City Commission Regular Meeting Agenda — Packet

| September 5, 2026 City Commission 9:00 a.m. | | --- | | ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT: | | Mayor Mark Short | | Commission Chair Charles Salem | | Commission Vice Chair Gary McMullen | | Commissioner John Lynch | | Commissioner Chris Arendt via Zoom | | Commissioner Kathy Morgan-Johnson | | CITY STAFF PRESENT: | | City Attorney Pamela Cichone with Vose Law Firm | | City Treasurer Randy Maxson | | City Clerk Amber LaRowe | | Deputy City Clerk Barbara Jeffries | | Manatee County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant John Wren | | 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Salem called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. |

Chair Salem called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call.

## 2. PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE AND TENTATIVE FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET

The public hearing was opened to consider the tenta 2026-2027.

ive millage rate and tentative budget for Fiscal Year

Mayor Short stated that the proposed tentative millage rate was 1.6500 mills, compared to the rolled-back rate of 1.5042 mills, representing a 9.69% increase over the rolled-back rate. The additional ad valorem revenue would support general municipal purposes, including public safety, contractual services, public works, planning and development, parks and recreation, general government, debt service, and the continuation of core City services without an additional draw from fund reserves.

Mayor Short reviewed the proposed budget, noting that the City had conducted several budget workshops. The proposed budget totaled approximately $15 million, including approximately $6 million in grant revenues, with the remaining revenues derived from ad valorem taxes, intergovernmental revenues, franchise fees, licenses and permits, fines, interest, and other sources.

The Commission was provided with an opportunity to ask questions in tentative budget. No additional questions were raised.

garding the proposed millage rate and

## a. Resolution 26-840 Adopting FY 26/27 Tentative Millage A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE MILLAGE FOR THE TAX YEAR 2026 AND TENTATIVELY LEVYING AD VALOREM TAXES ON PROPERTY WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA FOR THE TAX YEAR 2026.

City Attorney Pamela Cichon read Resolution 26-840 Adopting FY 26/27 Tentative Millage in its entirety.

---

## Motion: Commissioner McMullen moved, Commissioner Lynch seconded and the motion carried 5-0 to adopt Resolution R26-840 Adopting the tentative Millage for the Tax Year 2027

## b. Resolution 26-841 Adopting FY 26/27 Tentative Budget A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027; MAKING APPROPRIATION OF MUNICIPAL FUNDS ON A TENTATIVE BASIS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

City Attorney Pamela Cichon read Resolution 26-841 Adopting FY 26/27 Tentative Budget in its entirety.

## Motion: Commissioner Lynch moved, Commissioner McMullen seconded and the motion carried 5-0 to adopt Resolution R26-841 Tentative FY 26/27 Budget.

It was announced that the final millage rate and budget public hearing would be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 5:01 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, Florida.

City Clerk Amber LaRowe was directed to advertise the final public hearing as required by Florida Statutes.

## 3. ADJOURNMENT Chair Salem adjourned the meeting at 9:22 a.m.

Minutes approved: 10/22/2024.

Barbara Jeffries, City Clerk

CITY OF ANNA MARIA CITY COMMISSION MEETING September 05, 2026 9:00 A.M. P.O. Box 779, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL 34216 Phone (941) 708-6130 THIS COMMISSION MEETING IS BEING HELD USING OPTIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS MEDIA TECHNOLOGY. Dial in using a telephone You may access the meeting from your phone by dialing 1 929 205 6099. When the Meeting ID is requested, enter 848 6611 6928 *OUT OF COURTESY TO OTHERS, PLEASE MUTE YOUR PHONE WHEN NOT SPEAKING* IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A PUBLIC COMMENT, PRESS *9 ON YOUR PHONE Pledge of Conduct: We may disagree, but we will be respectful of one another. We will direct all comments to the issues. We will avoid personal attacks. 1. CALL TO O RDER Call to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. 2. PUBLIC HEARING- TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE AND TENTATIVE FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET Open the public hearing to discuss the tentative millage rate and tentative FY 2027 budget. • DISCUSS THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE/DECREASE IN PROPOSED TENTATIVE MILLAGE OVER ROLLED BACK RATE • DISCUSS THE SPECIFIC PURPOSES FOR WHICH AD VALOREM REVENUES ARE BEING INCREASED/ DECREASED • DISCUSS THE PROPOSED TENTATIVE BUDGET • PUBLIC COMMENT Close the Public Hearing after public comment a. Resolution 26-840 Adopting FY 26/27 Tentative Millage A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE MILLAGE FOR THE TAX YEAR 2026 AND TENTATIVELY LEVYING AD VALOREM TAXES ON PROPERTY WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA FOR THE TAX YEAR 2026. Action Request: Motion to adopt Resolution R26-840 Adopting the tentative Millage for the Tax Year 2026.

Anna Maria City Commission September 05, 2026 Page 2 of 2 b. Resolution 26-841 Adopting FY 26/27 Tentative Budget A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027; MAKING APPROPRIATION OF MUNICIPAL FUNDS ON A TENTATIVE BASIS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Action Request: Motion to adopt Resolution R26-841 Tentative FY 26/27 Budget. 3. ADJOURNMENT If any person desires to appeal any decision of the City Commission or any other Board of the City, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based (FS § 286.0105). The City of Anna Maria does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, or handicapped status in employment or the provision of services. Handicapped individuals may receive special accommodation in services on forty- eight hours' notice (FS §286.26). Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation for this meeting as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Amber LaRowe, City Clerk, by telephone 941-708-6130 or email cityclerk@cityofannamaria.com

AGENDA MEMORANDUM Tentative Millage Rate and Tentative FY 2026-2027 Budget TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission FROM: Randy Maxson, City Treasurer THROUGH: Mark Short, Mayor DATE: August 31, 2026 MEETING: Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. | City Hall Commission Chambers, 10005 Gulf Drive SUBJECT: Adoption of Tentative Millage Rate (Tax Year 2026) and Tentative Budget (FY 2026-27) ATTACHMENT: Resolution R26-840 (Tentative Millage); Form DR-420 Certification of Taxable Value (2026) Resolution R26-841(Tentative Budget) REQUESTED ACTION Conduct the first public hearing required by Section 200.065, Florida Statutes; discuss the percentage by which the proposed millage exceeds the rolled-back rate and the purposes of any increase; hear public comment; then adopt the tentative millage rate before adopting the tentative FY 2026-27 budget. RECOMMENDED MOTIONS 1. Motion to adopt Resolution R26-840, adopting a tentative millage rate of 1.65 mills for Tax Year 2026, which is 9.69% above the rolled-back rate of 1.5042 mills. 2. Motion to adopt Resolution R26-841, adopting the tentative Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget as presented (or as amended at this hearing). BACKGROUND AND TRIM REQUIREMENTS Chapter 200, Florida Statutes, governs adoption of the millage and budget. The Property Appraiser certified 2026 taxable values on Form DR-420. Section 200.065 requires two public hearings. This meeting is the first (tentative) hearing. The Commission must adopt the tentative millage before adopting the tentative budget. The rate adopted at this hearing may be reduced at the final hearing but may not be increased. Statute also requires that the first substantive discussion at this hearing be (a) the percentage increase in millage over the rolled-back rate, if any, and (b) the specific purposes for which ad valorem revenues are being increased. The public must be allowed to speak and ask questions before any vote. Hearing-time rule. Section 200.065(2)(e)2., F.S., allows the tentative hearing to be held at any time on a Saturday. A weekday hearing must begin after 5:00 p.m. No hearing may be held on Sunday. Note on Form DR-420 hearing box. The certified DR-420 currently lists the first public budget hearing as September 3, 2026 at 5:01 p.m. at 10005 Gulf Drive. If the Commission is using Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. as the advertised TRIM hearing, staff should confirm that the date, time, and place on the TRIM notice mailed by the Property Appraiser match this meeting. A mismatch between the mailed TRIM notice and the actual hearing is a TRIM defect. If September 5 is a workshop rather than the advertised TRIM hearing, this resolution should be reserved for the advertised hearing date.

CERTIFIED 2026 TAXABLE VALUES (FORM DR-420) DR-420 Line / Description Amount 1. Current year taxable value of real property $2,637,509,604 2. Current year taxable value of personal property $10,389,329 4. Current year gross taxable value (operating) $2,647,898,933 5. Current year net new taxable value $35,411,264 6 / 15. Current year adjusted taxable value $2,612,487,669 7. Prior year FINAL gross taxable value $2,381,681,854 10. Prior year operating millage 1.6500 mills 11 / 13. Prior year ad valorem proceeds $3,929,775 16. Current year rolled-back rate 1.5042 mills Source: Form DR-420, Tax Year 2026, City of Anna Maria – Operating; Property Appraiser electronic certification June 25, 2026; final numbers confirmed by the Property Appraiser’s Office June 29, 2026. No TIF districts; no voted debt millage. MILLAGE OPTIONS AND PERCENTAGE OVER ROLLED-BACK RATE The rolled-back rate of 1.5042 mills would produce approximately the same ad valorem proceeds as last year, excluding new construction. Any rate above 1.5042 mills is a tax increase under Florida law and must be stated as a percentage over the rolled-back rate in the resolution. Rate % over rolled-back Gross levy (Line 4 × rate) 95% budgeted proceeds 1.5042 rolled-back 0.00% $3,983,058 $3,783,905 1.6500 current / recommended 9.69% $4,369,033 $4,150,581 1.8500 advertised maximum 22.99% $4,898,613 $4,653,682 Gross levy = Line 4 certified taxable value × millage ÷ 1,000. Rule 12D-17.003, F.A.C., requires the tentative and final budgets to use not less than 95 percent of certified taxable value when estimating ad valorem proceeds. STAFF RECOMMENDATION — 1.65 MILLS The attached resolution is drafted at 1.65 mills, the City’s current operating millage and the rate on which the working FY 2026-27 budget has been built. Holding the millage at 1.65 mills produces a 9.69% increase over the 2026 rolled-back rate of 1.5042 mills because taxable value (excluding net new construction) rose from last year. On July 23, 2026, the Commission set a tentative maximum millage of 1.85 mills for TRIM-notice purposes. That advertised maximum is the ceiling for this hearing. The Commission may adopt any rate at or below 1.85 mills at this hearing. The working budget presented by staff assumes 1.65 mills and approximately $4.15 million in budgeted ad valorem revenue at the 95% collection factor. Vote threshold. The new state-law requirement would require a unanimous Commission vote to levy a millage above the current 1.65 rate. A rate of 1.65 mills would call for a 2/3 vote, and the rolled-back rate of 1.5042 mills may be adopted by simple majority vote.

PURPOSES OF THE INCREASE OVER THE ROLLED-BACK RATE If the Commission adopts 1.65 mills rather than the rolled-back rate, the additional levy (approximately $366,000 at 95% of Line 4) is proposed for the following general municipal purposes: • General Fund operations — public safety contractual services, public works, planning and development, parks and recreation, general government, and debt service • Continuation of core services without relying on a further draw of fund balance to close the operating gap identified in the July workshops. HEARING SEQUENCE (s. 200.065(2)(e), F.S.) 1. Open the public hearing. 2. Discuss the percentage by which the proposed millage exceeds the rolled-back rate (9.69% at 1.65 mills; 22.99% at 1.85 mills; 0% at 1.5042 mills). 3. Discuss the specific purposes for which ad valorem revenues are being increased. 4. Discuss the proposed tentative budget. 5. Public comment and questions. 6. Close public comment. 7. Adopt the tentative millage resolution (read in full). 8. Adopt the tentative FY 2026-27 budget (as presented or amended). 9. Announce the date, time, and place of the final millage and budget hearing, and direct the Clerk to advertise that hearing as required by s. 200.065(2)(d) and (3), F.S. NEXT STEPS After this hearing, the Clerk will advertise the final hearing. At the final hearing the Commission may lower the millage adopted at this hearing, but it may not raise it. The final millage and final budget must be adopted by September 30, 2026. Form DR-422 (Certification of Final Taxable Value) will be completed after the Property Appraiser issues after-hearing values, and the adopted millage will be certified to the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector. FISCAL IMPACT At the recommended tentative millage of 1.65 mills, estimated ad valorem proceeds for FY 2026-27 are $4,369,033 at 100% of certified taxable value, or $4,150,581 at the 95% factor required as a budget minimum. That compares with prior-year ad valorem proceeds of $3,929,775. The incremental proceeds above the rolled- back levy support the operating budget and the proposed reserve set-aside. No voted debt millage is proposed. Respectfully submitted, Randy Maxson City Treasurer City of Anna Maria

RESOLUTION NO. R26-840 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE MILLAGE FOR THE TAX YEAR 2026 AND TENTATIVELY LEVYING AD VALOREM TAXES ON PROPERTY WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA FOR THE TAX YEAR 2026. WHEREAS, the City of Anna Maria, Florida, is authorized pursuant to Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, to adopt a Resolution stating the millage rate to be levied regarding ad valorem taxes within the City of Anna Maria, Florida; and, WHEREAS, the Manatee County Property Appraiser certified the 2026 taxable values on Form DR-420 on June 25, 2026 (See “Attachment A”), with final figures confirmed June 29, 2026, including a current-year gross taxable value for operating purposes of $2,647,898,933 and a current-year rolled-back rate of 1.5042 mills; and, WHEREAS, in compliance with said statute, the City Commission of the City of Anna Maria is holding the first public hearing on the tentative millage rate and tentative budget, has heard public comment and considered same, and has determined to adopt the hereinafter stated tentative millage rate; and, WHEREAS, Section 200.065(2)(e), Florida Statutes, requires that the first substantive issue discussed at this hearing be the percentage increase in millage over the rolled-back rate necessary to fund the tentative budget, if any, and the specific purposes for which ad valorem tax revenues are being increased. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The tentative rate of taxation for the City of Anna Maria, Manatee County, Florida, for the tax year beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026, is and shall hereby be fixed at 1.65 mills per thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for general municipal purposes. This tentative millage rate shall fund the City’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 tentative budget (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027). Section 2. The rolled-back rate, as certified on Form DR-420, is 1.5042 mills. The tentative millage rate of 1.65 mills is greater than the rolled-back rate by 9.69%. Section 3. The percentage increase of 9.69% over the rolled-back rate is necessary to fund general municipal operations, including public safety contractual services, public works, planning and development, parks and recreation, and debt service. Section 4. The tentative millage rate adopted by this Resolution may be reduced, but may not be increased, at the final millage and budget public hearing required by Section 200.065, Florida Statutes.

Section 5. This Resolution has been publicly read in full prior to its adoption and takes effect upon adoption. The City Clerk is directed to take all actions required by Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, including advertisement of the final public hearing. Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption as provided by law. PASSED AND ADOPTED, by the City Commission of the City of Anna Maria, Florida, in regular session assembled, this 5th day of September 2026. Charles Salem, Commissioner Kathleen Morgan-Johnson, Commissioner Christopher Arendt, Commissioner Gary McMullen, Commissioner John Lynch, Commissioner _________________________ Charles Salem, Chairperson I hereby approve this Ordinance: _____________________________ Mark Short, Mayor ATTEST: Approved as to form and legality for the use and reliance of the City of Anna Maria only __________________________ Amber LaRowe, City Clerk ____________________________ Gretchen R. H. “Becky” Vose, Esq.

RESOLUTION R26-841 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027; MAKING APPROPRIATION OF MUNICIPAL FUNDS ON A TENTATIVE BASIS; AND PROVIDINGAN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Chapter 200, Florida Statutes, establishes the procedure the City of Anna Maria must follow in setting a property tax millage rate and adopting a budget; and, WHEREAS, Section 200.065(2)(c), Florida Statutes, requires that, at the first public hearing, the City Commission amend the tentative budget as it sees fit and adopt the amended tentative budget, by a vote separate from adoption of the tentative millage; and, WHEREAS, the City Commission has this date held the first public hearing on the tentative millage rate and tentative budget, has discussed the percentage by which the tentative millage exceeds the rolled-back rate and the purposes of any increase, has heard public comment, and has adopted a tentative millage rate of 1.65 mills for Tax Year 2026; and, WHEREAS, the City Commission has reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 tentative budget presented by the Mayor and City Treasurer, has considered amendments thereto as it sees fit, and has determined to adopt the tentative budget attached hereto as Attachment “A”; and, WHEREAS, the tentative budget adopted by this Resolution may be amended at the final millage and budget public hearing required by Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, and the City Charter requires final adoption of the annual budget by ordinance on or before September 30. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027), as shown on Attachment “A” to this Resolution, which is incorporated herein and made a part hereof, is hereby adopted as the City’s tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Section 2. Funds received by and appropriated by the City of Anna Maria shall, on a tentative basis, be received and disbursed pursuant to the tentative Budget established in Attachment “A.” The tentative appropriations herein may be revised by the City Commission at the final public hearing. Section 3. The tentative Budget adopted by this Resolution is funded, in part, by the tentative millage rate of 1.65 mills adopted at this same hearing. Consistent with Rule 12D-17.003, F.A.C., estimated ad valorem proceeds in the tentative Budget are calculated using not less than 95 percent of the current-year gross taxable value certified on Form DR-420. Section 4. The tentative Budget adopted by this Resolution may be amended as the City Commission sees fit at the final millage and budget public hearing. Final adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget shall be by separate vote at that hearing, and by ordinance as required by the City Charter, on or before September 30, 2026.

Section 5. The City Clerk is directed to make the adopted tentative Budget available as a public record and to post it on the City’s official website as required by law, and to take all actions required by Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, including advertisement of the final public hearing. Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption as provided by law. PASSED AND ADOPTED, by the City Commission of the City of Anna Maria, Florida, in regular session assembled, this 5th day of September 2026. Charles Salem, Commissioner Kathleen Morgan-Johnson, Commissioner Christopher Arendt, Commissioner Gary McMullen, Commissioner John Lynch, Commissioner _________________________ Charles Salem, Chairperson I hereby approve this Ordinance: _____________________________ Mark Short, Mayor ATTEST: Approved as to form and legality for the use and reliance of the City of Anna Maria only __________________________ Amber LaRowe, City Clerk ____________________________ Gretchen R. H. “Becky” Vose, Esq.

Proposed Millage Rate (Operating / General Fund) 1.6500 mills per $1,000 Ad Valorem Taxes (at 1.6500 mills) 4,138,180$ Stormwater Assessment and Permit Revenues 611,228 Intergovernmental Revenues 498,698 Grants 6,096,923 Franchise Fees 440,000 Licenses, Permits, and Fees 2,748,292 Fines and Forfeitures 630,000 Interest and Miscellaneous Revenues 303,553 Fund Balances / Reserves Brought Forward - TOTAL REVENUES, TRANSFERS & BALANCES $15,466,874 General Government 2,265,817$ Public Safety 1,789,936 Public Works 1,092,443 Planning and Development 1,135,610 Parks and Recreation 242,045 Stormwater 1,731,650 Capital Outlay 4,880,924 Debt Service 2,328,449 Reserves / Ending Fund Balances - TOTAL EXPENDITURES, TRANSFERS, RESERVES & BALANCES $15,466,874 - ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES (All Funds) The tentative and final budgets are on file at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL 34216, and are available for public inspection during normal business hours. ATTACHMENT A BUDGET SUMMARY CITY OF ANNA MARIA, FLORIDA FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 THE PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA ARE 47% LESS THAN LAST YEAR'S ORIGINALLY BUDGETED TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURES. ESTIMATED REVENUES (All Funds)