July 16, 2026 - Budget Workshop - Morning Session

The City of Sebastian held a budget workshop on July 16, 2026, focusing on various departmental budgets and capital improvement projects. Key procurement-related discussions included the facilities department's proposal for replacing aging HVAC units with a new chiller system, with an estimated cost of $2.5 million spread over two fiscal years. The council debated the long-term payback and maintenance costs versus immediate replacement of rooftop units. Additionally, the facilities budget included janitorial services contracted at $167,000 annually, which was justified as cost-effective compared to in-house staffing. The parks department discussed ongoing maintenance, lighting upgrades with potential vendor changes to reduce costs, and minor capital improvements funded by impact fees. The cemetery department reviewed its trust fund finances, upcoming construction of a new administration building, and plans to adjust plot fees to sustain operations. The MIS (Management Information Services) department highlighted budget reductions in personnel, ongoing capital projects such as AV equipment replacement, network infrastructure upgrades, and a significant upcoming expense for migrating to Microsoft Office 365, with vendor quotes being solicited under state contracts. Overall, the meeting involved detailed budget allocations, contract considerations, and vendor evaluations to support city infrastructure and services.