Split CRA board debates East budget, McNabb House botanical-park funding and bond plan; adoption unresolved as meeting recessed

The Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency considered the East district FY2026 budget and a financing plan that includes a proposed bond issuance for the McNabb House and botanical gardens project. The item produced extensive public comment, heated discussion among board members and attorneys’ warnings about the legal risks of failing to adopt a budget before the fiscal deadline.

Staff presentation: CRA project manager Kimberly Vasquez reviewed the East district’s FY2026 figures. She said the certified taxable value for the district was about $813 million, producing roughly $7.8 million in tax increment revenue; total identified sources in staff backup were about $40.0 million, including existing carry-forward fund balance and a proposed tax-increment bond issuance the presentation listed as $18.1 million for the McNabb project and other East-district initiatives. Vasquez described expenditures including operations, debt service and a proposed $26.9 million project budget for McNabb.

Public testimony: More than a dozen speakers addressed the item. Supporters said the McNabb House and botanical gardens would create a family-friendly amenity, generate revenue through events and a restaurant, create educational opportunities for schools and support economic…