The August 3 Keystone Heights City Council meeting opened by members presenting a Key to the City to Vivian Katz James, outgoing director of the Save Our Lakes Organization, with Mayor Nina Rodenroth also thanking SOLO members for their work on the lakes.
Most of the two-hour meeting went to the fiscal 2026-27 budget. Rodenroth and Councilman Dan Lewandowski said they will recommend the maximum proposed millage rate of 3.7902 — roughly $421,000, or 7.8% more than this year — when the budget comes up in September. Councilman Ryan Knight objected, arguing the increase would damage public perception and that millage is not a sustainable way to fund infrastructure. City Attorney Rich Komando said four votes are required to adopt it. Driving the debate is a November ballot measure expanding the homestead exemption, which would cut the city’s taxable value about 26% in year one and cost roughly $104,000.
The council unanimously approved the first reading of the Comprehensive Plan 2046 ordinance and its transmittal to Florida Commerce, approved the airport authority’s budget, and adopted the consent agenda with amendments.
City Manager Jamie Booth reported five inches of rain in an hour July 30 with no known flooding of homes or businesses. The council also set the process for Booth’s first annual performance review.
