. And that's my point. reality is a a dollar savings worth your life and the lives that you impact your children.
I pray to God you never have to experience anything like that ma'am or witness anything like that. >> Mr. Bowman, the floor is yours. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, >> Mr. City Manager,
excuse me, Miss Bowman. >> We'll continue with the um with the presentation. I mean, ultimately, it's it's you know, when are you going to make those cuts when you when you uh if you're not going to get to that supermajority?
you know, if there are easier cuts, I'm assuming you guys will point those out to the other areas that uh that we can um we can cut. You'll point those out to me. Again, you know, 173,000
is not uh applied to the entire budget. So, so when you look at the 173,000, it is against against the general fund agencies. Let me give you the one
example there. Chief CER has in this budget six cars. Chief Cer, off the top of your head, how many cars did you ask for? Well, I can tell you the need that needed to be replaced was about 15 cars.
>> So, so, so, so there they are real service. uh impacts even with the $173,000 because if you sent it back to the manager and the manager said, "Okay, Chief Carer, you now don't get six cars,
you get three cars." And if his need is and and and we do this not based on his good looks, we do it based on >> balance. >> I guess they found that funny.
So, so, so we do that on the fleet manager telling us that this is the number of years, the number of miles, and this is how many times that car has been in the shop. And certainly, when it comes to public safety,
you want the most reliable uh equipment, the the the equipment that you know for sure is is going to be there. And so and so again that's a that's a service level impact um to the citizens of Coco that's
not an operational decision that's ultimately a policy decision and again so I come back to after I give you the balanced budget proposal and you don't like that proposal i.e. the rate that's proposed, then you got to give me
direction on how to get back to whatever rate you want to be at. And so, we'll continue with the uh presentation and I'm sure you guys will take that discussion up later. Um, so for the proposed rate in the
first uh public hearing, as I stated before, at the 6.9532 mills, that would be an increase of $432,952. Um, this slide we normally go through uh to show what the financial impacts would
be. This is just looking simply at homestead exemption. to your question, Councilman Hearn, it doesn't take into account any other exemptions a a property might have. Um, so if a home had a $50,000 homestead exemption, it
was valued at $13,000 with a simple 3% increase, it would be about 21% or $21 per year that they'd be paying as a tax increase. Then we if we go up to higher valued home like a $300,000 home and this year,
you know, usually we start out with a general assumption of a 3% increase. It was a 3.3% increase in property values this year. So these numbers are pretty close. Again, not taking into account any other type of exemptions, a $39,000
house with a $50,000 homestead would have an increase of $62 for the year. So, uh, looking at the proposed budget and as the city manager stated, the budget was, um, developed using a millage rate of 6.9532 mills to balance
the revenue against the budget because, as you know, we have to have a balanced budget. Um, this slide shows you in general fund what all the revenue sources are. If you notice on the top there, it's what we call nonrevenue. the inter fund transfers is about $21
million. Um the general fund relies on that. So when you look at doing budget cuts, you're not looking at really 58 million. You're looking at 38 million that you're trying to figure out where to take uh any any type of budget cut
from. Um then uh the taxes are the next uh largest source of revenue at about 18.3 million. Charges for service which includes the billing fees that we charge the other cities is about 8.6 million. Other permits and fees is 7.2 million.
And then intergovernmental money um which is primarily shared revenues, we don't budget for grants until we get the grant um is about $3.2 million. So total revenue is $58.6 million in general funds.
>> Just before you leave that slide and just go back and clarify, the second largest group are the taxes. Not not the that group consists of property taxes and other types of taxes. And so I don't want the viewers or the
viewers in the audience, viewers at home or the listeners to to think that we get 18.2 two million in property taxes because that's a mix of of um community what's that communication services tax >> communication service tax and utility service
>> and the utilities uh services tax there and so so again it's a mix when you go back to our tax situation it is 13.6 6 million. We pay out about 1.9 million to the CRAAS. And so whatever
that math is is somewhere in the range of what is that 11 11 or so million >> that uh that we have available for general government purposes. Again, you juxtapose that 11 something million
against the $14 million budget that is the police department. you can see that uh we don't have heavy property tax collection in the city of Cocoa. Go ahead, Rebecca. >> Thank you. >> Um looking at the water and sewer fund,
you can see their largest uh source of revenue is charges for services, uh which people pay utility rates for that. And then their nonrevenue, which is pulling money from a signed fund balance. So that fund operates differently. It operates like a
business. is pulling some money from their unassigned fund balance to um uh fund uh the their capital projects. So their total budget is $105 million. Then in the storm water fund um as you
know we have a special assessment that the storm water assessment is on the tax bill uh that's collected at $2.5 million. There's other miscellaneous revenue sources. So, the storm water fund is budgeted at a at $2.8 million.
Um, and I want to point out too that uh the water and sewer fund as uh was discussed at a previous council meeting and approved by council was with a 0% rate increase for this fiscal year. And then in the storm water fund, that's a
2% rate increase um that was approved by city council. Uh then this is looking at the total budget um with each fund uh general fund or water and sewer fund increased about $6.6 million that was largely because of
their capital projects and then their transfers to um general fund general fund the budget increase $3.6 $6 million various things. The um salary increases accounting for $1.9 million of that
water and sewer restricted assets is actually a debt service fund for the uh outstanding debt for the water and sewer fund. So that decrease $1.6 million due to uh scheduled debt service payments. Um and then you can see the other funds
had slight differences. So the total change uh in the budget from fiscal year 27 to fiscal year 26 was an increase of $12.6 million or about 6 and a.5%. So to review again the requested action
is to approve the roll back rate at 6.8648 mills. Uh that is a mathematical calculation. There is no changing what the roll back rate is. Uh the request is to approve the proposed millage rate of
6.9532 mills. That will be advertised on the notice of proposed property taxes that will go out to all the citizens uh and in August. Um and then to set the first public hearing at September 9th at
5:00 pm here at city hall uh city council chambers. So, at this point in time, mayor, uh, you need to take public comment and then bring it back and, uh, we'll take the voting one by one for each one of those three items.
Thank you very much, Mrs. Bowman. Okay. Chair like to close this portion to council and open to the public. Please come forward and state your name and elaborate on these particular item in reference of the roll back rate and the
millage rate. Going once, going twice. She like to close this portion to the public and return it to council. >> Okay. Um, >> so Mr. Mayor, um, if there's I don't
know if you want to do any further discussion before you start going through each one of these. >> No, no, ma'am. I'm ready. Members of council, you ready? >> Okay. Very good. First item, approve a resolution establishing the roll back rate at 6.8648.
>> I'll move to approve. >> Second. I have a motion on the floor by Councilwoman Weekes and a second by Councilwoman Cost. And as you know, we must establish a roll back rate. Anyhow, chair's going to
call the question. All in favor by saying I >> I >> any nays eyes have it unanimously. >> So, Mr. Mayor for clarification that was approval of resolution 2026-053 to establish the roll back rate of
6.8648 mills. >> Thank you very much. Next, uh, I would request council's approval of the prop proposed millage rate of 6.9532 mills. And as I stated, that will go out on the notice of proposed property taxes.
>> And a simple majority will approve this as well. We can proceed forward. That's the two generals. And then you know what the third and final one requires. Chair like to make a motion to approve the miller rate at 6.9532.
>> Second. >> I got a second on the floor by Deputy Mayor Goins. >> Just going to call the question. All in favor of saying I. >> I. >> Any nays? >> Nay. >> Okay, we have a nay from Councilwoman
Cos and a councilwoman >> Weeks. >> Weeks. The next motion I request of city council is to set the first public hearing date and time at September 9th, 2026 at 5:00 pm at Coco City Hall in the
chambers. That mill meeting will be the tenative millage rate. And at that point in time, the ad will go out um in the newspaper between the tenative hearing and the final hearing. And um depending on what council um direction is at that
point in time, the voting could still be 32 and it would still go out as prop uh an increase. Um that's how we would have to advertise it at that point in time. And then what the real vote that counts is that final meeting where council
would need to decide one way or another what rate they're going to go with. And if it stays 3-2, then we would need to go back and start the trim process again. >> Okay. >> So, you need a motion to um set the first public hearing as of September
9th. Okay. I so move. >> Second. >> Got a motion on the floor by Councilwoman Weeks and a second by Councilwoman Cos to approve the first public hearing date and time September the 9th, 2026.
Chair's going to call the question. All in favor by saying I. >> I. >> Any nays? Eyes have it unanimously. >> This concludes this portion of uh public hearing. We have no council business. No
city business. Mr. City Manager. >> No reports. >> No reports. Green eggs and ham. Mr. Mitch, can I get your uh clicker, please, brother? Thank you, sir. Esquire Garganis report.
>> Thank you, sir. >> Yeah, man. Uh, Councilman Hearns, which one is it today? Arts. >> Arts one and three. >> Yep. >> Okay. I'mma go first again. I'll give you a minute, brother Mitchell. Hear
a lot of buzzing. >> Thank you, sir. >> Okay. This event took place. We were at um at the Cocoa Village Playhouse. Um these are a city manager, an
assistant city manager. Um we had the uh CRAAS there um at our city hall and had the opportunity myself and Mrs. Singer to speak in behalf of the great city of Coco. welcoming all CRAAS
and FRAS. Am I I might get confused with my >> It's Main Street. >> Main Street. Okay. Thank you. >> Um this is the mayor from Palaka, Florida as well. Uh they were present.
Um this delegation is ranging from the city of Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucy and also Valuchia County. And I think that lady on the far left is the vice president that spoke there.
Um, we had a great time, well attended. They thoroughly enjoyed the great city of Coco and the services we provided and the friendly atmosphere that they embraced with open arms. I'm happy to say. And I just want to say
thank you to all staff members that participated. Um, this is the delegation on the front. The keynote speaker is in the back. The gentleman to my left or your right with the TAM on. No, scratch that. That's him
in the front in the middle standing in front of me. Um, he spoke so eloquently. Uh, Mrs. Spearman. Is that Mrs. Spearman? Yes, I >> No, that's that's Mary Lou. >> Mary Lou is Thank you, sir. And uh she did a
phenomenal job as well in speaking in reference about Main Street. >> That it Mitch, >> that was all I received, sir. >> That is not a problem, brother. You rest assured. Uh the number of events that I attended. Um one other thing I wanted to
talk about. Um, Chief, we had this meeting at United Growth um group at um at the there was an incident. I think even Miss Beck Kelly came in front of us
too as well at our last council meeting at School Street in Pineita. There was a car accident as you know and I thank you for addressing that expeditiously. Um I'm happy to say that um that one vehicles that's on the corner of Pineita
and School Street, I think it is, is blocking the view. Uh and I just want to say thank you for addressing those concerns. Matter of fact, they just recently had a fender bender there too as well. Okay. You said it's one and threes, Councilman Herm.
>> Okay. >> Okay. So, >> did were did you want to >> No, he's Oh, he's in the back. Okay, go ahead. >> Mine's very short. Um, while he's bringing up my stuff, um,
I had a meeting with Mon'nique Miller today, uh, sort of meeting. Anyway, um, she told me that the state has got $28 million new funding for cyber issues for grants. U, Mr. Whitten. And so she said
to make sure to let you know that that the state has $28 million for cyber. >> I think that's the funding that we get each year. >> She said it was it was got new it got new money or something that got renewed. >> The additional revenue is for um rural
communities and we don't qualify. >> Oh, >> too bad. Anyway, she said to let you know that. So I was I was giving you the message from her. Um, okay. Oh, look at there. Why, thank
you. That is awesome. >> It really is. >> I love that. Thank you. >> The industrial part. Okay. >> Um, so after last week's meeting and uh, Coach Robertson talking about the Endeavor kids. So, I brought some things
over there and um, and after I got there, I said, "Well, what are they what are they getting for breakfast?" So, I brought them water and chips and all kinds of stuff. And I had some frisbes in my car, so I gave them all the frisbes. They really like that. But these young people were so sweet and nice. They came out and unloaded my van.
But then I said, "What are you having for breakfast?" And they said, "Oh, we've got some protein bars." And so I went and got them donuts. Anyway, um brought them donuts, which was really nice. But they were they were nice. And somewhere there's a picture of with the coach and all the staff inside. And then
uh realtors did a waterway cleanup on Thursday. And this was the group beforehand and this was the group after. And I'm in the back back there next to the guy with the bright yellow shirt. It's hard to see me, but anyway, it was hot out there. And we cleaned up along
528 um between mile marker 52 and 53. And this is just a fraction of the trash um that we got. It's amazing how much junk is out there. And um so anyway, we we did a waterway cleanup. So, that was
kind of neat. And um was that I guess that was it for my pictures. The other thing was um uh oh, I uh I had a buyer interested in the Michael C. Blake subdivision and they only have five houses left to sell. They've all sold.
They've got five left and that's it. And they're all the >> the breeze. So, yeah. So, >> thank you, Diamond Square. >> It's uh it's going well, sir. And then um the bathrooms at the conservation area have not been opened. Um Mr.
Schultz keeps calling me about that. And >> I sent you an email. >> You did? Okay. I haven't had a chance to see it yet. So I I will check into that. But um yeah, that was one of the the things. So anyway, that was uh all I've got. Um you want to send that down to
Alex or >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> It's okay. >> Sorry. Oh, Lord have mercy. >> You sent me the presentation for the beginning. >> It's all It's all good. It's all good. I probably did something wrong.
>> Um, so I I just I only had um really one thing anyway. Um, it was the conversation at Koko High School um last week. um dealing with the football field itself.
Um it it is a major issue right now. Um because of mold, because of lack of maintenance, um because of lack of water, uh because of pesticides being used that killed grass out there. So now
the football season starts August 21st, first game. Um and I and I it was just a just so happened to be in the area. Met with coach Hooks, met with uh the principal and AD and um there's a lot of concerns about playing surface right
now. Um and we know especially a lot of the football players who played on grass when the surface is not where it should be. Um that's when you get ACL tears, meniscus tears, you get all these different things that may can happen to athletes. >> Do you say moles? Like
>> moles. Yeah. Moles. Okay. Moles. >> Yeah. So, so the county the county has u one person that does the turf on all the fields. School bird. I mean, I'm sorry about that. Let me not say that. School board. School board. Um, so in order that they try to kill the moles, the
pesticides they use to kill the moles turn around and kill the grass. >> Oh dear. And so, and it's not 100% of the grass is dead, but enough of it is causing a major issue when you're dealing with one month before the first game. If you have four or five months before the first
game, different different conversation. And so, um, and I I know that's not technically our problem, but we, you know, as a council, we tend to get into the school board's business sometimes with funds and other things that we have
done recently. Um, I don't know if that is a conversation that the mayor can possibly have as well, um, with with other school board members to have that conversation about or facilities about the plan surface. Um,
and so I don't I don't know if the council wants to dig into that or not, but it is a concern. >> All the moles. >> Um, it they always think they kill them. >> Okay, >> talk about that. >> Come on. >> And it's but it's been going on it's
been going on for probably 15 20 years though. It's not it's not a it's just you know I'm a firm believer. I think that, you know, Koba High School should have turf field and and you'll have you'll have probably two foot of rock up underneath it. You don't have to worry about turf in uh moles anymore. And so,
but turf fields cost about $800,000. So, >> don't say cause more injuries. >> Some some some say some some say that and then you got other folks that say something totally different. So, that's why you see majority of NFL fields are
majority turf. So, but it all depends who you talk to. Um >> coach Hook says uh council >> uh co coach hooks he's the one that called and he has a concern. >> Yeah. >> And it it's difficult sometimes when you
are employee of school board and certain things you can't say >> ruffle no feathers >> right and so I think that's where we can possibly have that discussion for them. Again, you got four weeks before the first game. It's not a lot of time to do
a lot of things to this turf, but maybe this is a conversation for future. What What does that look like for December? What does that look like for January for 2027? And so, I just wanted to bring that up and let you know I did have that conversation, but it is it is a
>> grass do they use? >> Um, just I don't I don't know the type of grass. >> Um, but but >> it's called turf. >> Right now it look like weeds. So, um, >> sticker burls. >> Sticker burls. Yeah. Yeah. >> Um, I I just want I wanted to bring just
bring that >> all after the season ends left. >> So, so, so what what happens after the season? You have lacrosse, >> you have soccer, you have girls flag football, um, all these different sports that come in afterwards and they're
constantly on it. Um, another issue is 20 minutes of watering on the grass per day is definitely not enough water. And so that's a conversation. And so >> tell them that JV and varsity uses >> Oh yeah. And so he's not practicing right now. They're not practicing on the
field. They're practicing across the street. >> Um, they don't want to practice over there, but they have no choice because again, the game comes soon. So um, Alley right there. So, I I just wanted to bring it so that at least I brought it to your your attention. It's been a a
little firestorm social media about uh said field. Um and and so um which which brings me to another conversation um dealing with a possible update um I I I would be a fool not to bring it
up in a council meeting because there's a lot of negative conversation. Yeah. >> And so as far as the septic tanks at Stratley Park, what what what information can y'all give about
possible dates of I know PO was already done. >> Yeah. So so uh the PO is issued. The we're waiting on the vendor to submit the application to the department of health. Um the uh health director actually has that on
her radar. So, so, um, she said she sent it to staff and they'll look out for when the application gets over there. Um, I think that each septic tank is a two to three week
>> two week deal. We're not going to do them all at once. And so we'll do them in stages where uh you'll be able to utilize the facilities that we're not doing, the restroom facilities that we're not doing. Um you can actually
utilize the restroom facilities now. Now I don't I don't know if the uh county is actually not allowed that use there, but I did talk to um the secretary >> of the uh youth organization. And I know
that their their um season starts August 8th >> is what she said. And so um we didn't talk about whether it was the city's responsibility, the county's responsibility, or the organization's responsibility
for uh bathroom facilities. But again, we probably won't be started August 8th. And so they could actually use the restroom facilities. is they just can't use the uh concession.
>> So um there >> there is uh that's that's the status there. So >> so once they get the um the health department permit to uh to replace the septics, then we'll we'll actually have a firm schedule for you.
>> Okay. Can we let them use food trucks or something so they have a way to make some? >> Well, what this the this is issue is that when you use the food trucks, they only could charge a food truck a certain fee. And so, um, a $100 fee for a food truck, $200 fee for a food truck is is probably kind of high.
>> Yeah. >> The referees for them each day cost about $900 a day. >> And so they they need they need they right right currently. This is what what and I brought it up because even though it may be another entity that's a part
of this conversation, it's going to always be us that's going to be at fault for the and that's just how that's just how it works because we are uh city manager tell me this all the time >> because we closest to the people >> regardless of what the narrative is
facts or not we're going to be responsible. So, I just want to that's why I brought up the last budget meeting for us to kind of get ahead of this um >> question. >> Yes, sir. >> Talk to me about Provos Field. >> Provos Park right now does not have a
football organization. >> So, >> and so that's a that that needs to be the >> possible location for at least a couple games. >> Yes. Can't you say a concession stand? >> Yes. >> So, can't you say bathroom?
>> Absolutely. So >> that's the hold up. >> That's So >> what's the hold up? >> So this what I'm going to do. >> That's what I'm going to make sure you run through the city manager. That's all I'm going to say. >> So So I'm going to put him on this email. I'm doing it tonight.
>> So >> I'm send I'm I'm send I'm sending this I'm sending this email and I'm just going to ask them. >> Still in Coco, boss. >> It is in Coco. Provos is available. Would you
>> would you be receptive to moving games? At least a few games that is going to be closed down. Will you be willing to move? And I'm going to put the city manager and I may put all of you on there. >> But >> you might want to tie the police chief in that, too.
>> Yeah. Well, he he he'll be tied in through me because because what we what what the secretary and I talked about I feel like I'm talking about secretary of state. Um what the secretary and I talked about was uh at provos she she was concerned
about the parking. Now, it may be easier just to actually um I don't know how to take care of the concession uh um issue there, but the bathrooms may be easier to actually bring out the portable bathrooms there.
the parking. Um I think you know obviously we we'd make sure the kids are safe there and so we'd have to talk to maybe the county about utilizing the scat um parking lot because their employees don't work on Saturdays or most of them don't work on Saturdays.
There's a vacant lot across the street, Chief, that we'd have to actually help um pedestrians get across the road, but I don't know how that interferes with the state pro um state project there. But but again, we're willing to help them if if they decide that they want to
take advantage of the provost, help them in terms of the parking because that would that would be the biggest issue there. Um but again they have to engage us in that conversation, you know, and and it can't be >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. It can't be via social media, >> right? >> So So I I'm I'm promising you I'm going send an email tonight with this request. If they deny this, I'm going to be forwarding it to you as well so you can see because again, if something happens
wrong, it's gonna fall back on us like we don't care. And so I just want to prevent that from happening. And so that's why I wanted to bring it to everybody on that part. So So I'm good. All right. I'll be real quick. It's been
a long meeting. Um, we talked about the budget tonight and um, I wanted to interject, but this was one of my questions. I know you spoke about the school um, safe crossing. Is that what it's called? Um, I noticed especially in my district uh, there was some street crossing signs for the
school students to go to Endeavor and they were faded. Couldn't even see the paint on them. Uh, would that project uh, cover those signs or is that something that we need to look at? >> Yeah, I'm not sure. I mean, we can we can we can address that with, but this is the uh safe routes, the schools, and
so I think it's the signage on the pavements, and I think it's the maybe even other flashers and those sort of things that are included in that. >> But if you just give us those locations, and we we can >> right off boulevard, right in front of the Braco Pond uh entrance
>> off of Braco. Yeah. Yeah. >> There's a school crossing sign there the kids cross from. >> Okay. Okay. Gotcha. Um, also I also had the opportunity to attend Endeavor as well. I I came right after you had left and everyone was excited for the uh the food that you brought. So, thank you for
that. Um, and I'm very appreciative to uh Mr. Lloyd Robertson who put on that program. The kids really need it. I saw the need for it. >> So, that was a great experience. Um, and also in case I don't have any more uh >> I don't have any uh but in case anyone
hasn't noticed Bird Plaza which is in District 2 as well is starting to see a lot of activity. Um there are some stores moving in. We know that Bird Plaza sat pretty much vacant for a long time especially the big lots. So there's some uh good news on some possible um uh
stores or uh businesses just opening up in that uh location. So I'm excited about that. Just wanted to urge the council to keep an eye out on that. So, um that's all I have for district two. Um we have an event Saturday or >> there uh >> the school supply pickup or something
like that. >> Is that at Walmart? >> At Walmart. >> Sorry. Yes, we have a we have a school supply drive um at Walmart and then um we're doing the giveaway that uh following Thursday at
the Dr. Jolie Smith Center. Okay. Well, I will apologize in advance. I will not be here to attend any of those, which I normally I love to attend it. Um, this Saturday is my birthday. So, >> happy birthday. >> Happy birthday. >> Oh, happy birthday. >> I'll be 21. >> 21. >> Still never
time. >> So, uh, I'll be out of state, but I I hope that event goes well. Uh, we know it's for a good cause. So, uh, thank you staff for, um, participating in that as well. So, >> that's August 1st is your birthday. >> It is. >> So, what time are we supposed to be
there? Saturday >> 10 o'clock. >> I think it starts at 10. I have to go back and look. It's either 9 or 10. >> Done. >> Yep. >> Okay. Uh well, mine will be quick. Uh I just want to say that uh I attended as
well as the mayor was there. Family Promise their annual event. um what a great addition they've been to our community. Um you know, just the the art and um it was a very positive meeting.
Um I apologize for not being at the last council meeting. I thought I was going to be able to attend by phone. Um, but my my husband had been invited to an international conference on environmental systems
in Puerto Rico and I was stuck in a uh rainforest Eluni. They didn't have any reception. So, um, that is my report kind of punting this time.
Okay, >> that's everybody. >> That's everyone. >> Yes, sir. >> Ly dotting everybody. >> Hey, want to say thank you all to everyone that participated. Um, yes, I have tons of pictures. My apologies, Mitch. I mean, when I make a
mistake, I don't mind tell you. I'm sorry. I thought I submitted them. Ranging from Family Promise to several other events as well. Um, you all attend multiple events, so you all understand. So, I'm thankful for that. You represent
the city well. Buy local, spend local, keep it local, and please make proper preparations to promote positive, pleasing productivity as we embrace all this rainy weather. And it begins with the letter H.
Miami. >> You got it. Hurricanes. Come on, man. Miami Hurricanes >> the heat. They're also an eight. >> Yes, too. Yeah. >> In the Miami all this rain. I don't know which H you were talking.
>> Chair entertains a motion to adjurnn. >> Move to adjourn. >> And a motion on the floor >> by Councilwoman Weeks and a second by Depp. That was you. Gins. >> All in favor by saying I. >> I. >> Mitchell. Here you go, sir. as have.