HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07-14-2026 (Special CC) Special City Commission Meeting
Held Online Via the GoToWebinar Platform and
In-Person at the City Hall Commission Chambers
100 East Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, Florida
On Tuesday, July 14, 2025, at 9:00 A.M.
Present:
Mayor Rebecca Shelton Daniel Dugger, City Manager
Vice Mayor Thomas Turkin Shawna Lamb, City Attorney
Commissioner Angela Cruz Catherine Cherry, Minutes Specialist
Commissioner Mack McCray
Commissioner Amiee Kelley
1. Openings
A. Call to Order - Mayor Rebecca Shelton
Mayor Shelton called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
Roll Call.
Interim City Clerk Tammy Stanzione called the roll. A quorum was present.
Invocation by Commissioner Mack McCray.
The invocation was delivered by Commissioner Mack McCray
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Commissioner Aimee Kelley.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Kelley.
Agenda Approval:
1 . Additions, Deletions, Corrections
2. Adoption
Motion:
Vice Mayor Turkin moved to approve the agenda. Commissioner McCray seconded the motion.
In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
Tashawn Smith spoke about transportation challenges facing visually impaired and blind
individuals, noting high costs associated with rideshare services and proposing that the City
explore partnerships with Uber or Lyft to create a regional, discounted rideshare program
connecting Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Elizabeth Rowe raised concerns regarding narrow and congested access at the Harvey Oyer
Boat Park, suggesting the City evaluate potential traffic controls, and she also asked for
Special City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 14, 2026
clarification about demolition traffic using Oak Street, which she stated is too small for heavy
equipment.
Cindy Falco Decorrado expressed strong opposition to any fire assessment increase, arguing
that Boynton Beach residents should not bear costs for fire-rescue services provided to
surrounding municipalities and asserting that residents already face high taxes and utility fees.
Harry Woodworth encouraged the Commission to differentiate discretionary spending from
mandatory spending and to consider that certain departments and communities can absorb
reductions more than others, noting past inefficiencies.
David Katz clarified that municipalities receiving Boynton Beach water services pay a 25%
surcharge and briefly referenced recent Palm Beach Post articles about the City. With no
additional in-person or online speakers, public comment was closed.
2. Other
Catherine Cherry, Minutes Specialist, read the resolution into record.
A. Proposed Resolution No. R26-123- A Resolution of the City Commission of the
City of Boynton Beach, Florida, amending and restating Resolution No. R26-
110, relating to the provision of Fire Rescue Services, Facilities, and Programs
in the City of Boynton Beach, Florida; revising the estimated Fire Rescue
assessed cost and estimated Fire Rescue assessment rates for Fiscal Year
2026-27; describing the method of assessing Fire Rescue assessed costs
against assessed property located within the City of Boynton Beach; directing
the preparation of an assessment roll; authorizing a public hearing and directing
the provision of notice thereof; providing for conflicts, supersession, severability,
and an effective date.
Staff recommends approval of Proposed Resolution No. R26-123.
Alan Lawson, Director of Finance, provided an overview of the proposed rolled-back millage
rate and fire-rescue assessment. He explained that the current millage rate of 7.775 is proposed
to be reduced to 7.4257, generating approximately $2.7 million in savings for residents and a
$700,000 impact to the CRA. The fire assessment is proposed to increase from $145 to $170,
generating about $1.5 million in revenue, resulting in a net operational gap of$1.2 million after
combined adjustments. Lawson noted that the hiring freeze has been extended from 6 to 12
months, saving about $1.5 million, and highlighted that cost-of-living adjustments and
contractual increases total $3.8 million. With identified reductions, the projected draw from fund
balance is approximately $1.8 million; however, without the fire assessment increase, the draw
would rise to about $3.3 million, which he advised is not sound practice for ongoing operational
costs. Lawson emphasized continued efforts across all departments to refine budgets, review
procurement contracts, enhance zero-based budgeting accuracy, and ensure vendors provide
competitive pricing. He stated the budget process is continuous and updates will be provided
Special City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 14, 2026
as further savings are identified. He concluded by noting the first budget hearing is scheduled
for September 8, 2026, with the final hearing on September 16, 2026.
Vice Mayor Turkin and Commissioners Cruz and Kelley expressed support for reducing the
millage rate while continuing to identify operational efficiencies to minimize the draw on
fund balance.
Commissioner McCray stated he could not support increasing the fire assessment due to
financial hardships in District 2 and longstanding commitments made to residents when the
assessment was originally introduced.
Mr. Lawson confirmed that budget refinement would continue, including procurement
reviews and zero-based budgeting improvements, and committed to returning with updated
projections.
Motion:
Commissioner McCray moved to approve R26-123. Commissioner Cruz seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
3. Adjournment
Motion:
Commissioner McCray moved to adjourn. Commissioner Kelley seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 6:52 P.M.
CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
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