The Stuart City Commission reviewed ballot language to rescind a 2011 lease authorization and convert a 1.97‑acre commercial parcel at US‑1 into conservation for Haney Creek Preserve. After debate over tradeoffs between potential revenue and permanent protection, the commission voted 3–1 to return a resolution with proposed language for final action on Aug. 17.

A commissioner urged re‑evaluation of development impact fees to better recover costs for new stations and apparatus; staff and counsel cautioned state law strictly limits impact‑fee use to expansion, not maintenance.

Staff told commissioners the FY2027 budget relies on one-time reserves for two ambulances, adds several positions including three firefighters, and faces headwinds from health-insurance and retirement increases.

Staff said PFAS vessel changeouts cost roughly $550,000 each and that bench testing is underway to identify effective media before an on‑site pilot at the water treatment facility.

The commission voted to adopt a tentative FY2027 millage of 5.0 mills — 5.27% above the rollback rate — after staff said the rate is needed to fund rising insurance, retirement and staffing costs; a final hearing is Sept. 14.

City staff presented a $112 million all‑funds FY2027 draft that keeps the general fund roughly balanced under a 5‑mill ad valorem assumption while flagging state revenue as the largest remaining uncertainty.

The commission unanimously approved Resolution 60‑2026 to submit a water‑quality improvement and innovation grant application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for muck reduction and creek removal projects aimed at improving the St. Lucie River.

Commissioners pressed staff about large increases in life and health insurance and 'other current charges' (software and cloud services). Staff cited a one‑time high‑claims adjustment and rapid increases in cloud memory/AI costs.

The commission approved Resolution 75-2026 to appoint Michael J. Mortel as city manager, setting a $225,000 starting salary and adding an amendment requiring monthly HR reporting of any outside employment and a prohibition on using city staff/resources for private clients; vote passed 3–2.

Commissioners approved Resolution No. 40-2026 to place language on the November ballot asking voters whether a 1.97-acre parcel fronting U.S. 1 should be converted to conservation and added to Haney Creek Preserve; the measure passed after public comment and with one dissent on timing and fiscal concerns.

The City of Stuart Community Redevelopment Board voted to recommend adoption of a street‑tree infill master plan that maps canopy opportunities across the CRA, establishes an 18‑species plant palette and phases implementation; the board emphasized that adoption does not authorize construction or funding.

The Stuart City Commission voted 4–1 on June 8 to move an ordinance allowing a limited number of backyard chickens in specified residential zones to a second reading, after commissioners and residents raised questions about wastewater runoff, setbacks from waterways and enforcement details.