City Council sets maximum millage rate at 4.6989

Palm Coast Observer
News

Palm Coast's City Council at a July 21 meeting set the city's maximum millage rate for the coming fiscal year at 4.6989 — the same rate as the current actual rate. The maximum rate is the rate the city can not exceed when council members set the budget and the actual millage rate later this year.

"My personal observation is that more businesses and more of our citizens are following CDC and public Health Department guidelines ... but we just can’t let up. This isn’t something that’s going to go away this week or next week, and we need to be making smart decisions and constantly reinforcing what the current best thinking on this is to keep our citizens safe."

— BOB CUFF, Palm Coast city councilman

Property values in Palm Coast are increasing about 6.8%, so if the city does decide to hold the millage rate steady, the city will receive an estimated additional $1.6 million in revenue this coming year. The rate that would bring in the same dollar amount as the current year, called the rollback rate, would be 4.5236, according to a city staff presentation.

As of the July 21 meeting, the city was still awaiting information from the state about how state revenue decreases due to COVID-19 will affect the city's share of state tax money.

Also at the July 21 City Council meeting

Christmas in July effort recognized

A July 21 City Council proclamation recognized the work of Christmas Come True, a local nonprofit working to help families that have lost income due to the pandemic.

The council officially recognized the month of July as "Christmas in July."

Christmas Come True, founded by Nadine King in 2009 to help provide a Christmas experience to families affected by the economic crash, will provide assistance with food, rent, car payments, car registrations, car insurance, furniture and home goods, according to the city proclamation.

"Together, we can break the cycle and impact the lives of future generations," Mayor Milissa Holland said. "I just want to recognize Nadine King and the many volunteers that organize and raise funds for this very worthy cause. Thank you for your efforts. It certainly has made an impact and improved the lives of many, including those who have been impacted by COVID-19."

For information on Christmas Come True, go to https://christmascometrue.org.

Proposed storage facility gets initial go-ahead

Palm Coast City Council members have given Bella Cita Storage the council's initial approval for a proposed storage facility on a vacant 23.43-acre parcel on the north side of State Road 100, about 6 miles west of Colber Lane.

The council voted 4-0 to approve the company's technical site plan, which calls for 10 enclosed buildings totaling 130,175 square feet, a 900-square-foot office and a 34,300-square-foot covered RV/boat storage area, plus 58 outside storage spaces for boats and RVs.

Accounting firm selected

City Manager Matt Morton on July 21 received the City Council's approval to negotiate a contract with the certified public accounting firm James Moore & Co. for independent audit services for the city.

The council had ranked three potential firms during a previous council workshop, and James Moore & Co. was the top-ranked firm.

The proposed contract will come back to the council for final approval at a future City Council business meeting.

Among the city's projected expenses for the coming year are four new full-time staff positions: The city hopes to hire three new firefighter-EMTs, and convert two of its part-time Parks and Recreation positions to full-time ones.

The city's first actual budget hearing will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 10, a Thursday. The City Council will vote on its final millage rate and budget on Sept. 23.

Utility assistance available for residents

Palm Coast residents who've been financially impacted by COVID-19 and are having trouble paying their utility bills may get some additional help.

The city government has already been working with residents to suspend late fees and penalties for utility service. (Residents must contact the city for assistance.)

Now, the city has received an extra $299,058 in Community Development Block Grant funding this year through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), and the City Council on July 21 voted to use that money to pay for utility assistance for eligible Palm Coast families.