Last week I experienced technical difficulties (this has been resolved) and was unable to generate my version of the agenda, this week, it seems it’s the city having technical difficulties as none of the supporting documents for the agenda items are provided with the draft agenda published Friday evening. Without those, it’s not practical to do a preview other than to note the items I’d be looking to read more about. I considered delaying, but without a clear idea when it would be resolved and my schedule this week, I opted to stay on schedule and go with what was there.

The items I’d like to read more about:

• Item 3, making adjustments to the Tampa Fire Rescue budget for FY25 to account for a $5 million shortfall. With an annual budget of $117 million in FY25, that’s missing the target by less than 5%. However, $5 million is not an insignificant amount of money when you are already digging in the cushions to build sidewalks.
• Not a monetary question, but if you know the 35-50 feral hogs meme from social media, item 7 for “wildlife damage management” and the removal of “feral swine” begs for more details.
• Item 8 and 9 appears to be an additional $1 million for Fair Oaks/East Tampa Rec, maybe out of HUD grant funds. This project was approved at $35 million and nearing completion.
• Item 12 is identifying funding sources to build a bandshell at Perry Harvey Sr Park. This was part of the original design for the park and something the late Council member Henderson was working on.
• Item 13 is a $1.8 million contract for Phase I of the Sulphur Springs Pool Restoration.
• Item 20 is a contract for consultant services for the Fire Rescue Fleet Maintenance project. To my knowledge the city hasn’t formally announced the acquisition of land, though there have been several times it was suggested land had been identified.
• Item 21 for the green spine extension from Howard Ave to Rome Ave.
• Item 25 is an audit for Tampa Fire Rescue Emergency Management.
• Item 39 is auction services for asset management fleet division. I’d just be curious to know how many/how much/what kinds of vehicles the city auctions off.
• Items 48 and 49 are public hearings for the stormwater service assessments. Council added a 3rd workshop last week for the evening of August 11th related to stormwater. I’m not sure there’s the political will to increase those fees, especially without some of the discussion and information that will be shared on the 11th. If it’s like the ad valorem tax, you can’t increase the amount at second reading, but you could reduce it. Meaning, if they set the assessments at a certain level Thursday, then have a workshop realizing they want to increase it, that’s not an option.

In the meantime, you can catch up on my wrap-up of last week which includes more discussion of the budget including additional thoughts on the workshop council will be holding Monday afternoon (today if you’re reading this through the newsletter).