CRA staff presented a draft fiscal year 2025–26 budget for the Dade City Community Redevelopment Agency and asked the board for direction; no formal vote was taken at the meeting.

"Our CRA receives the tax increment financing from the city and county each year, which funds our redevelopment activities within the CRA district," a staff presenter told the board. The proposed budget for FY 2025–26 is anticipated to be $617,432, about 6% higher than the prior year, staff said.

Staff outlined recommended allocations and increases for key budget lines. Professional and contractual services — which cover the annual CRA audit, legal expenses, title work and tax‑increment studies — was previously budgeted at $40,000; staff recommended adding $75,000 to that line to reach a total recommendation of $115,000 to pay for a flight study, TIF studies and legal work related to an expansion and extension of the CRA. Equipment and supplies would increase from $775 to $25,000 to allow for pedestrian elements such as Christmas lights, art pieces and banners after a planned Seventh Street streetscape. The land acquisition line was recommended to increase from $200,000 to $400,000 to allow quicker purchase of parcels that become available, including potential pocket parks and parking improvement sites.

Staff emphasized that the CRA may only spend CRA funds on items that meet three conditions: the item must be in the budget, in the redevelopment plan and specific to CRA activities rather than citywide projects. The draft budget will be brought back as part of the city's overall budget process, with final adoption expected in September.

Board members asked questions about the draft; staff said the numbers will be refined and returned as part of the formal budget process. No formal board action was taken at the meeting.