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Tavares hears Lake 100 proposal for countywide cost-of-service study; $2,500 city contribution discussed
Summary
Representatives from Lake 100 presented an independent cost-of-service study proposal that would analyze how county and city governments share service costs. Lake 100 requested a $2,500 contribution from Tavares; council asked questions but did not record a formal vote.
Representatives of Lake 100 asked the Tavares City Council on June 18 to participate in a countywide independent cost-of-service study and to contribute $2,500 toward the project.
Mandy Westheim, speaking on behalf of the Lake 100 group, told the council that 11 of 13 cities had already signed on and that the study aims to examine who is paying for which services and whether city residents are receiving proportionate value for their tax dollars. "It could result in massive cost savings if we find out things are being subsidized or things are being overlapped," Westheim said.
Nut graf: The proposed study would compare city and county responsibilities and costs across service areas such as law enforcement and public works. Lake 100 representatives and several council members framed the proposal as a tool for data-driven negotiations with Lake County if the review identifies subsidization or overlap.
Council members asked how the study would handle jurisdictions that decline to participate and whether the sheriff’s funding and county service areas would be analyzed. Westheim said the study would move forward even without all cities but noted that a complete dataset would be preferable. The Lake County Board of County Commissioners reportedly redefined part of the study scope; Lake 100 is seeking a minimal city contribution of $2,500 to cover Tavares in the consultant work.
The City Administrator confirmed the funding source for Tavares would be the city administrator’s contingency if the council chose to pay. Several councilmembers expressed support for participating as part of a regional group, noting potential benefits to city taxpayers if the study identifies subsidized services or double-counting.
No formal motion or vote on the $2,500 contribution was recorded in the meeting minutes or the public transcript. Councilmembers asked staff clarifying questions about scope, data methodology and potential outcomes; the Lake 100 representative encouraged designation of a staff contact and agreement on methodology if the city participates.
Ending: The study will proceed with participating jurisdictions; Tavares staff were asked to consider the request and to follow up with the council if a formal funding decision is necessary.
