[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",5976331,"mediaKeyId","5842313-97882010445dd1211c54f48ccba3e144","parentId",5842313,"title","Newberry CRA approves FY2026 budget; facade grants, murals and park upgrades highlighted","audioSeconds",230,"startMs",5800000,"endMs",6030000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842313-97882010445dd1211c54f48ccba3e144&start=5800&end=6030","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842313-97882010445dd1211c54f48ccba3e144/thumbnail_5800000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5976331/Florida/Newberry-CRA-approves-FY2026-budget-facade-grants-murals-and-park-upgrades-highlighted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976331-9968076d24c00d9f608753db823872be/orig.mp4?Expires=1775362226&Signature=apNukxV1PqqqUxLqQXEyKw58oSCT1Vjx1Z5p5G~2NOFYALR5XPHiLebLIqigMVz9pL3EKUbSZwCmyQrh90gWiJnTgWLQu7WX-7eXDRyJiEbDdT2nV5Vsenh9JJ-5DDtcaFhNxZcmCCbmTOAiZUGajqp04h~czGAyQtLUqlNYEo6VnXbM5XPXSU40vMaIOQvYnqATKauNfyY7WGkQ1CCyCRaw-o5sEsIjIEM3bszS84ZjW6vhKwErueVkJyK0OpdUE~TmushQHsbqN7XvyI0gBvnOdPUNrHRoDvfDp-1t-bBzuq-ixh49WbyceX4LwFmjI1qJCZqCNaTfSUECT5V0Wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Newberry, FL","date","2025-09-23T12:50:08Z","article","The City of Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency approved its FY2026 budget on Sept. 22 and reviewed recent downtown projects that agency staff and commissioners said are part of a renewed focus on downtown revitalization.

Dallas Lee, who presented the municipal budget earlier, was joined in CRA remarks by CRA executive staff who summarized recent facade grant activity, downtown cleanups and murals. CRA staff highlighted a facade grant that remodeled a storefront used by Quick Care Medical Spa, a code-enforcement removal of a collapsing trailer, and a tree removal at a residence in financial need. The CRA also recently completed murals — with partial Alachua County funding — and installed a bench and sidewalk paid for by a donation from Quickrete, staff said.

The FY2026 CRA budget presented to the board shows total revenue of about $610,000 (city and county contributions plus interest), and line-item spending that includes roughly $127,050 for grant programs (facade, vibrancy and event grants), about $62,000 for professional services/contract work, and approximately $800,000 for infrastructure projects including upgrades at Lewis Fortè Park, downtown stormwater basins, streetlight and sidewalk improvements and landscaping. Staff noted the budget relies on fund balance to cover the difference between planned expenses and revenue.

A public speaker, Technical Sergeant Anthony Tepen of the U.S. Air Force, thanked the board for the recent Veterans Memorial at Lewis Fortè Park. Commissioners and staff praised CRA staff, singled out Chelsea (CRA program staff) and noted continuing downtown work and partnerships with Main Street and the Chamber of Commerce.

Ending: The CRA budget envisions continued grant programs and infrastructure work in the downtown redevelopment area. Board members urged promotion of grant programs and said the agency intends to support additional façade, cleaning and vibrancy projects in the coming year.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Newberry Commission Meeting - September 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Community Redevelopment Agency adopted its FY2026 budget and reviewed recent downtown work — facade grant, mural installations, tree removal and demolition — and budgeted funds for infrastructure and grants to continue downtown revitalization.","taxTitle","City of Newberry , Alachua County, Florida","taxId",71804,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5976338,"Board approves Wawa site plan for Highland Park: 6,372-square-foot store, 16 fueling positions",1056,4984000,6040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842313-97882010445dd1211c54f48ccba3e144&start=4984&end=6040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842313-97882010445dd1211c54f48ccba3e144/thumbnail_4984000.jpg","/articles/5976338/Florida/Board-approves-Wawa-site-plan-for-Highland-Park-6372-square-foot-store-16-fueling-positions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976338-4914c13edd74105d1981f1f4c6f5fc7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775362226&Signature=A8Hod6KU4tyEnewcZTYDBad8JFAqjbOpmOf90sXftsnhM948qoA-t3i5fHfOob~5FdOeyytkdwHacH0im59ElhVfFACW7XOsqUnjqV3BSaiU~mlkcC6NHLg~MnRHxDjHxcrh9T27398Oa8vA9dV-iY7XaWM7mH50smy14Foo54s-XgC~6aR0AD-HELfOx4zN22hY6zYt5-1BGdIdxU6z725HgYCsSfY5wRgD-QhIcRIOUeCyX2RG46CjcsNu5ayYJfL9BKWHIZz4hTgNFkb29HUQCS2WoGul5DMvKh0yshWlw2B2iLN3ZKjx3Lh4p0N5PnuRAP2Mn6oUkmHU8jGo0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Newberry’s board of adjustment, convened as the quasi-judicial body, approved a site and development plan for a Wawa convenience store and canopy with 16 fueling positions within the Highland Park planned development at a Sept. 22 hearing. The resolution approving the site plan was adopted unanimously.

John Paul Perez, community development staff, summarized the application and the Planning & Zoning Board’s prior recommendation. The plan covers approximately 2.27 net acres within the commercial component of Highland Park and calls for a 6,372-square-foot convenience store with a fuel canopy and 16 fueling positions. Perez explained the project’s layout, landscaping buffers and how the site falls within the gateway overlay district; because the project predated an updated gateway standard, staff applied the previous 15-foot buffer rather than the newer 25-foot requirement.

Perez said the applicant provided elevations and material samples; he noted the code requires multiple materials and the project shows three distinct materials on the elevations. Staff and the applicant discussed lighting, canopy tilt and glazing; staff said rooftop mechanical equipment will be screened behind parapets and lighting will be dark-sky friendly except for the fuel canopy area. The applicant and owner (Newberry Plaza LLC/Grama) also provided a service-drive maintenance agreement showing maintenance responsibilities for private access drives that the city will not accept for maintenance.

The resolution includes conditions to be satisfied before issuance of a building permit: accurate scaled dumpster enclosure plans, final architectural drawings showing rooftop screening, as-built agreements for at-grade improvements, and representations on signage. Perez noted the commercial component currently allows a single sign for the development under code; the applicant intends to pursue signage through subsequent approvals or variances.

No members of the public spoke at the hearing. After staff presentation and an opportunity for questions, the board moved and seconded the resolution; the vote to approve was unanimous.

Ending: The approved site plan advances the Wawa project to the building-permit stage subject to the conditions listed in the resolution. Staff and the applicant committed to resolving outstanding design and maintenance items prior to permit issuance.","A quasi-judicial hearing resulted in approval of a site and development plan for a Wawa convenience store and 16 fueling positions in the Highland Park planned development; staff noted conditions to be met before building permit issuance.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5976343,"Commission approves rezoning for 9.6-acre site; applicant says concrete batch plant will use modern dust and water controls",306,2189000,2495000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842313-97882010445dd1211c54f48ccba3e144&start=2189&end=2495","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842313-97882010445dd1211c54f48ccba3e144/thumbnail_2189000.jpg","/articles/5976343/Florida/Commission-approves-rezoning-for-96-acre-site-applicant-says-concrete-batch-plant-will-use-modern-dust-and-water-controls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976343-00409d59d68559e23ee854bc90e51bae/orig.mp4?Expires=1775362226&Signature=kctHMaOykojM3POaY98jlnHSAwThMK7f9JQHyjt0BaFe5SjGjbUqXBoJMhy6MMSIW-~fOhwICCA5qAwR-3XnTzSPcx~j2znV8gd9MSSeHi1qmmPJScQXX8BSwHsjSaPwVe40ia84pyG-Bt6MnKQpK4xTWaDvYA-0OZ98NMpWeyKaKB6mpzeviLhyusCVaSmGmWvuQM7BaIxN4HCdf9LkUgpGv-IN9kX9Z~GcqTRvONmg6KrYbF0fx~a0WQ-6w2A6j~NSOV4RPG8Z9W8yqStaQK-LQXFgZuW8ZNDwvTLUxGkceZFRHyLgUp3FGePOPxqQ1IVArW3XkThryWPpFYJY9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Newberry City Commission voted 2–1 on Sept. 22 to adopt an ordinance rezoning a recently annexed 9.6-acre parcel from Alachua County agricultural designation to Newberry’s Industrial (I) zoning. The rezoning was the subject of a quasi-judicial proceeding; the commission heard staff overview, the applicant’s presentation and then deliberated before taking a vote.

John Paul Perez, community development staff, summarized the application and said the Planning & Zoning Board had recommended approval at its August 18 meeting. Applicant Bridal Hercules spoke on behalf of the proposal and provided a detailed description of the concrete batch plant equipment and mitigation measures. Hercules said the company will relocate from a leased, older site and invest in a new owned site with modern equipment. \"This is the most high-tech system that we can place here in Newberry, and it truly controls dust,\" Hercules said, describing manufacturer-supplied dust cartridges and filtration that the applicant cited as capturing more than 99.5% of dust at loadout for particles 0.2–2 microns in size.

Hercules also described site design elements to limit environmental effects: concrete paving for truck and aggregate areas, detention and clean-out pits to capture wash water, on-site pH testing and treatment, water recycling to keep aggregate wetted and a 1,200-psi truck wash system to remove material before trucks leave the site. He said older equipment on the company’s current leased site would be dismantled and removed.

Perez noted the city had already received a special-use permit application for a concrete batch plant; that permit application will be considered separately under the city’s land-development rules. The commission conducted the quasi-judicial process described on the record — staff presentation, applicant remarks under oath, an opportunity for cross-examination and findings under the “competent substantial evidence” standard. No public speakers appeared to oppose or support during that item, and no cross-examination was requested.

The ordinance to rezone the parcel was approved following the procedure and vote. The commission’s attorney advised the body it must make factual findings supported by competent, substantial evidence to approve the rezoning; the recorded proceedings show the commission found such evidence sufficient.

Ending: The rezoning clears the way for the applicant’s next step — a special-use permit and detailed site approvals for a concrete batch plant. Applicant statements and the staff report describe industry-standard dust collection and water-control systems; the permit review process will be the forum to examine technical plans and conditions.
","The commission rezoned a recently annexed 9.6-acre parcel to Industrial and approved the process to consider a special use permit for a concrete batch plant; the applicant described dust-collection, water recycling and truck-wash systems that he said meet current standards.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5976346,"Newberry approves electric, water and wastewater rate ordinances after staff hearing; electric vote split 2–1",243,1297000,1540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842313-97882010445dd1211c54f48ccba3e144&start=1297&end=1540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842313-97882010445dd1211c54f48ccba3e144/thumbnail_1297000.jpg","/articles/5976346/Florida/Newberry-approves-electric-water-and-wastewater-rate-ordinances-after-staff-hearing-electric-vote-split-21","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976346-863a33cf506345f11cb9c81e3b98e2ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1775362226&Signature=JFPeFg62pcVAoSbvl1JwRTkydhFpfVMDGatZ~s-L24OjSyoxStJwtijiOaQYG3QzV-Uopjt3lsx8dNF5QbbtwUm-aLCW9jIBp1ksH4GtK8PmsZl2pdW9rVxuEMMOFVUJlQ5mTuyAPPhCf92NwnHPxNw9Fibh7AygG6DxWG-nOZloZlVbGSLXDsriGwXVpWD1AXZUkYyiTD8~2sqUtRDsOPC67FlXQLlpRbpmlnW3OjC5hXuZUa08r8E1p9yvL-TzIQTgAtPOEydKAPKjKzviNhJsrJUsfwNyCtkuootQ9DkX4oU2DtGZqv3YwWSFBGU7TtS3sk2uOCzq4Rxj1T8log__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newberry City Commission on Sept. 22 enacted three separate ordinances revising utility rates for electric, water and wastewater services. The measures were considered as part of the city’s final budget hearing and were enacted on second reading.

Dallas Lee, assistant city manager and CFO, told the commission staff models show many of the city’s utility costs are fixed or rising, and recommended adjustments to preserve financial health and support planned infrastructure. Lee said residential electric adjustments were proposed at 4.5 percent (an average residential impact he described as $5.31 per month), water rates at 7.5 percent (about $4.30 per month), and wastewater at 8.5 percent (about $5.91 per month).

The commission acted on three ordinances: Ordinance 2025-69 (electric), Ordinance 2025-70 (water) and Ordinance 2025-71 (wastewater). On the electric ordinance the roll-call procedure produced a 2–1 outcome; the transcript records the motion passed 2–1 after roll call. The water and wastewater ordinances also passed with the same 2–1 tallies. Staff said customers were notified of proposed changes in the city’s August utility bills and that the city will file reports with the Florida Public Service Commission as required.

In presenting the electric ordinance, the city attorney read code provisions and the ordinance title on the record. Staff said the rate adjustments were discussed at a commission utility budget workshop and that the adjustments are intended to keep Newberry’s rates competitive while making the utilities self-sustaining. Lee reiterated that the revenue from the increases will support operating expenses and future required infrastructure investments that staff and the commission identified during the budget process.

No public commenters addressed the rate changes during the hearing. The record includes motions and seconds on the dais (motions by Commissioner Maison; seconds by Commissioner Long on several items). The ordinances were enacted on second reading with the votes recorded; staff indicated that technical actions and reports required under state law will follow.

Ending: The commission enacted the three utility rate ordinances as part of the FY2025–26 budget process; staff said the increases are intended to sustain utility finances and fund capital improvements. The electric ordinance passed 2–1 on roll call; water and wastewater measures passed with the same division.
","The commission enacted ordinances to raise electric, water and wastewater rates as part of the FY2025–26 budget. Electric ordinance passed 2–1; water and wastewater ordinances also passed 2–1. Staff said increases are needed to sustain utility operations and fund infrastructure.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5976349,"Newberry approves $75.1 million FY2025–26 budget; staff presentation and resolution record slightly differ on millage rate",1215,405000,1620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842313-97882010445dd1211c54f48ccba3e144&start=405&end=1620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842313-97882010445dd1211c54f48ccba3e144/thumbnail_405000.jpg","/articles/5976349/Florida/Newberry-approves-751-million-FY202526-budget-staff-presentation-and-resolution-record-slightly-differ-on-millage-rate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976349-9310f25ebb75d5121a86cd9ad92d3f13/orig.mp4?Expires=1775362226&Signature=OeFEvCGqEYm4Avgey41~lBbVRljaAyw49s3TwzWr9GZjohiS1X-zx6zRyCzuYaqNARrqegq1apGNVdE7f0pTsLvKKVPwcMe7JWmOkYPVu-BdynlnAmzH8tTeJFdtZ5hEMhlRb-o0PjYSoE3ayC4niDzqbRvDFDfLWyWwWgInaQtlWj-B~H92S4HD1HJ~4OD-a5fdXC2JywuREUMqTu-ozHvUZFUHzilIuQY2v6ZR3Ax2Qq3CTxYwjyuLBUiVqu8LIXuQTM3WGg9mHpkRwe8cv0Xo55iZqSYFQVpwvxL-7jhZjR62FQJk99sZy3bYHVHIyC5ssF29Lxu2ZP0HjydfiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Newberry City Commission on Sept. 22 adopted the city’s fiscal year 2025–26 final budget and approved a final millage rate after a required public hearing. Commissioners voted unanimously to pass the resolutions that finalize the budget and levy ad valorem taxes. Dallas Lee, assistant city manager and chief financial officer, led the staff presentation and described the budget as “balanced” and positioned to support major capital projects.

The budget matters because it funds the city’s operating needs, utilities and planned capital investments, including a planned $10,000,000 utility relocation for the State Road 26 Twin Pairs project and what staff described as the city’s largest-ever capital project, a regional wastewater treatment plant expansion. Lee told the commission Newberry’s taxable value grew about 8 percent to nearly $884 million, allowing staff to recommend a lower rate in some presentations while preserving capacity for the projects.

Most of the hearing consisted of staff explanations of the TRIM notice process, the proposed millage and the budget totals. Lee said the city’s combined “revenues and other financing sources available” total $75,124,284, with $8,414,344 carried forward in reserves. He said the proposed general fund budget is $15,277,194; enterprise funds total $52,513,850; debt service totals $402,650; special revenue funds total $4,983,138; capital improvement funds $190,262; and internal service funds $1,757,190. Lee also presented household utility impacts staff estimated at about $5 more per month for electric, $4 for water and $6 for wastewater for an average household.

On millage, staff repeatedly described the proposed final millage as 5.88 mills and noted that figure is 3.16% higher than the rollback rate of 5.6995 mills. Later in the record the city attorney read language stating the commission had determined “a proposed final millage rate of 5.8088 mills is necessary.” The commission nevertheless voted to adopt the title-only resolutions presented that evening. Resolution 2025-44 (adopting the final tax rate) and Resolution 2025-45 (approving the final budget and five-year capital improvement program) were both moved and seconded on the dais and passed by unanimous voice vote.

City Manager (name not specified) thanked the finance team and department heads for their work in shaping what he called a difficult but necessary budget. He and Lee emphasized that the budget is intended to maintain services and prepare Newberry for several large infrastructure projects the commission identified as priorities, including an elevated half-million-gallon water storage tank east of downtown, a new utilities and public works operations center, and a second electric feed to improve system resilience.

No taxpayer comments were offered during the public comment portion of the hearing. The commission approved the budget after the staff presentation and brief internal discussion. The commission also authorized staff to make technical changes as needed to finalize documents for the official record.

Ending: The adopted resolutions set Newberry’s FY2025–26 spending plan in motion and fund a string of multi-year infrastructure projects staff described as foundational to the city’s growth. The record contains two different millage figures presented at different moments of the meeting (5.88 mills in the staff presentation and 5.8088 mills in the ordinance language read aloud); the commission adopted the budget and tax-rate resolutions as presented on Sept. 22.
","The Newberry City Commission adopted a $75.12 million fiscal 2025–26 budget and approved a final property tax rate after a public hearing; staff presented 5.88 mills while the resolution text recorded 5.8088 mills. The budget funds major infrastructure projects and utility operations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Newberry CRA approves FY2026 budget; facade grants, murals and park upgrades highlighted

Board approves Wawa site plan for Highland Park: 6,372-square-foot store, 16 fueling positions

Commission approves rezoning for 9.6-acre site; applicant says concrete batch plant will use modern dust and water controls

Newberry approves electric, water and wastewater rate ordinances after staff hearing; electric vote split 2–1

Newberry approves $75.1 million FY2025–26 budget; staff presentation and resolution record slightly differ on millage rate