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Palatka CRA approves $125,000 match for Larimer Art Center after contested vote and roll-call dispute
Summary
The Palatka Community Redevelopment Agency approved a $125,000 CRA match for a state cultural facilities grant to repair the Larimer Art Center roof; debate focused on whether CRA funds should target a city-owned cultural building and a later roll-call confusion prompted a board pledge to use roll-call votes going forward.
The City of Palatka Community Redevelopment Agency on July 20 approved a resolution to commit $125,000 in CRA matching funds for a Florida Department of State Cultural Facilities Grant to repair and weatherproof the Larimer Art Center roof.
Staff presented the item as a CRA-eligible project because the Larimer sits in the Central Business District and hosts cultural programming that draws tourism and youth activities. "This is requesting approval from the CRA board for the CRA match for that submission of the grant," staff stated, noting the overall grant package includes a city match as well.
Several board members raised equity concerns about using redevelopment tax increment funds for repairs on a city-owned cultural building. The deputy criticized the allocation to downtown, saying, "We're down to 283 structures putting a roof on the Larimer in our city," and asked why similar repairs would not be available to other downtown property owners. Staff replied that the Larimer fits the redevelopment plan and Chapter 163, Part III eligibility by virtue of its cultural uses and tourism draw.
Commissioner Davis moved to approve the resolution. The board then conducted a voice vote followed by a roll-call intended to memorialize the initial vote; members and staff recorded differing verbal tallies and raised points of order about abstentions and vote capture. City counsel and clerical staff explained the roll call is meant to reflect the initial voice vote, not replace it. After discussion, the mayor stated the initial vote stands and announced the motion passed. Members subsequently moved to require roll-call votes for future motions.
The resolution authorizes the CRA match and submission for the state grant; staff said the city side of the application had already been presented to the city commission. The precise per-member roll-call record was contested in the meeting transcript and staff indicated a clerical reconciliation would be prepared if requested.
The board did not take additional action on broader policy limits for CRA-funded maintenance during the same meeting; several members asked staff to return with clearer language and an indirect-cost methodology before the Aug. 19 budget discussion.
The board moved on to other business and then adjourned.
