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Redington Shores reviews $9.07 million FY2025 budget; commissioners split on lights vs. roads
Summary
The Town of Redington Shores' Board of Commissioners reviewed a proposed $9,073,200 FY2025 budget that funds a $2.5 million utility undergrounding project and a $166,500 street-light replacement; commissioners agreed to split funding for lights and road/sidewalk work but expressed differing priorities on immediate repairs.
Town Administrator Mike McGlothlin presented the Town of Redington Shores' proposed fiscal year 2025 budget Wednesday, outlining a $9,073,200 plan that includes a $4,104,175 General Fund, a $3,343,525 Capital Improvement Fund and a $1,715,700 Sewer Fund. McGlothlin described the capital plan and line-item highlights for the board.
McGlothlin said the capital-improvement program includes small equipment purchases and several maintenance projects: a utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) for Public Works, replacement of a shared tractor and beach rake (currently shared with North Redington Beach), replacement of a Public Works vehicle, Nature Park signage ($25,000), public beach access improvements ($25,000) and $25,000 for county parking-lot work within the islands.
Among the larger proposed items, McGlothlin listed a utility-undergrounding project on the west side of Gulf Boulevard estimated at $2.5 million; a stormwater improvements/master-plan line of $500,000 (with grant-seeking noted); a lift-station generator estimated at $150,000 (the administrator said the town hopes for 75% grant assistance); and a $500,000 sewer-system allocation for FY2025 as part of an approximately $4 million program.
The board spent the most time on a $166,500 street-lighting replacement intended to convert 107 fixtures to wildlife-friendly globes. McGlothlin recommended splitting the original $166,500 allocation 50/50 so the town could proceed with both lighting replacements and a street/sidewalk project in FY2025, with roughly $83,250 budgeted for each.
Commissioner CJ Hoyt said she was not comfortable with the split because she had "lots of complaints about the lights" but also emphasized that interior streets needing immediate repair are a safety concern. Commissioners Tom Kapper, Joe Licata and Erin Schoos said they were comfortable with the 50/50 division. Mayor Lisa Hendrickson said she supported the split, noted Redington Shores ranks among the three lowest millage rates in Pinellas County and said sidewalks along Gulf Boulevard and Lee Avenue require attention; she said she would follow up with the town administrator to contact the Florida Department of Transportation about including town sidewalks on their project list and suggested piggybacking on an Indian Shores project where possible.
On solid-waste costs, Commissioner Hoyt asked about a 6.4% garbage rate increase and the contract terms. McGlothlin said the town has completed the first five-year term of its contract and is entering a second five-year term. Town Attorney Robert Eschenfelder explained the typical process: as contracts approach term end, the administrator will present a recommendation to the commission about whether to renew or issue a request for proposals. McGlothlin also reported that the hauler added extra pickups after a recent storm to keep up with debris, and Commissioner Kapper praised Waste Connections for its response.
The board confirmed upcoming meetings related to the budget: a workshop on Aug. 28, 2024; the first budget public hearing on Sept. 4, 2024; a regular meeting on Sept. 11, 2024; and the final budget public hearing on Sept. 16, 2024. The workshop adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
The proposed budget and CIP will move forward to the public-hearing process, where residents will have scheduled opportunities to comment.
