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Commission approves first reading of quarterly budget amendment allocating $1.65 million for theater, flooring, fuel tank and vehicle repairs
Summary
The City of Largo approved ordinance 2025‑23 on first reading (7‑0), a quarterly budget amendment that reallocates $1,645,900 across multiple funds for projects including backstage renovations at the Central Park Performing Arts Center, community center flooring, fuel tank replacement and vehicles lost or damaged in Hurricane Milton.
The Largo City Commission approved on first reading a quarterly budget amendment (ordinance 2025‑23) on May 6 that reallocates $1,645,900 among multiple city funds to address several capital and emergency needs.
Staff described the key allocations in the amendment: $239,000 in the general fund from a foundation donation to renovate backstage infrastructure at the Central Park Performing Arts Center; $235,000 in the general fund to replace flooring at the Community Center (this project had been budgeted with ARPA funds but was reallocated due to ARPA encumbrance timing); a combined $500,000 across general construction, fleet, solid waste, stormwater and wastewater funds to cover interfund transfers related to fuel tank expenses; and $171,800 in the local option sales tax fund to replace four life‑safety inspector vehicles damaged during Hurricane Milton. The ordinance summary lists the full set of projects and an appendix with details.
Vice Mayor Hall and Commissioner Smith pressed staff for details on project timing and cost increases. City Manager Simone explained the city's quarterly amendment process: "We moved to the quarterly process so that addresses why it says various and then we outline every quarter what's included in the budget amendment." Simone also said staff would need to verify cost‑change details on a project‑by‑project basis and that FEMA reimbursement for damaged vehicles is not yet confirmed.
Staff told commissioners that the fuel tank replacement was included in the capital improvements program for fiscal year 2024 and is currently active and permitted, while the community center flooring had been scheduled under the FY25 CIP. Commissioners sought assurance that delays and reallocation would not unnecessarily increase overall costs; staff committed to returning with additional specifics as needed.
The commission approved ordinance 2025‑23 on first reading 7‑0 and scheduled a second‑reading public hearing for June 3, 2025. The amendment was described by staff as an administrative measure to consolidate multiple routine and emergent adjustments into a single quarterly amendment rather than processing dozens of individual changes throughout the year.
Ending note: Staff said they will provide commissioners with project‑level cost comparisons and clarify reimbursement prospects for hurricane losses prior to the second reading.
