Good evening everybody. Welcome to the city of Palaka. Um we are at the city commission budget workshop. This is our first budget workshop of the budget season. It is April 8th, 2026 at 6 pm. We're going to begin with the invocation
by Pastor Malberry and Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Davis. Please stand if you're able. Good evening everyone. Father again, thank you for this day. We thank you for how good you've been. You blessed us to come together once again in your
presence. We thank you for these leaders, God, that you've chosen for such time as this. God, we pray that you will crown their heads with wisdom, insight, understanding, whatever is necessary to move the city in the right direction. Pray God for
this budget meeting that you will be the visited guest in it God that you will do what needs to be done through it and we thank you for what you've done and all you're doing now. It is in Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen.
>> Please join me in the pledge flag. I pledge algiance 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.
>> Roll call, please. Madam clerk, >> Commissioner Davis, >> present. >> Commissioner Campbell, >> present. >> Commissioner Jones >> here. >> Commissioner Bor Carrera, >> present. Thank you. Um, we're on to
public comments. Is there anybody here for public comments? Seeing none, we'll close public comments. We're right on to regular business item. General budget. >> Yes. U mayor. >> Yes. Go ahead, Miss Scott. Yes. >> Okay. Uh first of all, good evening to everyone that's here. Thank you for your
efforts and your time and energy. Um, I'm actually going to turn this over to our finance director, but I just wanted to say that um, today the intent is to present an overview of the budgeting process, environment, proposed budget,
and what's going to be the next steps. And it, and we all know it's a working document, changes constantly until we get to that final draft. Uh we want to make certain that the commissioner directives, departmental needs and the community desires are addressed in this
budget for the coming year of 2627. And with that, I'd like to bring out finance director Miss Pierre up to the podium. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Greetings everybody. Could you pull up the attachments that are included? You
want all three up or just one at a time? >> Um, if you could pull up the first the first one that's attached. Would it be possible to pass out the that the bucket? Oh, you did. We already have those. Yes. Okay.
Okay, great. Um, so we'll start with the with this packet here, the proposed budget workshop packet that >> Is your mic on? >> Oh, sorry. Can you hear me? >> Yes. Now we can. Thank you. >> Okay. Sorry. I forget that I'm not loud.
I'll try to project my voice as much as possible. If you can go to the next page, please. Oh, so this is just an overview of the budget. Um, being a numbers person, this is the most exciting time for me because
this is our time to communicate what we expect, what what the city, the needs of the city, the progress, and it's a work in progress because we have to um receive input from from the commission, from constituents, from residents. Um,
if anything, the the best thing to do would even theme the budget. If there was one word that we could use to describe the budget, what would it be? Um what direction do you see is the city going into in the next 12 months? Um and we hope that we could achieve that with
this um throughout the budget process. Go to the next page, please. So here we're just talking about the budget process and today being the most important day in my mind because this is the beginning of the whole process. This
is this sets the tone. This is where we get a picture, a vision, uh the strategy, the initiatives, the plans, um the direction that we would like to see the budget go in. if it's to if our
theme would be to for to save to make progress to be community focused to to serve um if there was a one-word theme um I think it would help help communicate to all parties involved as to what direction the budget would be
should be going in. Go to the next slide please or the next page. And this is a beautiful representation of the entire budget process and some of the steps involved and my favorite word goals.
Having goals, what um goals we have in mind, what goals would we like to achieve? Um are we planning to build? Are we planning to revitalize? Are we planning to what type of improvements should we be focusing on within the next
12 months? Although we can't do everything because we're constrained with fiscally because money is finite. But if we have a clear direction where we want to go, then we can have the most bang for our buck. Next slide.
Oh, this is another favorite word of mine. Two words, zerobased budgeting, which basically means in in my own in my words that I've heard before, give every dollar a name. Every dollar has a goal, a direction, an action.
Every dollar has a a purpose. And that's um zerobased budgeting. It's just making sure that there's no room for um clarity or um confusion, that every every dollar is assigned a purpose and a plan.
At the end, we hope to have the the budget approved. And here we're um just going over the history of Palaca and and where we were, where we've been, and and the the budget is the next step.
Where are we going? There there's the history and the projected future um based on the statistics that we've obtained in the past. You can go to the next slide. And at today's budget workshop, we're
we're here um to just set the tone and paint the picture for what we want as far as our goals and our initiatives. The next slide. So, here's where we we get into priorities.
Um this is just a starting point. the this first meeting is all about input um and providing what was done in the past but also what are we what are we focused on this this is a long list of
priorities that we have in mind but if this does not align with what is needed or where you all would like to see the city of Palaca going it this is the this is the forum to to to talk about Okay. And yes, please.
Okay. So, we have our strategic planning. Oh, if you could make it bigger, please. Okay. So with just with planning any type of planning we start off broad we start off with what the theme is what
that whether it's a one-word theme whether it's a visual what would be our focus for this budget year and based on that theme or focus we would develop goals there are already goals in place
which is understood but um I believe the clearer the more clarity the more focused the more finite Tonight we we're we're focused on with our budget, the more we can accomplish, the more um the clearer the communication, the easier it
is for all parties involved to execute the budget appropriately action. Oh, don't stop on stop there in action. Um I love that word action plan. Um so the budget will determine
will help every department every part of the city um determine what needs to be done. What projects do we do we need to complete first? What is the what are the concerns based on the concerns and plans and goals that um we receive from all
input from all parties involved we can take action. Okay. And oh no, don't skip that. The smart city initiatives. Um so this is a a great depiction of some
of the initiatives in general that we can focus on and consider for this year's budget. Um and this is just the starting point. And I believe with each each initiative you could dive deeper
um and you could spend more time into but I also would like to emphasize the importance of having a focus. Um if we have too many initiatives um if if things are spread too thin then
it limits what we can accomplish. Next um page. Okay. So the four core areas here that is also open for um change but I wanted to pick up with what was done previously
um and renewal um if there the areas listed there affordable housing community strategies transportation what are the areas um that we should be should be renewed revitalized
what was what area should we invest in um infrastructure is another uh key that I think is um important for our for the city of Palaca. Um investing in and expanding replacing the sidewalks, replacement of street signs, the water
and sewer is a big a big area for all of us. Um you can continue down the page. potable water facility improvements. That's a big um area that we should consider for this year's budget. Go to
the next um page, please. Okay. And of course, service. Service is a critical part of our the city. We all we do every day is serve. and knowing what what type of
website, software, what areas can we consider and invest in so that we can serve our residents better. Next page. Oh, wait. Stop there. That GIS that I saw that my face went Yes.
>> Um the GIS. Yes. GIS map for the city um for community assistance. This is, I believe, wonderful to have and invest in and utilize and um it it will help in so
many ways. And um this is one of the the areas I believe we we we should definitely invest more time and um consider in utilization of rainwater, family entertainment, improvement of educational literacy,
very wonderful initiatives that we can consider for this year's budget. Next slide. Okay. community building, the beautiful playgrounds, the parks, bike paths,
community engagement, public health, all of those are wonderful uh buzzwords. And the question today is, is this an area that we should be focused on when it comes to our budget? Is this a priority? Next.
Oh, that's it. Okay. Um, we can we can pause. Oh, yes. Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. >> Yeah. So, I think what's next is the actual budget, right? The draft. So, before we move into draft, I want to um
press pause here for a minute. Um, this is my second year on the commission, so I've had one full year to kind of get up to speed and understand our budget better. Um before we dive into the meat of the budget, I'd like to talk a little
bit about um some of the budget um I guess I would say um policies, right? I want to talk a little bit about policies. I want to talk a little bit about the structure of
this budget. I want to talk about the format of the budget and things like that. So, I want to whatever we want to call that before we get into the meat. Okay. So, my first recommendation, I'm going to just put it
out there. My first recommendation is that at this point in time, I'm assuming you're still using Excel for this budget. What What What are you using to create this budget? >> I don't know. I said I said I'm assuming. So can you tell me what you're
using to create this budget? What is what is our budget? >> We have a ERP system that we utilize. That's the starting point for preparing that report. Um the ERP system, okay, >> has customized reporting where you can
customize in the ERP and select what or format it and set up a report that you can run and it will kick out that report. >> Okay. So let's then talk about reporting. >> Okay. >> So it kicks out this 70 plus page report
with all of the funds just in a in this fashion pages one through 72. So it's not very user friendly. So this is what this is what I want to get down to. So I'm glad to hear we have an ERP solution >> because um
this is not very user friendly. you know, as we're trying to look through this, it's very difficult to pinpoint anything we want to hone in on. Um, so that is one thing. >> So, the second thing because when I look
at this report, it looks like it's something. Are you able to export in Excel? >> Right. That's the next step. We generate the report in our ERP system. We put it in Excel. >> Okay. So, is this report an Excel report?
It's a P. Well, now it's a PDF. >> Is this a PDF of an Excel report? >> Okay. >> Is it? >> Yeah. Yes. >> Okay. So, if that's the case, then what I'm going to request is that a few things be as we continue on with the
process for ease of reviewing this and making recommendations. Um, number one is if we can get an Excel spreadsheet and you can make sure that it's not editable, but I would like to be able to sort and
search. So, we need a functional document, especially with the document being this big. Ideally, I would really like to have each fund in its own Excel download.
So the general fund, the better place fund, the tiff fund, and the ARPA fund ideally. So we can look at those separately. >> Okay. >> Oh, absolutely. >> I I mean, I'm not Oh. Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. >> I didn't know if you wanted me to
>> I didn't I'm still I didn't I'm still talking. >> Okay. I just want to get this if and please if somebody needs to come in before I finish but um I'm gonna so th those are my requests for proper
reviewing of this document and then I have some other questions but I'm going to press pause here because I want to make sure I want to tell you what my questions are to see if I need to do it at a specific specific time as you're going through this.
Um, I have questions about carry forward accounting, how we're carrying forward. I have questions about um how can we appropriately review budgets for the next year or prepare for the
next year when we don't have a report of all of the projects that we have implemented or are implementing. and the amount of money allocated, the amount of money spent, the amount of money left, will those
projects plan to go into the next year? Um, I think that'll help us with some better planning. Um, let's see. And I will tell you what I'm going to hone in on at the appropriate time is as
I was looking through this report, I have a lot of questions about the transfers in and transfers out of accounts back and forth in and out. >> And then one another question I have and this has to do with our bank accounts. I
know in a previous meeting there was a question I believe when we were talking about the airport fund in particular um and I know it's included in our enterprise fund if that's the right word
all of our our accounts are with Amoris Amiris Bank is that who we bank with bank and so as I of course like I said this is my after my first full year of of course I look at best practices and trying to
understand if there's opportunity for us to make some significant changes as we go forward one that make sure we're compliant legally you know from a government perspective and of course that we can offer transparency not just to the board but make an ease of us to
look at this and provide good feedback and make good decisions but also for our public when we're going to post this out to the public but that's a side note and So my question is when I looked at some best practices, some best practices are for certain funds to have their own
accounts. I know it's not required, but again for best practices and to make sure we're transparent and contained within a fund. And I'm going to make this real simple even if I don't know if it's necessary. I have a daughter with
special needs who has income, but we're her guardians over her income. Her money is not in my personal account. It's in her account and I pay all her bills from that because I can run a report to say at any given time these funds allocated
for this thing income and expenses are here not a subset of mine. I could do it all in mind and segregate. And what I'm asking is I would like to us to look for at the opportunity to separate certain
funds, specifically our TIFF funds and our ARPA funds into a different account because again as I was looking at this report, it's muddled to me and I'm
concerned and I want to make sure that we are meeting I want to no I want to make sure we're exceeding standards. I don't want to meet any standards. I want to exceed standards. So, and I'm going stop there with that and then as we go forward, I'll have specific
questions about specific line items. Thank you. >> You're welcome. And and recently, in fact, the airport's funding is has been put in a separate account. I just signed the documents. So, there is a separate account that was just opened um for
that. So, it won't be >> considered co-mingling with them. The CRA funds are >> are also in a separate account. The TIF funds >> as well and additionally uh airport has to be in an interestbearing account.
>> So that's why we had to pull that out the sweep. >> Additionally uh ARPA is also in separate account. They are separate. >> So some things are already achieved. >> So ARPA is in its own account. >> Yes. >> Yes. airport
>> airport now has their >> interest that's new and tiff and there there are three t there are three separate tiff accounts based on each >> and three separate accounts is that true >> for tiff let me verify that part I'd like to verify
>> well it should be because again >> per district >> per district yes it should be and I believe it's been for some time so hopefully that's true >> did it already but I just want to confirm And for clarification and so then the general fund and the better
place fund one account. >> No I I would prefer that you give us an opportunity to come back. I don't want to answer abruptly and >> because we have a lot of bank accounts and some of them are sweep and some of them are not.
>> Okay. So that would be very helpful >> again just that information when I'm sorting through >> and how to track. >> So even with if I may with our next uh budget workshop >> we and even prior to that you could send
the breakout >> okay >> of the various cash accounts. >> All right I'm stop >> okay thank you. Go ahead commissioner. >> Um I'd like to say to Commissioner Davis thank you for bringing up those points. I think they were very valid. Um, but I
also want to with the short presentation that was provided to us. Um, how is this going to play out? Um, and I asked that question simply because you gave us a presentation which you wanted us to identify
words or you wanted us to identify. How are we going to do that prior to jumping into the budget so that we have a I guess as a collective unit we know how we want to move forward and also at
what point or if at any point are we going to hear from the department head. >> So you have a copy of the budget calendar which kind of which lists out what the next steps are. Um the hope for this for
today's meeting was mainly to get what the the direction of the budget as a whole like what the initiatives are what are the goals what are the those what is it that you would like us to focus on we
are only halfway through the year. No, I get it. And so I'm asking the I'm asking that question because one, I'm appreciative that we are starting this process earlier than we have done so in the past, which gives us the opportunity. I want to know exactly what
do you want us to accomplish tonight. And I say that because I don't want to necessarily dive into the creeks and crevices of the numbers until we've identified what you feel would help lead and guide this conversation as we go
forth. So if you want us to collectively come up with that word or the phrase or like do you feel that we need to address that prior to jumping into the numbers so we don't go in and not have a clear
direction as to what the overall focus is. And so that's the reason why I asked this question because I don't want to move forward with diving into the numbers if it's not a necessity tonight when we have given us somewhat of a task to do prior to jumping into the numbers.
>> I agree with what you've said. I prefer for us to focus on a high level right now to know what the goals are. what are the initiatives and the more um specific that you can be the better because we it would make it it would provide clarity
for department heads for everyone involved and they would understand when when they sit down to prepare their budgets for the upcoming year. they understand okay this year it's about um progress this year is about revitalization this year is about
expansion this year is about stewardship you like they have some >> gotcha and so saying that mayor if I may how would you >> like to proceed this evening to ensure we accomplish everything that you just
stated >> can we go back to this and just identif identify what are the what's the focus as far as initiative because there's a lot of initiatives in this um if we could nail down you know which ones are a priority
um which ones do do we hope to accomplish within the next 12 months what are based on your rapport with the residents with the constituents of Palaca what have they told you have they are do they have concerns about the
roads do they have concerns about the neighborhood the um blight? Is it the um transportation? Is it the signs? It you know what is it? What are the items that we can nail down tonight and everyone
can all parties um the department heads can hear and that and they can run with what what is stated. >> And so you just brought up another point that I was going to address because where are our department heads? >> And this was a conversation that I mean,
other than the ones that are here, >> other than the ones that are here, um, because we've even had this conversation in previous workshops, um, in previous years, making sure that we hear from our department heads directly with regards to the budgeting process, but not to
labor on that, I would strongly suggest that we interrate those things to them as we move forward so that they are a part or feel as if they are a part of this process. Um, so that being said, I'm willing I'm ready to dive in and I
think this would probably be a combination of not only the finance director, but as city manager as well as the commission because I think it kind of goes back to what Commissioner Davis stated as uh within her first opening statements with regards to knowing what
we have on the table this current year. what can we somewhat say we have these in play we'll be here by the time this budget needs to get fixed so it's not a high priority even though those things will remain a priority how can we
navigate from that perspective so that as we move forward and we begin to identify the words or what's happening if those things are happening now >> what can we now focus on moving forward if that makes sense
>> that Okay. >> May I >> go ahead? >> Is it okay? Okay. So, uh from my perspective, one of the greatest um achievements that we need to do during this budgeting process for this year is
to make certain that we are going to complete we're going to be completing about 25 million uh dollars worth of grants, grant-f funded projects. That's a minimum. And so uh that's going
to be the primary concern from my perspective that we've are in fact we do have what you've already asked for and we will provide the project listings and what has been spent so far project to date what's remaining. So that that's a
big item. Uh it's it's it's more than 25 million, maybe a good 30 million, but definitely $25 million within the next 12 months we're going to have to spend. So that's a big item for me. And that is particularly related to
infrastructure improvement, development commitments from grant and both legal um appropriations or Florida, how do we say it? Florida appropriations. So that's primary. Coupled with that is of course our
process which we are perfecting our process of you know sending those reimbursements out timely receiving the funds timely. So that's that's pretty much it. Go ahead commissioner Davis. >> And um thank you. So two things. one you
were mentioning what we hear from our constituents and I'd like to share a little bit about what I'm what I hear and um one is we're we're doing a lot of work granted but what I do hear is that
sometime the work is often times not quality work not complete work who's coming to look at it who's signing off before we pay these people to do this work um we had a ride along yesterday with um code enforcement, Miss I had a
ride along with Miss Cardi and coding code >> compliance >> compliance. I apologize. Code compliance and even the roles has been fixed. We just bumping right along over them. So, it's not just what constituents say, it's what we can prove. And so, that's
what I'm hearing a lot of. >> We're doing a lot of work, but it's not translating to our community. >> That's what we're hearing. So they see us as sitting here wasting money. So that's the reality and I I think it's good to know this before we get into
this budget be and that's why I was mentioning about project statuses, how much money we spent, what's closed, what's open, where we are. The other thing is I want to make sure when we're talking about projects because sometimes
this gets mixed together. I'm talking about all projects for the city and I'd like to see them allocated by city funded and grant funded in the combination of city and grant >> because when I went to get some
information I believe last year I was I I did not get the response I expected because a city project is a city project. I didn't ask by funding I asked for city projects. And so we need to know all of that. And I it's very
difficult to determine how we want to allocate future dollars when we don't know how current dollars are being spent and how past dollars have been spent. And I know we've had and and to Commissioner Campbell's point, I'm so glad we're doing this early. And that's
why I want to take the time to ask these questions so that we can make sure we have time to really delve into things that we might not have had time to do before. Um, it's a good time to get this stuff cleaned up. Um,
the second question is I believe we were supposed to get a state of the city. >> It's being edited currently. >> I know it's April. When did this when did the state of what what period is it covering? >> Um, 24 to 25.
>> Exactly. >> And we started >> And it's April. We started at the end of January and it just takes time >> also. It has not been done previously. It's a new activity >> and it is done now. So >> the state of the city has been done before under Mayor.
>> Oh, so under which mayor may >> So the point Miss Cardi, I'm not asking you to give me reasons why it's not done. I'm saying the fact that it's not done is unacceptable. >> Okay. >> That's what I'm saying. >> I I just want to be clear. I I'm not looking for reasons. It's April again.
Our constituents don't even know what we're doing. And what where I'm really building to is that this is what we hear all the time, most of us. And I we have the capacity to change that. But timing is everything.
The the fiscal year ended September 30th. >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. I just want to make sure. I mean September 30th. And I get it. Um, but there are things we can do that I don't see happening timely that will
make a huge impact on our community. Yes, our staff works hard, but we need to make sure our staff is prioritizing what needs to happen first and timely. That's really what I want to add. And yes, that does directly impact our
budget. And I think to follow on that, I I agree and I think part of the city's we don't have a great history of of tooting our horn, taking credit, letting the community know the things that have been accomplished. So they may see the
roads that are torn up, but they don't they forget quickly. So I think the easier way too and and I was hoping the the report would be out by January, February, the latest is that we do it so that it is bullets and photos. People respond to photos. They are not going to
read data and graphs. I read that stuff. Most people don't have an interest >> or a video >> or a video, but I mean I think a combination and I did grab the counties just to see what they did. Um I just passed it to Miss Hall who has it. But
you know, they got theirs out and I just think we, you know, we're a little behind here to say the least. And I think we could we don't need to make it as complicated so that it becomes such a project that it doesn't end up being released. We need to get it done and I think we can do it in a better fashion.
>> I'd appreciate getting a copy of it as well. >> Well, I have one bootleg copy and ready >> if I if I can see it since I'm responding. >> And I've sent some samples from other cities as well. >> Okay. Say it. I missed. >> I'm sorry.
>> I I want you to hear >> I said I've sent samples from other cities as well. >> Yes. >> A long time ago. >> Yes. We're using this. We're we're done finally. Um I did want to respond though to uh something you said. We are currently uh
meeting on a weekly basis with the projects and they are literally separated by the four categories that we have for funding projects which are uh grants, legislative, city and loans. And
additionally we have a fifth category called completed. So that's where we are now. We weren't there a year ago, but we are there now. >> Thank you. >> Question, >> mayor. >> Go ahead. >> If these things are done,
why is it that we have to ask for them instead of that information being provided to us >> because a lot of things that we have been requesting are things that we state multiple times in multiple different ways in meetings. And I don't want it to
appear as if when we get to these meetings that it's a chastising session, but at some point we have to take accountability and responsibility for what the commission desires and we often times have to continuously ask for
something to be presented and only thing we get it's done. It's done. We it's a work in progress and we never see the finished product. And so I would I would strongly suggest again that if things of this magnitude are already in work, even
if it's not a complete work, let us know these things so that we won't have to continuously come into the meetings and ask for these things and put staff in a position to make it just seem as if we're not privy or we're not. But I think we just
have to do a better job at providing the commission. if the staff is putting forth the work, please let us know so that one, >> our hands are on it. And two, let's thank our staff for doing what it is that they do. And so that would be my recommendation as we move forward.
Prioritize things as if they needed to be or they need to be and let's let's start telling our own story. As I've been stating before, we have Miss Hall who's done a phenomenal job with coming in and posting, but there if we look at
surrounding communities, if we look at uh other uh cities and things of that nature, we can step up a little bit more to make sure that our projects and our things that we are doing is a lot more visible to our community. So, I would definitely strongly encourage,
especially as we go into these budget seasons, once we identify the projects, it'll be to our advantage to take pictures and videos and things of where those projects are now. And so, as we begin to accomplish these things within
the budget, we can have say, "Hey, this is where we started. This is where we are now." And especially at the end of the budget, when we going into our next budget, these are all the things that we've accomplished within this budget. These are the things that kind of how we um how you brought the prioritizing
thing. The green if we're on track, the yellow if it's something that we need to slow down for or red if it's something that we won't complete. That's the type of transparency that some of these or the vast majority of the citizens in this community wants to happen. and we
get tagged in social media posts, we get emails, we get all of these things and I'm not able to provide them any additional information that I know simply because that information is not being provided to us if it makes sense. >> And we definitely want to commute that create that sense of community pride.
>> Absolutely. >> Um and I think we've again not done a great job at that as as a city as a whole. Um this is a beautiful city. There's a lot of exciting things that have happened are happening and people need to be aware of it. us first so we can convey that to folks when they ask
the questions. I sometimes stand there and say, "Well, I I'll find out for you." But it's it's tough when you don't know the answers. >> And I'll give and I'll give one prime example. Even with the work that has been done on the north side, the main street area, the Washington Street, our
citizens saw that those streets were repaved, right? And so at this moment, only thing that they're seeing is what was once fixed. you know, after so long now they're back in disarray. What story
have we told? What have we put out in order to let those and that's just not on the north side. That's just one of the recent things that I've been tagged in, but that's all across our community. And if those are things that we need to budget for as we move forth because that
will probably take some kind of budgeting for >> signage and things of that nature and think those are the things that we need to make sure that we take in consideration as we move forward because no one there has been nothing to my knowledge that have put out that have
been put out to advise citizens that this is the reason why the roads are turned I mean torn back up the infrastructure because they're going to think oh that's city money that's going to have to come back and be repaid to pave these projects. No. And that should be the responsibility of the contractor.
So those are things that we have to do a better job at putting things out so that we can combat some of these things that have been coming back to us that they that appears to be one way and it's totally and it's a total different way. >> This is also the last year. Don't we
have to close out the opera monies by? So that's certainly a priority we have to focus on and get that done. >> Um and matter of fact, if it's okay, I'd like to mention um I'll make certain that that we have like um a very big
worksheet, lots of pages, but it tells the story on every project. So at least I can send that out. And we do have a summarized version that we utilize for meetings. and I'll make certain that you all have that. We
have begun to talk about uh signage for all of the various projects. Uh I think Miss Greta did start recently sending out information, but we will improve more in this area. >> Go ahead, Commissioner. Oh, I'm sorry.
Go ahead, Commissioner Jones. Excuse me. >> I did know everything that have been said, but you just start talking about signage. I should just let you go ahead. But what I was going to say is what I'm going to say is >> um in the CRA when we talked about the CRA districts
>> and the signage, same thing that downtown merchants was talking about. That's the same that's the same type of courtesy we want to give the rest of the constituents. We want them to know what's going on in their neighborhood. >> Want to know let them know that dust is going to be flying. Let them be aware um
and >> before it happens. and and it's sad that we fail again cuz we actually failed downtown. So, we should have learned from that. Um, and we just can't keep repeating. That's all. I don't want to keep the dead.
>> I think recently, granted, didn't we get the road closures recently? >> What? >> Not not that. And letting them know that we're going to do this project and this project is going to last the same thing the merchants were asking. this project is going to last
>> three to six months or six to nine months. Let him know um he had the car wash owner up here, you know, with his issue. You know, we what's going to happen is even if we try to address his issue, guess what? The next meeting somebody else is going to come. So, how
can we nip it in the bud once it brought to our attention, >> let's nip it in the bud with a solution >> and and and not just on that corner. Let's try to maybe >> we're going to have to if not you're going to continue to have the people coming up with with the same type of issues. That's all I'm saying.
>> And I think the the conversation may not seem as if it's budget related, but ultimately it all falls back down to budgeting. >> Yeah. You you just like took my word somewhat because I wanted to say how can we bring this into the budget? Does that
mean Oh, sorry. Does does it mean in a perfect world if we had a like a social media? I don't know what is our social media presence. Does that mean the the director needs to have an assistant where that will who what how does that
how like let's paint the picture of how we can >> approve improve in in this area that you're saying because that seems to be a hot topic for our our residents. >> Okay. The um I mentioned the electronic signs. We talked about that buying it
from in the CRA. We have money um budgeted for something like this directional signs that we use. I think the police department have one already that they use for d traffic direction. Um but if we being public works need
one, you know, they asked for other high dollar stuff, right? So you know what I'm about to say. Yeah. I'm not going to mention that again. But that's something that we could use. That's something that you could have went from corner to corner as we uh start these projects to let folk know that traffic patterns going to be
changed. You're going to have dust or whatever we you know that could help and that's going to be something that they'll see. Um um the thing that Nicole bought in is off >> right >> informationational signs. Put them out there so that people would know and uh
short of pamphlets going door to door maybe with the water bill. let them know that there's going to be some infrastructure projects going on in their neighborhood for the next three months and sorry for the inconvenience, but this is the way we improving our water system and stuff of
that nature. So, I think that's a way to get it out to all everyone. Everybody's not on social media, but everybody get a a water bill to have a house. >> You have to do it in all the ways possible because people get their information in different ways. Um, Commissioner Davis.
>> Okay. So I have a different answer. So the commission is legislative. So when you ask us how, that's really not our position to answer. It is for you to take the information and for Miss Cardi as a city manager to get your
staff to figure this out. This is not rocket science. There's a best practice chat GPT or whatever else, but ask somebody. This is not rocket science. And again, I'm not
I'm I'm going to say I want to call this time in our city the opportunity zone. I just shared this word with my daughter the other day because we I I know our intent is not to come off as berating and doing this.
But what I can say is believe we're tired of saying the same thing over and over. It's it what we're asking for is what I consider a standard operating
processes and requests for a city. And that's I think all we're asking for. The answer also to you, Miss Pierre, is we have a project manager who oversees projects.
In that project plan should be some communication to impacted areas. And I'm just going to stop at that because if they don't know how to do that, then we got to go bigger and look at who we're hiring >> because that means they're not qualified
to do the job. So these are not special requests and I I feel like we've been patient. I I believe I've been patient and these um the mayor and the other commissioners have been here much longer than I have. So we're I hear us asking
the same thing even before I ran for this position. So it's just time to execute opportunity zone. We're going to be better and we got to start. Where I want to tie this into the budget is for our department heads since some
are here and hopefully some are listening. >> We talked about extensively a an assessment right that's in progress. Again, it's been so long. Sometimes I think we've just missed the marks on it.
I I don't even know anymore what we want to know. But I also think it's an opportunity with the direction of exceeding expectations and operating this city in a manner that is
appropriate for functioning. appropriate appropriately functioning also means our department heads need to look at their departments and say not how we've been operating but how should we operate in light of being efficient
and effective and there may need to be some changes and I'm hoping in this budget season our department heads are empowered to do that and make those recommendations and so that it can come up we can come up with an HR plan and
appropriate budget to do it. In the reports that we've seen, the department reports where it asks for administrative support, I've seen several requests for resources, human resources to do
specific jobs that are probably so delayed they should have been done. And so again, that's all tied. And I I know I'm talking a lot tonight and I hope you hear my passion and know that it's passion because I know we're better. But
it's time for us to do something different and it's the time to do it at this budgeting process. I believe we have a lot of opportunity in this budget to cut and reallocate to areas where people need the help and I think this is the
time to do it. Thanks. >> Go ahead, Commissioner. And so I agree with everything that uh Commissioner Davis has stated, but I also want to bring to the table. Um I know we had a list of legislative priorities. >> I want if those are our priorities and
we don't get funded in those priorities. I would like that to take a priority in my steps of um being something that's really placed in our budget so that we can actively work towards making some of
those things happen. Um also, and I'm just going to say what I feel is my particular I believe and I brought it up in the commission. Um there are some departments that could utilize some additional resources within our comm
that will be beneficial to our community. We've seen what the cops unit have done in the historic district and I've asked in public meeting is that something that we can implement in the different areas of palaca which is a
cops unit which would do or address some of the public safety concerns that we have. Um, of course we know that we are we are growing by leaps and bounds and I want to know if we are prepared
financially for those leaps and bounds. Commissioner Jones has been a proponent of making sure that those um boundaries are or those conclaves are addressed um which will at some point bring additional funding into our budget which
would strengthen our budget. So just off the cusp of what is important is the legislative priorities that we've had if we are not successful which I pray that we are that we have that be a priority still this budget season trying to
actively work towards obtaining and being a little bit more self-sufficient. Um and then the cops unit which would address public safety. Um I have more but those are just my tops for right now. I think that for me some of the things
and when I when folks talk to me I know a concern they raise often is that although we understand we're going to grow by leaps and bounds how do we do that but yes safeguard our community and keep the personality and charm of Palaka
that small town feel and so I think it's also part of our role to make sure we have some of those the positive growth management in place so that we don't become overburdened by development. Um there's a limit to some
of that within the city limits, but it still can going to the west side of the city really could blow up. And I think again we want investment, positive investment and positive growth, but we don't want it to be out of hand. And so how do we work on that as well? And that
we can tie that into the budget, too. And do we need more resources and planning to ensure that we move forward in a in that direction? Yeah, you you stated a very valid point and it also which was currently in legislative. How are we going to go ahead and start positioning ourselves if property tax is
no longer a thing? Um I know commission >> Yeah, I know Commissioner Borum has brought that up uh many times, but those are things that we need to start taking in consideration as we move forward in this budget season. everything um stated I'm jotting down
and my hope is that at the next or my plan is that at our next um budget workshop we can address the concerns and present um at the top of the list would be the pro property tax at the lower taxes.
>> So let me ask you this. If this meeting was to adjourn right now, >> would you walk away with the understanding of what we desire or is there anything else that we need to dive into to bring further clarity so that
when you are when we're no longer here, you're in your office, you're talking to your staff, you're talking to our department heads that we have given you clear understanding of what we would desire to have at that next meeting.
>> I at this time um if we could because I heard many things and jotted down many things and just based off what I heard I could move forward but um I'm not sure if I heard a lot from
Commissioner >> Jones. I heard you you I agree with this person. I agree with that person. But were there any other >> sometimes if the man don't let it be? >> Okay. >> Can we can we add one thing on that no
one said but I know it's important >> and that's that fire assessment. >> Yeah. The fire assessment p we've got to and that we've got to talk about and resolve that and move forward and back that out of the budget so we know moving forward. You know, we the again we the
fire department's budget and what we can estimate the fire assessment fee at the current rate and you know what does that look like in terms of the budget? >> Well, c >> can somebody say that differently and in a full complete context and sentence?
>> Okay. I would like to give it a shot if possible here with you. Can you put it in context of what you're saying? >> Okay. So, right now we're at the top of the Oh, I'm sorry. >> No, you can go ahead. Go ahead. >> Okay. So, from for our numbers people or even non-numbers people, we're at the top of the sheet that has revenue. We're
talking about our revenues and what direction are our revenues going in. We would need to know if we are lowering the the assessment fee. Of course, we're not going to increase it or is it going to stay the same? And based on that plan
and direction, we will know how much we can budget for expenses because our budget zerobased budgeting is revenues must equal expenditures. We can't we can't exceed expenditures can't exceed revenues. Revenues can't exceed expenditure. So we're just talking about
the revenue and how much revenue are we can we expect if the plan is to lower the fire assessment. And that is why I was suggesting we come up with that revenue based on the existing the fire assessment fee rate that we had last year. We look at what revenue that will
produce and maybe we can look at slightly lower but that we have those numbers so we know and then we can look at the fire department's projected budget and subtract and know what's realistic or not to move forward with. It's going to be hard honestly to cut
things without because we don't know the future of Avalorium or the fire assessment fee. Um right now it is going to be hard to reduce rates without taking that risk when we might not have anything to it might be go away for us
without we even having a choice in that. So at this point I I would be leerary about cutting rates because we just I don't know if we can afford to do that this year. I think we can cut within the budget and and how we use those funds appropriately or not so that people feel
more comfortable about their monies being used. You were saying go ahead. It's your turn, Commissioner Jones. >> So, thank you. The fire assessment fee must be lowered and I say that after talking
to constituents after requesting it last year, but we had time restraints and it didn't happen at all. understanding that it does fund the PO um fire department, but as you said, Miss Pierre, I'm glad you said it. Let's do that upfront. So,
we'll go from after the uh anticipated cuts or lowering of the fire assessment fees, then we do our budget according according to what we have remaining or if there are cuts that's needed, uh we need to make them. If there's a wish list where
and all staff have to have to agree everything you have asked for for the last 5 years I've been up here you have gotten this time it's probably time to tighten up the belt a little bit due to the fact that we don't know about the homestead exemption tax. Now, I'm
speaking from experience that I live in the city >> and when I look at my tax bill, >> it's not pretty because we we had obligation with the school district. We got we so the voters uh voted to take on
that responsibility. The fire assessment fee was when we was in dire the city was in bad shape. the city is is strong right now, but we can't spend the money like, hey, we have all this access excess excess money and
we should go out and just spend it all willy-nilly. >> So, we have to be responsible up here. And I know Mayor said that she don't think we should make those cuts. But I disagree. Um because the the people that I talk to are not that well off and I'm
not that well off and it hurts me and others that are saying hey listen I can't pay these taxes and then you know it don't help that they are going to get fines penalties for not paying it on
time. So, we have to be responsible and do what we can do to help the constituents, you know. Um, and I'm going to say I'm going leave that with that. Now, that's that. Let's go back to the priorities because as you was reading these
priorities, I had two questions. The first one is as it appears as we had already did this because it's in this document and it's here. Here is the number from 1 through 8. Um, is that in the area of importance
or just randomly? >> The listing itself. >> The listing itself. >> The smart city. >> Just random. >> The smart city. Okay. All right. Because I agree with what's on here. Um, but the brownfield development, I had a question mark on that of when that became one of
the priorities. And if somebody want to explain or talk about it a little more, >> the most I can say is that that is an initiative that has been there for about three or four years. And uh so we did
not remove it. We just simply brought it to see if that's still an initiative. And we are looking between the consolidated that brownfield is is almost that that's addressed and almost completed but there's also public where public works is located now. Um and we
need to address any brown fields issues if there are there as well. So that will be coming up shortly. >> I don't see anything about airport out there because we talked about the expansion of the airport uh the runway and trying to you know do more business
out there. Um, I think that should be added on to to this uh priority list. But number one, as Campbell said, I mean, Commissioner Campbell uh and we always say that public safety, you know, so that's the reason why we should talk
about the fire assessment fee first because of course public safety and and and law enforcement to me that's number one priority. U not saying that we're going to give uh both entities everything they ask for, but we give them what they need. We That's a must.
Um because for people to look forward to moving into our community, they're going to look at the safety factor and education. We can't do too much about education on from this board, but we can do something about safety. We want to make sure that our neighborhoods are safe. Um
um the second is the infrastructure projects as you said 25 million plus that we have to uh make sure it's completed in the next 12 months. >> Yes, >> that's got to be number one or number two on our pri priority list and I would
say number one number two after public safety >> definitely. um the way everything else um fall in line I'm okay with. Uh but I wanted to make sure that we do have input as the governing board up here versus it's just handed to us and said,
"Hey, this is your initiative." It may be on the uh the list that had been uh compiled some time ago. But as far as prioritizing, we shuffle today. Can we make that decision? and hopefully that we can all get on on the same page with that as we go forward. That's all I have
to say. >> And to that point, uh April 23rd, that uh commission meeting is scheduled for a project um for the project manager to come up and go over all the projects as well. Additionally, we're going to have
this time something that we didn't have previously and that would be speaking about the financing of it. How are we going to achieve it? So, finance director is working on a project now that will help us >> and and um going back to Commissioner
Davis's uh point on our projects and I know it's it's going to seem very fast, you know, 12 months getting some completed, but the quality of the workmanship, the craft craftsmanship that's that's been put out and that we're receiving,
>> we must do better. And um is that the project manager's responsibility at this point going forward? >> It is. >> Okay. >> And and he has been pretty aggressive now that he's on board. >> So the accountability lies between you and that individual. Right.
>> Pretty much coupled with uh input from public works director because they also have a team out there as well. But our projects manager is our key person. >> Okay. Thank you. That's all. >> Go ahead. Commission,
>> I see that we have social um number six, the inclusion, which is collaboration with key entities. >> Yes. >> I would like to know as we go into this budget, who we identify as those key entities
>> and what financially or what how how does that look? Who are they? Because who we may think are key, you may not think. And so that's why we need to have a conversation uh with who
are those key entities. Um >> yeah, we need to have a conversation as to who those are. >> Would you like that to be addressed now? >> If you have you can if you would like. >> Well, yes, please. Um from our
perspective, minimally it would be our county, Putnham County, and we will be meeting with them actually tomorrow. staff is uh as a followup to the meeting that was held uh in January 2026.
Um the next uh key entity would be for our perspective chamber of commerce and so we've been working with that. Uh we did start interacting with the college at one time and um
other than that it would be the business associations which the primary one that we've been working with would be downtown but so we're in the midst of making that list more definitive but that is where we are. So with these
entities, more specifically the county, what are the conversations that are going to be had? Um it doesn't have to be anything concrete but I'm more interested in what when we meet with these entities when we meet with the key the key entities what are
the conversations like what are we what substance when it comes down to the budget component are we going to have like how is that game >> okay so for the budgeting like for instance tomorrow one of the main items they've only given one main item we
might have others but their one main item is uh impact fees. So we don't really know yet until we sit with them. >> So the impact fees that was going to be a part of the conversation was to be beneficial to them. What is the benefit to us?
>> Right. So for us I'm going legal can you help with this at all? >> It doesn't have to be addressed but again when we go into these meetings sometimes we have to take the lead. Sometimes we have to invite them to our house as well to say this is what we
need from you. Of course we impact fee was talked about >> January the 13th. I remember the day exactly January the 13th we had that combined meeting >> that impact fee was one of the things that was discussed. It wasn't to our benefit. They were trying to recoup the
funding of what we collected that should have gone elsewhere. So that conversation is not beneficial to the city of Palaca at this time. What are we doing? And I'm saying this when we go into these meetings, >> we have to go into these meetings with
the citizens of Palaca because when Palaca thrives, Putnham County thrives. And so a lot of times, you said it, they gave us what did you give them? And I'm just saying not just that entity >> when we go in, we have to be a little
bit more aggressive. Not in a negative way, but >> this is what we need. >> How can we make it happen? If we can't make it happen, at least get us a step closer to where this is a conversation that would be fruitful for everyone. >> We also have to discuss with the county
legislative priorities because it was made clear by our legislators last year that we have to work together on some combined goals um that are mutually important or both of both entities. So we really have to really look at that um
and go forward that another I think key partner might be the school district in the future too. Um >> yeah we did start meeting with >> people again as was said people move here >> um for health and safety but school district is just as important so we need
to >> you know know what they're up to and I guess they need to know what we're up to. So we need to have >> No, I just feel like a lot of meetings are meeting to meet and not >> Well, I don't want to meet to meet. I'm just saying >> Oh, no. I see what you're saying because it is it is I'm not saying to meet with
Yeah. Like at some point we got to we have to be recipients of tangible outcomes. And that's tangible on all different levels to where our citizens will see that we are benefiting. There
is a benefit to this city and they are reaping the benefits. That's recreation, that's public safety, that's water, that's businesses, that's infrastructure. All of those things our citizens must be able to say, "Oh, I
know they doing this. This has happened in my neighborhood. This has happened over in the neighborhood." It has to be something tangible. And if it's not tangible to our citizens, it doesn't happen. If it's not tangible to
our citizens, we that sit up here are wasting taxpayers dollars. And that is not what we want. So, as we go through this budget season, I want it to be what's tangible. What can we say to our citizens or what
can our citizens receive or be identified as? This is what we got this budget season. >> Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. >> Circling back to the revenue projections for us to start this budget cycle, we
also need to consider where we have opportunity to increase revenues or reduce expenses obviously. So one example, we are spending dollars on
properties owned by the city that we do not receive market rate rent on. So we can't afford to keep doing that anymore. So I'm just saying those are opportunities I will be looking for when you come with a draft budget.
Okay. Um, any property that the city owns that is currently being used for less than market rate and we're putting money out for
and especially if they're not on bringing in any income on this tax roll. So, you asked specifically. So that is an option in addition to the lower fire rate, you know, uh scenario that you're going
to bring back to commissioner and the I guess existing um and I want to summarize what I said initially. I think before we can truly dive into this budget, we talked about the projects, the project summary. Um,
we talked about um really kind of state of the city, where we landed in general. I mean, we can start without it, but that will help us refine it. We're going to need that information. Um, I think I talked about asking for a
working document that we can sort. So, you have that, right? Because I'm looking for that before this next meeting. You when Commissioner Campbell asked, "Do you have what we need to work?" I'm going to be looking to get this information electronically in an Excel spreadsheet that's secured,
uneditable, but I do need to have the ability to we we I'm sorry to sort and search. Okay. And um filter. What else did I say? >> That that cash accounts. Yes, we want to
know um where those cash the cash accounts I mean you know what what account is where. So and then I do have some questions. So hope you're ready to take a note. Remember I told you I had some questions. I'm going to have questions
about transfers. Yeah, we have that. So I'm going to give you an example of what I'm going to ask for so you'll be prepared. Okay. So if you look at I'm going to give you
some specific line numbers on this 70 plus page document that I painstakingly went through to find my questions. Okay. So I'd like to understand and this is one example but if you can
do this for each fund I want to understand the transfers in and transfers out and why we're doing that. um in particular there is let me go to I think there's a CRA one I have when you
get to that CRA budget I definitely want you to make sure you're you're prepared to talk to me about that but if we look at line 2150 transfer from TIF to better place so that's one example line 250
2150. It's in I think that's in the better place fund section, >> right? If you look at 2150, it says transfer from TIFF. It came into better place, right? Is revenue. >> All right.
Why Why would we do that? >> Why would we be transferring money from TIF? that if you don't have to talk tonight, I want to know that before we go any further with budgeting and I want to understand that >> I had some of the same question, but I was going to wait for this.
>> I am. So that what I'm what my hand is saying I'm not looking for you to answer right now. Okay. I'm telling you, these are the kinds of questions that's going to happen. And I would love for you to be prepared to address any of those transfer ins and outs, especially from one fund to another where funds are
reserved for a specific thing. That that's that's an example. So, I'm I'm going to say that in every fund where there are transfers in and transfers out, I'd like to understand what is happening. what is the um finance
department's rationale or methodology and I because it's it and the reason I'm asking because I'm also looking for a better way if this is not acceptable to us because of the um
you know those funds can only be used for a certain way. So for me looking at this in detail this year, that's why I said it looks muddled to me when these funds need to be separated. I I have concerns and it you may have a rational answer, but looking without
hearing from you, I I'm concerned. Okay. Thanks. >> All right. I'm sorry. One other thing, Miss Cardi, you talked about some big paper you got and all that. I don't want that. >> I'mma go ahead and ask you to have your staff put it in an executive format for
us that provides us all the information, but not that. >> Thank you very much. Don't peacemail us anymore. Please and thank you. I we got to have it complete because it's very difficult for us to make decisions when we're getting email here, email here. Please present it. No problem. >> Thank you.
>> For the future, for people in the community that may want that information, it needs to be informed of that. >> You are friendly. So that people are not dealing with >> and I think that information if we
get out once we get our website up to par those working documents can always be a part of our website and we can point our citizens to that information so they have it at their uh
>> their fingertips. But I want to make a statement and I have the the honor of serving as the chair of the finance audit committee. And one thing that I remember and if I'm saying it wrong, Miss Pierre, I want you to correct me.
This time of year is like the Super Bowl for you. >> Yes, you said it. >> And if this is time of year is the Super Bowl, >> put us in a position to win. Okay, I was talking about the audit, but
okay, >> World Cup, whatever you want. >> We need it bigger, we can make it bigger. >> And I also want to >> and I want to make a statement to our department heads as well. And I think it uh Commissioner Jones uh made mention of
it in this season as we look for sustainable growth. As Commissioner Davis always states, I think that when you all are having these conversations, if we say no, it's not because we don't
want you to have what you feel that you need to have. we are putting ourselves in a position because a lot of times when we go to Tallahassee or when we have these conversations you all are not necessarily privy to them. So we see what could possibly be coming down the
pipeline and if we don't put ourselves in a position to be on the front line combating or be on the defense to make sure that hey I know this is what you need but in this time we don't know what this legislative
uh session is going to conclude with and it may have been something there that could have helped us give you what you want but being that it wasn't there or it's not there or the future of this that and the third may go one way. That's why it's hard for all of us
during this budget season, but we want to make sure that we give you, as Commissioner uh Jones stated, what you need in order to just make it for that next budget cycle because it's not saying that we may not be able to get it for you. But at this time when you
having if we say no, I promise you it's not out of spite. It's out of love because we still have to put this this community in a position to be ready for whatever trickles down from our state and our national government. >> Anything else?
>> Just a comment that we have fees that we I will also be presenting to you to consider. Um I know this is a bad word but I want to just say it increase the fees some somehow we have to consider compensating for potential loss of
revenue in abilorum >> and so we have >> or decrease expenses >> that's right that's accommodation >> and when we and when we have those conversations when we have those conversations make sure >> one thing that I work I used to work for attorney Benjamin Crom make it to where
even a kindergartner would understand it. Okay. >> So that means if anyone who doesn't understand the jargon that we speak in these chambers when we're talking about the possibility of increasing fees, we want to make sure that everyone is at
its simplest form so that everyone would have a understanding of what it looks like and not just the high level and we miss them. And so when it comes down to implementation of it, >> that's not what we said. this was that
this that and the third. So again, as we have these conversations, we have to be mindful of how we put it out so that all citizens have the ability to soak it in and take it into consideration as we move forward. >> Thank you for all you do.
We have a motion.