Bradenton Beach commissioners approved a first reading of the 2024-25 municipal budget during their Sept. 5 meeting at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.
A first reading of a budget ordinance for the community redevelopment agency also was approved Sept. 5.
City treasurer Shayne Thompson reviewed the municipal budget, which is $4, 857,954 in total expenditures, based on maintaining the 2023-24 millage rate of 2.3329.
A rollback rate of 2.1447 would be required to keep property tax revenues at this year’s levels and avoid a tax increase for property owners.
Using the current rate is expected to generate $2,537,083 in ad valorem taxes, an increase from the 2023-24 total of $2,230,288. The city’s taxable value was certified at $1,087,523,358.
Notably, salary increases for city employees and an adjustment to the city’s longevity policy are part of the proposal.
The proposed budget could boost reserves by $250,000, an essential move for emergency preparedness, according to police Chief John Cosby.
Cosby emphasized the importance of maintaining strong reserves during a budget review in July. He said that, following a disaster declaration, the city might need to remain financially solvent for up to six months before receiving federal aid.
Administrative expenditures will increase by $74,254, primarily driven by salary hikes, higher retirement contributions and increases in wind and flood insurance costs.
The commission’s budget is largely unchanged, except for a rise in monthly attorney fees, from $4,000 to $20,000, after exceeding legal expenses in other years.
Police department budgeting will rise by $141,043, mainly due to salary and retirement increases.
Other departments, including code enforcement, planning and community rating systems, also will see slight budget increases, with stormwater and road maintenance seeing additional funding.
The total proposed general fund expenditures for 2024-25 are $4,857,954, which is $359,969 higher than this year.
The commission also tentatively approved the community redevelopment agency budget, which funds local projects like the undergrounding of utilities, sidewalks, lighting and parking improvements. The budget will see reduced expenditures due to postponed capital projects.
Total CRA spending is projected at $344,606 for 2024-25.
Commissioners voted to approve each section of the budget 4-0. Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent.
Thompson said final versions of the city and CRA budgets will have public hearings and a vote at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.
The fiscal year begins Oct. 1.