FPRA presents balanced $16.4 million FY2027 budget with $4.4 million in capital projects

Finance Director Miss Morris presented the proposed FY2027 FPRA operating budget and five‑year capital improvement plan on Aug. 11, reporting a balanced operating budget of $16,423,608, an increase of $1,769,483 from the current fiscal year. Total projected revenue is $15,775,677, with a $647,000 fund‑balance appropriation to help fund capital projects.

Morris highlighted a $4.4 million allocation to capital projects in FY2027, noting that much of the prior-year contingency is reallocated into capital spending. Key expenditure line items called out in the presentation include $390,000 for community policing (special duty detail), $350,000 for school resource officers, continued funding for 10 officers at $1,100,000, and $156,539 earmarked for two code enforcement officers funded through the FPRA pilot. Morris said the ad valorem tax increase accounts for roughly $1,000,000 of the revenue change between years.

On the capital side, staff called out projects that will move from design to construction, including Depot Drive ($1,000,000 allocated), Jetty Park West ($1,500,000), and a $1,000,000 multi‑year allocation for 2nd Street (Festival Street) improvements; Means Court has $500,000 allocated this year and next pending the condition assessment. Staff also discussed ongoing partnerships with St. Lucie County on Harbor Pointe Park boat ramp reimbursements and noted several planned park and neighborhood investments, master-plan work for Lincoln Park and Dreamland Park, and continued investments in FPRA-owned facilities such as Percy Peak and Cobbs Landing.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about specific small projects (for example, historical-plaques at Pioneer's Park) and were told those items are not currently in the budget and will require follow-up. Staff said they will return with design completion items and cost estimates as projects advance.