Council adopts final FY2025 budget amendment, increasing ordinance total by $38.7 million

The City Council adopted Ordinance 61‑25 on Nov. 19, the fourth and final budget amendment for fiscal year 2025. Crystal Feese, financial services director, told council the amendment recognizes actions taken by council between July and September and incorporates new revenue sources such as debt proceeds, grants and operating adjustments.

Feese said the amendment increases the budget by $38,716,447 (moving the total from roughly $1.18 billion to $1.22 billion), a 3.28% increase overall. Notable items included recognition of debt proceeds to fund the US‑41 conveyance project (approximately $11.3 million), budget adjustments related to internal fund transfers, additional design and construction items for GO bond parks and ratification of previously approved council obligations such as a fire collective‑bargaining agreement (approximately $775,000) and a traffic signal installation project (roughly $586,000).

Council members questioned whether some line items reflected a “cleanup” or reclassification of prior-year commitments and asked for clearer tracking of future year impacts. Feese explained that many items being added were previously approved by resolution and now must be codified into the budget ordinance to remain in compliance with Florida statute and city accounting rules. Several members asked for follow‑up clarifications about specific park design expenditures and transfer timing.

After public hearing the ordinance passed by roll call (7 ayes, 1 nay). Feese and staff will publish amended budget documents and continue to report to council on notable items and the FY‑27 budget process.