- April 23, 2024
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Palm Coast's millage rate for the coming fiscal year will be 4.6989 cents per $1,000 of taxable value — the same rate as the current one. Because of rising property values, the coming year's millage rate will be an increase of 3.88% over the rollback rate, which is the rate that would bring in the same dollar amount of tax revenue as the city received in the current year.
The City Council approved the millage rate and the city's $211 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year unanimously during a special meeting on Sept. 23. The coming year's budget is about 3.3% higher than the current year's revised budget, according to a presentation by city Finance Director Helena Alves.
Palm Coast's budget for the coming year may require more adjustment than usual because of COVID-19's impact on the city's and the state's tax revenue.
The city may also alter what it spends on policing after a joint meeting scheduled for January between city government, county government and Flagler County Sheriff's Office representatives.
“I am happy to see another one of our beautiful amenities open to the public. The Community Center is so important to our residents, and this safety plan protects our community while allowing these vital services to continue."
— MILISSA HOLLAND, Palm Coast mayor
Palm Coast receives law enforcement services through the FCSO, sharing the cost of supporting the law enforcement agency with the county.
FCSO Chief Mark Strobridge, filling in for Sheriff Rick Staly, addressed the Palm Coast City Council during the Sept. 23 meeting.
"We are good stewards of your tax money in providing law enforcement services at a contract cost of an annual of $42.42 per household," Strobridge said, citing a 47% reduction in crime since 2017 and a 67% reduction in traffic fatalities in 2018, after the city decided to fund five additional deputy positions.
"We are looking forward to working together in a joint city-county discussion on a longterm staffing project and plan for the Sheriff's Office which is fiscally responsible and also gives a level of service that your residents expect," he added.
The city has committed to funding two additional deputies who will start in January 2021, plus another two who will start in October 2021 or somewhat earlier, if revenues allow. One additional deputy will be funded through a public-private partnership starting in October, Strobridge said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-244 on Sept. 25, moving all of Florida’s 67 counties into Phase 3 of the state's COVID-19 plan.
The order lifts restrictions such as capacity caps on businesses like bars, restaurants and gyms, and bans most COVID-19-related local ordinances that would prevent people from working or operating a business.
The phased reopening of the Palm Coast Community Center began Sept. 28 with the resumption of normal operating hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with capacity limited to 50 people at a time.
Programming will resume gradually in a block format, and city Parks & Recreation staff are inviting previous program participants to act as focus groups, according to a city news release.
“We’ve made many changes to ensure a safe environment, such as protective glass and foot pulls on the restroom doors," Parks & Recreation director Lauren Johnston said in the news release.
People entering the Community Center are screened with temperature checks and a questionnaire. Mask are required in all common areas and in situations where it is not possible to keep at least 6 feet of distance between people.
