Chipley sets tentative millage and budget

The Chipley City Council set the tentative millage and budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year in a special meeting on Sept. 12.

The tentative operating millage rate is 7.0000 mills which is more than the rolled-back rate of 6.5640 mills by 6.64 percent.

With appropriations and revenue estimates, the city has a tentative budget of $18,620,049. 

The final budget hearing is set for September 25 at 5:05 p.m.

A regular session meeting was held immediately following the budget hearing where council approved the hiring of Patrice Tanner for the City Administrator position in a 3-1 vote. Mayor Tracy Andrews and Councilmembers Tommy Sasser and Linda Cain voted to approve Tanner’s hire, while Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Russell voted no.  

Current City Administrator Dan Miner is set to retire, leaving the position to be filled. 

Tanner has not officially accepted the position as contract negotiations are ongoing. 

Councilmember Wesley Adams, who was not at Tuesday’s meeting, tendered his resignation from his Ward 4 seat on the council through a letter. Andrews is expected to bring a recommendation to the council in an upcoming meeting to fill the seat.

“After much consideration, I have decided it is in the best interests of both myself and my family to step down from my position on the City Council,†Adams said in his letter. “This decision has not been made lightly and I believe it is the right choice for personal and professional reasons.â€

Adams said he was “grateful†to Chipley citizens for trusting him with the role and will “always cherish the memories and relationships†forged during his time representing Ward 4. 

In other business, several special event applications were approved by the council for the Blues and Brews Outdoor Music Festival, Trunk or Treat and the Christmas Fest. 

The Chipley City Council will meet again in a special session at 5:15 p.m. on Sept. 25.