St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting: Millage, Wastewater Fees, Fire Station, and CUP Approved - July 28, 2026

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included presentations on the FY2027 millage rate options and a wastewater fee study, extensive public comment, and key decisions on a fire station construction contract, a conditional use permit for an off-premise parking lot, and direction on utility fees. Several agenda items were continued to the next meeting.

Note on Agenda/Minutes/Transcript Discrepancies:

• The order of presentations was shifted from the printed agenda: the millage rate presentation occurred before the wastewater fee study. Items 7A (Short-term Rental Registration) and 7B (Agenda Preparation) were continued.
• The provided minutes were empty.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved the consent agenda with the exception of items 4B and 4F, which were pulled for discussion.
• Item 4F: Property Acquisition: Approved the acceptance of a property donation on 44th Avenue from Candace L. Mortenson for a nominal sum of $10.00. The property is intended for flood mitigation and a native Florida landscaping showcase.
• Item 4B: Audio Visual Replacement: Approved a contract with AVI-SPL for $152,050.21 to replace the antiquated meeting audiovisual system. Commissioner Maldonado defended the cost as necessary for public access and transparency.
• Other routine consent items were approved unanimously, including special event permits for Belle Vista Halloween Block Party and Surfers for Autism, an agreement with the Florida Department of Emergency Management for a Watershed Master Plan ($125,000), and an agreement with Brycer for fire code compliance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Vena Del Mar Park & Parks Infrastructure: Several residents (Terry Grocott, David Gamma, Dean D'Amato, Ted Teal) spoke passionately about park conditions. They advocated against removing Royal Poinciana trees (which Commissioner Maldonado later confirmed was no longer under consideration), requested improved dog park surfaces (mulch/turf), and asked for equal investment in Vena Del Mar Park compared to other city parks.
• Millage Rate & Budget: Residents expressed divided opinions. Kathy Garcho (Finance Committee) supported a millage increase for infrastructure. Rich Lorenzen and Bruda Hans urged the commission to focus on infrastructure over parks and demonstrate budget cuts before raising taxes. Dana Richardson requested significant community engagement before any tax increase vote. Deborah Scheckner argued residents unfairly subsidize tourist-related services.
• Wastewater Fees: Deborah Scheckner and Dana Richardson supported redistributing costs towards hotels and large commercial users, arguing they do not pay their fair share of the system costs.

Discussion Items

• FY2027 Millage Rate (TRIM Notice):
  • Finance Director Devin Schmidt presented rate history (current: 3.0913 mills), tax base composition (71% non-homestead), and statutory options (rolled-back: 3.075, 2/3 max: 3.830). The Finance Budget Review Committee recommended the 2/3 max.
  • The commission debated the need for a tax increase. Commissioner Causey supported following the committee's recommendation. Commissioner Maldonado and Commissioner Marriott expressed caution.
  • Direction: The commission agreed to set a higher TRIM notice (approximately 3.67 mills, generating ~$3M) to allow for community engagement over the next month via district meetings and surveys. The final vote in September can lower this rate to flat if public sentiment is against an increase. The city manager was directed to frame potential uses of the revenue (infrastructure, resiliency, parks) for public feedback.
• Wastewater Fee Study (Raftelis):
  • Consultant Sean Oscassio presented findings showing a rate inequity: Residential customers pay 105% of system average cost, Multifamily 138%, and Commercial 77%.
  • Two phase-in options for restructuring commercial rates were presented: a 3-year phase-in (Alternative 1) and a 5-year phase-in (Alternative 2).
  • Commissioners expressed concern over the impact on small businesses but noted the necessity of the increases to address critical infrastructure needs.
  • Direction: The commission directed staff to proceed with Alternative 1 (3-year phase-in) and to continue exploring a county takeover of the wastewater system as a long-term solution for lowering rates.
• Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 26107 & Rescissions:
  • Staff presented a modified CUP for an off-premise parking lot at 3815-3861 Gulf Blvd. Conditions included a 120-day transition period, valet-only operation thereafter, and security measures.
  • Commissioner Causey proposed an amendment requiring the lot to be either locked or attended on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM during the initial 120 days to prevent unauthorized beachgoer parking. The applicant agreed.
  • Outcome: The CUP was approved. Following this, the commission unanimously approved Resolutions 2026-14 and 2026-16, rescinding prior parking lot permits for Hotel Zamora and Tradewinds based on violations.
• Recreation Fees: Mandy Edmonds presented the new fee schedule (Resolution 2026-24), which focuses fee increases on non-residents. It was approved.
• Beach Maintenance: Commissioner Maldonado requested the Mayor re-engage with Pinellas County and the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) council to secure funds for beach maintenance and enhancements. The commission supported this.
• House Bill 803: Commissioner Marriott requested the city attorney and staff research HB 803 to identify opportunities to streamline building permits.

Key Outcomes

• Millage Rate: The commission set direction for a higher TRIM notice to facilitate community engagement. A final vote is scheduled for September 9, 2026.
• Wastewater Fees: Staff directed to draft an ordinance for Alternative 1 (3-year phase-in) of commercial rate restructuring. County takeover discussions to continue.
• Fire Station #22: Approved a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $10,479,642.00 with Hennessy Construction for the new fire station. Construction expected to start September 2026.
• Conditional Use Permit (CUP 26107): Approved with specific conditions related to security, valet operations, and screening.
• Rescission of Prior CUPs: Resolutions 2026-14 and 2026-16 were approved, revoking existing parking permits based on violations.
• Recreation Fees: Ordinance 2026-14 and Resolution 2026-24 were approved.
• Future Agenda Items:
  • City Attorney and staff to report on House Bill 803.
  • City Manager and Mayor to develop a project list for TDT funding.
  • Community outreach on the millage rate to begin (district meetings, surveys).
• Adjournment: The meeting was extended and adjourned after completing all agenda items.