Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Votes And Decisions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Votes at a glance: Commission continues appeal, accepts audits, approves budget amendment and amends utility code on first reading
Summary
At its April 21 meeting the Sarasota City Commission unanimously approved routine agenda items, accepted a clean audit for the Community Redevelopment Agency and the city's CAFR, adopted a budget amendment for hurricane costs, passed an ordinance amendment on payment processing authority on first reading, and authorized a Pride flag display.
The Sarasota City Commission took several formal actions April 21, 2025. Most votes were unanimous; below is a summary of the principal motions, their outcomes and key details.
Votes at a glance
- Continued quasi‑judicial item (appeal application 25‑APP‑03 regarding approvals for 1260 North Palm) to a special meeting on May 13, 2025, to perfect notice. Motion: "Move to continue to May 13." Outcome: passed unanimously.
- Approved the meeting agenda and several minutes and consent‑agenda items (routine approvals). Outcome: passed unanimously.
- Accepted the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) stand‑alone financial statements and communications from auditors Forvis Mazars LLP for fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024. Auditors issued an unmodified (clean) opinion and reported no material weaknesses or findings related to CRA compliance. Motion to accept the audit: passed unanimously.
- Accepted the City of Sarasota’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024, with an unmodified auditor’s opinion and no significant audit findings. Motion to approve CAFR: passed unanimously.
- Approved a budget amendment (Resolution No. 25 R 3326) to recognize hurricane‑related expenditures and FEMA advances: reported hurricane expenditures/encumbrances of approximately $17.2 million, a FEMA advance of about $7.7 million, and a projected reduction in fund balance of roughly $9.4 million if reimbursements are not yet received. The city expects FEMA reimbursements (estimated at 75–85% for eligible costs), but timing is uncertain. Outcome: passed unanimously.
- Passed Ordinance No. 25‑5564 (amending chapter 37 of the city code) on first reading to clarify the city’s authority to include ‘‘financial transaction servicing fees’’ in utility rates and to authorize third‑party providers. The ordinance itself clarifies authority; any change to customer billing (a shift from an absorbed fee model to a convenience‑fee model) would require a separate contract amendment and additional public notice. Outcome: passed on first reading (unanimous).
- Authorized flying an LGBTQ+ (progress) flag at City Hall from Monday, May 5 through Monday, May 12, 2025. Outcome: passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The audit acceptances provide assurance the city’s and CRA’s FY2024 financial statements are materially correct and compliant with Florida statutes. The budget amendment makes explicit the current hurricane expenditures and the timing uncertainty around FEMA reimbursements; commissioners noted the city’s reserve ratios and the importance of maintaining adequate contingency funds going into hurricane season. The ordinance clarification clears the way for utilities staff to present, at a later date, a contract amendment that could shift credit‑card processing costs to a convenience‑fee model for customers who choose that payment method.
Full actions (selected)
1) Continue quasi‑judicial appeal to May 13, 2025 - motion: "Move to continue to May 13." - mover/second: not specified in the record - vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0 - outcome: approved - notes: continuance made to perfect notice; item will be heard at a special meeting.
2) Accept CRA audit (Forvis Mazars LLP) — FY2024 - motion: accept auditor communications and reports - mover: Commissioner Ulrich - second: Commissioner Ahern Koch - vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0 - outcome: approved - notes: unmodified opinion; no internal control findings.
3) Accept City CAFR — FY2024 - motion: approve the City of Sarasota annual comprehensive financial report - mover: (record shows Commissioner Ahern Koch) - second: Commissioner Ulrich - vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0 - outcome: approved - notes: unmodified opinion; single audits of federal/state programs included; no findings.
4) Approve Resolution 25 R 3326 (hurricane budget amendment) - motion: approve the budget amendment as presented - mover: Commissioner Ulrich - second: Commissioner Batiste - vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0 - outcome: approved - notes: reported hurricane expenditures/encumbrances $17.2M; FEMA advance $7.7M; fund balance impact ~$9.4M; FEMA reimbursement timing uncertain.
5) Pass Ordinance No. 25‑5564 on first reading (chapter 37 amendment) - motion: pass proposed ordinance on first reading - mover: Vice Mayor Price - second: Commissioner Ulrich - vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0 - outcome: approved on first reading - notes: amendment clarifies the code language about including financial transaction servicing fees and third‑party billing; any customer fee change would be subject to separate contract action and notice.
6) Authorize Pride/Progress flag at City Hall (May 5–12, 2025) - motion: authorize the request to fly the LGBTQ+ pride flag - mover: Commissioner Ulrich - second: (second recorded) - vote tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0 - outcome: approved - notes: commissioners discussed policy and confirmed state preemption bills had not passed.
Ending: Most measures were routine approvals and passed unanimously. The quasi‑judicial appeal was continued to May 13 to perfect legal notice and will return with full hearing materials.
