Special City Council/CRA Budget Workshop

MASTER City.of Dunnellon Special City Council/ CRA Budget Workshop Date: June 11, 2025 Time: 3: 00 p. m. Place: City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon, FL 34431 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Green called the meeting to order at approximately 3: 04 p. m. and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Opening Prayer/ Moment of Silence: Mayor Green invited any citizen wishing to volunteer to open with prayer. No one stepped forward and a moment of silence was observed. Roll Call Walter Green, Mayor, Seat 1 Vacant, Councilperson, Seat 2 Tim Inskeep, Vice- Mayor, Seat 3 Valerie Hanchar, Councilwoman, Seat 4 Rex Lehmann, Councilman, Seat 5 Staff Present Mandy Odom, City Clerk Schonna McLean, Finance Officer Chad Ward, Public Works Manager Will Ary, Community Development Manager Chief Ron Bray, Police Department Julie Danowski, Records Clerk Legal Counsel Andrew Hand, Shepard, Smith, Kohlmyer& Hand, P. A. - Absent Proof of Publication The agenda was posted on the City's website and City Hall bulletin board on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. 1) FY2025- 2026 Proposed Budgets Staff and Council held a detailed review of the draft budget covering departmental expenditures, staffing, capital items, and service contracts. Councilman Lehmann recommended allocating 250, 000 to improve City parks, specifically City Beach and Ernie Mills Park. Staff acknowledged the recommendation for inclusion in capital planning but noted ideally the suggestion should have already been submitted. Mrs. McLean led a line- by- line review of various departments, noting areas of increase or reduction, including salary adjustments, professional services, and IT costs. Council and staff discussed allocation methods across departments, including part-time and shared staff expenses.

Special°City Ccsuincil/ CRA Budget Workshop June 11, 2025 Page2of3 There was emphasis on the reallocation and reduction of professional services, particularly attorney fees, and streamlining of BS& A financial software service costs. Key points included: Updates on STR ( short- term rental) registrations and enforcement timelines. Anticipated reductions in Police Department expenses due to outsourcing patrols to the Marion County Sheriff' s Office. Discussions on the road maintenance schedule, particularly in the Historic District and near the Fire Department. Maintenance issues at the cemetery due to damaged marble. Consideration of increasing the Dunnellon Little League lease rate to match State pass- through costs. Waste Management and other core services are expected to remain stable. In the CRA Fund, staffing changes were acknowledged, including the replacement of two full- time positions in Public Works with a seasonal part- time role. Capital items were not discussed, but Mrs. McLean stated commercial and residential grant programs remain funded. Road improvements in the CRA and Historic District were discussed, including challenges with restoring the old roads due to environmental and cost concerns. A follow- up budget workshop was scheduled for July 7th at 4: 30 p. m. Council members were encouraged to meet individually with Mrs. McLean to review specific budget questions in more detail. 2) Council Comments Mayor Green expressed interest in reviewing the department head " wish lists" to better understand their priorities and how those ideas could improve City operations. Councilwoman Hanchar raised concerns about ongoing issues under the Pennsylvania Ave. bridge with people congregating and partying. She recommended installing a fence. Mayor Green noted the matter had been previously discussed with the County and they were to address it when their bridge improvement work begins. Vice- Mayor Inskeep reported he had contacted the County Engineer and expected more information by early August. Councilwoman Hanchar pointed out the land under the bridge belongs to the City and suggested the City install a fence independently. Mr. Ward emphasized the need to connect the fencing to the bridge structure itself, which requires County approval. Chief Bray strongly supported installing a fence as soon as possible, citing repeated safety issues and a fatality. Mayor Green offered to draft a letter, if needed, but Vice- Mayor Inskeep felt the County was already engaged on the matter. Councilwoman Hanchar also asked about daily visitor capacity at City Beach. Mr. Ward replied the capacity is generally managed through parking limits and Vice- Mayor Inskeep added weekend crowds reach capacity, but weekday attendance remains manageable.

Special City Council/ CRA Budget Workshop June 11, 2025 Page 3 of 3 Mr. Ward mentioned receiving quotes for relocating the Police Department generator and transfer switch. He said the generator is slated for Public Works and the switch will go to City Hall. He said he had not yet reviewed the quotes for possible inclusion in the budget. Councilman Lehmann commented on dead grass and broken sprinklers around City Hall. Vice- Mayor lnskeep explained the irrigation system had been shut off after costly water loss from a prior leak. He noted while reactivating the irrigation isn' t planned, he expects the lawn to recover naturally with upcoming rainfall. 3) Public Comment There were no public comments. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at approximately 4: 27 p. m. Penned signature of: Walter L. Green, Mayor Attest: i Penned signature of: Amanda Odom, CMC, City Clerk