Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Riviera Beach CRA previews FY2026 budget; board asks for dedicated workshop and more itemized detail
Summary
CRA staff presented a draft FY2026 budget showing an expected TIF increase of roughly $1.2 million and total resources of about $19 million. Commissioners asked for a separate, two‑hour workshop, itemized salary/benefit breakdowns, project appraisals and clarification of previously budgeted commitments before final adoption.
CRA staff presented a draft FY2026 budget to the board on Aug. 27 and outlined revenue assumptions, proposed program funding and capital commitments. The board did not adopt the budget at the meeting and directed staff to schedule a dedicated workshop to review line‑by‑line details before adoption.
Primary figures presented: Executive Director Jadel Mercius told the board the draft budget assumes a TIF (tax increment financing) revenue increase of about $1.2 million for full‑year FY2026, other revenue of roughly $492,951 (Marina/Event Center and related revenue), and a carryover of approximately $4,155,543, yielding an overall proposed budget near $19 million.
Major proposed allocations and programs called out in the presentation included: - Clean & Safe: addition of 1 full‑time staff for the Clean & Safe ambassadors program and continuation of 14–15 ambassadors; mirror city pay/benefit adjustments to CRA staff. - Marina Event Center: phase 2 renovations, facility improvements and revenue generation efforts. - Commercial grants and signage programs: funding for tenant build‑outs, restaurant incubator design and façade/signage grants. - Villa LeLans (element 8): staff discussed a $1,500,000 contribution tied to phase 2a construction and raised a question about earlier commitments and other funding sources.
Board concerns and requests: Commissioners asked for a line‑by‑line, itemized budget showing positions, salaries and benefits (not just lump sums), and requested explicit inclusion of known near‑term project revenues and appraisals (for example, related and Broadway parcels) so the board can understand the near‑term revenue picture. Commissioner Spiritus requested appraisal values for 1851 Broadway and clarity on whether previously budgeted amounts (e.g., $900,000 related to an earlier project) remain available or are contingent on outside funding.
Procurement and project concerns: Commissioners also asked for clarity on procurement for CDC and other community projects; a commissioner asked that any material project receiving CRA funds be put out to competitive bid when applicable.
Next steps: The board asked staff to schedule a two‑hour dedicated budget workshop before the Sept. 10 meeting so the board can review itemized line items and make an informed decision at the next meeting. Staff agreed to provide side‑by‑side comparisons to the prior year’s budget and to supply requested appraisals and clarifications about project funding and obligations.
Ending: No budget vote was held. The board requested more detailed financial information, procurement clarification and a workshop; staff will return with the requested analysis prior to final adoption.
