Zephyrhills Budget Workshop, CRA Meeting, and City Council Meeting (8-24-2026)

The City of Zephyrhills held a combined Budget Workshop, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Meeting, and City Council Meeting on August 24, 2026. Key procurement and budget discussions included deliberations on employee pay increases, with options considered between a 5% to 6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and salary study impacts totaling approximately $734,659 to $812,719. The council discussed balancing raises with potential bonuses to manage recurring costs amid concerns about future tax limitations. The CRA budget allocated $3.85 million for capital outlays including land acquisition, building improvements, infrastructure, and contributions to local parks. The council approved a $4,830 contract with Clifton Larson Allen for CRA audit services. Engineering services contracts were reviewed, with discussions on potentially hiring an in-house engineer to reduce reliance on external firms and save costs. Sidewalk and trail infrastructure projects on Wire Road and Fort King were presented, with plans to seek county partnership and funding. The council also addressed water and sewer rate adjustments for RV and mobile home parks, including a contentious change to base rate calculations for master-metered parks, with public comments expressing concerns about equity and cost impacts. Other topics included FEMA reimbursement efforts, marketing budget considerations, and community volunteer recognitions. Motions were passed to adjust marketing funds to support employee bonuses and to approve ordinances related to development permits and water rates. The meeting reflected a focus on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvements, and community development initiatives.