The Brooksville City Council held a special meeting on June 30, 2025, focusing on budget adjustments and contract reviews. Key discussions included proposed reductions in general government expenditures and the necessity of reviewing existing contracts for services.
During the meeting, council members discussed a $25,000 reduction in the general government budget. This included a $5,000 cut related to the rehabilitation of the second-floor restroom, which was identified as a duplicate expense, and a $20,000 decrease in the office furniture replacement budget, now set at $10,000 to address aging and broken furniture.
Concerns were raised regarding the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) budget increase, with questions about the rationale behind funding allocations for office furniture and the higher costs associated with the lobbyist contract. Council members expressed a desire to review these contracts, particularly the sheriff's department contract, which costs the city approximately $1.25 million annually. The council debated whether this expense was necessary, given that law enforcement services are already provided by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
A motion was made to bring the sheriff's contract, along with the contracts for the Vos Law Firm and the lobbyist, to a future agenda for review. The motion passed with a vote of 4 to 1, indicating a strong interest in reassessing these financial commitments.
Additionally, the council discussed the funding for crossing guards, which is mandated by state statute, and the costs associated with legal advertising required for ordinances and bids. The clerk clarified that these expenses are necessary for compliance with state laws.
The meeting concluded with a focus on the need for fiscal responsibility, as council members expressed concerns about potential increases in millage rates and the importance of scrutinizing all budget items to ensure taxpayer funds are used effectively. The council plans to continue discussions on these topics in upcoming meetings, emphasizing transparency and accountability in financial decisions.