Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
The Madison City Commission met on Tuesday, Sept. 12, beginning the meeting by presenting Health Officer and Administrator Kim Albritton, with the Florida Department of Health, with a certificate of appreciation for her role in upgrading J.C. Miller Park and providing recreation equipment near Boxwood Street. Madison Police Chief Tyrone Edwards also began recognizing officers for exceptional service to the community, beginning with Officer Josh Akins as the officer of the month for August. Edwards applauded Akins for having only one complaint registered against him. “He smiles too much,” said Edwards, referring to the complaint.
Next on the agenda was the first public hearing on the proposed budget for the 2023- 2024 fiscal year. The commissioners unanimously approved the tentative millage rate of seven mils, which remains as it has been for several years. The proposed budget was tentatively approved with a 3-1 vote, with Commissioner Byron Poore dissenting.
Public discussion on the budget featured feedback from city resident Tom Tuckey, who asked, “What is the justification for the five percent annual increase on our utilities? It seems to me that this is taxation without representation, because the citizens should have a say in this,” said Tuckey. Mayor Ina Thompson stated that the ordinance approving the annual increase was based several years ago and had included public input before being passed.
Bobbi Breo also addressed the commissioners, asking, “Where is the plan, where is the vision?” She went on to say “A budget is about growth and meeting the needs of the city. You are not addressing that at all in your considerations.” Commissioner Poore followed by reading a five-point plan for creating a balanced budget. A short time later, City Manager Jerome Wyche posed a question. “What is it that you want?,” asked Wyche. “Do you want to dismantle the police department? Do you want to dismantle the fire department? I assure you, when services are requested, you are going to want them to come.” After further discussion, the tentative budget passed with a 3-1 vote, with Commissioner Poore dissenting. The second public hearing for the proposed budget is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall, located at 321 SW Rutledge St., in Madison.
The commissioners also agreed by a 3-1 margin to provide consulting services between the City of Madison and Retail Strategies, LLC. Funding for the services was provided by a grant from Duke Energy. Retail Strategies will work with downtown businesses and make suggestions for improving the financial vitality of the area. Poore voted in opposition. “My concern is we have no plan for implementing their suggestions,” said Poore. “This is part of the first step, which is to get a plan,” responded Wyche.
In City Manager Wyche’s report, he noted that the plans for repaving Washington Street have been approved, and advertisement for bids have been published. Wyche also notified the commissioners that the Department of Transportation (DOT) is now in charge of debris removal from both county and city roadways. “Because of the massive amounts of debris on the roadways, the clean-up process is going to take some time.”
Wyche and the commissioners expressed their gratitude for all the crews who have worked so hard to clear streets and remove trees and debris left behind from Hurricane Idalia.