Winter Garden commission begins 2023-24 budget talks

The commission approved unanimously setting the proposed millage rate at the current rate of 4.5 mills at the Thursday, July 13, meeting.

Amy Quesinberry Community Editor

Oakland Town Manager Andy Stewart has been in his new position for two months, and he’s been getting to know the staff, the town and its residents.

To make himself even more available to Oakland’s citizens, he announced at the July 11 Town Commission meeting he is starting a series of “Ask Andy” get-togethers. The first is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland.

Also at the meeting, commissioners approved the consent agenda, which included a release of lien and satisfaction of final judgment of foreclosure on property at 532 W. Sadler Ave., as well as acceptance of improvements to two commercial sites on West Colonial Drive.

The two-parcel Kiddie Academy site, at 15708 and 15710 W. Colonial, contains a day care/learning center and a children’s swim school. The developer made improvements consisting of roadways and paving that allow an extension of Catherine Ross Road to serve future development in the areas south of Colonial Drive, as well as water and sewer facilities.

The developer, EG3 Development LLC, received impact fee credits in the amount of $199,330.

The second set of improvements accepted by commissioners was at Lakeside Church, 16001 W. Colonial. The 9.13-acre, threeparcel site, contains the church and two outparcels. The improvements were providing water infrastructure and sanitary sewer facilities to serve the three parcels. Developers also donated land to be used for the extension of Starr Street and received a transportation impact fee credit of $124,544.93

Annabelle Sikes News Editor

The Winter Garden City Commission has begun its budget discussions for Fiscal Year 2023-24.

Commissioners approved unanimously setting the proposed millage at the current rate of 4.5 mills at the Thursday, July 13, meeting.

The Truth in Millage legislation timetable required the city to advise the property appraiser of the proposed millage rate no later than noon July 28.

According to City Manager Jon C. Williams’ report, the current Gross Taxable Value for the coming year is projected at $5,570,212,378.

This number represents a 12.79% increase in taxable value over FY 2022-23. The total increase is $631,616,092.

The current year rolled-back rate is 4.0908, so the proposed millage rate is greater than the rolled-back rate by 10%.

One mill will generate about $5,347,404 in revenue, budgeting at 96% of the estimated amount levied.

The FY 2022-23 budgeted ad valorem tax revenue is $21,334,736, and Williams said the city should achieve the budgeted amount. In FY 2021-22, the city budgeted $19,039,702 and recorded $19,147,737. With the current millage rate adopted, the projected AVTR is calculated at $24,063,317, budgeted at 96% of the estimated amount levied.

The rolled-back rate of 4.0908 per $1,000 would produce $21,875,160 or $2,188,158 less revenue than the 4.5 rate. Commissioners agreed also to schedule two budget public hearing dates for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 and Sept. 28.

In Other News

n The Winter Garden City Commission approved two sets of meeting minutes: Regular meeting minutes from June 8 and June 22.

n The City Commission approved unanimously the first reading of an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget for mid-year adjustments.

n Commissioners heard the first reading of an ordinance amending the buildings and building regulations chapter of the city’s code. The change would require a planning pre-application review prior to the submission of a building permit. The review would be conducted by the planning department and would expire if a subsequent building permit is not filed within six months of issuance. The ordinance was approved unanimously with the Planning and Zoning Board’s recommendation to add the four words “requiring a planning review,” to clarify the applications that do not have any planning review aspects would not be required to go through the new process.

n The City Commission approved unanimously the second renewal term for emergency debris management service with Phillips & Jordan Inc.

n Commissioners approved unanimously a contract with Cherry Lake to install landscaping and irrigation in the South Park Avenue right-of-way in the amount of $139,500.

n The City Commission approved unanimously awarding a purchase order to TD Thomson Construction Inc. to replace asphalt on Main Street in the amount of $107,490.

n Commissioners approved unanimously an interlocal cooperation agreement between Orange County and the city for community redevelopment programs under the urban county program.

n The City Commission approved, 3-1, a site plan for 455 W. Plant St. for a multi-purpose building. Commissioner Ron Mueller dissented.

n Commissioners approved unanimously a site plan for 12363 W. Colonial Drive for the Dovec Surgery Center.

n The City Commission approved unanimously the site plan and binding lot combination agreement for 11 W. Smith St. and 186 S. Main St.

n Commissioners approved unanimously the site plan for Tucker Oaks Boulevard.

n The City Commission approved unanimously the Back to School Bash special event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at Zanders Park.

n Commissioners approved unanimously the Winter Garden Police Athletic League’s Donut Dash 5K run special event from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4.