The City of Dade City approved a budget of more than $40 million for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The budget was approved at the Sept. 26 City Commission meeting.
The new spending plan represents a decrease of $985,750 or 2.4% from the previous budget.
This deviates from the 2022-2023 budget, which had a 64% increase (nearly $25 million), and included many of the ongoing projects throughout the city.
At the Sept. 12, 2023 City Commission meeting, the Commission voted to set the tentative millage rate at $7. The certified taxable value is $549,535,014 and at the millage rate, ad valorem tax revenues in the General Fund are anticipated to increase by $842,060.
Personnel costs are expected to be $9,038,125 or 22.59% of the total budget, an increase of $1,302,801 (16.84%) from the previous budget. This will create funding for nine new positions, the negotiation of a 3-year contract with the PBA (Police Benevolent Association), increased health care premiums, salary increases and associated retirement costs.
Operating costs are expected to be $5,878,185 or 14.69% of the total budget, an increase of $735,825 (14.31%) from the previous budget. The insurance crisis, inflation, and supply chain delays continue to impact operating costs.
Capital outlay and debt service, representing 62.72% of the budget, is anticipated to total $25,092,290, which is a decrease of $3,024,377.
Major capital projects include the Morningside Drive Extension, design of the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater force main and lift station projects, splash pad, amphitheater, playground equipment and sidewalk/road improvements. This amount includes $3,371,785 collected from impact fees and system development charges that are held in reserve for qualifying capital projects.
City amends rental fees
The City Commission passed Resolution 2023-27, which amended rental fees for the exclusive use of parks and recreational facilities that was established in January 2008.
Commissioners held a series of workshops to discuss amendments, however, rental fees for parks and facilities usage are not increasing. Fees for the use of electricity will increase from $5 to $15 per hour for use of pavilions and from $16 to $25 per two-hour block for the use of ballfield lights.
Monies collected under this resolution will provide a revenue source to the General Fund.
Published October 18, 2023
