Council adopts $4.15 million midyear budget amendment; approves canal and pump‑station funding steps

Edgewater's City Council on June 3 approved a midyear budget amendment and several infrastructure funding steps the city says are intended to address stormwater and drinking‑water needs.

Finance Director Bridal Bass presented the midyear amendment — labeled Resolution 2024‑R‑05 — which the agenda packet described as a net increase in appropriations of $4,146,543 for the 2023‑24 fiscal year. Bass itemized notable adjustments: transfers for capital projects of about $1,200,000; a general fund increase including a previously approved $950,000 fire‑engine purchase; fleet and fuel cost increases; and transfers to capital projects tied to water and sewer work.

On stormwater, staff briefed council on the Transform 386 competitive disaster‑recovery infrastructure grant (administered by Volusia County). Staff recommended applying for $4,150,000 to support Florida Shores Canal Rehab Phase 1, with a 26% local match totaling $1,079,000 (the stormwater fund providing $300,000 and the balance proposed as an internal loan from the general fund). "Transform 386 is a competitive community development block ... disaster recovery infrastructure grant administered by Volusia County," staff said.

Council also authorized staff to apply for a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan for replacement/rehabilitation of the Park Avenue booster pump station. Staff reported engineering and permitting are complete and that the city is applying for $3,960,000 under an FDEP supplemental appropriation for hurricanes Fiona and Ian; the loan would be administered with 100% principal forgiveness if awarded.

Why it matters: the measures collectively position the city to repair and harden critical infrastructure — stormwater canals and the drinking‑water pump system — while adjusting the midyear budget to account for capital needs, insurance proceeds and cost increases.

What council approved: Resolution 2024‑R‑05 (midyear budget amendment) and authorization to pursue the Transform 386 grant and the FDEP SRF loan application. Staff and council discussed financing sources, insurance reimbursements and fund balances.

Quotes from the meeting included Finance Director Bridal Bass presenting the budget and staff describing the grant and loan programs. "Before you is the midyear June amended budget for fiscal year 'twenty three‑'twenty four," Bass said. Staff on the canal rehab described components including bank stabilization, canal‑bottom armoring and infrastructure repair.

Next steps: staff will submit grant and loan applications and return with required agreements, matching‑fund commitments, and procurement steps if funding is awarded.