Maitland City Talk

By Observer Staff
| 10:04 a.m. July 6, 2011

Winter Park - Maitland Observer
Opinion

City staff is currently in the process of finalizing the proposed FY 2012 Budget. Many steps have already been taken to ensure citizen participation in the process. These include: holding a strategic planning session with the City Council in April; advisory board meetings to discuss the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and establish time-lines for the improvements; and a public hearing for adoption of the CIP in June. Additionally, there will be several opportunities for residents to share their thoughts on the budget at workshops and public hearings in the coming months. The FY 2012 budget workshops will begin on Monday, July 11 prior to the City Council meeting to discuss the Cultural Partners’ contribution requests. A full list of the dates and times of budget workshops are on the city’s website and posted on the Public Information Board located in front of City Hall.

The proposed FY 2012 General Fund Budget workshop is scheduled for Monday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m. This budget supports our primary business of providing core municipal services such as police and fire protection; maintenance of streets, parks, physical properties, computers, vehicles, equipment, street signs and traffic signals; recreational programming; building construction review; and administrative services including planning, zoning, fiscal management and personnel administration. In addition to providing core services, this budget focuses on several key initiatives identified by the Council in their strategic planning session. These initiatives include improving communications with residents; developing a west-side park; completing revision of land development regulations; revising the sign code ordinance; creating a downtown; working with cultural and strategic partners in economic development; promoting green initiatives; and completing the new fire station and city hall.

This budget estimates General Fund revenues to increase 2 percent over projected 2011 revenues. Revenues are generated from a variety of sources including taxes, user fees, licenses and permitting fees, intergovernmental revenues, charges for services and fines and forfeitures. Ad Valorem Tax is the single largest revenue producer for the city, accounting for approximately 34 percent of total revenues. The amount generated is determined by the taxable value established by the Orange County Property Appraiser and the millage rate set by the city. Like most communities in Florida, Maitland experienced a significant decline in property valuation during the last two tax years. This year, Maitland’s total taxable value, including new construction of $30.6 million, increased slightly at less than 1 percent. As proposed, Maitland’s millage rate is set at 4.38 mills (3.88 mills to operate the government and 0.5 mills to cover voted debt associated with city facilities upgrades).

For additional details on the budget, please visit www.itsmymaitland.com. Hard copies of the Budget Draft may also be viewed at City Hall or the Maitland Public Library.

— Sharon Anselmo, Management Services director

City Council Meeting of July 11, 2011

City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for July 11 in the Council Chambers, 1776 Independence Lane. Below are items that will be addressed at that meeting.

Special Presentation

Proclamation – National Parks & Recreation Month

Public Hearings:

• Ordinance – Alcoholic Beverage Permit

• Ordinance – Amendment to Sign Code

• Ordinance – Maitland Art & Historical Association (MAHA) Lease

Consent Agenda:

• Approve Council Minutes of June 27, 2011

• Approve SunRail Workshop Minutes of June 28, 2011

Decisions:

• Appointments - Board of Zoning Adjustment (2)

• Building Communities with Honorable Character – Approve Business Plan & Amend City’s Vision & Mission Statements