[ News ] Sports Entertainment Opinion Advertise Obituaries eNewspaper Legals 101°F Hi, Zachary LOCAL Largest ever!: PCB City Council reviews proposed $236 million budget for next fiscal year Nathan Cobb Panama City News Herald Published 11:28 a.m. ET Aug. 25, 2023 PANAMA CITY BEACH — Beach officials are gearing up to approve the largest fiscal year budget in the city's history. Panama City Beach City Council members on Tuesday held a special meeting to overview the city's proposed $236 million budget for next fiscal year, which will span from the beginning of October until September 2024. Here's what we know: Panama City Beach City Council members on Tuesday held a special meeting to overview the city's proposed $236 million budget for next fiscal year. Mike Fender/The News Herald How does the 2024 budget compare to that of the current fiscal year? The proposed budget for next fiscal year is about $83 million more than the current fiscal year budget, which previous held the title as the largest in the city's history. Along with setting a new standard and paving the way for numerous capital improvement projects, next year's budget also includes the addition of 23 new full-time positions. Information from the city notes these include three more Beach Police officers, three forestry maintenance technicians, two park maintenance workers, a utilities engineer, a senior HR analyst and another lifeguard. "I think it's important for us to be accountable to our residents who pay assessments," council member Mary Coburn said of why it is important for officials to thoroughly review the budget. "We should need to run government officially and be responsible." What is the breakdown of the $236 million budget? Information from the city notes the proposed budget is made up of six funds. They are: Utility Fund − $81,192,110 General fund − $69,249,295 CRA fund − $56,387,440 Stormwater fund − $29,977,400 Aquatic Center fund − $1,441,170 Russell-Fields Pier fund − $1,246,350 What are some notable projects in next year's budget? According to the city's website, about 40% of the city's proposed general fund for next fiscal year will be used to pay for large capital improvement projects. The five most expensive are: The construction of a new fire station 32 across Hutchison Boulevard from Shipwreck Island Waterpark. It is slated to cost about $6.7 million. The construction of the Frank Brown Park Park Community Center with a safe room. It is slated to cost about $5.6 million. The reconstruction of fire station 31 along Panama City Beach Parkway. It is slated to cost about $3.2 million. The construction of the east-end police substation near Churchwell Drive and Front Beach Road. It is slated to cost about $1.68 million. The construction of a K9 training facility along Gulf Boulevard near the city's utilities department. It is slated to cost about $1.6 million. More housing: High-end community being built in PCB with more than 100 'ultra-luxury' apartments What's left before the budget is final? City council members are expected to approve the proposed budget during a meeting on Sept. 14 − a little more than two weeks before the start of next fiscal year. More information on the budget, including a breakdown of the funds and their expenses, can be found in the Sept. 22 meeting's agenda packet, which is listed on the city's website at www.pcbfl.gov/government/city-council/city-councilmeetings-agenda. "This budget process can be overwhelming to anyone, but we are moving forward with a lot of capital projects," Coburn said. "A lot of this has been in the plans for many, many years and is just really now (starting to) come to fruition. "Everyone who sits on this council takes this budget very, very seriously, as does our staff." About Support Stay Connected Our Partners Careers Contact Us Subscribe Today Jobs Staff Directory Support Local Business Newsletters Cars Accessibility Advertise Your Business Facebook Homes Site Map Advertising Terms and Conditions Twitter Classifieds Instagram Reviewed.com eNewspaper 10Best Legals Public notice certification Buy and Sell Licensing & Reprints Our Ethical Principles Help Center Subscription Terms & Conditions Subscriber Guide Terms of Service My Account Privacy Policy Give Feedback LocaliQ Digital Marketing Solutions Cookie Settings © 2023 www.newsherald.com. All rights reserved. CLOSE
