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City manager reports $650,000 in state funding for truck and $350,000 for GRAMA 19; event committee readies Boom on the Bayou
Summary
City Manager Don King told the Port Richey council staff that state appropriations likely to pass would include $650,000 for a back/tractor truck and $350,000 for a GRAMA 19 project; the events committee confirmed a $2,500 sponsorship and discussed future consideration of a drone show for fireworks alternatives.
City Manager Don King updated the council on multiple near‑term projects and operational items at the May meeting, reporting that state appropriations had approved $650,000 for a back/tractor truck and $350,000 for a GRAMA 19 project. King cautioned that the governor still had an opportunity to veto budget items when the full budget reaches his desk, but staff said internal sources indicated a high likelihood those requests would remain in the final budget.
King also discussed internal administrative work: a code enforcement SOP and a special magistrate packet are under legal review, an annexation packet will go to planning & zoning on June 9, HR interviews for a new HR director were completed with one preferred candidate, and the finance director hire is on hold while the city uses CLA to offset short‑term costs. King reported the city audit is nearly complete and that required documents will be posted publicly when finalized.
At the events committee briefing council members confirmed Boom on the Bayou scheduled for June 28 (reported in discussion as either June 28 or 20—committee clarified its planned date) and said a local dealership provided a $2,500 sponsorship. Committee members also raised the possibility of using a drone light show in future events to reduce fireworks impacts, noting cost and community sensitivities as considerations.
Council praised the mayor and staff for lobbying efforts that staff and members said produced recent appropriation wins; the mayor characterized hiring a lobbyist as an investment that paid off. Staff said they will provide additional details to the full council in upcoming meetings.
