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City Commission Meeting - Media
Published: Jun 25, 2026
City Budget Hearing Dates to be Rescheduled Due to Conflicts
The City Manager informed the Commission about the need to reschedule the city's budget hearings, typically held in September, due to conflicts with the Board of County Commissioners and OCPS budget hearing dates. Several alternative date options were presented for the Commission to consider, with Option 2 identified as conflicting for one commissioner. The Commission was asked to provide feedback on potential dates.
Commissioners Commend Staff and Leadership for Dedicated Service and Community Events
Commissioners May and Sharman, along with others, expressed gratitude to city staff for their hard work across various departments, including planning and zoning, building, trash services, and first responders. They also thanked the Mayor for his leadership and leadership, noting the success of recent events like Juneteenth and the upcoming celebration of the nation's 250th birthday. The overall sentiment emphasized that Winter Garden is a blessed place to live due to the dedication of its staff and leaders.
Resident Raises Concerns Over Property Tax Amendment's Impact on City Services
A resident expressed concerns about the potential impact of a property tax amendment on city services, questioning what services might be reduced, such as public space floral arrangements or dog waste bag collection. The resident also inquired about potential future charges for services like fire rescue responses and requested clearer communication and educational forums for citizens regarding the amendment's long-term financial implications for Winter Garden.
Mayor John Rees Receives John Land Years of Service Award for 30 Years of Service
Mayor John Rees was honored with the John Land Years of Service Award by the Florida League of Cities for his 30 years of dedicated service to Winter Garden. The award, named after Apopka Mayor John Land, recognizes elected municipal officials for their long-term leadership and lasting impact on their communities. The resolution commended Mayor Rees for his dedication and recognized him as an outstanding public servant.
State Building Permit Reform Requires City Reorganization and Fee Structure Changes
The City Manager presented information on House Bill 803, a new state law effective July 1, 2026, which reforms building permit and inspection processes statewide. The law aims to speed up permitting, simplify small home projects, and offer more inspection flexibility. Key changes include permit exemptions for work under $7,500 for single-family homes, stricter permit timelines, and requirements for private provider expansion. This will necessitate changes in the city's fee structure from valuation-based to actual costs incurred, with reduced fees for private providers. Anticipated impacts include increased workload, tighter deadlines, and potential revenue reduction. To manage these changes, the city is proposing a minor reorganization: moving code enforcement to the building department and utilizing engineering inspectors for trade work under the $7,500 exemption. This reorganization is expected to improve response times and centralize services.
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