During the recent Special Meeting of the Flagler Beach City Commission, a significant discussion centered around the proposed budget for the upcoming year, particularly regarding the hiring of a new utility engineer. Concerns were raised about the escalating costs associated with engineering positions, which have surged from $90,000 three years ago to over $330,000 when including benefits for the new proposed hire.

Commissioner Bill Huemer expressed strong reservations about the budget increase, stating he would vote against it unless the utility engineer position was removed. He emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, especially in light of the city's financial commitments.

In contrast, Commissioner Spradley highlighted the pressing infrastructure needs in Flagler Beach, noting that residents frequently inquire about the progress of stormwater and other essential projects. He argued that while the costs are rising, the city requires adequate engineering support to address these urgent needs. Spradley advocated for maintaining the budget as proposed, suggesting that cutting the position could hinder necessary progress.

The city manager supported the idea of removing the utility engineer from the budget, indicating that if a need arises later in the year, the commission could amend the budget to reinstate the position. This approach was met with agreement from several commissioners, who acknowledged the importance of flexibility in budgeting while ensuring that any future hiring would require further approval.

Ultimately, the commission reached a consensus to remove the utility engineer position from the budget for now, with the understanding that any future hiring would be contingent upon demonstrated need and would require a formal budget amendment. This decision reflects the commission's commitment to addressing immediate community needs while maintaining fiscal prudence.

As the city moves forward, residents can expect continued discussions on how best to allocate resources for infrastructure improvements and the potential for future staffing adjustments as projects progress.