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Commission adopts first budget amendment increasing revenues and expenditures by $2.9 million; vote splits 3-2
Summary
The commission adopted Ordinance 2025-91, the city's first budget amendment for FY2025, increasing revenues and expenditures by $2,895,924. The measure passed 3-2 after concerns about FitZone program paperwork and payroll details were voiced by some commissioners.
The City Commission on May 28 adopted the first amendment to the operating and capital budgets for fiscal 2025, increasing revenues and expenditures by $2,895,924. The ordinance passed on second reading by a 3-2 vote.
City Attorney read the ordinance title (identified in the record as Ordinance 2025-91), and Finance Director Christine Cajouse was available to answer questions. During the discussion Mayor Michelle J. Gomez said she had not received requested documentation for a city fitness program (FitZone) and raised questions about a $30,000 line item and staffing costs. The mayor said she was not comfortable voting for the amendment without the requested backup.
Commissioner Marlon Bolton asked that the requested records be provided; Commissioner Bolton also moved to read an email into the record earlier in the meeting praising a deputy. Commissioner Bolton and Commissioner Crystal Patterson supported the budget amendment. Vice Mayor Dr. Keisha Daniel also voted yes.
When the city clerk called the roll the votes were: Bolton — Yes; Patterson — Yes; Vice Mayor Daniel — Yes; Commissioner Wright — No; Mayor Michelle J. Gomez — No. The motion passed 3-2.
Public records requests and a staff follow-up were discussed; the finance director said budget timing placed the payments in December fiscal windows (fiscal 2026/2027) unless otherwise directed. The mayor reiterated requests for clearer backup on the FitZone program (cost breakdowns, staffing and scope) and said she would not support the item without that documentation.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2025-91 — First Budget Amendment, increase revenues/expenditures by $2,895,924: motion by Commissioner Marlon Bolton; second by Vice Mayor Keisha Daniel; outcome: approved 3-2 (Yes: Bolton, Patterson, Vice Mayor Daniel. No: Commissioner Wright, Mayor Gomez).
Provenance (transcript excerpts): "An ordinance... adopting the first budget amendment... increasing the total revenues and expenditures by a total of $2,895,924..." (topicintro). "Commissioner Bolton? Yes. Commissioner Patterson? Yes. Vice Mayor Daniel? Yes. Commissioner Wright? No. Mayor Gomez? No. ... Motion passes 3 to 2." (topfinish).
