The City of Riviera Beach held a Budget Workshop on August 20, 2025, to discuss the financial planning for upcoming infrastructure projects, particularly focusing on road improvements. The meeting featured a detailed presentation of the city's master spreadsheet, which outlines the extensive financial requirements for various projects.
The primary topic of discussion was the city's road program. It was revealed that addressing all 80 miles of roads in the city would require a staggering $478 million for comprehensive reconstruction, which includes water, sewer, drainage, curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements. However, the current budget proposal allocates $135 million for new road construction and an additional $7.7 million for mill and overlay projects.
The finance director noted that a solicitation for vendors to expedite mill and overlay projects is currently underway, with plans to bring this forward in October. A discussion regarding funding sources for these projects will take place after the budget is approved.
The meeting also touched on the city's ongoing commitment to improving public safety facilities, with references made to previous discussions about police and fire stations. The finance director emphasized the importance of these infrastructure projects, likening them to "climbing Mount Everest," indicating the significant challenges and efforts involved.
As the workshop concluded, the finance director encouraged further dialogue on the budget and infrastructure needs, highlighting the city's dedication to addressing these critical issues in the coming fiscal year.