City’s CRA adopts $638,106 redevelopment budget; projects include working waterfront and sewer connection program

The City of Sebastian Community Redevelopment Agency adopted its fiscal year 2025–26 budget Wednesday, approving an estimated total of $638,106 in revenues and funding several Riverfront projects, staff told the CRA board.

City staff said the estimated tax increment revenue includes $314,399 from the city and $327,323.707 from the county, for a combined projected total of $638,106. In the CRA capital plan, staff highlighted a sign improvement program ($25,000), a $100,000 sewer-connection program (to match a grant to cover material costs), a $250,000 working waterfront expansion design line, $200,000 for Swinging Bench Park design, and $383,683 for preconstruction and design work at Fisherman’s Landing working waterfront facility.

Staff said the $3.6 million sewer grant remains pending receipt of FDEP documents; the CRA budget includes a $128,000 match carried from FY 2025. City staff noted the Fisherman’s Landing allocation is intended to complete building design and engineering work before going to bid, and said the working waterfront expansion aims to preserve commercial fishing slips and the commercial-fishing industry in Sebastian.

Public comment on the CRA budget included criticism from resident Damien Gilliams, who questioned whether CRA funds were being concentrated on Fisherman’s Landing and raised prior spending concerns. CRA presenters responded with a description of current designs and permitting, including submerged land lease work for dock expansion and public input steps before construction.

The CRA voted in favor of the budget; roll-call votes were recorded and the resolution carried. Staff said the budget anticipates an ending fund balance of zero for the CRA and that projects will proceed as grant funding and design timelines allow.