LABELLE -- A resolution to adopt a budget amendment failed to pass approval in a 5-0 vote by City of Labelle commissioners at its regular meeting Nov. 11.

The following was taken from the meeting minutes and materials provided to commissioners:

Commissioners adopted a final budget for FY 2021-2011 on Sept. 23. The proposed resolution was to resolve shortages in the final product.

According to City Finance Director Ron Zimmerly, the new budget is underfunded by $171,550.17 due to $24,596.64 in unexpected expenses and $146,943 in increased payroll.  

Zimmerly said the increased payroll was due to salary increases and new positions approved by Mayor Julie Wilkins.

Commissioner Bobbie Spratt asked why employees were receiving raises when they had recently received cost of living increases (COLA) while other employees did not receive COLA.

Spratt, who said she was “adamant” about staying within the previously approved budget, asked about the IT/Fire Chief’s salary how his hours were being tracked between the two positions.

Zimmerly said $125,000 was moved from the contingency line item to the stormwater master plan, leaving $77,695 in the contingency line item.

In addition, Zimmerly said the Fire Department presented the Finance Department a different budget than the one the county had approved in September, which includes a proposal for two full-time positions and a fire truck.

The resolution had included a request to borrow funds for the purchase of the truck if needed.

Wilkins said she did not agree with the budget numbers Zimmerly presented and requested a more detailed breakdown.

In other business, city staff will review $4,000 in invoices incurred by Dan Shoaf for repairs to a sewer line at his Sal Cal Pizza restaurant at the recommendation of Derek Rooney, city attorney. Shoaf has asked for assistance with the bills during the public comment segment of the meeting. Superintendent of Public Works Gary Hull said the sewer line is privately owned and not the responsibility of the city. It is expected that the board will have a recommendation at the next meeting.

Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the removal of a 42-inch oak tree on the property of Matt Rentz. Hull had examined the tree and told commissioners it was sick and dying.

John Rouse suggested to commissioners the possibility of running a train from LaBelle to Ft. Myers after expressing concerns about the bridge needing repairs. Rooney directed Rouse to contact FDOT and the Hendry County BOCC.

Commissioners voted 5-0 in favor of the following items:

To rezone property at 82 W. Hickopochee from Downtown Business District General to Downtown Center and to schedule the second hearing in December. The request was made by Mark Weston who wants to open a medical tattoo parlor there.

Issuance of a temporary use/special event permit for the Gator Fest event Jan. 19, 2022, on the conditions that it was approved  by fire and sheriff and that an emergency action plan map was revised to reflect the police presence.

Ratification to approve Resolution 2021-76 pertaining to COVID-19 Local State of Emergency.

A second reading of Ordinance 2021-13, Adopting Private Property Rights Element.

For more information, visit the City of LaBelle website for a copy of the agenda and supporting documents.