Commission approves first reading of Longwood budget ordinance; moves city clerk pay line to commission control

The Longwood City Commission on Sept. 4 approved first reading of Ordinance No. 25-2272, the city's FY2025–26 annual budget and five-year capital improvement plan, and directed staff to move the city clerk pay line so the clerk's pay maximum would be established by the commission rather than remain grouped with department directors.

City Attorney Dan Langley read the ordinance language into the record. City staff reported the tentative budget included totals across funds: General Fund $25,429,932; Public Utilities $12,568,696; Public Facilities Improvement $4,236,464; Capital Projects $10,098,661; Stormwater $1,050,385; Other funds $1,246,390; and combined fund reserves of $19,540,851, for a grand total of $74,171,379.

During the post-hearing discussion, Commissioner McMillan asked that the city clerk position be removed from a pay-grade block so the clerk's maximum salary would be "to be determined by the commission," matching the language already applied to the city manager. Commissioner Boney moved to approve first reading of the budget ordinance with that change; Commissioner McMillan seconded the motion. The commission approved the motion by roll call: Deputy Mayor Shoemaker, Commissioner Boney, Commissioner McMillan, Commissioner Morgan and Mayor Brian Sackett all voted yes.

The commission left the numeric pay-range figures in the budget for planning purposes but ordered the clerical pay-line moved to its own line and the wording changed so the pay maximum would be set by the commission.

The ordinance proceeds to a second public hearing and final adoption on Sept. 15, 2025.