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City Commission Regular Meeting - Media
Published: Jun 22, 2026
City Awards Bid for Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Consulting Services
The City Commission approved an award of bid for consulting services to Kimley Horn and Associates for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) planning and demonstration grant. This grant, awarded by the FHWA, is for $1.5 million and aims to implement quick build strategies based on the Castleberry Vision Zero action plan. The scope of work includes developing a mobility and access plan, updating the ADA transition plan, and creating healthy community/complete street policy design guidelines. The project will be completed in three phases: planning and preliminary design, final design, and construction/post-design evaluation. Funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis per phase, with each phase authorized by FHWA individually. The City Commission had previously executed an agreement with FHWA in November 2025 and established a budget for it. Bids were solicited in March 2026, with three responses received. Kimley Horn was recommended by an evaluation committee after interviews. The work will be authorized under separate task authorizations and limited to budgeted funds. The Public Works Director and City Manager recommended approval.
Property Tax Exemption Proposal Could Significantly Impact City Revenue
David Johnson presented information on a proposed ballot measure for November that would affect property taxes. The proposal aims to increase the homestead exemption and reduce the cap on non-homesteaded property assessment increases. Key points include: the proposal affects only homesteaded properties and reduces the non-homesteaded property cap from 10% to 5% [cite: 38-39]. A five-year Florida residency requirement for the benefit is included, which may face legal challenges based on past unconstitutional rulings [cite: 41-47]. The proposal does not eliminate property taxes, as school taxes and non-ad valorem assessments will still apply. The homestead exemption would increase from approximately $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 [cite: 54-55, 81-82]. Existing exemptions like Save Our Homes or portability are unaffected [cite: 56]. The city of Castleberry's taxable value is projected at $2.84 billion in 2026, with homesteaded properties accounting for $770 million [cite: 64-68]. If the amendment passes, it could reduce the city's ad valorem revenue by approximately $1.7 million in 2027-28 (a 15% reduction) and an additional $2.6 million in 2028-29 (a 23% reduction), totaling a $4.3 million reduction over two years [cite: 91-95]. This decline in revenue could necessitate an increase in the tax rate (rollback rate) to maintain the same revenue, impacting non-homesteaded properties and potentially other services. The presentation also noted that 32 counties in Florida are currently 'fiscally constrained', and this amendment could increase that number, exacerbating funding issues for core services like public safety.
City Explores Backyard Chicken Pilot Program
The City Commission discussed the possibility of allowing backyard chickens within single-family residential lots. Staff presented research on ordinances in surrounding cities and counties, noting that most allow hens only, typically between three to six. Key proposed regulations include: property must be owner-occupied, hens only (no roosters), a limit on the number of permits (e.g., 50), specific setback requirements for coops from residential structures (e.g., 5 feet from side/rear, varying from front), a maximum coop/pen area of 100 square feet, screening from the front yard with solid/opaque fencing, secure construction against predators, and chickens must remain within the coop/pen. Roosters, sales, on-site breeding, slaughtering, or consumption are prohibited. A mechanism for handling code compliance issues (e.g., three complaints within 30 days leading to removal) was discussed. The commission leaned towards a resolution for a pilot program, which is the faster approach (1-2 months), rather than an ordinance (4-5 months). Key decisions included not requiring neighbor approval or an annual fee for permits, but a permit process to distribute information and track interest was favored. The pilot program is intended to lead to a permanent ordinance.
Resident Questions Fairness of City's Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rate Structure
Resident John Killian raised concerns regarding the city's water, sewer, and stormwater utility rate structure. He highlighted that sewer charges are based on total water usage, meaning water used outdoors for lawn watering or car washing contributes to the sewer bill even if it doesn't enter the sanitary sewer system. He noted that Castleberry's residential sewer charges do not have a cap, unlike Seminole County Utilities which caps residential sewer charges at 15,000 gallons. Killian also pointed out that Castleberry's lowest residential water tier ends at 4,999 gallons, while Seminole County's extends to 10,000 gallons, leading to higher rates and charges for families once they exceed the lower threshold. Furthermore, he questioned the layering of charges, including water/sewer rates, a 10% public service tax, and a separate stormwater/lake management fee ($10.35/month), noting that municipal utility tax revenue constituted 33.29% of Castleberry's unrestricted revenue in FY2023. He requested the Commission direct staff to review these concerns and prepare a public analysis for a future meeting.
City Proclaims July as Lakes Appreciation and Parks and Recreation Month
The City Commission recognized July as Lakes Appreciation Month and Parks and Recreation Month. For Lakes Appreciation Month, the proclamation highlighted the value of lakes as natural resources providing drinking water, irrigation, energy, recreation, and habitat, and their importance to Florida's history, growth, and financial health. The city's nutrient reduction facility is noted as potentially coming online soon. For Parks and Recreation Month, the proclamation emphasized the role of parks in promoting health, wellness, physical activity, economic prosperity (through increased property values and business attraction), and preserving ecological beauty. The city of Castleberry's investment in its lakes and the importance of its parks and recreation facilities were acknowledged.
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City Commission Regular Meeting - Media
City Commission Regular Meeting - Media
City Commission Regular Meeting - Media
City Commission Regular Meeting - Media
City Commission Regular Meeting - Media
City Commission Regular Meeting - Media
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