Palm Coast council debates $10M water treatment budget amid public concerns

The Palm Coast City Council held a business workshop on July 8, 2025, focusing on the city’s budget and pressing infrastructure needs. A significant point of discussion was the urgent requirement for updates to the city’s water and sewer treatment systems, estimated to cost around $10 million. Residents expressed frustration over the prolonged neglect of these issues, which have persisted for over a decade.

During public comments, community members highlighted the lack of infrastructure funding in the proposed budget, which appeared to prioritize personnel and maintenance over critical projects. One resident noted a 33% budget increase for the economic development planning department, raising concerns about its effectiveness in managing the city’s growth and infrastructure challenges.

The budget also included notable increases in funding for parks and recreation, with a $534,000 rise in maintenance costs, while personnel costs saw a modest 5% increase. The Southern Recreation Center's personnel budget surged by 33%, prompting calls for a review of these allocations.

City officials acknowledged the financial strain, revealing that the city is approximately $500 million in debt concerning water and wastewater treatment. They emphasized the importance of investing in public safety, which now constitutes a larger portion of the budget, reflecting a 17% increase from the previous year.

Concerns were raised about the disparity between the city’s millage rate and that of Flagler County, with residents questioning the rationale behind the county's higher rate despite similar operational budgets. The city manager clarified that the county's budget includes constitutional officers and debt service, which are not present in the city’s general fund.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to reevaluate budget priorities and address community concerns, particularly regarding the water treatment and sewer systems, as the council prepares for further discussions in the coming weeks.