Palm Bay's Final Budget Hearing: Last Chance for Public Input 🗣️

Council to Formalize Rates and Fees Amidst Community Concerns

Palm Bay, FL -- The Palm Bay City Council is convening for a special meeting on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM. While the primary focus is the second and final reading of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget, which includes the previously adopted 6.7339 millage rate, this meeting presents the last opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and concerns directly to the council.

Key Decisions Recap

In a lively first public hearing on September 12th, the council grappled with the complexities of the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget, ultimately adopting a 6.7339 millage rate. This decision, while slightly lower than the previous year's rate, fell short of the rollback rate advocated by Councilman Johnson, who championed fiscal conservatism amidst rising living costs. You can read more about the first budget hearing and the community's response in our previous article, Palm Bay Budget Battle: Millage Rate Set Amidst Fiscal Challenges and Community Outcry ⚔️.

This upcoming meeting on September 26th will serve as the final public hearing before the budget is officially adopted. In addition to the millage rate, the council will also finalize adjustments to various fees and charges across multiple city departments, including the Fire Department, Recreation Department, and Building Code enforcement. These changes could impact the cost of services and permits for residents.

Your Voice Matters

This final public hearing offers residents a crucial platform to address the council about the budget, the millage rate, and the proposed fee adjustments across various city departments. While the rates might be largely set, your input can still influence future decisions and demonstrate the community's priorities.

Fee Adjustments: What's Changing?

The council will also finalize adjustments to fees, rates, and charges for several departments and services, including:

• Fire Department

• Recreation Department

• Building Code enforcement

• Impact Fees

• Land Development Code

• Other specified chapters and sections within the Code of Ordinances

These changes could impact the cost of various services and permits, so it's essential for residents to understand how they might be affected.

Make Your Voice Heard

Whether you support the proposed budget and fee adjustments or have concerns, this is your final chance to make your voice heard. Attend the meeting in person at the Council Chambers, 120 Malabar Road SE, or watch the live broadcast on the city's website or Space Coast Government TV.

Stay Informed and Engaged

The decisions made at this meeting will shape Palm Bay's financial future. Stay informed and engaged in the process by attending the meeting, reviewing the agenda and related documents, and sharing your feedback with your elected officials.

For more information on Palm Bay news & events, be sure to visit The Palm Bayer.