FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
VOLUME 11, NO. 13
CITY COMMISSION APPROVES FINAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 The city will operate next year with a budget of $108,779,353, the largest in its history, and a millage rate of 5.7157.
MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER
Plant City commissioners voted to adopt next fi cal year’s final operating budget Sept. 25, and it is set at $108,779,353. The commission also approved next fi cal year’s Capital Improvement Plan and approved a millage rate of 5.7157. This was the second of two public hearings on the budget. The Fiscal Year 2023-24 balanced budget, which runs Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024, will tackle everything from essential city services and public safety to infrastructure improvements.
Major Capital Improvement projects on the horizon include a $4.3 million investment to resurface arterial roads, neighborhood streets and sidewalks, $500,000 towards the construction of a new Planteen Events Center and $4.89 million to repair lift stations, replace generator pumps, water storage tanks and meters and force mains to improve water quality.
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ATTENDEES SAY
“DANKE!”
FOR A GREAT OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION
MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER
Who knew Plant City, better known for its world-famous strawberries, could harness so much Bavarian culture and tradition?
Its second-annual Oktoberfest, which transformed downtown streets with the sights and sounds of polka music and lively dancers, drew a crowd of thousands, some who donned their very best German attire, to enjoy a fabulous evening with friends and family.
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THE MEMBERS OF THE FIRST-EVER PLANT CITY YOUTH LEADERSHIP COMMISSION WERE RECOGNIZED AT THIS WEEK’S CITY COMMISSION MEETING.
Members include: Daniela Villanueva, Anayeli Castro, Arely Salgado, Madison Zappe, Bailey Polk, Ella Erickson, Grace Pagliaro, Lola Coole, Tregg Aguero, Alivia Eben, Khalid Polk, Lyla Bent, Skylee Jones and Genesis Suazo. The high school students will participate in a year-long program where students will learn about local government in Plant City while meeting and interfacing with local,
county, state and federal leaders and community organization while learning valuable leadership skills. “I am excited about this program as I believe it’s very important for our youth to learn more about their local government and community,” said Commission Jason Jones.