Palatka CRA reports $1.699 million carryforward; board directs funds toward named projects and approves streetscape tree planting
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Summary
CRA staff reported $931,000 in revenues and $568,000 in expenditures for FY24–25, leaving $362,430 unspent and creating an approximate $1.699 million CRA carryforward to the new fiscal year.
CRA staff told the City of Palatka Community Redevelopment Agency on Nov. 10 that the agency had $931,000 in revenues for the fiscal year and $568,000 in expenditures, leaving “net results is 362,430,” staff said. That unspent amount, combined with an existing carryforward of about $1,337,000, brings the total carryforward into the new budget year to roughly $1,699,000.
Staff recommended appropriating the carryforward to specific projects consistent with the CRA plan, including potable waterline replacement, phase 3 of the St. John’s Avenue streetscape, historic building revitalization (including the Tillman House), and the building improvement cost‑share grant. Staff cited Florida Statute 163.387 in explaining the statutory options for unspent CRA funds at the end of a fiscal year and recommended formal allocation to identified projects.
Board members pressed staff for allocation detail and timing. “Right now, it’s not allocated, so it can be used. But your recommendation is that when we have carryover, that it is allocated to specific project,” Commissioner Davis said, citing the statute and urging that staff return recommendations that put projects into motion rather than leaving funds idle.
Members also raised concerns about amounts allocated to specific projects. “When I look at the revitalization of the Laramore, that doesn’t look like nearly enough money, $150,000. I don’t see how that would even touch the Larimer, frankly,” the mayor said, flagging the need for larger allocations or competitive procurement steps such as an RFP.
On a related motion, a board member moved to proceed with phase‑1 streetscaping, including tree planting along the Oak and Laurel corridors in the South Historic District. The motion was seconded and the board voted in favor with no opposition recorded.
Next steps: staff will prepare more detailed project allocations and, where required, procurement documents or RFPs for board consideration so that appropriations align with project scopes and the CRA plan.