CITY OFLABELLE AUGUST: 24, 2023 4:00 P.M.  BUDGET WORKSHOPSPECIAL MEETING  Mayor Wilkins called the budget workshop/special meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Commissioner Vargas spoke the invocation, and Commissioner Akin led the pledge ofallegiance.. A roll call was taken. Members present were Commissioner Hugo Vargas, Mayor Julie Wilkins, Commissioner Commissioner. Akin motioned. to allow Commissioner Bobbie Spratt to attend via phone.  Jackie Ratica, and Commissioner Daniel Akin Commissioner.  Commissioner Vargas seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0.  LAW ENFORCEMENT BUDGET Sheriff's Department.  Gracie Morton, Finance Director presented the Commission with the proposed budget for the ChiefKevin: Nelson, Hendry County Sheriff's Office gave an overview oft the Hendry County Sheriff's Office call volume within the City throughout the past year. He requested that the City continue to financially support the two city-designated deputies. He noted that there would need to be an increase ini the funding in order to comply with State standards. There was discussion on how many deputies were on duty during the different shifts. Captain Shawn Reed of the Hendry County Sheriff's Office explained to the Commission why Commissioner Spratt asked how much of an increase would be needed. Capt. Reed did not have There was briefdiscussion on the response time for an accident that had recently occurred. There was then conversation on the growth ofLaBelle and the need for additional deputies in the western district oft the County and within the City. Conversation turned to how to continue to Lt. Allen Hudson explained to the Commission the hours the City deputies worked and the There was then discussion on the amount of funds available for an increase in salary for the  he felt the deputies were an asset to the City.  that information.  fund the deputies.  services they provided in addition to traffic monitoring.  existing deputies.    It was the consensus ofthe Commission to retain the current two City deputy positions if Kelly Boone oft the LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation told the Commission how much she, Lisa Sands ofUnited Way, and Nicole Hellard from Barron Library utilized the  possible.  designated City deputies. COMMISSIONERS BUDGET  Commissioner Spratt noted that she would forgo an increase in her salary. There was discussion  on whether to increase the Commissioner's salaries.  EXECUTIVE BUDGET  The Commission discussed the option of making the Human Resource position a Senior Management position which would allow: for that position to receive Senior Management Retirement benefits. Jessi Zubaty read the state criteria for a senior management position. CommissionerAkin motioned. to not appoint anyone to the third Senior. Management  Retirement position.  Commissioner Ratica seconded the motion.  After further discussion, the motion andi the second were withdrawn. Commissioner-Akin motioned not toj fill the third Senior Management position.  The motion was seconded. by Commissioner Ratica.  The motion carried 4-1. Mayor Wilkins was not inj favor.  FINANCE BUDGET  There was discussion ont the funds within the finance department including salary increases for the three positions, and the reserve account. Conversation then turned to the possible surplus amount ift the proposed millage of61 mills was adopted. Commissioner. Akin noted that his reasoning for proposing 61 mills was to fund the fire department and Sheriff's deputies' salaries. There was then discussion on the Commission receiving the information for the budget  workshops sooner. DONATIONS BUDGET  There was conversation about the contributions made to thel Housing Authority, the Economic Development Council, LaBelle. Downtown Revitalization Corporation and Barron Library. Mrs. Morton clarified that Barron Library had requested an additional twenty-five thousand dollars in addition to thet twenty thousand dollars already set aside in the budget. There was al briefconversation on funding the fireworks display for the Fourth ofJuly.    There was then discussion on how toj provide the additional library funding.  Nicole Hellard of Barron Library clarified that she had not heard from any oft the Barron Family Discussion continued about the library funding and what the additional funds would be used for. Mayor Wilkins explained to the Commission that there was. an opportunity to purchase a fire truck through a grant. She told the Commission that the procurement process would: need to be followed which was then confirmed by Attorney Kaylee Tuck who was filling in for the City Attorney, Derek Rooney. Discussion continued on how to utilize the funds from the grant  regarding contributions.  FIRE GRANT  between building a fire station and purchasing a fire truck.  REGIONAL WATER FOCUS  Gary Hull, Superintendent of] Public Works told the Commission about the possibility oft the City and County joining forces to build aj joint sewer plant and expand the water plant to accommodate both County and City areas in the West District oft the County. There was then Commissioner Spratt ended her phone call terminating her attendance. at the meeting. There was then a discussion on reviewing and updating agreements with the County. Commissioner Ratica noted that she was meeting with Wayne Gaither from FDOT the following  conversation on how to fund such aj project.  day to discuss the second bridge project. The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.  APPROVED:  2006D DANIELAKIN, VICE-MAYOR  ATTEST:  Aanollorh JESSIZUBATY, DEPT. CITX CLERK