Winder Garden commission considers business tax increase

The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved a first reading of an ordinance that would increase all existing local business tax rates by 5%.

The ordinance also updates the city’s local business tax schedule, revising the “procedural timeline for future local business tax adjustments by changing the reporting, ordinance adoption and effective dates to better align with the city’s budget and administrative processes,” Planning Director Kelly Carson said. 

“We have not increased these fees in a very, very long time,” she said. “This ordinance would ensure the city maintains a fair and current local business tax structure that keeps pace with inflation.”

According to agenda documents on the ordinance, the ordinance will allow the city to have a “predictable process for periodic adjustments and generating revenue to fund services that benefit businesses and residents alike,” which would promote the “public health, safety, morals and general welfare while preserving the city’s long-term fiscal sustainability.”

A second reading of the ordinance will take place at the meeting Thursday, July 23.

Budget amendments

The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance amending the city’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to allow for reallocations. 

City Finance Director Laura Zielonka said the city is reallocating funds in the General Fund. 

Funds are being reallocated for the Garden Theatre; the purchase of firearms already approved by the City Commission; paving for the alley between North Lakeview Avenue and North Boyd Street; Tucker Ranch; and the utility operating fund. 

The total in reallocations is $3,498,494. 

A second reading of the ordinance will take place at the meeting Thursday, July 23.

Temporary construction yard license agreement

Commissioners unanimously approved a temporary construction yard license agreement to allow WGH Property LLC to use parking spaces on West Plant Street directly in front of the new hotel at 8 N. Highland Ave. while it is being constructed.

The owner also requested permission to use the grass portion of the property at 695 W. Plant St. to stage construction material, as well as six parking spaces at the Winter Garden Police Department parking lot for passenger vehicles during construction. 

The agreement will allow the owner to use these properties for construction activities, provide protection for the city and require the owner to restore any damage. 

The commission also approved a street closure from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, July 20, between Plant and Bay streets along South Highland Avenue for the groundbreaking of the hotel.