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New Port Richey adopts 8.3000-mill rate and approves $105.6 million budget
Summary
The New Port Richey City Council adopted a final millage rate of 8.3000 mills (1.22% above the rollback) and approved the FY 2024-25 operating budget and capital improvement program totaling $105,570,610, with a $34.8 million general fund and $29.4 million in capital projects.
The New Port Richey City Council on Tuesday adopted a final millage rate of 8.3000 mills and approved the city's FY 2024-25 operating budget and capital improvement program.
City staff told the council the 8.3000 mill rate is 1.22% above the rollback rate and is expected to generate about $8,332,020 in ad valorem revenue, roughly $768,770 more than the prior year due to rising property values. City Manager Manns and finance staff presented a budget that totals $105,570,610, with a general fund of $34,796,120, water and sewer funds of $29,516,330, and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds of $19,452,240.
"The overall budget being presented this evening is $105,570,610," the finance presenter said, summarizing departmental and fund-level allocations. Staff highlighted capital improvement projects totaling $29,355,000, including parks and recreation ($1.71 million), public safety and facilities ($1.42 million), transportation ($1.695 million) and water and sewer projects ($6.985 million).
Council discussion touched on specific line items. A council member asked why the cultural affairs line was reduced from a previously discussed $12,000 to $10,000; staff said the adjustment was necessary to balance the budget and noted the cultural affairs committee has historically underspent its appropriation. The council agreed to revisit the cultural activities allocation and consider amendments in the coming process.
Public comment included Ron Becker, chair of the Friends of the Library, who thanked the council for library funding and described plans for outreach including a "little library" to bring services to schools and senior centers.
A council member also raised concerns that residents damaged in the recent storm were being told they must pay a $250 fee for electrical certification before power could be restored. The speaker urged staff to find ways to help storm victims avoid such fees. City staff responded that, to their knowledge, there is currently no fee to certify a system for working order for basic clearance and asked to be notified of any conflicting reports so they could follow up.
The council voted to adopt the millage and approve the budget by voice vote, recorded as 4-0 in favor. The council also directed staff to provide additional detail on specific budget items and to continue reviewing possible amendments.
The budget and millage resolutions take effect per the published effective dates in the adopted resolutions; staff will return with any proposed budget amendments and the CRA budget details at the next scheduled meetings.
