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Atlantic Beach reviews FY25-26 budget; council backs higher rate and a Circle beautification fund
Summary
Council discussed a proposed FY25-26 budget that includes personnel cost adjustments and agreed to raise the water base rate by $2 and to use a higher tax rate (consensus 0.1525) to seed a beautification fund for Circle improvements funded in part by paid parking.
Atlantic Beach council members reviewed the proposed FY25-26 budget at the May 7 work session and reached consensus on several revenue and spending priorities intended to cover personnel costs and support public-space improvements.
Finance Director Chelsea Humphrey outlined key budget elements, including a baseline proposed tax rate of $0.1425 to accommodate paramedic certifications and shortages in part-time beach staff, personnel adjustments including a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment and a 5% adjustment, and changes to employee health benefits. Council also concurred with staff that the water base rate should increase by $2 to help cover chemical and operational expenses; staff recommended a three-year rate-increase plan and a formal rate study to guide future requests for grant funding.
Mayor Pro Tem Austin Waters urged the council to earmark revenue for improvements at the Circle — suggesting a bathhouse, a raised band stage, landscaping and shade structures — and proposed a one-cent tax specifically for those projects. Councilmember Joseph Starling supported setting aside funds for beautification but cautioned against spending more on architect plans that would not be acted on. The council reached consensus on using a slightly higher overall tax rate (the group discussed $0.1525) and directing the additional funds to a beautification fund that could be supported by paid-parking revenue. Council asked staff to provide a budget summary before the public hearing so members can answer residents' questions.
The discussion focused on funding sources and implementation priorities; no formal budget adoption occurred at this session, and the public hearing remains the next scheduled step.
