The City of Vernon, Florida held a Budget Workshop at City Hall on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 5:30PM as seen in the video (below).
The City Council has been working with an unexpected shortfall in City finances, to the tune of several tens of thousands of dollars, which has to be addressed in order to comply with the Florida state mandate of a balanced budget.
Discussion concerning how to make up that shortfall, and what long-term changes would take place to ensure an easier road toward a balanced budget took place on Thursday, with some surprising options, including a franchise fee and an expectation of increased recreation department revenues.
City Clerk Tracy Walker was not in attendance due to an illness, and she is scheduled for a COVID-19 test, while Street Department employee Chad Taylor has also been tested positive for COVID-19.
Assistant Clerk Michelle Cross attended the meeting to answer questions and give guidance in the budget process.