Lake Park council debate proposed millage increase as residents warn of hardship

Lake Park Mayor Jena Sandlin opened a public hearing on Sept. 19, 2024, on a proposed increase in the city'9s millage rate, saying the meeting was the second of three hearings to gather public input. Council Member Carl Spano, the city'9s appointed budget officer, presented the council'9s rationale for proposing a raise to 6.5 mils, saying property-tax revenue growth has not kept pace with inflation and rising operating costs.

Spano said the city held its millage rate at 7.392 mils from about 2015 and rolled it back last year to 6.219 mils to deliver a tax break. He said that from 2019 to 2023 property taxes rose about 19 percent while inflation over the same period was approximately 23.1 percent, and that a county-recommended rollback to 5.328 mils would leave the city short.

"Unless the value of homes increases, our revenues have stayed the same while costs have climbed," Spano said. He outlined several budget drivers: a requested 3 percent pay increase to help retain staff after average raises of 2.5 percent over the past two years; the need to hire additional staff; training and certification costs for current employees; replacement radios for the fire department after a county dispatch upgrade (Spano said the city purchased six radios though the chief had recommended 12); and the replacement of aging police vehicles and maintenance equipment. Spano estimated the radio and related communications costs add roughly $15,000 a year and that the total increase sought is about $150,000.

Residents who spoke during the public-comment period expressed financial strain and doubts that services justify higher taxes. "I can't afford another increase," said Patricia Brown of Main Street. Gloria Luke of 4-H Club Road told the council she "has received no services in 25 years in Lake Park" and suggested relying more on the County Sheriff's Office to trim costs. Several residents, including Arthur and Susan Keckle of 4-H Club Road, said retirees and limited-income households could be priced out if county and city taxes both rise.

Other commenters asked for specific service improvements to justify any increase: Rob Auger asked what benefits city residency provides; Spano cited police and fire protection and an ISO rating of 5. Residents also raised concrete maintenance concerns (mailbox issues, drainage, mowing) and suggested the city prioritize addressing them.

Council members responded with a mix of acknowledgments and operational adjustments. Council Member Michelle Lane, who said she was born and raised in Lake Park, acknowledged residents'9 concerns about affordability and urged people to report specific problems; Council Member Oscar Griffith said he has asked the police chief to increase street patrols to twice daily and is looking into culvert repairs; Council Member Busby Courson read an emailed opposition to a millage increase from resident Alicia Beasley and said he has been assisting with maintenance tasks.

No formal vote on the millage was taken. Mayor Sandlin announced the final public hearing on the millage rate for Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. Council Member Carl Spano moved to adjourn; Busby Courson seconded and, as recorded in the minutes, the motion passed (motion passed unanimously, 4-0).