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Melbourne Village commission approves 2025 millage, hires staff, stays with FMIT and funds culvert repairs
Summary
The Town Commission on July 22 unanimously approved a 7.0609 millage rate, appointed an office manager and deputy clerk, voted to remain with FMIT for insurance coverage and authorized culvert repairs (including a Savannah/Dayton headwall replacement capped at $7,000).
The Melbourne Village Town Commission on July 22 unanimously approved a 2025 millage rate of 7.0609, appointed two municipal staff members, chose to remain with the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust for general liability and workers' compensation coverage, and authorized several culvert repairs to meet FDOT standards.
The actions came during a regularly scheduled meeting that began at 6:30 p.m. and included presentations from two insurance brokers — Kyle Stoekel of Brown & Brown and Tylor Denahan of FMIT — department reports and a public forum where residents raised questions about stormwater studies, agenda posting and packet access. Vice Mayor Foster moved each of the key motions; motions were seconded by different commissioners and passed on roll call with all four present commissioners voting in favor.
Why it matters: the millage rate sets the town's primary property-tax levy for 2025; the insurance decision affects the town's liability and workplace coverage; and the culvert approvals involve immediate infrastructure repairs and modest contract amendments tied to state (FDOT) construction standards.
Insurance decision and presentations After hearing proposals and handouts from Brown & Brown and FMIT, the commission voted to remain with FMIT for general liability and workers' compensation coverage. The motion to stay with FMIT was made by Vice Mayor Foster and seconded by Commissioner Anderson; roll call was taken and the vote was unanimous among commissioners present.
Personnel and pay decisions The commission approved several personnel actions. Suzanne Headon was appointed Office Manager and permit clerk; the motion passed unanimously. The commission also offered Lynn Rutowski the Deputy Clerk position with a starting salary of $48,000, health insurance to begin after 30 days, and a 90-day performance review; the planned start date is July 30, 2025. Both personnel motions passed on roll call with the four commissioners present voting yes.
Budget and business license actions Vice Mayor Foster moved to set the 2025 millage at 7.0609; Commissioner Anderson seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The commission also approved a business tax receipt for Guardian Allies Collective, LLC after reviewing the application.
Culverts and infrastructure Under Unfinished Business the commission approved replacement of a broken culvert headwall at Savannah and Dayton to FDOT standards at a cost not to exceed $7,000. The commission also approved change orders from Atlantic Foundation adding $1,500 to each of two previously approved culvert projects (South Wildwood and 786 Acacia) so the work complies with FDOT requirements; the earlier June 5 approval for those projects ($13,500 total) did not include FDOT-compliance pricing. Both actions were moved by Vice Mayor Foster, seconded and approved unanimously.
Public forum and departmental reports During public comment, resident John MacNeill asked whether the town needs a stormwater study, noted that the meeting agenda had not been posted to the bulletin board or website and asked why residents do not receive full meeting packets. Ray Bowin asked about the status of West Pine Road properties owned by Mr. Peretz and suggested that public comment be scheduled later in meetings; Ondine Constable thanked commissioners for their volunteer service. Jeremy LaCorte of Brown & Brown clarified a point raised during the insurance presentations.
Department reports were provided for public safety (read by Lt. Castiello of the Sheriff's Department), public works (Jeff Conklin), code enforcement, administration and the treasurer's cash-and-investments report.
Next steps Quotes for replacement of the Hester Wagner Community House air-conditioning system will be collected from four contractors and the matter will be placed on the town's Aug. 13 budget hearing for further review. The meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.
(First reference to individuals includes role: Mayor Susan Ditty; Vice Mayor Foster; Commissioner Anderson; Commissioner Yorio; Town Clerk Heather Roberts; Office Manager appointee Suzanne Headon; Deputy Clerk appointee Lynn Rutowski.)
