Largo adopts five‑year capital improvements program and outlines utility rate assumptions

The Largo City Commission voted unanimously on May 19 to adopt the city’s five‑year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, a planning document that identifies and prioritizes capital projects but does not appropriate funds.

Connor Anderson, a performance and budget analyst, said the CIP is a strategic planning tool and stressed it does not itself authorize project implementation or appropriate funds. Anderson noted the document identifies projects of at least $250,000 and that projects included in the FY2027 CIP will be considered for funding in the FY2027 annual budget process.

Staff summarized revenue and rate assumptions used to build CIP projections: a 5% assumed increase in general‑fund revenues for FY2027, a 5% assumption for solid‑waste revenue in FY2027 (falling to 2% in later years), a proposed 15% stormwater rate increase for FY2027, and no wastewater increase proposed for FY2027. The Finance Advisory Board recommended placing 18 planned police vehicles in unfunded status pending further analysis.

Resident Matt Faustini urged caution on revenue assumptions, arguing county trends suggested lower growth and that Largo’s 5% assumption may be optimistic. "I just want us to be prepared," Faustini said, noting the city had already anticipated a multimillion‑dollar shortfall going into the year.

Commissioners and staff discussed timing for sustainability and alternative‑fuel vehicle policy items; staff said a vehicle policy item is scheduled for October and that heavy‑duty vehicles including police vehicles would not be subject to the directive. After discussion, Commissioner Smith moved to adopt Resolution 2465; the commission approved the resolution by roll call, 5–0.

Outcome: Resolution 2465 adopting the CIP passed 5–0; projects included in the CIP will be considered during the FY2027 budget process.