The Community Redevelopment Agency adopted its fiscal-year budget after a substantive debate about a proposed $200,000 community‑policing allocation for the Greater Frenchtown Southside district. The Citizens Advisory Committee had recommended removing the $200,000 line item from the draft budget because the CAC said the account’s intended uses were not sufficiently defined; the CRA board followed that recommendation by a 3–2 vote.

What was proposed: The CRA had previously allocated funds under a five‑year agreement with the Tallahassee Police Department for community engagement in the district; the draft FY26 budget included a $200,000 allocation as the next annual installment. CRA staff and police officials said earlier discussions envisioned the funds supporting community outreach, relationship building and limited equipment or training tied to defined uses inside the CRA boundaries.

Why board members split: CAC representatives and some board members said they were not comfortable approving the additional $200,000 without clearer plans for how the money would be spent. “There was objection to the uncertainty of how the money is going to be spent,” staff summarized from the CAC discussion. Other board members warned that removing the line item would leave the police with only prior years’ funds (about $400,000) and argued it is better to keep the line in the budget so resources can be used promptly when a specific program is proposed.

Action and direction: By a 3–2 vote the CRA adopted the budget that reflected the CAC recommendation to remove the $200,000 allocation. The board directed staff to invite TPD to the October CRA meeting to explain how prior CRA community‑policing funds have been used and to present specific proposals for future spending within CRA boundaries. Staff emphasized that TIF reimbursements occur only if increment taxes are received and that any disbursement must remain within CRA program rules.

Context: Staff also presented a broader budget overview at the meeting. The CRA split operating and capital resources between the downtown and Greater Frenchtown Southside districts (roughly 31% downtown, 69% Frenchtown in this plan). Staff said capital commitments include earlier project approvals made during the meeting and that about $2 million of CRA funds remain unallocated across both districts for new opportunities.

Ending: The board’s vote leaves the FY26 budget adopted but signals further review of how the CRA will partner with TPD. CRA staff will request TPD present a specific, bounded plan in October that identifies eligible uses within the CRA boundaries and explains how funds will support community priorities rather than events or ineligible purchases.