City of St. Pete Beach City Commission Regular Meeting - September 21, 2026

[Note: The meeting transcript identifies the day as Tuesday, though the published agenda lists the meeting date as Monday, September 21, 2026.]

The St. Pete Beach City Commission met on September 21, 2026, to adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and millage rate, approve wastewater fee amendments, and discuss several community issues. All commissioners were present: Mayor Tate, Vice Mayor Robinson, Commissioner Causey, Commissioner Maldonado, and Commissioner Marriott.

Public Hearings (Ordinances)

The meeting began with the required public hearings for the budget ordinances before general public comment.

Ordinance 2026-19: Millage Rate

• Action: Unanimously adopted the FY2027 millage rate at 3.0757 mills, which is the rollback rate, representing a 0% increase over the rollback rate.
• Public Comment: Paul Stein (285 42nd Avenue) argued that capital improvements should be funded through the millage (budget) rather than subsidized by wastewater rates.

Ordinance 2026-20: Budget Adoption

• Action: Adopted the FY2027 budget as amended (4-1 vote; Vice Mayor Robinson dissented).
• Staff Report: The budget was reduced by approximately $80,000 as a result of adopting the rollback rate and includes a new full-time equivalent position for a Capital Projects Administrator in Public Services.
• Public Comment: Paul Stein reiterated his concerns about capital improvements being funded through utility rates.

Ordinance 2026-16: Wastewater Fees

• Action: Unanimously adopted the amended wastewater fee schedule on final reading.
• Staff Report: The second reading corrected an inadvertent omission (the usage rate tier for over 6,000 gallons) from the previous meeting.
• Public Comment: Paul Stein heavily criticized the rate structure. He argued a Ref Tellus consulting report projects 16% increases for three years followed by a 5% increase. He claimed the tier for usage over 6,000 gallons is irrelevant for residents and argued the report was made public only at the final reading. He stated the structure ultimately represents an inequitable burden on residents who conserve water.

Public Comments & Testimony (General)

• Phyllis Parker (Casablanca Avenue) expressed concern that a proposed density trading tool could operate as a pay-to-play system. She provided an update on the community Art Trail project for the city’s upcoming 70th anniversary and requested a follow-up meeting with staff.
• Melanie Vandergrift reported significant issues with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office enforcement over Labor Day weekend, stating a deputy told her they were instructed they could only enforce underage drinking laws on the beach. She requested the commission address this with the Sheriff’s office.
• Kim Graves (Corey Avenue Business Association) expressed gratitude for the Corey Avenue beautification project and presented a financial contribution from CABA to the city in support of the efforts.
• Kathy Garshaw (Casablanca Avenue) promoted a community meeting for the 250th-anniversary celebration and discussed opportunities for volunteer coordination and partnership with the city on beautification and the upcoming 70th-anniversary milestone.
• Paul Stein (285 42nd Avenue), in a second public comment, urged the commission to use the next year to redesign a more equitable wastewater rate system. He described his history of environmental advocacy and water conservation.

Consent Agenda

• Approved Unanimously: Items 4a (Minutes of September 9), 4c (EMS Authority Agreement Amendment), 4d (Suncoast Beach Trolley Renewal, $60,500), and 4e (Independent Auditing Services Engagement).
• Item 4B – Special Events: Commissioner Robinson requested a review to ensure permit fees fully cover city costs for events. The item was approved.
• Item 4F – Blind Pass South Jetty Improvement Resolution: Commissioner Marriott clarified the resolution is a prerequisite for applying for a 50% matching grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The item was approved.

Discussion Items

• Bella Vista Lift Station: Commissioner Robinson confirmed the contractor agreed not to charge delay costs provided the commission renders a decision at the scheduled November 2nd meeting. Commissioner Maldonado raised public awareness that a WSP engineering study projects up to 21 new stormwater lift stations in the Bella Vista area, suggesting this will be a significant topic for residents.
• City Donations Policy: Commissioner Maldonado proposed using a $7,500 line item to make donations of $1,000 to local non-profits (Sea Turtle Trackers, St. Pete Audubon Society, Gulf Beaches Historical Museum) and establishing a formal policy for future donations. Several commissioners supported the idea of a formal policy but preferred to develop the process before allocating funds. No action was taken.

City Commission & Staff Reports

• Commissioner Causey promoted an upcoming Vina Delmar Island Association safety meeting with the Sheriff’s office.
• Mayor Tate updated the timeline for the Bella Vista backup generator aesthetic concept.
• Vice Mayor Robinson announced library hours for October 5.
• Commissioner Maldonado promoted local community events and the FDOT Blind Pass repaving project.
• Commissioner Marriott announced the Concert in the Park series starting October 2.

Key Outcomes

• FY2027 Millage Rate Set: 3.0757 mills (unanimous).
• FY2027 Budget Adopted: Passed 4-1.
• Wastewater Fee Ordinance Adopted: New fee schedule approved (unanimous).
• Item 5A (Merry Pier Dispute): Removed from the agenda before the meeting.
• Directives: City Manager to evaluate cost recovery for special events. Staff to develop a formal process for city donations. Administration to discuss beach enforcement issues with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.