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Flagler County lays out FY26 budget guidance, proposes FY25 CIP reallocations
Summary
At a Jan. 13 workshop the Flagler County Board reviewed FY26 budget priorities—focusing on beach management, employee retention and limited new program spending—and staff proposed reallocating savings within the existing FY25 capital improvement program to complete several projects without increasing the overall budget.
At a Jan. 13 workshop, Flagler County staff presented budget guidance for fiscal year 2026 and proposed reallocations of savings from existing capital projects to finish several fiscal year 2025 (FY25) projects. County staff said the changes would not increase the county's overall budget and will be returned to the board as an amended FY25 capital improvement plan in February.
County staff framed FY26 budget preparation around the updated strategic plan and current economic conditions, proposing a stewardship approach that “restrict[s] new operational or programmatic spending unless clearly justified” and prioritizes beach management, employee retention and merit-based pay, staff said.
The CIP changes staff outlined would use leftover funding from completed or underspent projects to cover shortfalls and new needs. Staff identified specific reallocations and new items for board consideration:
- $50,000 proposed to complete the new public works facility at State Road 100 and County Road 305 to pay for a well and septic system, described by staff as required site work remaining from the original project budget.
- Approximately $30,000 proposed to fully rebuild the subbase for the outdoor basketball court at the Carver Center; the scope requires replacing the subbase, not just resurfacing.
- A vendor quote to replace roughly half of the existing metal skate‑park equipment at Wadsworth Park; staff said the estimate was “like 233 and change” and that they had budgeted $244,000 for the item. The replacement would cover current equipment and is separate from a longer‑term placeholder to build a concrete skate park.
- Reallocation of roughly $160,000 in savings from completing Station 41 expansion internally rather than by contract; staff said those savings are available to cover other capital needs.
- Using savings to accelerate two items that fall within administrative signature authority: replacement of the EOC roof (and advance exterior painting) after hurricane damage, and a security system and access‑control replacement at the UF/IFAS agriculture extension facility following reported alarms and a reported forced‑entry attempt.
Heidi Petito, who led the presentation, told the board: “All of these changes do not increase the budget. This is coming from savings on projects that once they're complete and there is, money remaining, we're able to reallocate some of that existing funding to accomplish these tasks.”
Board members asked staff for further detail on several points. One commissioner sought clarification about how recurring ADA compliance funds are handled; staff explained ADA line items are budgeted annually and unspent funds typically roll over into the capital program and can be reassigned. Another commissioner queried skate‑park demand; staff referenced prior public requests to improve the facility and said the replacement equipment is a stopgap if the board later decides to pursue a concrete park, and that fundraising or community partnerships could help with a future concrete facility.
Staff said they will return in February with an amended FY25 CIP for formal board consideration that shows the proposed reallocations and the updated five‑year capital plan. No final board vote was recorded on the reallocations during the workshop.
The board also received calendar and process notes for budget development: a budget kickoff with the board is scheduled for Feb. 10, followed by an internal meeting with departments and constitutional officers; staff said the county will present a budget calendar and the updated strategic plan for formal adoption at the February board meeting.
Less urgent items mentioned during the presentation included a proposed renovation or refresh of the David Siegel adult day care on Bel Air and equipment replacement needs countywide; staff said those items would be considered for the FY26 CIP list.
The board did not take a final vote on any FY26 appropriations at the workshop; staff will return with the amended FY25 CIP and FY26 calendar items for formal action.
