Bartow, Florida Development News
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City Commission Meeting - July 6th, 2026
Published: Jul 6, 2026
City Commission Approves Resolution for Stormwater Management Services Amid Fee Adjustments
The City Commission discussed the provision of stormwater improvement and management services, presenting a resolution to that effect. The stormwater fee is assessed based on impervious surface area (rooftops, driveways, etc.), not property value or water usage, to fund the management of rainwater runoff. This runoff can carry pollutants, cause flooding, and erosion. The fee will fund operations like inspections, cleaning storm basins, mowing, inlet/outlet maintenance, and in-house street sweeping. A significant capital improvement project involves replacing a storm pipe on Hooker Street. The fiscal summary shows a requested increase in personnel and equipment for efficiency, a decrease in capital spending due to a rolled-over project, and reduced contract services for street sweeping. The annual stormwater fee is set to increase by approximately $4 per year, a pre-programmed 3% increase from a study conducted a couple of years ago.
Barto Seeks Citizen Input for CRA Board and Advisory Committee
The City Commission is moving forward with the process to select two citizen appointees for the revised seven-member CRA board, which will now include the five city commissioners plus two citizens. The process will involve soliciting applications, and former board members are encouraged to apply. The commission also discussed the formation of an advisory committee, with the possibility of it being solely for CRA matters or a broader community development committee. The preference is to ensure strong representation from the CRA district regardless of the committee's scope. Applications for the board and advisory committee will be accepted, with review targeted for the August 3rd meeting. The July 29th agenda will be revised to clarify current CRA operating procedures before future decisions are made, and meeting times may be adjusted to evenings to improve accessibility for working residents.
State Legislation Mandates Electronic Payments, Alters Property Tax Voting, and Impacts Affordable Housing Zoning for Barto
The City Commission received an update on state legislative changes impacting local government. House Bill 967 mandates that units of local government must accept electronic payments, including credit cards and debit cards, for goods and services, with the option to charge a fee equivalent to financial institution charges. Previously, this was only encouraged. House Bill 1404 (property tax administration) changed millage rate voting requirements, now mandating a supermajority (4-to-1) for rates above the rolled-back rate and a unanimous vote for rates 110% above the rolled-back rate. While Barto's current millage rate is 6.108, the rollback rate is anticipated to be in the fives, and the commission typically passes millage rates unanimously, so the direct impact is expected to be minimal but could be significant if a single vote changes. House Bill 1389 (Affordable Housing Bill) amends the Live Local Act, allowing developers to build multifamily, affordable, or workforce housing on commercial, industrial, governmental, or religious lands if at least 40% of the project is dedicated to such housing, without requiring a rezoning process. This significantly reduces local control over zoning for these specific types of developments. The online payment mandate takes effect January 1st, while the other two bills are already in effect.
Fire Fee Set to Increase Significantly Under Preliminary Resolution
The City Commission is considering a resolution for the provision of fire protection services, facilities, and programs. This preliminary resolution is the first step in establishing a fire fee, which will fund up to 75% of the fire department's budget, with the remaining 25% coming from the general fund. A rate study imposed a maximum dollar amount for the assessment. This year, the assessment will cover approximately 65% of the budget due to reaching the maximum dollar amount, with the general fund covering the rest. For a single-family dwelling between 1,250 and 2,000 sq ft, the annual fee will increase from approximately $36 to $355.15, assuming the preliminary budget is adopted as is. This number represents the maximum potential charge and could decrease during the budget process. This resolution sets the stage for the TRIM notice in August and the final rate resolution in September.
State Budget Vetoes City Vehicle Funding; Park Grant Program Receives No Appropriations
The City Commission was informed about the state budget's impact, specifically the veto of the city of Barto's police emergency rescue vehicle funding. More broadly, the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) received no appropriations, which impacts the city's ability to fund park and recreation projects. The speaker urged the commission and other local entities to impress upon the legislative delegation the importance of restoring funding for FRDAP in future budgets, as it affects all jurisdictions in the state.
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