MINUTES OF A SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, HELD IN THE CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH U.S. #1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AT 5:05 P.M. ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick; Commissioner Arnold Gaines; Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Johnson, Jr.
- Absent:
- Mayor Linda Hudson
- Staff Present:
-
- City Manager Richard Chess
- City Attorney Sara Hedges
- City Clerk Linda Cox
Linda Cox, City Clerk, announced that Mayor Hudson let her know that she was unable to attend the meeting.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to excuse Mayor Hudson's absence.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
4.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick approve agenda as set.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
5.
BUDGET HEARING
A.
Proposed 2025-26 General Fund Budget and Millage Rate for the City of Fort Pierce. The City of Fort Pierce is proposing a millage rate of 6.9 and tax rate exceeds the roll-back rate of 6.6109 mills by 4.37%.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson announced the proposed millage rate of 6.9 exceeds the roll back rate of 6.619 mills by 4.37%. He asked Johnna Morris, Finance Director, to present the proposed 2025-26 proposed budget.
Ms. Morris gave a brief overview of the proposed budget. The budget is balanced at $67,787,211. We had an increase of 10.46% increase in taxable property values. The City of Fort Pierce is 28% of the total annual tax bill. The budget includes two new general fund positions, the City Engineer and a Deputy City Manager. There is a 5% cost of living increase for all bargaining and non-bargaining employees and step + 6% for sworn officers. The police budget is 33.7% of our total budget. The operating budget of each department was decreased by 3% and capital costs for building improvements and replacement of equipment is funded at $1,148,026. Spending plans for the enterprise funds were reviewed and explained along with the special revenue funds.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson opened the public hearing.
Svetlana Sena
Seeing no one else, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson closed the public hearing.
Ms. Morris gave a brief overview of the proposed budget. The budget is balanced at $67,787,211. We had an increase of 10.46% increase in taxable property values. The City of Fort Pierce is 28% of the total annual tax bill. The budget includes two new general fund positions, the City Engineer and a Deputy City Manager. There is a 5% cost of living increase for all bargaining and non-bargaining employees and step + 6% for sworn officers. The police budget is 33.7% of our total budget. The operating budget of each department was decreased by 3% and capital costs for building improvements and replacement of equipment is funded at $1,148,026. Spending plans for the enterprise funds were reviewed and explained along with the special revenue funds.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson opened the public hearing.
Svetlana Sena
Seeing no one else, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson closed the public hearing.
1.
Consider any proposed amendments to the 2025-26 General Fund Budget
There are no proposed changes to the 2025-26 budget.
2.
Adopt proposed Millage Rate of 6.9 and recompute if necessary.
There are no changes to the millage so no recomputation is necessary.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to adopt millage rate.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
3.
Adoption of tentative 2025-26 General Fund Budget
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to adopt tentative budget.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
6.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Quasi-Judicial Hearings follow a strict set of rules and procedures which can be found on the City’s website using this link: https://www.cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/6740/Quasi-Judicial-Procedures. All Quasi-Judicial decisions by the City Commission must be based on competency substantial evidence. Competent substantial evidence is evidence which will establish a substantial basis from which the fact at issue can reasonably be inferred. It includes fact or opinion evidence offered by an expert on a matter that requires specialized knowledge and that is relevant to the issues to be decided. It is evidence a reasonable mind could accept as having probative weight and adequate to support a legal conclusion. Hypothetical, speculative, fear or emotion based generalized statements that do not address the relevant issues and that cannot be reasonably said to support the action advocated, are not competent substantial evidence.
Quasi-Judicial Hearings follow a strict set of rules and procedures which can be found on the City’s website using this link: https://www.cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/6740/Quasi-Judicial-Procedures. All Quasi-Judicial decisions by the City Commission must be based on competency substantial evidence. Competent substantial evidence is evidence which will establish a substantial basis from which the fact at issue can reasonably be inferred. It includes fact or opinion evidence offered by an expert on a matter that requires specialized knowledge and that is relevant to the issues to be decided. It is evidence a reasonable mind could accept as having probative weight and adequate to support a legal conclusion. Hypothetical, speculative, fear or emotion based generalized statements that do not address the relevant issues and that cannot be reasonably said to support the action advocated, are not competent substantial evidence.
A.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 25-026 providing for the levying and collecting of taxes for the City of Fort Pierce for Fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026 and adopting the final millage rate of 6.9. FIRST READING
Linda Cox, City Clerk, introduced Ordinance 25-026, read in its entirety into the record.
ORDINANCE NO. 25-026 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR THE LEVYING AND COLLECTING OF TAXES FOR THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026, FOR THE PURPOSE OF RAISING SUCH AMOUNT AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO CARRY ON THE GOVERNMENT OF SAID CITY DURING SAID FISCAL YEAR AND TO PAY FUNDS SO COLLECTED INTO THE ACCOUNTS PROVIDED THEREFOR; ADOPTING THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE 2025-26 FISCAL YEAR FINAL MILLAGE RATE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. The final millage rate of the City of Fort Pierce, Florida, for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026 is hereby levied at the rate of 6.9000 per thousand-dollar valuation for general City purposes, which is greater than the roll-back rate of 6.6109 mills by 4.37%.
SECTION 2. The City Commission of the City of Fort Pierce, Florida hereby levies a tax of 6.9000 per thousand-dollar valuation on all real and personal property within the corporate limits of said City, subject to tax on the first day of January 2025, provided however that such 6.9000 shall not be levied upon property in the City of Fort Pierce exempt under state statute or federal constitution.
SECTION 3. That the City Manager is hereby instructed and directed to certify to the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser the above and forgoing enumerated Millage to be levied for all purposes, for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026 in the said City of Fort Pierce, Florida, pursuant to the provision of the laws of the State of Florida and the Charter of the City of Fort Pierce.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall be and become effective October 1, 2025.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson opened the public hearing, seeing no one, he closed the public hearing.
ORDINANCE NO. 25-026 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR THE LEVYING AND COLLECTING OF TAXES FOR THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026, FOR THE PURPOSE OF RAISING SUCH AMOUNT AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO CARRY ON THE GOVERNMENT OF SAID CITY DURING SAID FISCAL YEAR AND TO PAY FUNDS SO COLLECTED INTO THE ACCOUNTS PROVIDED THEREFOR; ADOPTING THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE 2025-26 FISCAL YEAR FINAL MILLAGE RATE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. The final millage rate of the City of Fort Pierce, Florida, for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026 is hereby levied at the rate of 6.9000 per thousand-dollar valuation for general City purposes, which is greater than the roll-back rate of 6.6109 mills by 4.37%.
SECTION 2. The City Commission of the City of Fort Pierce, Florida hereby levies a tax of 6.9000 per thousand-dollar valuation on all real and personal property within the corporate limits of said City, subject to tax on the first day of January 2025, provided however that such 6.9000 shall not be levied upon property in the City of Fort Pierce exempt under state statute or federal constitution.
SECTION 3. That the City Manager is hereby instructed and directed to certify to the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser the above and forgoing enumerated Millage to be levied for all purposes, for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026 in the said City of Fort Pierce, Florida, pursuant to the provision of the laws of the State of Florida and the Charter of the City of Fort Pierce.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall be and become effective October 1, 2025.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson opened the public hearing, seeing no one, he closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Arnold Gaines, seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick to adopt Ordinance 25-026.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
B.
Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 25-027 adopting the final budget for the City of Fort Pierce for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026. FIRST READING
Linda Cox, City Clerk, introduced Ordinance 25-027, read in its entirety, into the record.
ORDINANCE NO. 25-027 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; ADOPTING A FINAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. The City Commission of Fort Pierce, Florida after having held a public hearing, hereby adopts as its final budget for the operation of the government of said City for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026, the estimates made by the City Manager of said City presented to the City Commission on September 08, 2025, which detailed amended estimates are now on file with the City Clerk and the Director of Finance.
SECTION 2. That it shall be the duty of the City Manager to set up the aforesaid appropriation of revenues and expenses on the account records of said City, to keep such accounts thereof, as required by the Charter of said City, as may be directed from time to time by the City Commission.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall be and become effective October 1, 2025.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson opened the public hearing. Seeing no one, he closed the public hearing.
ORDINANCE NO. 25-027 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; ADOPTING A FINAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. The City Commission of Fort Pierce, Florida after having held a public hearing, hereby adopts as its final budget for the operation of the government of said City for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026, the estimates made by the City Manager of said City presented to the City Commission on September 08, 2025, which detailed amended estimates are now on file with the City Clerk and the Director of Finance.
SECTION 2. That it shall be the duty of the City Manager to set up the aforesaid appropriation of revenues and expenses on the account records of said City, to keep such accounts thereof, as required by the Charter of said City, as may be directed from time to time by the City Commission.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall be and become effective October 1, 2025.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson opened the public hearing. Seeing no one, he closed the public hearing.
Motion was made by Commissioner Michael Broderick, seconded by Commissioner Arnold Gaines to approve Ordinance 25-027.
- AYE:
- Commissioner Michael Broderick, Commissioner Arnold Gaines, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Passed
7.
CITY COMMISSION
There were no comments from the Commission.
8.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject may be heard at this time. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Mayor, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The City Commission will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Mayor, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject may be heard at this time. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less, as directed by the Mayor, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The City Commission will not be able to take any official actions under Comments from the Public. Speakers will address the Mayor, Commissioners, and the Public with respect. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
Fabian Zamora
Svetlana Sena
Svetlana Sena
9.
ADJOURNMENT
Immediately following adjournment, please move toward the doors and exit the chambers. This allows for the safe and courteous exit of all persons, and those on the dais. Conversations after the meeting should be held outside of chambers, in the foyer or elsewhere, but not in the commission chambers where lights will be out as soon as the chambers are empty.
Immediately following adjournment, please move toward the doors and exit the chambers. This allows for the safe and courteous exit of all persons, and those on the dais. Conversations after the meeting should be held outside of chambers, in the foyer or elsewhere, but not in the commission chambers where lights will be out as soon as the chambers are empty.
Meeting adjourned at 5:36 p.m.
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK
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MAYOR COMMISSIONER
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