August 21, 2025 - Lake Worth Beach City Commission Budget Workshop # 2

The City of Lake Worth Beach held its second budget workshop on August 21, 2025, focusing extensively on the capital improvement plan (CIP), schedule of fees, and significant budget changes. The commission reviewed numerous fee adjustments across city services, including leisure programs, event permits, golf memberships, and code enforcement, with discussions on balancing resident and non-resident fees and concerns about fees impacting vulnerable populations. They also debated the implementation of new trespass fines and the management of public spaces. The workshop included a detailed presentation by Stantech on utility rate modeling, proposing an 8% increase in electric base rates and a 5% increase in sewer rates to meet fund balance policies and capital needs. The commission discussed funding for park ranger services, weighing the cost differences between in-house park rangers and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Significant attention was given to capital projects such as city hall annex renovations, road and infrastructure maintenance, golf course irrigation system replacement, and public works facility upgrades. Funding sources including general fund balance, ARPA funds, and borrowing were considered, with consensus reached on several items including funding a dump truck purchase and allocating funds for road repairs. The meeting concluded with plans to finalize fee schedules and budget amendments ahead of the September 11 public hearing.