AWorkshop Meeting of the Apalachicola City Commission was held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 6:00 PM: at the Apalachicola Municipal Library, 74 6th Street, Apalachicola, Florida. Present: Mayor Brenda Ash, Commissioner Adriane Elliott, Commissioner Despina George, Commissioner Duncan, Commissioner Grove, City Manager Travis Wade, Finance Director Lee  Mathes, City Clerk Sheneidra Cummings, and Chief Bobby' Varnes.  Mayor. Ash asked for an Amendment to the agenda to include Public Comment. seconded by Commissioner George. None opposed. Motion carried, 5-0.  Motion to adopt the agenda and to add public comment was made by Commissioner Grove,  PUBLICCOMMENT Maintenance contract.  Dennis Winterringer commented on the Reforestation fund, tree maintenance, and the Cemetery  Donna Ingle commented on tracking revenue generated from park rentals.  Ginger Creamer presented the Commission with a handout on first responder calls and commented on the gas allowance provided to First Responders. Ms. Creamer also requested the Board consider an  increase of $75/perr responder, per month for gas.  No further publico comments. BUDGET DISCUSSION  Finance Director Lee Mathes provided a page-by-page breakdown and explanation of recommended reductions and/or changes per department and answers questions presented by the Commission.  Discussion held.  The Commission did not oppose the request made by ginger Creamer to increase the gas allowance from $25t tof $75amonth per person and Finance Director noted the request forit ittol be included in the proposed Library Director Lucy Carter commented on the proposed reductions for the Library Department and did  budget meeting.  not agree with the recommendations presented to the Commission.  Further discussion held.    8.20.24 CC WSI Budget Meeting  Page 2of4  Commissioner Elliott suggested that the Commission allow the Dixie Youth donation to remain in the Mayor Ash referenced the Facilities line item in the proposed budget and suggested that the Commission consider some alternative options for the Johnson Complex due to the absorbent costs to maintain the  upcoming budget.  facility every year.  Commissioner Grove concurred with Mayor Ash.  Finance Director concluded the breakdown of the proposed budget with explaining how the various Commissioner George suggested that further analyzation is needed to determine if any additional reductions can ber made, as well ast tov verify the accuracy oft thel budget. Commissioner George commented on the projected overtime line item, positions added in the Public Works Department and those funded via the Enterprise Fund, as well as the salaries of police offers which were not correctly budgeted for in last year's budget. Commissioner George asked Manager Wade for Comment. Further stating the importance of the Commission to study the Salary Schedule to ensure that the salaries calculations are  millage rate(s) would affect the City's projected revenue and/or deficit.  congruent withi the desire of the Commission.  Discussion held.  Sanitation Fee(s) were discussed. Commissioner George recommended the Commission further analyze the City's sanitation expense and suggested that the Commission find a solution to reconcile or eliminate the deficit in the proposed budget. Commissioner George recommended that Waste One take over the collection of fees(s) which would also eliminate the projected loss of $75,000/ year if the City remains Commissioner George also recommended the Commission consider re-instating a Facilities Reserve line item in the General Fund budget to help offset overall facility expenses including but not limited to, maintenance, repairs, and/or system replacements etc. Commissioner George commented on the Enterprise Funds in reference to the SUF collections stating that, although the funds show a surplus, the  involved with the collection.  $67,000 in projected SUF collections will be used to pay off debt.  Commissioner Grove commented on well repair(s) line item and wanted clarification on projected repairs Manager Wade clarified that the projected expense relating to the repair of wells 5 & 6 are now listed Commissioner Elliott commented on cemetery and right-of way maintenance, as well as the Marinas expenses and revenues. Commissioner Elliott stated that the Kiosk installed at Battery Park Marina has  tov well5&6.  under Capital Outlay and has been included.    8.20.24 CC WS Budget Meeting  Page 3of4  collected approximately $45 in revenue which could be used to offset the cost of Marina maintenance, repairs etc. Commissioner Elliott also mentioned the City's Comprehensive Plan and reforming and recognizing the Port of Apalachicola and howtourist dollars and revenue collected could be used to: spread revenues collected across the City and drawi in additional revenue to help subsidize the budget.  Commissioner Duncan, no comment.  Commissioner George reaffirmed her commitment to keep the millage rate down and stated that she is committed to keeping the millage rate at its current rate for this year; however, would like to see the City Mayor Ash Commended Commissioner George forl her continued commitment to work with Staff to work with Staff and further review the Budget. Mayor Ash recommended that manager Wade and Finance Director Mathes meet with the Department Supervisors to inform them of the changes and/or updates Chief Varnes commented on the salary discussion and explained to the Commission the origin of the Manager Wade commented on discontinuing the inmate crew and finding seasonal employees to assist Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Elliott seconded b Commissioner George. None opposed.  be able to reduce the millage rate in the future.  that were discussed att the meeting.  department's 84-hour two-week work period. the City with cemetery and right-of-way maintenance.  Motion carried, 5-0. Meeting adjourned.  MAYOR  SHENEIDRA CUMMINGS, YCENIE  Ctl  tc    8.20.24 CC WS Budget Meeting  Page 4 of4