Dade City Commission Makes Budget Approvals, Refines Hiring Policies at Sept. 8 Meeting

The Dade City City Commission and Community Redevelopment Agency took up a slate of policy revisions at their Sept. 8 meeting, focusing on hiring practices and budget issues.

The Community Redevelopment Agency Board adopted a budget in the amount of $1,281,612 for fiscal year 2025-2026 as set forth in the City’s annual budget. $750,000 of this amount is earmarked for land acquisition which will be used to acquire parcels for parking, potentially a parking garage in the downtown area, pocket parks or additional public restrooms.

The City Commission held its first hearing of two public budget hearings to approve the tentative budget and millage for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. City commissioners set the tentative operating millage rate to 6.6208 mills which is equal to the roll-back rate, representing a 0% increase in ad valorem tax. The city’s tentative budget amount was approved at $62,969,607. A final budget hearing will be held on Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

City Commissioners had a lengthy discussion on a resolution revising the city’s personnel and hiring rules. They agreed to revise the city’s reinstatement policy to clearly distinguish between employees rehired within one year and former employees who reapply after one year who must go through the standard application process.

On workplace ethics, commissioners supported broadening the rule that prohibits supervisors from dating employees. Commissioners approved removing the word “directly” so that the ban applies to any supervisory capacity, not just direct-report relationships.

Commissioners agreed to clarify language in the hiring policy to reflect the city’s commitment to attracting and retaining qualified employees. The commission emphasized that candidates must meet minimum job qualifications, though relevant experience may be recognized as an equivalent.

They also agreed that policy relating to veterans preference in hiring needed to be revised.

Acting City Manager vanErven also reported on traffic management during the Seventh Street Apex closure due to the construction of a roundabout at the US 98/US 301 intersection. For approximately 6 months, the south end of 7th street will be closed. Thru traffic will not be able to enter or exit 7th Street during construction.

Dade City’s Police Department notes:

• Northbound Traffic: Please use the US 98 Bypass.

• Local Southbound Traffic: 7th Street remains open for local traffic.

• Southbound to US 301: If you are trying to travel south on 7th Street to US 301, you will need to use the Bypass instead.

• Truck & Tractor-Trailer Traffic:

• For local deliveries, you may use 7th Street.

• To continue south to US 301 after deliveries, trucks must return north to Meridian or MLK to re-enter the Bypass.

• Local Businesses: Please continue supporting our local businesses during construction — your patronage is important!

The commission approved a resolution addressing the new state requirement for administrative approval of plats and re-plats.

The Commission directed staff to:

Develop a standard operating procedure for the administrative approval of plats and re-plats,

Remove the phrase “or their designees” from Resolution 2025-24, which limits plat approval to the city manager in conjunction with the community economic development director and prevents someone without proper experience from approving plats

Consider adding a final site plan approval step to the plat approval process.

During public comment, speaker Dr. Thomas thanked the police chief, Ann Starling and city staff, for their work cleaning up Indian Pond Cemetery.

Commissioners also confirmed the city will participate in the Florida League of Cities legislative committee meeting on Sept. 26, where a representative will vote in committee elections.

Mayor Black closed the meeting by thanking staff and commissioners for their work.