Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clermont public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues with critical priority
Drinking Water Capital Projects Funding
The city authorized applying for a $15.6 million state loan with 50% principal forgiveness to fund major drinking water capital projects.
Fire Station 6 Staffing Expansion via Federal Grant
Clermont accepted a federal SAFER grant to fund 18 new firefighter positions to staff Fire Station 6 at Verde Ridge and Highland Ranch.
City of Clermont 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update
The city's new 20-year blueprint raises allowed town-center densities to as much as 18 units per acre and emphasizes walkable, mixed-use nodes. Commissioners delayed the vote over late materials, traffic, flooding, and whether the plan does enough to attract well-paying local jobs so residents can live and work in Clermont.
East Avenue Safety and Complete Streets
Commissioners repeatedly flagged US 27, SR 50, Hook Street, and downtown bottlenecks. FDOT declined proposed roundabouts in the comp plan, and flashing pedestrian crossings drew skepticism as a safety tool.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget
The city set its final property tax rate at 4.2900 mills and approved a $282 million budget to fund public services and operations for the upcoming year.
Utility Rates and Fee Schedule
Residents expressed frustration over rising water and sewer utility bills following previous multi-year rate hikes. Council members debated whether to roll back rates or table fee schedule approvals while awaiting a new professional utility rate study.
Downtown Parking Garage Location and Development
The city is evaluating design priorities and capacity requirements for a new downtown parking garage to address future parking shortages. Committee members debated how to balance maximum vehicle storage with pedestrian safety, aesthetic integration, and potential retail spaces.
Downtown Noise Control and R-3 Residential District Concerns
Residents testified about disruptive noise levels and commercial intrusions into historic residential areas near downtown.
Emergency Medical Services Review
Clermont set aside $6 million in cash reserves for future EMS transport operations and fire station construction while advancing its county county license application.
Establishment of Municipal EMS Transport
The council discussed data regarding a potential city-run emergency medical services transport program to improve response times and reduce reliance on Lake County.
Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget
The Community Redevelopment Agency reviewed and adopted its upcoming fiscal year budget, establishing funding for local redevelopment initiatives and projects within the district.
CUP Review Criteria and Administrative Checklists
The city attorney introduced draft code revisions to make conditional use permit criteria more objective in response to state legislation like House Bill 399. Commissioners debated how to balance legal defensibility with maintaining local control over neighborhood character, traffic, and green space.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Municipal Budget and Millage Rate
Council members debated property tax millage rates, exploring options to match the rollback rate or prior levels while balancing service costs, inflation, and infrastructure needs.
Assistance for Vulnerable Elderly Homeowners
An elderly Clermont resident fell victim to non-paying occupants who threatened him and ruined his paid-off home, while he lacked the funds to pay for legal evictions. The board stepped in with a compassionate timeline and provided legal aid resources.
Commercial Fire Safety and Life-Safety Compliance
Hotels and commercial centers must maintain functioning fire alarm systems and adhere to building codes to protect occupants. At Woodspring Suites, a failed alarm system prompted a continuous 24-hour fire watch costing $1,200 a day while complete system replacements were underway.
City Hall Air Conditioning Infrastructure
Severe equipment failures and a lightning strike knocked out A/C on the second and third floors of City Hall, creating unsafe working conditions. The council approved a $300,000 emergency replacement plan.
Trail Safety and Protected Cycling Infrastructure
Residents and council members raised growing safety concerns regarding high-speed e-bikes and cyclists on multi-use trails, discussing the need for better user separation and public education.
Wellness Way Water Main Disruptions
Residents expressed frustration over repeated water main breaks affecting over 2,000 people in the Wellness Way area, noting unauthorized weekend work by subcontractors. Council and staff are investigating accountability and potential legal remedies.