City Commission Special Meeting

MINUTES

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 5:30 P.m. - 6:30 P.m.

City Hall Auditorium

200 East University Avenue

Gainesville, FL 32601

Members Present:

• Commissioner Book, 
• Commissioner Chestnut, 
• Commissioner Duncan-Walker, 
• Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, 
• Commissioner James Ingle, 
• Mayor Ward, 
• and Commissioner Willits 

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A.

CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at 5:31 p.m.

B.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Motion: The City Commission adopt the regular and consent agenda.

  Aye (5)	Mayor Ward, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner James Ingle
  Absent (2)	Commissioner Chestnut, and Commissioner Willits

  Approved (5 to 0)

C.

BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, gave an overview of the item.

Commissioner Willits joined the meeting at 5:33 p.m.

Commissioner Chestnut joined the meeting at 5:36 p.m.

Cintya Ramos, Executive Chief of Staff, gave a presentation on the Financial Operating Plan and Overview.

1.

2025-656 Fire Assessment Annual Rate Resolution (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Book
  Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman

  Recommendation: The City Commission: 1) receive any written objections filed; 2) hear testimony from all interested persons; 3) approve the assessment roll; 4) establish the annual rates for the Fire Services Special Assessment; and 5) adopt the proposed Annual Rate Resolution.

  Motion: Approved as Recommended.

  Aye (6)	Mayor Ward, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, and Commissioner James Ingle
  Nay (1)	Commissioner Willits

  Approved (6 to 1)

2.

2025-682 Appendix A Schedule of Fees, Rates, and Charges FY 2026-GG (B)

• Moved by Commissioner Chestnut
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

  Motion: Approve as Recommended.

  Aye (7)

  Mayor Ward, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner James Ingle

  Approved (7 to 0)

3.

2025-689 Establishing a Tentative Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2026 (B)

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, gave an overview of the item.

Cintya Ramos, Executive Chief of Staff, read specific language into the record.

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman
  Seconded by Commissioner Willits

  Recommendation: The City Commission 1) set the Tentative Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2026 at 6.7297 mills, 2) adopt the proposed Resolution, and 3) set the date, time, and place of the second public hearing to be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 5:30 P.M.

  Motion: The City Commission approved Item No. 2025-682.

  Aye (6)	Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner James Ingle
  Nay (1)	Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Approved (6 to 1)
• Moved by Commissioner Chestnut
  Seconded by Commissioner James Ingle

  The meeting was called back into session at 6:08 p.m. in order to read the correct agenda Item number, as 2025-689.

  Recommendation: The City Commission 1) set the Tentative Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2026 at 6.7297 mills, 2) adopt the proposed Resolution, and 3) set the date, time, and place of the second public hearing to be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 5:30 P.M.

  Motion: Approved as Recommended.

  Aye (6)	Mayor Ward, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner James Ingle
  Nay (1)	Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Approved (6 to 1)

4.

2025-691 Tentative General Government Financial and Operating Plan Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (B)

Cynthia Curry, City Manager, spoke to the item related to a budget need for the City Auditor.

Stephen Mhere, City Auditor, spoke to the item regarding the need for an additional $40,000 for his budget to cover the costs of upcoming audits.

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Eastman
  Seconded by Commissioner Duncan-Walker

  Recommendation: The City Commission 1) adopt the FY 2026 Financial and Operating Plan Budget; and 2) adopt the proposed resolution.

  Motion: Approved as Recommended.

  Aye (7)

  Mayor Ward, Commissioner Duncan-Walker, Commissioner Chestnut, Mayor Pro Tem Eastman, Commissioner Book, Commissioner Willits, and Commissioner James Ingle

  Approved (7 to 0)

D.

ORDINANCES: SECOND READING - (Roll Call Required)

E.

MEMBER COMMENT

Commissioner Ingle: Clarified the budget process.

Cintya Ramos, Executive Chief of Staff, stated that an ad will be published in the Gainesville Sun on September 21, 2025.

F.

ADJOURNMENT - 6:16 p.m.