09/16/2025
Recap from Last Night’s Budget and Council Meetings
1. Millage Rate, the council approved a millage rate of 5.7. Both the Mayor and I advocated for a lower rate, with my goal being 5.5. However, the majority of council members supported additional funding for hurricane reserves (which I believe should come from FEMA reimbursements, though the timing of those funds is uncertain) and for sidewalks and trails. While I believe 5.65 was achievable and better than 5.7, no one seconded my motion. I have requested the completed budget for this fiscal year after the audit in the spring, which will give us better insight into spending. I remain committed to ensuring that every dollar paid by Groveland residents is used wisely, and I will continue working toward a lower rate next year. Knowledge and information are powerful tools, and I intend to gather as much as possible to be even more prepared and effective.
2. Backyard Chickens, chickens are now permitted in Groveland. The clause in the city code prohibiting them has been suspended.
3. Cherry Lake Estates, the developers have submitted a new plan. Council unanimously agreed that this plan should first be reviewed by city staff and the Planning and Zoning Board before moving forward. I encourage the developer to have residents to share their feedback on the proposed “bubble plan.”
4. Utility Billing Policy, a new policy was adopted giving our utility billing department greater flexibility to assist customers in certain circumstances.
5. Cemetery Ordinance, we added a section to the City Code regarding cemeteries, which will allow us to establish policies for their operation.
6. Commercial Garbage Collection, council renewed the city’s commercial garbage collection contract for 5 years. Rates will be frozen for this year, with future increases capped at 3% annually. The agreement also includes a termination option after 3 years should we be able to coordinate a regional provider. This offer will be brought back to the provider for approval.
7. Constitution Week Proclamation, we honored Constitution Week with a proclamation presented to the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
8. Su***de Prevention Awareness, a proclamation was presented to Vision Church to raise awareness for su***de prevention.
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