The North Port City Commission convened recently to discuss key agenda items, including public comments and proposed resolutions regarding the city's road and drainage district budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which passed unanimously. Public comments followed, where resident Bobby Olander expressed concerns about perceived intimidation from city officials and voiced strong opposition to the proposed budget of $29,476,620 for the fiscal year 2024-2025, citing a lack of consent and calling the actions of the commission \"visceral hatred.\"

The commission then moved to a public hearing on Resolution 2024-R-44, which seeks to adopt non-ad valorem assessment rates for the North Port Road and Drainage District. City Manager provided an overview, noting that the proposed rates would reflect a 15% increase to ensure adequate funding for the district's financial needs. Public comment from resident Josh Smith highlighted concerns about the necessity of such an increase, given the city's ongoing drainage issues. Despite these concerns, the resolution was adopted unanimously.

Following this, the commission addressed Resolution 2024-R-48, which pertains to the tentative budget for the road and drainage district for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024. The proposed budget is set at $29,122,020, marking a significant decrease from the previous year's budget but still reflecting a 15% increase in assessment rates. The resolution was also adopted without opposition.

The meeting concluded with no further commissioner questions, indicating a smooth progression through the agenda despite the earlier public dissent.