Gulfport City Council Meeting - September 3, 2026

The Gulfport City Council met on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting focused on the first readings of the FY 2026-2027 millage rate and operating budget ordinances, along with presentations, public comments, and discussions on various city policies. Key outcomes included approval of a reduced millage rate, a modified budget with several amendments, and a decision to remove funding for e-comments software while maintaining an email alternative. The council also debated the future of Flock automated license plate readers, deferring a final decision to the second reading.

Public Hearings: FY 2026-2027 Millage Rate and Budget Ordinances

• Millage Rate (Ordinance 2026-09): Councilmember Webb noted the reduction from 4.0258 to 4.026 and asked about exploring a fire assessment fee to reduce the ad valorem burden. City Manager O'Reilly explained that an RFP for a consultant would be needed and could be ready for the next fiscal year. Council gave consensus to proceed with the RFP. The millage rate ordinance passed unanimously (5-0).
• Budget (Ordinance 2026-10): City Manager O'Reilly presented adjustments, including transferring $500,000 from the waterfront TIF to the senior center trust fund and reserving $500,000 for stormwater projects. He also noted a reduction in the sanitation fee increase from 8% to 5%, saving $14,000. Extensive council discussion followed on various budget items.

Presentations

• Spirit of Gulfport Award: Vice Mayor Shaw presented the award to Eileen Navarro for her 30+ years of community service, including leadership of the Gulfport Community Players and the waterfront redevelopment committee.
• Florida League of Cities Service Delivery Improvement Award: Mayor Love accepted the award on behalf of the Gulfport Recovers group, which developed a post-hurricane recovery guide after the 2024 floods.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Flock Cameras: Multiple residents (Metria Jones, Amy Costa reading for Jonathan McCoachy, and others) urged removal of Flock cameras, citing privacy concerns, surveillance state fears, and the need for public trust. One resident requested data on immigration-related arrests.
• Budget Items: Residents spoke in favor of restoring the tree budget, eliminating Flock cameras, and maintaining e-comments. Concerns were raised about the tree budget cut (66%), the looper's low ridership, and the need for grant writing services.
• Other: Bob Canning advocated for a stormwater backflow preventer program, noting a $200,000 project with a $100,000 EPA grant. April asked about immigration arrests and permitting issues.

Discussion Items

• Budget Amendments: Councilmember Shaw proposed eliminating the dog run ($20,000), reducing the looper service, increasing the tree budget by $5,000 (from $10,000 to $15,000), reducing COLA from 4.5% to 4%, removing Flock camera funding ($9,000 this year), and eliminating the siding for the little league. Councilmember Webb supported removing Flock, citing state-level concerns and data privacy. Councilmember Early suggested tracking usage of single-use technologies like C Click Fix and short-term rental software. Councilmember Donch supported keeping the leisure services director position frozen but wanted to pursue a grant writer RFP.
• Flock Cameras: Police Chief Holloway defended the cameras, citing crime-solving, stolen vehicle recovery, and missing persons cases. He noted that audits are conducted and that only six cameras exist at $9,000/year. Councilmember Webb argued that upcoming state legislation may restrict usage and that the data is owned by Flock, not the city. Council agreed to defer a final vote on Flock to the second reading after hearing from the chief.
• Leisure Services Director: Council decided to keep the position frozen (unfunded) but agreed to issue an RFP for grant writing services, using funds from that line item if needed.
• Strategic Plan: Councilmember Webb proposed a strategic planning workshop before the comprehensive plan update, but consensus was deferred due to timing concerns. Council agreed to hear a presentation on the Time Weaving project at the first October meeting.
• New Business: Council approved holding a town hall on mosquito control on September 21, and a monthly meeting between a rotating council member and the Gulfport Merchants Chamber. Vice Mayor Shaw requested a formal application process for the Spirit of Gulfport Award and a discussion on dinghy dock rules at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Millage Rate: Ordinance 2026-09 passed unanimously (5-0).
• Budget: Ordinance 2026-10 passed unanimously (5-0) after incorporating the following amendments: sanitation increase reduced to 5%, tree budget increased by $5,000, dog run funding removed, little league siding funding removed, COLA set at 4%, e-comments software eliminated but email alternative implemented, Flock camera funding deferred to second reading, leisure services director position kept frozen, and RFP authorized for grant writing services and fire assessment fee consultant.
• Consent Agenda: Minutes from July 21, August 4, and August 6, 2026 approved unanimously.
• Sanitation Fee Ordinance: Ordinance 2026-11 (first reading) passed unanimously, setting a 5% increase for the coming year and 8% for the following year.
• Flock Cameras: Final decision postponed to the second reading of the budget, pending further discussion.
• Other: Council gave consensus for a town hall on mosquito control (September 21), a GMC monthly meeting, and an update from the Gulfport Arts and Heritage Board at the first October meeting.