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CC04-08-2026MinWS LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION Longwood City Commission Chambers I 175 West Warren Avenue Longwood, Florida WORKSHOP MINUTES April 8, 2026 1:00 PM Present: Mayor Brian D. Sackett Shad Smith, Public Works Director Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker Dustin Woolbright, Financial Services Director Commissioner Tony Boni Chris Kintner, Community Development Director Commissioner Matthew McMillan Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director Commissioner Matt Morgan Magdala Ridore, Human Resources Director William Watts, City Manager Craig Dunn, Information Technology Director Liane Cartagena, City Clerk Jacqueline Aubrey, Community& Media Relations Manager David Dowda, Police Chief Cuong Tran, Finance Operations & Budget Manager Troy Feist, Fire Chief Carlos Escobar, Purchasing Manager 1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m. ICommissioner Morgan moved to suspend the rules. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous voice vote. 2. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION A. Discuss the City's current financial situation and funding options for the City's needs in FY 2026- 2027. Mr. Watts opened the workshop and stated the purpose was to review the City's current financial condition, evaluate trends, and begin discussion on funding strategies for upcoming fiscal years. He emphasized that the workshop was intended to provide direction and gather input from the Commission. Mr. Woolbright presented an overview of the City's financial position, noting projected general fund deficits in upcoming fiscal years and a decline in fund balance reserves. He explained that expenditures, particularly personnel costs, continue to outpace revenue growth, and that inflationary pressures and rising capital costs are contributing to the City's financial challenges. Discussion throughout the workshop focused on long-term sustainability, structural deficits, and I the need for a multi-faceted revenue strategy. Commission Discussion Mayor Brian D. Sackett • Emphasized the importance of frequent financial monitoring to track revenues and expenditures. 4/8/2026 WS/ 1 • Expressed concern about over-reliance on fee increases and the potential burden on residents. • Acknowledged the complexity of the City's financial situation and the need for a balanced approach. Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker • Raised concerns regarding personnel cost growth, particularly salary increases. • Suggested reviewing compensation structures, pay ranges, and employee benefits, including potential cost-sharing measures. • Recommended evaluating and prioritizing capital improvement projects (CIP). • Emphasized the need to evaluate all areas of spending and revenue, not relying on a single solution. Commissioner Tony Boni • Expressed concern regarding the City's overall financial condition, including long-term obligations. • Indicated that millage rate increases may be necessary as part of a broader strategy. • Requested more detailed projections and funding scenarios, including assessments and fee impacts. • Emphasized the importance of long-term financial planning and additional workshops. Commissioner Matt Morgan • Provided context on historical financial fluctuations and current economic pressures. • Noted that incremental adjustments alone will not resolve the deficit. • Supported continued evaluation of all available funding options. Commissioner Matthew McMillan • Supported the use of non-ad valorem assessments as a reliable funding source for capital needs. • Emphasized the importance of dedicated funding mechanisms for long-term stability. • Advised careful evaluation of financial data and consideration of external factors impacting project costs. Staff Input Mr. Kintner, Community Development Director • Noted that state law changes will limit fee increases, requiring cost-based calculations. • Advised thatstaff is evaluating impacts and exploring improved business tax collection. • Highlighted that permit revenues are variable and dependent on development activity. Chief Feist, Fire Chief • Reported strong transport revenue but noted limited ability to increase fees further. • Highlighted efforts to maximize cost recovery and reduce expenses. • Identified minor additional revenue opportunities, including inspection fees and false alarm billing. Mr. Capizzi, Leisure Services Director • Reported review of facility and program fees, with potential for modest increases. • Emphasized the need to remain competitive while implementing incremental adjustments. 4/8/2026 WS/2 Mr. Smith, Public Works Director • Identified the stormwater fee as a key revenue opportunity, noting it has remained unchanged for many years. • Stated that adjustments could offset general fund costs and support infrastructure needs. • Highlighted continued pursuit of grant funding opportunities. Chief Dowda, Police Chief • Reported limited revenue options, primarily through cost recovery for adult arrests. • Noted costs are regularly updated and often awarded by the court. • Clarified that no fees apply to routine service calls or juvenile cases. Financial Condition and Funding Overview • The City is operating with a structural deficit, with expenditures outpacing revenue growth, largely driven by increasing personnel and capital costs. • Prior budget reductions and deferral of capital projects were noted as unsustainable, with significant long-term obligations remaining, including major infrastructure needs. • Discussion acknowledged broader financial exposure across all funds, including utilities and capital projects. Revenue and Funding Considerations • The Commission discussed potential adjustments to the millage rate as a primary revenue source. • Staff advised that fee increases alone will not resolve the deficit, though incremental adjustments across departments are being evaluated. • Additional funding options discussed included fire assessments, stormwater fee adjustments, utility rate increases, expanded fee reviews, and increased pursuit of grant funding. • There was general consensus that a multi-faceted approach will be required to address the City's financial needs. Staff Direction & Key Takeaways • Staff was directed to continue developing a multi-faceted funding strategy, including evaluations of millage, fees, assessments, and utility rates. • The Commission requested additional financial scenarios and projections to better understand impacts of potential revenue options. • There was general consensus that incremental fee increases alone are insufficient to address the City's structural deficit. • Staff was encouraged to evaluate cost controls, compensation structures, and capital project prioritization. • The Commission emphasized the importance of long-term financial planning and sustainability. • Additional budget workshops are anticipated to further refine options and provide direction prior to budget adoption. 3. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 2:51 p.m. 4/8/2026 WS/ 3 Minutes approved by City Commission: April 20, 2026. • 7 K • •• ••. I < 4/44:.14. .4117"; - = }, Brian .ackett, Mayo . r , .ATTEST:. w Liane Cartagena, City Clerk I I 4/8/2026 WS/4