09.06.2023 - City Council MinutesCity of Clermont
MINUTES
FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
SEPTEMBER 6, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in a Special Meeting on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at City Hall. Mayor Murry
called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm with the following Council Members present: Council Members
Gonzalez, Purvis, Entsuah, and Pines.
Other City officials present were City Manager Bulthuis, and Deputy City Clerk Wisniewski.
The agenda items will be discussed concurrently and voted on separately.
Item No. 1— Resolution No. 2023-033R — Tentative FY 202312024 Ad Valorem Millage Rate
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE LEVYING OF AD VALOREM TAXES FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2023-2024; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF TAXES; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Item No. 2 — Resolution No. 2022-034R — Tentative FY202312024 Budget
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Deputy City Clerk Wisniewski read into the record Resolution No. 2023-033R in its entirety and Resolution
No. 2023-034R by title only.
City Manager Bulthuis stated that on July 25, 2023, City Council authorized a tentative millage rate of 5.06
mills which is the same as last year. Mr. Bulthuis reviewed the timeline of the budget process and stated
this is the first budget public hearing and the final public hearing will be held on September 20, 2023 for
the adoption of the millage rate and budget.
Mr. Bulthuis presented a Power Point presentation reviewing the funds within the General Fund, as well as
the General Fund expenditures and the percentage of resident's tax bill that the city receives. The rolled
back rate of 4.6205 mills was discussed and explained the city would have to cut more than $2 million from
the current budget if that millage rate is adopted.
Mr. Bulthuis reviewed Clermont's millage rate compared to other municipalities in Lake County. Each
city's millage rate, fire fee and utilities along with their Police and Fire departments were discussed.
The next step in the budget process will be the Final Budget Public Hearing on September 20, 2023 where
the City Council will adopt the millage rate and budget.
Mayor Murry opened Public Hearing for Resolution 2023-033R.
Charlene Forth, 939 W. Desoto St. — expressed concern about the millage rate.
Anthony Grove, 1105 Sadie Ridge Rd. — expressed concern about the millage rate.
Mayor Murry closed Public Hearing for Resolution 2023-033R.
Council Member Purvis motioned to adopt Resolution 2023-033R as presented: Seconded
by Council Member Pines. Passed unanimously 5-0 with all members present voicine ave.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
SEPTEMBER 6, 2023
Council Member Pines reiterated that Council is not increasing the millage rate, the rate is the same as last
year.
Mayor Murry opened the Public Hearing for Resolution No. 2023-034R. There were no comments. Mayor
Murry closed the Public Hearing for Resolution No. 2023-034R.
Council Member Gonzalez motioned to adopt Resolution No. 2023-034R; Seconded by
Council Member Purvis. Passed unanimouslv 5-0 with all members vresent voicing ave.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Mayor Murry stated that Council is not increasing nor proposing an increase in the millage rate this year.
Council Member Entsuah asked for clarification on the number of votes necessary to adopt the rolled back
rate. Mr. Bulthuis explained to keep the current millage rate, it requires 4 votes, and 3 votes would approve
a maximum millage rate of 4.7517.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
SEPTEMBER 6, 2023
ADJOURN: With no further comments, this meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.
APPROVED:
Tim Murry, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tracy Ackroyd Howe, MMC
City Clerk