Riviera Beach CRA adopts FY2025–26 budget; board adds mayor reimbursement line item and approves 6% COLA
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Summary
The Riviera Beach CRA adopted its fiscal year 2025–26 budget Sept. 10. The board approved an amendment to add a line item authorizing reimbursement of the mayor for CRA‑related travel and promotional expenses (matched to other commissioners’ amounts) and accepted staff’s inclusion of a 6% cost‑of‑living adjustment in the proposed salaries line.
The Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency adopted its fiscal year 2025–26 budget at the Sept. 10 meeting, approving a package of changes and clarifications requested by commissioners during a prior budget workshop.
During discussion the board reviewed several items staff had prepared for the draft budget: a TIF (tax increment) breakdown for the Singer Island area (to be emailed to commissioners), a promotional account memorandum, COLA (cost‑of‑living adjustment) scenarios at 3%, 4% and 6%, grant pursuit for a trolley program (FDOT District 4 application submitted), and line‑item allocations for parks and housing projects.
On compensation, staff said the draft budget had been modified to include a 6% COLA for employees (staff had prepared cost comparisons for 3%, 4% and 6% as requested). Several commissioners supported the 6% increase; staff confirmed the budget as presented included the 6% scenario.
Housing and capital items drew extended discussion. Commissioner Dr. Spiritus pressed staff for a clear accounting of prior Villa LeAnz (Villa LeAns/Villa Low On) allocations: staff and the director clarified that an initial allocation of $1,000,000 covered the first 12 units, that earlier board action shifted additional phase‑2 funds into phase‑1 to jump‑start construction, and that the current budget request includes an additional $2,000,000 for phase‑2. Director Anita Jenkins and staff said the first 12 units are under construction and that the earlier funds paid for phase‑1 work; commissioners asked for and were promised copies of the minutes and detailed funding history.
On another point, commissioners asked whether a $900,000 line item tied to a Related Urban Development Group lease amendment remained payable; staff said the $900,000 is included in the budget but counsel will review the second amended lease to advise whether the CRA is required to disburse the funds. Staff indicated the $900,000 currently remains designated for the project (element 8) and will not be moved pending legal review.
The board also reviewed other proposed allocations: up to $100,000 set aside for Park Manor (part of a $200,000 Lakeview Park allocation), and continued pursuit of transit and grant opportunities for a trolley program.
Before voting on the budget, Commissioner Guyton moved — and a colleague seconded — to add a budget line authorizing reimbursement of the mayor for travel and promotional expenses related to CRA purposes, subject to the same reimbursement procedures and limits as other board members and consistent with section 163.37 of the Florida Statutes. The motion was amended to specify the amount would match the amounts budgeted for other commissioners. That amendment passed on a vote of 5–0. The full, amended budget was then adopted by a roll‑call vote of 5–0.
The board instructed staff to provide follow‑up materials (TIF breakdown, meeting minutes related to Villa LeAnz, and other requested detail) and to work with counsel on the Related lease question.