FELLSMERE — Faced with an estimated 8 percent decline in property tax values bringing in $8.9 million, the City of Fellsmere plans to stay the course on many of its projects and still provide salary increases to the staff, which has not had an increase in three or four years.
“We’re squeezing things pretty good,” City Manager Jason Nunemaker told the Fellsmere City Council during a budget prioritization and visioning workshop Thursday evening.
Nunemaker has proposed that the city’s staff receive a 2 percent salary increase – a first in a few years. The raises total approximately $25,000 of the city’s budget.
Nunemaker called the economy worldwide a “mixed bag” but that seems to be working the city’s favor, noting that there has been some interest from foreign investors to set up businesses in the city.
Already, a company with South African ties is poised to build an aquaculture venture, growing large shrimp meant for grocery stores. Nunemaker said Thursday that there has been interest from those in Spain, South America and even China.
And with the current state of the global economy, “that makes us an even stronger sell,” Nunemaker said. “We’re seen as the last man standing” when the world appears to be collapsing.
One project that would help get the aquaculture venture going as well as spur other commercial development is bringing in natural gas – something Nunemaker has been working on for some time and hopes to finalize soon.
Looking forward, Nunemaker has proposed the city establish a Stormwater Utility, assessing water customers a few dollars – to be determined – to fund stormwater improvements throughout the city.
“People won’t be receptive,” Nunemaker said, but noted that the city can’t compete for some stormwater-related grants without having an established utility.
He has suggested residents be assessed $4 a month – or $48 a year. The amount did not generate discussion amongst the council, though Councilwoman Sara Savage said that people waste more than that in any given year.
The council is expected to take up the Stormwater Utility proposal at a later date.
Nunemaker has also recommended a 2.41 percent increase to the city’s water utility, calling it a rate adjustment. He said after the meeting that the proposed adjustment would be discussed as part of the hearings on the city’s budget later this summer.
Nunemaker told the council that the city needs to start looking long-term at the Fellsmere Police Department in terms of expansion and location. Down the line, when development returns to the city, the police department might be better off co-located with a bank, such as Oculina, in a public-private partnership.
As for the city’s Community Redevelopment Area funds, “that has pretty much been devastated,” Nunemaker said, explaining the declining property values have not been able to replenish the funds.
As it is, he is suggesting $50,000 be allocated to the Marian Fell Library, which serves as a site for Indian River State College, hosts tutoring, and provides other community activities.
Nunemaker said that if development picks up and more funds become available, the city should consider offering infrastructure grants to help businesses tie into the city’s sewer system.
Councilwoman Savage asked Nunemaker to consider adding sidewalks to his list of priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, noting that many are in disrepair.
Nunemaker said that staff would work to find grants to help fund such construction.
Fellsmere Mayor Susan Adams suggested that he add pedestrian lighting along N. Broadway to the list, as well.