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CRA tables discussion of Millville and St. Andrews boundary expansions; staff to return with maps and cost options
Summary
The CRA directed staff to pause and return on Sept. 2 with more detailed maps, cost breakdowns and options after initial estimates showed each finding-of-necessity study would cost a minimum of $20,000 and each redevelopment plan amendment a minimum of $40,000.
The Panama City CRA on July 29 tabled a proposal to begin boundary-expansion work for the Millville and St. Andrews CRA districts and asked staff to return at the Sept. 2 meeting with more detailed maps, cost estimates and county coordination updates.
Staff had presented preliminary cost estimates: a minimum $20,000 for each finding-of-necessity study and a minimum $40,000 for each redevelopment-plan amendment. Staff warned the estimates could rise with larger areas, conceptual planning needs, public engagement and county participation. The process was estimated to take 12–24 months.
Commissioners raised several questions: which specific streets and neighborhoods would be considered (Millville expansion up to Eleventh Street was suggested; St. Andrews possibly east toward Northside Drive/Balboa and north toward 23rd Street), the total combined cost, and whether the county would participate in any tax-increment sharing. One commissioner suggested postponing the decision to budget season to weigh alternatives.
Board member Granger moved to table the item to the Sept. 2 meeting; the motion passed 3-0. Staff was directed to meet with county officials (Micah/Mike referenced in the record) to “take the temperature” of county participation and to return with options separated by district (Millville vs. St. Andrews) and associated costs.
Why it matters: Expanding a CRA boundary diverts a portion of future ad valorem taxes into the redevelopment area and can provide new tools for neighborhood investment, but the studies and plan amendments carry upfront costs and require county coordination in many cases.
Next steps: Staff will prepare district maps, a more refined budget, and county negotiation status for the Sept. 2 CRA meeting.
