[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6212905,"mediaKeyId","3682987-00ac769734fd771e6b2b66d337563f35","parentId",3682987,"title","Palatka commissioners add emergency item on Blue Crab Festival amid vendor, operations and contract concerns","audioSeconds",2045,"startMs",13675000,"endMs",15720000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682987-00ac769734fd771e6b2b66d337563f35&start=13675&end=15720","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682987-00ac769734fd771e6b2b66d337563f35/thumbnail_13675000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6212905/Palatka/Putnam-County/Florida/Palatka-commissioners-add-emergency-item-on-Blue-Crab-Festival-amid-vendor-operations-and-contract-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212905-99d73550c86d763d91446a04d7e25710/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442179&Signature=NdWosokHWh0NFK42TwlVw26dfqgAVE81ouqVSSsltTQna315vuYJwAJpQTg4bf643gKHMGCPKriYHMaw-iTt2U52MyREs0skC6S~KwphS9OR4IOHhOVQ505i7uz3U2MwLbD1ypiD~tnbxDYKn0s258JU0UH-iJxaBPUl4y6mYOTuoynQKxhtHE6GDZfxv3nfI9TrDx0xtem4BxNvbQTxkjV2TvWsWpRAip5bhHnpJ0XMVPE~ujgGUqPYfWGFESSPLnltTeGlq3X4egYqRtEFeM60XXodKf4rHUpDTZ7rP2K74m~B0fIuLDoJg~r8a6EJBNcBulr-mX-C1wTdyg8rPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Palatka","date","2025-06-05T00:36:25Z","article","The Palatka City Commission added an emergency item to the agenda and discussed the recent Blue Crab Festival after commissioners and staff reported multiple operational and contractual problems, including gaps in marketing, a promoter who received an advance check, unresolved billing for city services and a written demand from the promoter that staff described as a threat of litigation.

Commissioners recounted that the city had issued a $50,000 check to the promoter and that the city provided police, fire and public‑works services the staff estimated at roughly $35,000–$49,000, depending on the accounting approach; staff said the city had not collected reimbursement for those service costs in the year’s event. The city attorney reported that the promoter had sent a written demand and threatened litigation, and commissioners discussed legal exposure and the need for cautious public statements.

Members debated whether the city should continue to sponsor the festival or seek an RFP process to select a promoter and whether the event should remain a city-sponsored activity or be returned to community organizations. Several commissioners urged that the city not apologize for actions it had taken fully in accordance with signed agreements, while others said at minimum the city should convene a public meeting to gather community input and chart a path for future festivals.

By consensus the commission asked staff to schedule a community meeting so residents, merchants and interested organizations can present proposals and feedback; commissioners said they would then review options and consider an RFP, changes to sponsorship, or a community consortium to run the festival in future years.

The city did not take a final policy action at the meeting; staff and legal counsel were directed to prepare follow‑up materials and a proposed timetable for the commission.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Palatka's CRA/General Budget Workshops","oneSentenceSummary","Palatka commissioners added an emergency agenda item on the Blue Crab Festival and discussed operational failures, unpaid service billing and a promoter demand that legal staff said included a threat of litigation.","taxTitle","Palatka, Putnam County, Florida","taxId",54767,"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},6212909,"Florida CLASS representative pitches daily‑liquidity pool to Palatka officials, cites 4.38% yield",795,10486000,11281000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682987-00ac769734fd771e6b2b66d337563f35&start=10486&end=11281","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682987-00ac769734fd771e6b2b66d337563f35/thumbnail_10486000.jpg","/articles/6212909/Palatka/Putnam-County/Florida/Florida-CLASS-representative-pitches-dailyliquidity-pool-to-Palatka-officials-cites-438-yield","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212909-3703719ad6e6de9f8453939d69de5894/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442179&Signature=GfqNYF6KKdienuiAe5WZeLCVSpqzbR~w0UvO2l5qQEHbVFNuIPNro~fEYRmtprpOnEKye0i7BJXbvQp0fMOWLb9vvgISiqMjIFub~pl8meyb6KWZivRlFTgAIgbzxHIek5xZxHoFKGdmr4NBJg9RXlztbkTKTjbWHtdQkGZroxftz6Fa2ebPF7R452ZF~hC3-E14lso0n8W3AipF9QOUxpCMuv9wxiGHZitxoT22I3p9arXQTWY0c~2o3T8-HIhHgmwBfjrF0t04Y3xn6BnAoHdbOWbY~l4uoksof8lVQLwyWI4yvHoWsbLvvVoPnABb9KbrTMzs2ppxt6mAen9jBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A representative of Public Trust Advisors gave a presentation on Florida CLASS (the state-authorized cooperative investment pool) during the Palatka budget workshop, describing it as a daily‑liquidity vehicle that currently posts a net yield near 4.38% and can pay dividends into participants’ accounts daily.

The presenter said Florida CLASS is authorized under Florida Statute 218.415 and is triple‑A rated by Standard & Poor’s. The pool offers two main share classes: an overnight daily‑liquidity fund (presenter-stated yield: 4.38% at the time of the presentation) and an enhanced cash vehicle that sacrifices some liquidity for a modestly higher yield. The manager’s fee for the pool was stated as 15 basis points, deducted daily from gross yield so participants see a net posted rate.

Commissioners and staff asked for a participant list and for an explanation of why the fund’s yield has decreased from its 2024 highs; the presenter said the fund’s yield follows the federal funds rate and that recent Federal Reserve cuts have reduced short-term yields. Staff said they are evaluating whether to move non‑essential city cash from bank balances into a higher‑yielding vehicle and requested the presenter provide the participant list and additional materials.

The presentation did not bind the city to any transfer; staff said any move would follow internal policy and require banking/treasury steps.

The presenter was identified as a representative of Public Trust Advisors (Florida CLASS).","A representative of Public Trust Advisors (manager of Florida CLASS) briefed Palatka commissioners on the state-authorized Florida CLASS cash fund as an option for city cash balances, noting a current net yield of about 4.38% on the daily liquidity share and explaining fees and liquidity features under Florida Statute 218.415.",{"_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},6212914,"Palatka commission scrutinizes budget strategy, fire-assessment and impact-fee options in workshop",4504,8696000,13200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682987-00ac769734fd771e6b2b66d337563f35&start=8696&end=13200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682987-00ac769734fd771e6b2b66d337563f35/thumbnail_8696000.jpg","/articles/6212914/Palatka/Putnam-County/Florida/Palatka-commission-scrutinizes-budget-strategy-fire-assessment-and-impact-fee-options-in-workshop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212914-68813ae43407df3e7accd22b04420061/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442179&Signature=j0w-d7LYhYXQlTxgemEGLk9eyhgudYyP0rUboXWL0zbA7jmNsMrRcccjvRDov-4BUMiTbcBiECl6yOP2GL9ygxoooO75oPOF7-TBSiI9pC1fvwECK2GCxniUSOj8JGOHfWMWP9NNmt0Q3wBQckX1fic1aRsnNn52zr02t2i8srBvbnn5~d3hs3Mp6D3TFcwW9iCvUGrzjQILRNuSgzO4lgR52U-JFNEBLijLZl-mQZwRzNLrJF1BLYz4QNCtWmqrq2T4RxRIM0~oh~92O139i2DeBoA1J0ElFEfjG593mVvApcfqBQI2PIYzktvE0fr7Wa-F7EgcsNb1nWZRkAIgbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented an early, citywide budget draft during a commission workshop that summarized 2019–2023 revenue and expense trends and proposed a set of temporary reductions to help cover near‑term revenue uncertainty.

Commissioners discussed a staff directive asking departments to prepare budgets about 5% below current levels and debated whether the commission should see full “wish list” requests from departments before edits. Several commissioners urged department-level transparency: staff agreed departments will present their full requests at the June 18 meeting so commissioners can decide which items to trim and which to preserve, with public safety singled out as a priority.

The commission revisited the city’s fire-assessment charge and impact‑fee policy. Staff and commissioners said the fire assessment has been used in prior years to stabilize the budget and acknowledged the public sensitivity to the fee; they described an intent to revisit the assessment amount and the variable/fixed components so the city can provide relief where feasible while maintaining required fire services. Staff cautioned that impact fees must be spent on infrastructure tied to new development and that revenue recognition depends on project completion timing; departments were instructed to identify what portion of projected development‑related impact fees is reasonably expected in the next fiscal year.

Commissioners and staff also discussed city staffing costs and pension contribution rates; staff said upcoming actuarial rates were incorporated into preliminary totals.

No formal budget vote was taken; staff will return with detailed departmental decision units and a revised draft that reflects commissioner direction.","City staff outlined a high-level draft budget and long-term revenue trends while commissioners debated possible reductions, a 5% operating-target, and whether to revisit the fire-assessment fee and impact-fee policy; staff said impact fees are statutorily restricted and advised a measured approach.",{"_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},6212919,"Palatka CRA reviews draft 2025–26 budget; streetscape electrical and pump costs flagged",2147,1497000,3644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3682987-00ac769734fd771e6b2b66d337563f35&start=1497&end=3644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3682987-00ac769734fd771e6b2b66d337563f35/thumbnail_1497000.jpg","/articles/6212919/Palatka/Putnam-County/Florida/Palatka-CRA-reviews-draft-202526-budget-streetscape-electrical-and-pump-costs-flagged","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212919-e94da8439f0c888e9a570dadcaa5289f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442179&Signature=UtrgWExryB1R-IjS1KnW8A2ykO19lkPtoLDWPXkrxZmDjGD4nmMTHA7KtWXR38TYKbtPtw4FuTCRNhiJNZ7DB-zcDOzhVC3CwTnCWO1lO46tLwsTaznwz3F~HkrQYZHZhLnMbIwbygso25bDJSC2Yvex5yib-XkcZip2Do40NGmOmH2HVLpZVpcgkpOyCwIeAiWSNP9ZjDtve~8ZDy~afp5CKNHDmNeCgCftzaVVclkAnKWtZ4LDIFqozsGTPN9HahyLuYmrhwIp65oGToPh70UoKDZpxV96~0C-Adk1jnwaQ-N1AWqY33Z~IYovqDPvFrwkBLsQXN0Op5DN5BZzGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a draft 2025–26 budget to the Palatka Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on June 4, outlining projected revenue from tax increment financing, proposed operating expenses and transfers to capital projects.

The draft projects modest revenue growth from current tax-increment receipts and lists transfers to support downtown police services and major streetscape projects. Staff told the CRA board the draft is conservative and will be updated as more information — including grant awards and firm contractor estimates — becomes available, and asked the board for input before the next meeting.

Board members pressed staff for clearer project-level accounting. The draft includes a transfer to cover two full-time police officers assigned to the downtown district and line items for an electrical connection and pump work tied to the downtown streetscape. Staff said an initial high-end estimate for restoring downtown electrical service was $414,000 but that an engineer’s site review identified existing conduit that could reduce the CRA’s incremental cost; staff said one updated estimate could drop the city portion toward $250,000. For the pump house work, staff said engineers had submitted a current project estimate and that the CRA’s forthcoming budget would reflect the full anticipated expense.

Staff also noted proposed reductions to the building improvement grant fund for 2025–26 to accommodate newly budgeted police and code-enforcement costs; the draft shows smaller grant allocations than the current fiscal year. The presenter described the document as a working draft and asked the board to submit priorities so staff can deliver a revised budget by June 11–13 ahead of the June 18 meeting.

The meeting closed without a formal vote on the draft; a motion to adjourn carried by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will refine revenue assumptions and project cost estimates, break out transfers and capital allocations by line item, and deliver an updated draft to the CRA by mid-June for further review.","City staff presented a first-draft Community Redevelopment Agency budget that projects roughly flat-to-modest revenue growth and includes transfers for police services, streetscape work and capital projects; board members asked staff for a revised draft with project line-item detail by mid-June.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Palatka commissioners add emergency item on Blue Crab Festival amid vendor, operations and contract concerns

Florida CLASS representative pitches daily‑liquidity pool to Palatka officials, cites 4.38% yield

Palatka commission scrutinizes budget strategy, fire-assessment and impact-fee options in workshop

Palatka CRA reviews draft 2025–26 budget; streetscape electrical and pump costs flagged