Winter Park City Commission Meeting on Property Tax Legislation and Other Business - February 11, 2026

The City Commission of Winter Park held a regular meeting on February 11, 2026, at 3:30 PM. The meeting included an invocation by Rev. Elliott Drake, the pledge of allegiance, and approval of the agenda. The planned Cultural Partner Presentation by Central Florida Vocal Arts was canceled. The commission heard a presentation from UCF College of Nursing on mental health access for unhoused individuals, received updates on utility costs and a citizen survey, and conducted an extensive discussion on potential state property tax legislation and its fiscal impact. The consent agenda was approved, followed by unanimous votes on two quasi-judicial easement vacations and two second-reading ordinances, including amendments to subsidiary boards and a lease agreement for Fairbanks Village Properties. Public comments raised concerns about city spending and golf course usage. Commissioners provided reports and noted upcoming community events.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the regular meeting of January 28, 2026.
• Approved contract RFQ31-22 with KZF Design, LLC for professional architectural services through January 1, 2027.
• Approved piggyback contract with Amazon.com Services LLC through OMNIA Partners for online purchases, not to exceed $500,000, through January 18, 2027. Commissioner Lindsey clarified that this government platform provides discounts and procurement oversight.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Hattie Bryant (124 S. Pennsylvania Ave) criticized city expenditures on the Community Redevelopment Agency, Winter Park Pines golf course ($500K annual loss), the MLK corner, Seven Oaks Park ($4 million), and the sustainability department ($500K/yr). She expressed opposition to reducing property taxes for homesteaders if it affects city budgets, and warned against using city resources for advocacy, citing potential ethics statutes. She advocated for spending cuts rather than revenue concerns.
• Jim Fitch (1820 Via Genoa) expressed concern that the Winter Park 9 golf course was closed for private organization events on two days in January and February. He argued the course should be available to Winter Park taxpayers and recommended limiting such events to no more than two per month, and requiring a connection to Winter Park.

Discussion Items

• UCF College of Nursing Presentation: Students Landon and Megan presented on mental health care access for unhoused individuals. They described the Police Homeless Advocacy Response Team (HART), launched in July 2025 with federal/city funding, staffed by two officers. They proposed integrating a licensed mental health professional as a co-responder using the existing $530,000 budget to provide on-site mental health assessment, crisis de-escalation, and early intervention. They noted that similar programs have reduced 911 calls, ER visits, and negative law enforcement encounters. Desired outcomes include reduced stigma and improved continuity of care.
• City Manager's Report: Randy Knight reported that January electric billing was approximately $2 million higher than normal due to cold weather, with further impact from February cold days expected. A citizen survey was distributed via text in groups of 400, email, and social media; 275 responses were received in the first few days, with no set deadline.
• City Attorney's Report: Kurt Ardaman updated on the 2661 Via Tuscany code fine reduction request, stating discussions with the owner's attorney continue and an offer exceeding $50,000 is expected. Language for notice requirements on commission, committee, and board agendas is being developed.
• Discussion of Potential Impact of Property Tax Legislation (Non-Action Item): Budget Director Peter Moore presented a detailed analysis. Over the past decade, homesteaded property taxes increased 24% (below CPI of 34%), while non-homesteaded increased 174%. Of a property tax bill, 27% goes to the city, 29% to Orange County, and the remainder to schools. Property tax accounts for 43% of the city's general fund. The city's general fund has grown at an annualized rate of 3.4% over 20 years. Homesteaded properties represent 47% of the tax base and generate about $19 million annually (21% of total revenue). Moore modeled four legislative proposals: 1) Full homestead exemption: $19.5 million initial hit, $251 million deficit over 11 years; 2) Extra $100,000 exemption per year for 10 years then full exemption: $135 million over 11 years; 3) $200,000 additional exemption for insured homestead: $66 million over 11 years; 4) 25% of assessed value as exemption: $65 million over 11 years. A 21% revenue reduction would require an average 37% cut to non-public safety services. Commissioners expressed deep concern: Vice Mayor Sullivan emphasized making information public; Commissioner Russell noted impact on reserve growth; Commissioner Cruzada stated the proposals limit revenue and reduce reserves, potentially harming quality of life; Commissioner Lindsey asked about impacts on non-homestead and renters (Moore replied non-homestead would see no benefit and likely higher millage rates). Mayor DeCiccio suggested awaiting possible special session before further public updates. Staff will provide updates at the end-of-March budget work session.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved consent agenda (minutes, KZF Design contract, Amazon piggyback contract).
• Adopted Ordinances 3362-26 and 3363-26 (easement vacations) on second reading, 5-0.
• Adopted Ordinance 3364-26 (amending subsidiary boards) with an amendment to allow up to two non-resident members on the Public Art Advisory Board who are representatives of performing or visual arts organizations located in Winter Park. The motion carried 5-0.
• Adopted Ordinance 3365-26 approving the lease of Fairbanks Village properties (947, 955, 959 W Fairbanks Ave) to Calantes Holdings, LLC for restaurant use, with no right of assignment without city consent and two 2-year renewal options. Vote 5-0.
• Commission directed staff to keep the property tax legislation presentation available and updated for public information.
• Noted the following upcoming events: community meeting on e-bike/e-scooter usage on February 17, 2026; Tri-County League of Cities and ethics training hosted by City Commission on February 18, 2026.

Additional reports from commissioners highlighted Arts Weekend, Love Your Trees volunteer event, and recognition of Tom McMack (Lydia Gardner Citizen of the Year) and Harold Ward (Lifetime Achievement Award). The meeting adjourned before 5 PM.