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Council approves police MOU, sets millage cap and advances land‑use measures in unanimous session
Summary
Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Police Benevolent Association that adds retirement and pensionable‑overtime benefits (estimated first‑year cost about $1.6 million, actuarial to follow), set a maximum operating millage of 5.0537 mills and scheduled the first budget hearing for Sept. 10, 2026, and voted unanimously on several ordinances including an annexation and PGA overlay amendments.
At its regular meeting, the Palm Beach Gardens City Council approved several consent and agenda items affecting public safety, land use and the city budget.
By a unanimous vote, council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Police Benevolent Association that staff said would add a 0.5 percentage‑point cost‑of‑living increase effective Oct. 1, 2026 (bringing the annual pay increase to 2%), extend DROP eligibility up to eight years in certain cases, and include up to 300 hours of pensionable overtime in the calculation of average final compensation. "The initial cost of these improvements for the upcoming fiscal year would be approximately $1,600,000," Cheryl Stewart, the city's human resources administrator, said, and added that a formal actuarial study will determine the precise fiscal impact before ordinance approval and implementation.
Council members praised staff and the PBA for reaching an agreement and said the improvements are intended to aid recruitment and retention. The MOU was approved 5–0; an implementing ordinance and actuarial analysis will return to council.
On budget timing, the council set a maximum operating millage rate of 5.0537 mills for fiscal year 2026–27 (debt service 0.0), a number staff said is 5.74% above the rollback rate of 4.7795. Finance Administrator Ariane Panzak recommended setting the cap and scheduling the first public budget hearing for Sept. 10, 2026, at 6 p.m.; council approved that action by unanimous vote.
On land‑use matters, council approved Ordinance 15 (voluntary annexation of a 0.14‑acre parcel at 1950 Smith Drive) on first reading and approved Ordinance 16, a set of amendments clarifying the PGA Boulevard corridor overlay boundaries and updating permitted and prohibited uses and definitions. Planning staff told council the Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board recommended approval of both measures by 5–0 votes. Both ordinances passed on the motions taken during the meeting.
The council also approved a no‑cost defense agreement with Liberty Counsel to defend the city's holiday display if challenged; Liberty Counsel will provide defense at no cost but the city would be responsible for any damages or awarded attorney's fees if the defense is unsuccessful. That resolution passed 5–0.
Council members closed the meeting after remarks highlighting secured appropriations for infrastructure and upcoming Parks & Recreation events.
