Atlantic Beach reviews FY 2026-27 budget priorities and invites marketing firms to present

Town Manager John O'Daniel presented the FY 2026-27 budget overview April 9, outlining major revenue and expenditure assumptions and highlighting capital and personnel priorities.

O'Daniel said property and occupancy taxes are the largest revenue sources and that current-year revenues are tracking at or above projections. Personnel costs make up about $7 million of the town budget; staff presented an average full-time employee cost of about $170,000 including salary and benefits. The proposed budget includes a 5% market-equity salary adjustment (approximately $61,000 in cost), an increase in dental reimbursement from $1,200 to a $1,500 maximum, and enhanced longevity bonuses. Capital requests include scheduled vehicle replacements for police and public works, replacement of the police-boat motor, upgrades to fire-department breathing apparatus, sidewalk and stormwater improvements, and planning for a new water plant. Dedicated fund balances cited included beach-access improvements ($578,000), dredging grant matches ($147,000) and major-equipment reserves ($200,000).

Council and staff also discussed tourism-marketing and public-relations proposals. Mayor Pro Tem Harry Archer urged inviting both firms to present at the May work session, suggesting the town consider a combined PR/marketing position to support events coordination and to better manage public response to topics such as paid parking. Mayor Danny Navey cautioned that reach does not equal return—he wants clear objectives and metrics for any marketing spending and noted the county TDA already conducts some marketing at distances greater than nearby towns. Council agreed to invite each firm to present at the May work session and requested specific scenarios and questions in advance. The budget public hearing will be held at the regular May meeting.