Commission approves first readings of budget and fee schedule; discusses millage and $3M fire-station grant

The City Commission of Crescent City approved first readings of the operating budget (Ordinance 2026-14) and the fee schedule (Ordinance 2026-15), and the commission scheduled final votes for Sept. 24.

Commissioners debated the millage rate during the meeting. One commissioner noted the rollback rate would be 8.1734 and said staff advised that adopting that rollback would leave about $75,000 less than the proposed budget. A separate proposal to adopt a historic-average millage of 8.5914—reducing projected revenue by roughly $17,003.40—failed for lack of a second. "The rollback rate would be 8.1734," a commissioner said, adding that the staff had estimated the revenue impact at about $75,000.

The commission amended the budget presentation to move a $3,000,000 state appropriation for a new fire station out of a general-revenue line and into grant/loan proceeds, and added a separate line item for a 1% infrastructure surtax (Better Place Plan) in the Better Place Plan fund. City staff said the $3,000,000 is an appropriation tied to the fire-station project and should be accounted for separately in the general fund's revenue schedule.

Commissioners also discussed utility and service fee adjustments contained in the fee schedule, including annual 5% water/wastewater increases and an adjustment to the gas minimum rate. Staff said increases are intended to restore enterprise fund health after several years of deferred rate changes.

The amended budget and fee schedule passed first reading on recorded roll calls; the commission set final readings for Sept. 24.