Residents raise concerns over data centers, police data breach, flooding and homelessness as commission approves budget, millage rate and other measures unanimously.
The end-of-the-month commission meeting began at 6:00 p.m. and had another tense public comment forum. This meeting covered Flock cameras and the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget.
During public comment, residents expressed concerns over data centers, the data breach at the police department, flooding concerns, graffiti at Walden Lake’s old club house, homelessness, and not receiving answers from the Mayor and commissioners.
In response to the public comment, Mayor Nate Kilton said there is no agreement or NDA about data centers being built in the city.
Next were consent agenda items 26-433- Resolution #202-2026 approving minutes of Special meeting held September 14, 2026, 26-387- Resolution #203-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Cintas Corporation for janitorial supplies and dispensers, 26-406- Resolution #204-2026 approving the write-off of various delinquent and uncollectible utility billing accounts, 26-430- Resolution #205-2026 ratifying the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 2103, 26-431- Resolution #206-2026 authorizing the City Manager award bid and execute an agreement with Pro Comm E.L.S., LLC, for underground utility locating services 26-435- Resolution #207-2026 approving an extension of time to be heard by the City Commission for PC/CPA 25-08 and 26-453- Resolution #208-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Best Roofing Services, LLC for roofing services citywide under Omnia Contract R230402.
These items were approved 5-0.
During the city manager report, Bill McDaniel addressed the data leak and Flock cameras.
“This data incident is an ongoing investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and as a result of that, that is not an investigation currently in our hands, and we are not in the position to comment,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel also shared that during last Saturday’s Oktoberfest, 13,000 to 15,000 people were in attendance and there were zero disturbances and other issues along with zero medical assistance.
Next on his agenda was 26-457- Resolution #209-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute Modification No. 2 to EWO 21-010-01H-30 with Dewberry Engineers, Inc. for staff augmentation.
This resolution was approved 5-0.
26-432- Resolution #210-2026 waving bid requirements for a sole source vendor and authorizing the purchase of Vaughn Chopper Pumps from FJNugent.
Lift station 39 is responsible for about 500 homes in its division and receives wastewater from two schools. The existing pumps are over 20 years old. The utilities department requested $119,172 to buy two new pumps.
This was approved 5-0.
26-437- Resolution #211-2026 authorizing Intergovernmental Transfer Program with the State of Florida for Medicaid Managed Care Patients.
The fire department has been in this agreement for several years.
The resolution passed 5-0.
26-411- Resolution #212-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute Work Order 26-057FM-PB with Best Roofing Services, LLC for roof replacement at Fire Station No. 1.
During Hurricane Milton, the roof was separated from the panels, and insulation was ripped out. Even after the hurricane, during heavy rain, water still penetrates the seams. FEMA agreed to help replace the roof with $120,000. The city would have to put up the rest for $121,197.86 with Best Roofing Service. The roof has a 20-year warranty.
The resolution passed 5-0.
Next was engineering services.
26-441- Resolution #213-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements for Utilities engineering services and authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate terms and execute agreements, and 26-445- Resolution #214-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements for engineering services and authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate terms and execute agreements.
These resolutions were passed 5-0.
During the Commissioner’s agendas, each one expressed gratitude and excitement about the turnout for Oktoberfest.
Next were legislative public hearings.
26-427- Resolution #215-2026 adopting the final millage rate for the year 2026.
The mileage rate is 5.7157.
This was approved 5-0.
26-428- Resolution #216-2026 adopting the final budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
The budget had to be taken into account if Amendment 3 passes in November.
During McDaniel’s presentation, it broke down where the general funds money and property taxes go.
Less than half the budget comes from the general funds of $70,780,287 and most of this comes from taxes.
Currently, the city is about $11 million short in funding, and McDaniel said if Amendment 3 passes, there will be an additional $6 million on top of the $11 million, and in two years it will rise to an additional $8 million on top of the $11 million.
From the total mileage rate, one mil of that is for street resurfacing and related maintenance.
This year, looking at a 9% increase in property value.
If Amendment 3 passes, Kilton said there will be a decrease in the general fund budget and property taxes are not covering the public safety budget.
The budget was approved 5-0.
Next was the charter amendment.
26-440- A legislative public hearing on ordinance #18-2026 to amend the City Charter regarding changing the date of regular municipal elections to avoid Memorial Day conflict.
One resident said this ordinance is important and residents need to understand what’s being proposed. The resident also asked if the commission could try to align the election with the state to get an increase in voter involvement in local government.
This was approved 5-0.
Commissioner Mathis and McDaniel also want to remind residents that, with election season here, campaign signs can only be on your personal private property. Anything on public property will most likely be taken down.
The end-of-the-month commission meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
