Key West Commission To Consider $32 Million Fire Station Bond Sale, New Fire Assessment And Procurement Overhaul

Mayor’s State of the City, safety plan adoption and Higgs Beach land talks also on March 5 agenda.

The Key West City Commission will take up a wide range of fiscal, public safety and policy matters Thursday, March 5, including a proposed bond sale of up to $32 million for a public safety fire station project, creation of a new fire services special assessment and a sweeping rewrite of the city’s purchasing rules and spending thresholds.

Among the major items is a resolution authorizing issuance of City of Key West General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026, in an amount not to exceed $32 million for the fire station project. The measure would delegate authority to City Manager Brian L. Barroso to determine principal amounts and the bid date, award the sale to the lowest conforming bidder at public sale, and execute related bond documents.

The proposed borrowing comes as city officials have repeatedly emphasized fiscal responsibility, noting nearly $1 billion in reported assets and no outstanding liabilities, while also citing funding constraints for expansion of the city’s mass transit system.

The item also underscores that the city was prepared to move forward using existing bond financing but could not proceed because the builders hold the underlying note.

Commissioners are also scheduled to consider adopting the city’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and to discuss negotiating an interlocal agreement with Monroe County for potential conveyance of certain real property at Higgs Beach, with staff directed to report back to the commission.

The agenda includes discussion of potential expanded offshore oil and gas drilling near Florida, with supporting resolutions from Monroe County and the City of Marathon included in backup materials.

During the evening session, commissioners will hold a first reading on an ordinance establishing a Fire Services Special Assessment, detailing definitions, collection methods and annual adoption procedures.

Also set for public hearing and proposed adoption on second reading is a broad ordinance amending the city’s administrative code to adjust purchasing and transfer authorities. The changes would raise the threshold for City Commission approval of certain Key West Bight expenditures and transfers to $100,000, increase the city manager’s authority for transfers and fund increases to $100,000, and revise reporting requirements for purchases.

Another second-reading item would amend tipping and disposal fees for solid waste, tire waste and recyclable materials for residents and businesses.

The agenda also features proclamations recognizing Women’s History Month, Womankind’s 25th anniversary and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Day, along with the mayor’s annual State of the City address.

On the consent agenda are numerous event approvals, including a March “Conch Revival Picnic” at the Custom House and a July 4 fundraiser with fireworks from the Edward B. Knight Pier, as well as infrastructure and procurement matters such as a Navy Mole Pier seawall repair award not to exceed $796,571.01 and a transit grant agreement amendment totaling up to $2,551,089.

A February report on outside counsel costs is also listed under the city attorney’s report.

The commission will meet at City Hall, 1300 White St., with a morning session beginning at 9 a.m. and an evening session at 5 p.m., according to the published agenda. The meeting will be streamed live on the city website.