🏛️ Crestview’s 2025-26 budget balances the city’s finances while maintaining a low millage rate.
🚓 Budget adds new police positions and specialty units to meet Florida’s officer-per-capita average.
🎉 Recreation projects and downtown events funding, including holiday lighting, see major increases.
CRESTVIEW — City officials say the proposed 2025-26 budget is balanced, maintains a lower millage rate, and invests heavily in public safety staffing, recreation upgrades, and expanded downtown events.
At Monday’s budget workshop, City Manager Jessica Leavins told council members there were “no significant changes” since the previous review, with the draft now in a complete format showing “different rates and total dollar amounts for the year.” She confirmed, “We have completely presented you a balanced budget.”
Councilmember Shannon Hayes questioned why total revenues rose from $63 million last year to $80 million this year.
Accountant Wendy Buttke said the difference comes from State Revolving Fund and bond proceeds for major utility projects, which are budgeted in full before funds are drawn down.
The budget funds seven additional positions, primarily in the police department. Leavins clarified that some are reclassifications, but new police officer slots are meant to create specialty units such as traffic enforcement.
Police Chief Stephen McCosker said the department is trying to reach the Florida average of 2.3 officers per capita, compared to the current allotment of 55.
“From the time I interview someone to the time I put a badge on them, it’s a year,” he said, citing background checks and academy training.
Leavins noted that only three of the five new officer positions are fully funded this year, with equipment and vehicles included, to avoid overspending if hiring moves more slowly than expected.
Culture and recreation capital outlay will rise from $1 million to $3 million. Projects include irrigation repairs at Allen Park, the dog park, the splash pad, and the skate park; batting cages at Spanish Trail; shade structures; new cameras for Twin Hills Park; senior center parking expansion; bridge repairs; RFID library equipment; and non-TDC-funded golf course work.
“This council has directed us to make sure our youth activities are well supported and well encouraged,” Leavins said.
Special events funding will nearly triple, increasing by 191%, to cover Food Truck Friday, Mardi Gras, Fourth of July, and other previously unbudgeted downtown programming. Leavins said the increase is “firmly rooted” in actual costs and matched by sponsorship revenue.
Leavins also added that the final budget will include revenue line items showing how much is expected from sponsors.
Leavins proposed a pilot paid leave program for employees who qualify for Family and Medical Leave Act coverage, offering up to six weeks of paid time off for qualifying medical reasons without reducing regular PTO.
The benefit would apply to full-time employees with at least one year of service, with increasing amounts of leave based on tenure.
Councilmember Ryan Bullard supported the approach over third-party disability insurance, calling it “the most economical way… like a self-policed short-term disability program.”
The city will study public safety impact fees to ensure developers “are paying their portion” and review the stormwater fee cap for large commercial properties. Leavins said stormwater revenues currently cover personnel but not major projects, calling the system “not self-sufficient right now.”
Leavins said if survey work is completed ahead of schedule, the council could consider adjustments before the next budget cycle.
The Community Redevelopment Agency budget will include Christmas lighting enhancements and possible year-round string lights downtown. Councilmember Dusty Allison said the lighting “gives the atmosphere the community is looking for,” while Hayes called it an added safety feature.
Leavins said professional installers will ensure the look remains tasteful and avoid liability concerns that blocked previous “Edison light” proposals over Main Street.
Hayes commended department heads for avoiding “dream sheet” items, and Allison credited the team for presenting a responsible budget. Leavins noted this is the city’s first year with Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) certification, calling it the result of “all the hard work” by finance staff.
A GFOA certification or award usually means that a city’s budget meets national standards or guidelines for a clear presentation of financial data, transparency in how those funds are allocated, long-term financial planning considerations, and accessibility and readability for the general public.
As of Monday’s meeting, the Crestview City Council has two more budget workshops before finalizing next year’s budget by September.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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