City Manager's proposed budget includes tax decrease

July 19, 2012

Port St. Lucie City Manager Gregory J. Oravec released his proposed budget for fiscal year 2012–2013.

Highlights of the budget message include:

Proposed property taxes decrease of $1.4 million
Proposed millage rate decrease of 0.1 mills or 2 percent
Positive impacts of reorganizations evidenced
18.5 more officers, 16 new cars, 176,000 less dollars in PSLPD budget in FY 12–13 than FY 11–12
Changes in Public Works positively impact bottom line in Road and Bridge Fund and Stormwater Utility Fund
General Fund financial contingency raised to 17 percent to meet recommended industry best practices
City of Port St. Lucie is one of the leanest municipal organizations in Florida among comparable cities
Proposed increase to city employees health plan contributions
Proposed one-time employee bonus to offset increased health plan contributions
Proposed 1.5 percent COLA for city employees except certain department heads and assistants
City Council to define its vision for City of Port St. Lucie
Much accomplished in FY 11–12; much more to do in FY 12–13
Excellent services, economic development, Crosstown Parkway, enhancement of property values and long-term concerns are priorities of city staff in FY 12–13
Interim solutions for stalled City Center
Light at the end of the tunnel is not a train!

The full text of his budget message includes additional details about these highlights.