FY 2026 Adopted Budget - Flipbook - Page 54
¾ The City Manager and Economic Development Director meet regularly with Business leaders
and prospective businesses to identify and address needs.
2. Promote economic development incentives on the City’s website and social media.
¾ The Public Relations Manager continues these efforts and re-designed the City’s website.
3. The City has renewed its Community Redevelopment Agency in the Downtown area for
another term.
¾ The CRA Review Committee continues to review and collect input on CRA projects and
initiatives.
¾ The CRA Review Committee evaluates the effectiveness of incentive programs and adjusts as
necessary. All incentive programs must show a return on investment to the taxpayer;
otherwise, the program must be considered a grant.
4. Identify and market City-owned properties for development of both commercial and
residential properties.
¾ The City will solicit and accept bids on specific residential parcels.
5
Add to the City’s brand identity “Eustis Gateway to the Harris Chain of Lakes” and “Bass
Tournament.”
¾ Attract two major fishing events with weigh-ins at the City docks.
¾ For fully activating the scenic waterfront, the City has authorized vendors to provide
watercraft rental services for increased recreational opportunities.
¾ As part of Georgefest, the City supports the Bass Tournament in Honor of PFC Derek Gibson.
GOAL #3: To Provide Quality, Cost-effective Public Services.
Strategic Priorities
To Ensure Competent and Effective Government
To Plan for a Secure Future
To Develop and Maintain Functional Infrastructure
Strategies
1. Maintain the financial viability of the City.
¾
City Manager’s Office:
x
¾
Conduct a City-wide Strategic Plan study for the next decade of the City of Eustis’
development and begin implementation in FY 2024/25
Finance Department:
x
The proposed budget for FY 2025/26 balances recurring revenues and recurring
expenditures in the General Fund. The City maintains over $11 million in the reserves
over and above the 90-day operating amount.
x
A water and sewer rate study began by an independent consultant in FY 2023/24. The
results were available in September 2025, and it is anticipated the resulting rates will be
implemented in FY 2025/26. The study also includes an analysis of the City’s utility system
x
The study also includes stormwater and impact fees. Stormwater rates have remained
unchanged for over a decade
x
The City’s millage rate had not increased since 2013, however the commission voted to
reduce the millage rate for FY2026 by lowering the rate to 7.3898 from 7.510 in prior years.
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