Gulfport City Council Meeting - September 3, 2026

The Gulfport City Council met on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at City Hall for a regular meeting that began at 6:00 PM. The meeting featured first readings and public hearings on the FY 2026-2027 millage rate and operating budget, along with presentations, public comment, and multiple council discussions. Key outcomes included approval of a reduced millage rate, adoption of the budget with several amendments, and direction to explore a fire assessment fee and grant writing services.

Public Hearings

• Ordinance No. 2026-09 (Millage Rate): Council discussed a reduction from 4.0258 to 4.026 mills (rollback rate). City Manager O’Reilly noted that a fire assessment fee would require a consultant; council gave consensus to publish an RFP for such services. The ordinance passed unanimously (5-0) after no public comment.
• Ordinance No. 2026-10 (Operating Budget): The first reading covered a $49,000 increase in property tax revenue but noted $330,000 in increased costs for fire and police. City Manager outlined changes: $500,000 transferred from the waterfront TIF to the senior center trust, $500,000 reserved in the utility fund for stormwater, and a sanitation fee increase reduced from 8% to 5%. Extended council debate led to several modifications (see Key Outcomes). The budget passed unanimously (5-0).

Consent Calendar

• Item 6a: Minutes from meetings on July 21, 2026, August 4, 2026, and August 6, 2026 were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Budget-related comments: Several residents spoke in favor of removing Flock cameras from the budget (citing privacy and state-level concerns), restoring the tree planting budget, and keeping e-comments. One resident noted discrepancies in the assistant city manager’s dual roles.
• Non-budget public comment: Residents urged the council to reconsider Flock cameras, citing civil liberties, and raised concerns about immigration enforcement at the county jail. Another speaker advocated for stormwater backflow prevention valves as a cost-effective solution.
• E-comments: Two written comments were read: one about marina account delinquencies and another opposing Flock cameras.

Discussion Items

• Flock Cameras: Council members Webb and Shaw argued against renewal, citing statewide pullbacks and privacy risks. Chief Holloway defended the cameras, citing their role in solving crimes (including a homicide and a domestic violence case) and noting that audits were conducted. The council decided to delay a final decision on camera funding until the second reading of the budget after hearing the chief’s full report.
• Tree Budget: Council debated reducing the tree fund by 66% (from $30,000 to $10,000). A compromise was reached to add $5,000 back, bringing it to $15,000, with a focus on planting appropriate species.
• COLA: Councilmember Shaw proposed reducing the proposed 4.5% COLA to 4%, citing Bureau of Labor Statistics benchmarks (4.2%) and peer city rates (3-4%). The council concurred by consensus.
• Lobbyist and Grant Writer: Councilmember Shaw proposed eliminating the state lobbyist to fund a grant writer. After discussion, council agreed to pursue an RFP for grant writing services but kept the state lobbyist (3-2 consensus). The leisure services director position remained funded but frozen.
• Other budget cuts: Council agreed to remove $20,000 for a dog run at Tomlinson Park and $7,500 for little league concession stand siding (with a pledge to seek donations). The looper service funding will be reduced; specific amounts will be presented at second reading.
• Strategic Plan: Councilmember Webb requested a workshop to develop a strategic plan before the comprehensive plan update. Council did not reach consensus due to timing concerns; the item may be revisited.

Key Outcomes

• Millage rate: Ordinance 2026-09 passed unanimously (5-0) with a rollback rate of 4.026 mills.
• Operating budget: Ordinance 2026-10 passed unanimously (5-0) with modifications: COLA reduced to 4%; tree budget increased to $15,000; dog run and siding removed; e-comments replaced with a free email alternative; RFP authorized for fire assessment consultant and grant writing services; looper funding to be reduced; Flock camera decision deferred to second reading.
• Ordinance 2026-11 (Garbage fees): First reading approved unanimously (5-0), setting a 5% increase (down from 8%) for FY 2027.
• Other directives: The city clerk will develop an application process for the Spirit of Gulfport Award. A town hall on mosquito control was scheduled for September 21, 2026. The Gulfport Arts and Heritage Board will present on the time weaving project at the first October meeting. A discussion on dinghy dock rules will be added to a future agenda.
• Lawsuits: The city attorney reported that a default judgment is being sought against Ian for approximately $15,000–$16,000 in treble damages.
• Presentations: Eileen Navarro received the Spirit of Gulfport Award, and the Gulfport Recovers committee was recognized with the Florida League of Cities Service Delivery Improvement Award.