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FPRA reviews $14.65 million proposed FY26 budget, adds $3 million to Indian River Drive reconstruction
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Summary
At an Aug. 12 meeting, FPRA staff presented a balanced FY26 operating budget and a five‑year capital improvement plan that includes a $3 million FPRA contribution to Indian River Drive reconstruction and continued funding for public safety details and the Sunrise Theater.
Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency staff presented a proposed FY26 operating budget balanced at $14,654,125 and a five‑year capital improvement plan during the Aug. 12 FPRA meeting. The presentation outlined major operating allocations and a series of capital projects the agency proposes to fund or advance in fiscal 2026.
Finance Director Morris said the proposed operating budget is balanced at $14,654,125, an increase of roughly $1.05 million from the current year, driven largely by ad valorem revenue. Major recurring allocations in the proposed budget include $350,000 for school resource officers, $500,000 for community policing (special assigned duty details), and about $1,132,860 for 10 officers assigned to the FPRA area. Debt service was listed at approximately $3,000,006.89. The budget also includes a $500,000 transfer to the Sunrise Theater for building hard costs and a proposed $1,500,000 transfer to the general fund as a payment on amounts previously advanced; staff said the balance after that transfer would be about $1,000,942.67.
On capital projects, FPRA capital staff (Harnish) outlined a multi‑year program designed to improve infrastructure, public safety, arts and economic development in the redevelopment district. Key items discussed for FY26 included:
- Indian River Drive reconstruction (Seaway Drive to Avenue A): staff said bids required increasing the FPRA contribution from an originally planned $2,000,000 to $3,000,000 to keep the project moving. The project includes street reconstruction and on‑street parking improvements. - Depot Drive enhancements: $200,000 proposed for design work on the parking lot and roadway behind the Sunrise Theater. - Peacock Arts District parking lot resurfacing and beautification: roughly $373,000 proposed. - Mural program expansion: $100,000 proposed to expand murals beyond the Peacock Arts District into Lincoln Park, downtown and other parts of the FPRA. - Alleyway beautification, Sunrise Center elevator and lobby improvements, and Marina Square design work (proposed $100,000 to move to design/engineering and permitting). - JC Park improvements: approximately $90,000 proposed for a shade structure at a playground and other park amenities. - Dreamland Park master planning: $100,000 proposed for design and master planning of new or improved sports/recreation facilities. - Harbor Pointe boat ramp: staff described an interlocal partnership with St. Lucie County and proposed $500,000 in FY26 for pre‑construction activities, with a $2,000,000 FPRA commitment phased over multiple years per the interlocal agreement. - Riverwalk improvements, historic marker sign replacement, and a proposed downtown trash compactor program (solar compactors), estimated at about $200,000.
Staff also reviewed programmatic items including facade and signage grant programs, a proposed demolition assistance grant pilot, small business support grants, and continuation of the Freebee microtransit service. Staff noted the Freebee service is supported in part by a St. Lucie County grant (about $270,000 returned to FPRA) and that grant and service agreements extend through 2027 unless renewed. The presentation included the community policing allocation (special assigned duty details) as a flexible item: staff said about $118,000 of the $500,000 could be reserved for expanded hours, additional camera equipment or other policing needs as they arise.
Board members asked questions about the Sunrise Theater transfer and operational arrangements with the incoming vendor. Multiple commissioners urged clarity in any new operating agreement so the FPRA would not remain responsible for routine operating costs once a private operator assumes operations; staff said the $500,000 line item is intended to cover hard building costs in transition and that the agency is exploring escrow/encumbrance options to reserve funds for major capital items such as chiller replacement.
No budget or CIP vote was taken on Aug. 12; staff said the items will return for formal action at the September meeting after further analysis and agreements.
