Belleview adopts salary study, accepts $206,250 grant for three lift stations

The Belleview City Commission voted Nov. 3 to approve and implement a salary study that changes city pay grades and structure. The commission also accepted a $206,250 legislative grant to rehabilitate lift stations 19, 24 and 31.

Both votes were 4-0, with Commissioner Ray Dwyer absent. Commissioner Michael Goldman moved to approve and implement the study, and Commissioner Robert “BO” Smith seconded. Goldman said he was grateful that their concerns were taken into account.

The city’s human resources and risk management manager presented the study by Cody & Associates, which was introduced at the July 20, 2026 commission meeting. But there was no formal acceptance of the study and its changes to pay grades and structure. Earlier figures put the salary study adjustment at $28,000 after a 3% COLA, for a total salary increase of $109,697 for all employees.

The grant comes through Grant Agreement L0409 with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection. RCM Utilities, LLC will do the work under the city’s contract for lift station emergency repairs and rehabilitation. Commissioner Ronald T. Livsey moved to approve the agreement and have Mayor Christine Dobkowski execute the contract, and Smith seconded.

The commission also approved a one-year extension of the city’s agreement with RCM Utilities, LLC, effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Public Works Director Bob Titterington requested the extension. The agreement had expired, but both parties have continued operating under its terms, and the extension will formalize that. All other provisions of the agreement will remain unchanged.