[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6071906,"mediaKeyId","3032195-4565c50bc0f48862bcf3173654983604","parentId",3032195,"title","City reviews employee benefits and health‑insurance options; ProShare rebate and self‑funding discussed","audioSeconds",201,"startMs",1891000,"endMs",2092000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032195-4565c50bc0f48862bcf3173654983604&start=1891&end=2092","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032195-4565c50bc0f48862bcf3173654983604/thumbnail_1891000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6071906/Crestview/Okaloosa-County/Florida/City-reviews-employee-benefits-and-healthinsurance-options-ProShare-rebate-and-selffunding-discussed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071906-9e08b3991ec676a5e8d51a221d2a366d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186425&Signature=Ap30KFTvx~izxC3sBwiHBcNy4J~2tCH9YZeFJ~ZQlnZKwEMgIf~SnDflg8U4Y7fWRylMQzTpjL9RbsStqTXoMuAt4Fa31~dE3BAk1zWVvh3YLN1U6AIZqkDvwgcE2gcn-cly1vVSjJq3wkKKM~lCVHG4G9iZX4yvhWWel-TgjjoyuTv~TfryXfZQdE7SvniOQyu-utkw~6qa81GiapbqMePv87Rk5loVh-j1BLhuQ2wmSVtWvpkOgpsw05Eez4Viva27KJg21HRWfJw1I7FHT-1J5eNbPAEDyfGsTXXMKR08zhRYDughk7A7SxVo09HHwAJWOHa7sKKYnEkpD41ZLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Crestview, FL ","date","2025-04-02T00:00:00Z","article","City staff outlined personnel and benefits assumptions for the upcoming budget year and summarized health‑insurance cost drivers and options.

Jess (city staff) said staff is beginning projections using a 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) baseline and noted merit increases were previously set at up to 4.5% for some employees. \"We're going to start our projections with a 2% COLA...and when we come back in July, we'll present you with some hard numbers on what that looks like,\" Jess said. Staff reported health‑insurance costs are projected to rise about 3.5% based on the city's agreement with Florida Blue and an employer wellness program that reduces premiums when participation is high.

ProShare and self‑funding discussion
Jess summarized the ProShare retention agreement with Florida Blue that returns a portion of unspent premium dollars to participating local governments; cities may choose how to allocate that rebate (last year it was issued back to employees). Several council members questioned whether returning ProShare dollars to employees was equitable and asked whether switching to a self‑funded plan could lower long‑term costs.

Staff said a self‑funded plan is under consideration but would require an actuarial study and a reserve set‑aside; staff estimated an initial funding reserve in the range of $500,000 to $1,000,000 and said it would require additional in‑house expertise to manage. Staff cautioned that previous abrupt plan changes had negatively affected employee morale and that any move would need to be carefully planned.

Other personnel metrics noted
Staff reported a turnover rate of roughly 7% (below regional local‑government averages of about 10%), current staffing at about 90% of budgeted positions, and expanded wellness and first‑responder life‑scan programs tied to better health metrics and potentially lower claims.

Next steps
Staff will include personnel assumptions and benefit projections in detailed budget models and, if council wishes, will commission an actuarial study and more detailed cost/benefit comparisons of self‑funded versus fully insured plans.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Crestview City Council Budget Workshop 6:00PM - Apr 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff briefed council on personnel-cost assumptions for next year (2% COLA baseline, up to 4.5% merit range) and on health‑insurance trends: projected 3.5% premium increase, participation in Florida Blue's ProShare rebate program, and preliminary exploration of a municipal self‑funded plan.","taxTitle","Crestview, Okaloosa County, Florida","taxId",61210,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6071911,"Council presses staff to sustain sports complex momentum while reviewing Brookmeade, Twin Hills and park upgrades",5249,1031000,6280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032195-4565c50bc0f48862bcf3173654983604&start=1031&end=6280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032195-4565c50bc0f48862bcf3173654983604/thumbnail_1031000.jpg","/articles/6071911/Crestview/Okaloosa-County/Florida/Council-presses-staff-to-sustain-sports-complex-momentum-while-reviewing-Brookmeade-Twin-Hills-and-park-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071911-1149702d37f963685632436bd4962b4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186425&Signature=m7iowp7Eh6dVN0hEwxsvm716GFG3~lLJWDWFN-W~jgHueKtLhTtlvWRs85lFsQh4rUkL5cAVkcQ1qF5-EIlRXU5ZyayIv-0U~xVfvNfVqqY4LeF5lmjq1fWTkUj5UzKEUyaF2qsRccA-d~OPkf0LIQUYiz4v~iHRXk5UJffEg0DuDCmuWBGXJICyCJmp4wp1k0OMBeY~gPf33hfVpaAtbXePCYLb9VmjIjitvQ6dJYphHfanfqsvp92pnNg~2jXSEfy69rzJz8E9C~3ekf1oKWLWZyEkMW4Tv9QGYld8qwxATFfqDgLKXGKT0GnABl2ZqGzBoLQTnXd6B0uwvVaLAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members used the budget workshop to restate strong support for a proposed sports complex and a string of park and recreation upgrades already on the city's multi‑year capital list.

Multiple council members — including Councilman Hayes, Councilman Bullard and Councilwoman Allison — said the sports complex remains a top long‑term priority and urged the city to retain momentum on planning, financing and sponsorship. Councilman Hayes asked staff to pursue public‑ and private‑sector partnerships (including corporate sponsorships and established youth leagues) to help with construction and ongoing operations.

On near‑term park projects, staff said several capital items are in design or pre‑construction and some are funded through dedicated sources:
- Brookmeade Park and the Redstone/Brookmeade corridor: staff said bids have been awarded for some work and the project is in pre‑construction; other portions were separated into two projects to meet stormwater requirements. Tourism/visitor development (TDD) dollars were identified as the funding source for some park enhancements.
- Twin Hills Park and Rotary Park: both projects were carried forward and completed items (splash pad and playground) are now in service; staff also discussed drainage work and potential lighting and camera upgrades.
- Skate/barn cover and RC track improvements at Brookmeade: council suggested modular or incremental approaches — e.g., erecting a barn‑style roof as a first step while waiting on larger funding and full construction bids.

Why it matters
Council members argued the sports complex has strong public support and will attract youth and families, bring tourism value, and create long‑term recreation programming. Staff cautioned that operational costs for indoor or large complexes can be high — staff cited examples from similar facilities where annual operating costs can reach about $1 million — and asked council to consider how to cover both construction and ongoing operating needs if the city proceeds.

Next steps
Staff said the sports-complex consultant will return results from a public survey and updated plans on April 14, and the city has signed an agreement with a financing firm procured through the Florida League of Cities to refine bond and financing options. Council asked for phased options (naming rights, sponsorship tiers, short‑term fixes such as barn covers and concrete steps for restrooms and lighting) to be presented as the next step.","Council members reiterated support for the proposed sports complex and several park upgrades and asked staff to pursue sponsorships, partnerships and incremental steps while final construction costs and financing are developed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6071916,"Council hears update on Fire Station 3 repairs; staff says station crews relocated, quotes repairs 'top priority'",203,666000,869000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032195-4565c50bc0f48862bcf3173654983604&start=666&end=869","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032195-4565c50bc0f48862bcf3173654983604/thumbnail_666000.jpg","/articles/6071916/Crestview/Okaloosa-County/Florida/Council-hears-update-on-Fire-Station-3-repairs-staff-says-station-crews-relocated-quotes-repairs-top-priority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071916-2dab84007d73636397ee060fdfde2851/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186425&Signature=VRy1LUzFKVGcoYnfL2y18bL27RWDKDicfHn0rs3bXI5yPAnQh0uDYucMG8HjttC8IG7HMpUZLs28XW5Kf~WDVhpufhe0KoyBDc8-SlfhcNqlr6PIbvXSYiwT6yVVvJ-1l4TMaIt5hJniQ63LjSiqZKRD2seifCGgi9CLqoGDAYvq5wePmFjACUMrgjZIHIhKixxh7ES2W8RA4GmVpkLAxAKWMcFkUF4ZlgAytUeWdbCd~0ULXVbO1thFOgW9GE6Hektjqq38JB~UK7ccm5ueazvyDX9kpEJKiug7hNv4fcFHYumtDp7D4vC4ZpjFnBBykistv6ZEtBZHJBUd4GPP8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the council that crews from Fire Station 3 have been relocated after an urgent facility issue and that repairing and remodeling the station is among the city's top priorities.

Jess (city staff) said contractors are preparing quotes and staff hopes to have final figures \"by the end of this week.\" She told council the station's crews have been temporarily relocated and the city is pursuing multiple options: an urgent repair contract, the planned remodel that was already on the five‑year capital list, and the potential to combine the urgent work with the scheduled remodel if contractors' schedules and scopes allow. \"We do hope to have those numbers by the end of this week,\" Jess said.

Council members called the station issue a top priority. Councilman Hayes and Councilman Bullard pressed for prompt action and asked whether insurance could offset costs; Jess answered that staff is \"looking into that at the moment, but there are no guarantees.\" Staff said some dedicated funding streams for other capital projects cannot be reallocated to the station (for example, TDD dollars and bond or SRF financing tied to specific projects), but the general fund is the primary source available for urgent station repairs.

Related public-safety issues discussed
- Long‑term: the fire department and staff continue to pursue Advanced Life Support (ALS) expansion and paramedic training; staff said a bill under review could open revenue or fee pathways to fund paramedic training and equipment, but passage is not guaranteed.
- Fleet and apparatus procurement: council was reminded that specialized vehicles (for example, ladder trucks) take multiple years to produce — staff noted an approximate three-year lead time for custom fire apparatus.

Why it matters
Council members emphasized that having an available, safe fire station is a core public-safety function; relocation and temporary measures affect operational readiness and emergency response planning. Members asked staff to return with firm quotes, funding recommendations and timelines for combining urgent repairs with the planned remodel if feasible.

Ending
Staff said it will complete the quote process and present funding and procurement options at the next budget meeting.","City staff briefed council on an urgent issue at Fire Station 3 that required relocation of crews; staff said the repair is a top priority, final contractor quotes are expected this week and staff is exploring insurance and combining urgent and planned remodel work.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6071921,"City staff updates council on water and sewer finances; Jacobs projects 11% rate increase",601,3279000,3880000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032195-4565c50bc0f48862bcf3173654983604&start=3279&end=3880","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032195-4565c50bc0f48862bcf3173654983604/thumbnail_3279000.jpg","/articles/6071921/Crestview/Okaloosa-County/Florida/City-staff-updates-council-on-water-and-sewer-finances-Jacobs-projects-11-rate-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071921-2d36a7216fb2ae7c3e3d10403e4e00ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186425&Signature=J5C~TSyCAVa06DUCuH-G0TQji8Z7jLNCPLi~rnsPHno3tAaIYpGjbH9-yk3PnM0pxIolrppgrvmWcY6elhvvJWiIaMK9bwI8qca2Ep3UQtMnncSGTu56PoY6QFJsyRaXH~izfq1XOXdzwAu0wRraDw7BL-FlXMOaKMwY3cSSQwq1vIJkPPSpFddmSJsWpFjP~X5ltnuNjBPRDjN-D1zKmGfn68GsMa~nSAPyb9kZ--d8ETVEs~oDa7XvaiuV0vRMHAGsnEu3Dunx9YLri6gH5gJMbPkNlYFKBWvoecYqyTdnmqYXSK~1KLdSyMQrsdIdyB4VTMrL6M8j7ZLfuGgt1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Crestview staff told the council the city's utility fund is on a multi‑year trajectory that may require rate increases to support operations and the capital program.

Jess (city staff) said the city provided Jacobs Engineering with an updated project list and is awaiting refreshed numbers; Jacobs' 10‑year pro forma prepared last year recommended an 11% increase to keep operations solvent. \"Last year and this year, it was projected that we would need to go up 11% to keep operations in balance,\" Jess said.

Staff traced the trajectory of prior years' actions: a large 2022 recommended increase (staff negotiated a smaller increase and stretched financing), use of impact and tap fees in 2020–2021 to cover capital, and a phased approach to bond issuance and cost allocations. Finance staff confirmed the utility fund did not transfer its full administrative cost allocation to the general fund during heavy capital years; the study to reapply cost allocations was completed last year and is ready to be implemented when sustainability benchmarks are met.

Council concerns and requests
Council members pressed for concrete, resident‑facing estimates. Councilman Bullard and others asked staff to present what an average residential bill would look like under an 11% increase and to itemize how utility, garbage and other line items contribute to the total bill. Council members noted that bills have already risen substantially in recent years and asked staff to show the bond amortization curve (how increases fall as debt is paid down).

Why it matters
Utilities operate as a user‑fee fund; insufficient rates can force transfers from the general fund (property tax revenue) or deferred maintenance. Staff said the 11% figure is a working projection from last year's study and that Jacobs will provide updated numbers for council review in July.

Clarifying technical points
- The utility study covers combined water, sewer and solid‑waste package rates rather than a single service in isolation.
- Staff said a 2020–2021 negative operating balance was covered by impact fees and tap fees to sustain construction projects; the city then adopted phased rate increases and bond issuance to spread costs.
- Examples given: the cost of a water tower built in 2020 rose substantially by 2024; a current water tower under construction is roughly $5 million, illustrating material cost inflation in capital items.

Next steps
Staff will supply Jacobs' updated pro forma and customer-bill examples at the next meeting, show the debt-service curve and clarify which operating costs (including cost allocation to the general fund) would change under different rate scenarios.","Crestview staff presented a 10-year utilities pro forma prepared by Jacobs Engineering projecting an 11% increase to keep water and sewer operations balanced; council members expressed concern about cumulative recent increases and requested a customer-bill example.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6071926,"Crestview staff outlines budget schedule, proposes 0.1% millage rollback as council weighs priorities",1076,3394000,4470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032195-4565c50bc0f48862bcf3173654983604&start=3394&end=4470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032195-4565c50bc0f48862bcf3173654983604/thumbnail_3394000.jpg","/articles/6071926/Crestview/Okaloosa-County/Florida/Crestview-staff-outlines-budget-schedule-proposes-01-millage-rollback-as-council-weighs-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071926-a241aa1ea66e930dd96fb8df15c6e451/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186425&Signature=hGUiCgrnM1cL2ubsBeU9MbRKojidZ2RJc-eOv-2axOne71mSStrHGJMKfNcQKyzBUfw12tJ8aZQlzP4KRZkeOryUDSnZRrdB6Y~bnA-pT3idwGnXdqTgtutxFhYa1iMKkYeDCuq6V-OMNNCFHgU9UxZSH0J91n8bUQhvE~QIiB0UczPqBBZq5YYRS0CosefRGUiW2ImeqDT~q4hI6LJYn2kzrxSAugHug108g45cGm9OyxiaXwiTwAq0aMXxiBnlVxKx87p08gw8k6NvmNvVsXEjAVhF8V7cAIX7hR16MV3~vRknwj81wrR9ZkY03ueBbhLY8HA7-sTLueBd03~xSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff opened Crestview's annual budget workshop by outlining the schedule for the 2025 budget process and proposing a one-tenth of a mill cut as a starting point for council direction.

Jess (city staff) told council members the city is beginning the budget process earlier this year to accommodate transitions and new members, and that staff will not present firm revenue numbers until the property appraiser issues certified values on July 1. \"We start so early in this process because we want to make sure that we have time to review all of these different requests and make sure they're in line with what you guys have set as our priorities,\" Jess said.

The presentation described a multi-step calendar: department proposals to finance staff this month; review and group discussions; certified property values on July 1; an all-day workshop after certification to finalize numbers; and required first and second budget hearings later in the summer. Staff said the council’s strategic-priority categories (infrastructure, play, safety, community culture) are already attached to line items to explain why projects are advanced or carried forward.

Why it matters: council members repeatedly emphasized public safety, parks and recreation, and long‑term capital projects as budget priorities while expressing concern about rate and tax impacts on residents. Without certified values, staff asked the council for policy direction now so finance can model specific budgets from a clear baseline.

Key details discussed
- Proposed starting millage: staff said it will begin budget modeling with a 0.10 mill reduction from the current rate, using 6.64 mills as the working starting point for discussions. Staff cautioned final impacts cannot be calculated until the property appraiser provides estimated and certified values.
- Schedule and hearings: certified values expected July 1; an all‑day workshop will follow to present firm numbers; state law requires public hearings to adopt millage and finalize the budget.
- Carryforward projects: staff noted many capital projects are multi‑year and funds are routinely carried forward (examples discussed include Main Street revitalization, wastewater upgrades, and park improvements).

Council reaction and direction
Council members said they generally supported lowering the millage but asked staff to show the tradeoffs: what services or projects would be reduced if the council adopts a lower millage versus keeping it flat. Councilman Bullard, Councilman Hayes, Councilman Capps, Councilwoman Allison and Mayor Perchon each named public safety and the sports complex among top priorities; multiple members urged staff to present options showing concrete program and capital impacts for each millage scenario.

Next steps
Staff will return with department requests (due mid-month), updated bond/financing estimates and the property appraiser's certified or estimated values. Council asked staff to provide side‑by‑side scenarios (status quo versus specified millage reductions) showing which capital projects, operating programs or transfers would be affected.

Ending
Staff emphasized the discussion was guidance for modeling only and that no final tax decisions would be made until the certified values and subsequent workshops are complete.","City staff opened Crestview's budget workshop with an early timetable for this year's budget, a proposed 0.10 mill rollback starting point, and a request that council set priorities while staff completes revenue estimates and department requests.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City reviews employee benefits and health‑insurance options; ProShare rebate and self‑funding discussed

Council presses staff to sustain sports complex momentum while reviewing Brookmeade, Twin Hills and park upgrades

Council hears update on Fire Station 3 repairs; staff says station crews relocated, quotes repairs 'top priority'

City staff updates council on water and sewer finances; Jacobs projects 11% rate increase

Crestview staff outlines budget schedule, proposes 0.1% millage rollback as council weighs priorities