West Melbourne Council OKs $97.9M Budget, Names Makoa Park

West Melbourne City Council approved a $97,889,580 budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 on Sept. 23. The budget, which includes a 7.32% decrease from the prior fiscal year, removes $45,000 previously allocated for a Flock contract.

The council also set the city’s millage rate at 1.7724 per thousand dollars of taxable value, matching the rolled-back rate. Mayor Andrea Young opened and closed a public hearing on the budget, during which no residents spoke. Council members approved Resolutions No. 2026-20 and 2026-21 with unanimous 7-0 votes.

City Manager Tim Rhode attributed the city's increased revenue to ongoing major capital projects: the Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant, the Septic to Sewer project, and the Bio-Nutrient Removal project. He stated that staff and council members developed the budget through multiple workshops, incorporating input from various neighborhoods.

Council Member Diana Adams commented on the city’s sound financial standing, according to meeting minutes.

In a separate action, the council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2026-17, formally naming Makoa Park. The park property is located on John Rodes Boulevard between Ellis Road and U.S. 192, an area experiencing significant development. The city received the property for park use, and Makoa Park will also serve as the name for the development’s main entryway street. Deputy Mayor Alexis McGuire sponsored the naming proposal, with Council Member Diana Adams seconding the motion.

During the budget hearing, Adams inquired if Flock had been notified about the contract's cancellation. Rhode confirmed the company received notice and that Flock representatives planned to visit the city at the end of September to retrieve their cameras.

Council members also approved the minutes from the Sept. 1 special workshop and the Sept. 9 regular meeting. The Sept. 23 meeting took place in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2240 Minton Road.