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Melbourne Village finance workshop reviews $180,000 stormwater grant, TRIM rise and staffing plans
Summary
At an informational Finance Committee workshop June 17, town staff reviewed a $180,000 stormwater study grant requiring a 20% local match, a projected 6% rise in the TRIM estimate, plans to post two full‑time administrative positions, and operational items including culvert warranty decisions and a planned police car sale.
Melbourne Village’s Finance Committee met June 17, 2025, as an informational workshop because there was no quorum of voting members. Staff reviewed minutes and financial statements without formal votes and outlined several near‑term budget and operational items for the Town Commission to consider.
Heather Roberts, town clerk and treasurer, told the committee that a lobbyist helped secure a $180,000 grant to fund a stormwater study; the village will need to provide a 20% local match. Roberts said the grant is listed as fully funded and that staff will prepare a worksheet to track the grant and identify matching funds.
The committee also heard that the TRIM (Truth in Millage) 2025 estimate is projected to be about 6% higher than last year; Roberts said she will prepare a formal estimate for the next meeting. The committee reviewed but did not vote to accept the June 2025 financial statements or the June minutes because, without a quorum, no motions were made.
Under old business, staff reported actions on several items: a new website design training is complete and the site is scheduled to go live on July 2; a summer intern will begin work the following day at 24 hours per week for eight weeks; and the Town Commission approved a 5% increase in the sheriff contract. On infrastructure, an engineer’s culvert report found the existing culverts structurally acceptable but noted alternative methods; the vendor offered to extend the existing 10‑year warranty for an additional 10 years and the Commission chose the warranty extension rather than reinstalling the culverts.
Roberts described a planned Hester Wagner heat study as part of an HVAC review; staff said a basic information package will be provided for $100 and noted the building’s HVAC unit is a 2017 model. Insurance renewal bids remain outstanding; separately, staff is collecting documentation to request an insurance refund for eligible safety equipment purchases (the insurer allows a 50% refund up to $2,000).
The committee requested a joint budget workshop (proposed dates July 17 or July 31) that would include the village’s lobbyist. Roberts said the remaining police car will be placed for sale and the committee recommended applying any proceeds to a Town Public Works truck. She also said she will begin providing a monthly, real‑time report tracking the FMIT investment account.
The Building Department report was reviewed; Roberts reminded members that any change to Melbourne Village fees is a Town Commission action. Roberts also noted that transfers remain an as‑needed procedure and must be signed by Mayor Sue.
The informational workshop adjourned at 8:15 p.m. The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2025.
