FY 2026 Adopted Budget - Flipbook - Page 57
¾ Evaluate options and benefits regarding utility service expansion in the eastern service
area (Heathrow/Sorrento).
¾ Parks & Recreation Department:
x
Improve the Palmetto Point Park Multipurpose field for usage
x
Reinstitute swimming lessons for the public
x
Implement a Parks and Recreation Board
4. Provide opportunities for effective, timely public input on City programs and activities.
¾ The policies of the City Commission mandate that every action item must be included in
the agenda, ensuring that the public is informed and provided with a chance to provide
comments.
¾ The City holds two public hearings in September regarding the proposed annual budget.
5. Recruit & retain quality employees.
¾ The Human Resources Department developed a competitive compensation/benefits plan to
recruit and retain quality employees that will place total compensation and benefits, including
pension, vacation, and sick days, in the top quartile of a weighted average of the private and
public sectors in the labor market area.
¾ The City has supplemented the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) with an increase of
$1,000 flat pay. This is specifically designed to mitigate compression concerns that arise
when both minimum wage adjustments and current employee wages are simultaneously
increased.
6. Continuously improve, diversify, and expand public communication and input.
¾ Economic Development added a new Community Redevelopment Coordinator to assist with
the CRA.
Actions
1. Continue to update park and recreation user fees.
¾ Allow the Aquatic Center to operate year-round.
¾ The Parks and Recreation Department evaluates user fees annually and adjusts accordingly.
¾ Updated rental and program fees to continue rental facilities upgrades and improvements to
the programs.
¾ Add in non-residential fees to differentiate non-resident and resident fees.
¾ Provide camp/program scholarships to qualifying City residents.
2. Continue to pursue coordination of Public Safety services within the region.
¾ The Fire and Police Chief both work closely with the County and adjacent cities to enhance
communication and coordination efforts.
¾ The City and the County have established a partnership to enhance coordination,
communication, and efficiency using public safety radios.
3. Review and evaluate long-term options for infrastructure funding and the use of the local
sales tax.
¾ The annual Capital Improvement Plan is utilized by Public Works to evaluate the infrastructure
needs and funding strategies for both the short and long term. The priority of these
assessments is determined by considering the level of risk involved, availability of funds and
other various factors.
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