Mayor DeCiccio sent another email recently detailing commission approved revenue and spending changes planned for the 2026-2027 budget to be formally adopted on September 26th. The commission deserves credit for implementing a few spending reductions before the Amendment 3 vote, but misses the point. They are not addressing real strategic changes that will benefit the residents, regardless of the outcome on Amendment 3.
A good example is their approval of new red light cameras expected to add $750,000 in new revenue (not a reduction in spending!). There were 25,000 red light camera violations in 2025, of which 70% were “right on red violations.” Of 1295 reported crashes in 2025 only 23 were related to “right on red” accidents. Increasing the number of red light cameras now is tacit acknowledgement that these cameras are used to generate government revenue, not to improve public safety. Good governance or government abuse?
For perspective, we reduced General Fund spending by $6,000,000 during the financial challenges between 2007 and 2011. At that time General Fund spending was about $40,000,000 with full time headcount of 350 versus the 2026-27 budget of $94,000,000 with full time headcount at 575.
I wrote the commission the following email suggesting strategic issues they should be addressing. Click here to let them know your thoughts.
Regards, Pete Weldon
August 24, 2026
Mayor and Commissioners,
I know many of the city’s staff and have great respect for their professionalism and commitment to serving our residents. However, at face value, staff has a vested interest in the status quo.
I hope you will start thinking more broadly about where our money goes and whom it serves.
I have reviewed staff’s suggested changes to be discussed in your Thursday work session and would welcome discussing the individual items with each of you: (407) 267-5320. Staff is missing the big picture.
The big picture requires a critical review of the major drivers of our spending and making changes to priorities.
- Closing the CRA will put at least $6,000,000 per year into the General Fund. Some of this can be allocated to the current CRA project list but most should be allocated to support our residents. Keep in mind that taxable values are increased by development approvals, not CRA spending. In the absence of a material contribution to property tax increases, CRA spending does nothing for our residents (more on this later).
- We have significant assets that can be sold or leased at market prices to add to our reserves as well as to spending that directly serves our residents. These assets include the old library land and building, the Progress Point property (a.k.a., Seven Oaks Park), sections of the Winter Park Pines golf course, and the city hall property.
- Non-resident use of our parks and playing fields needs to generate revenue commensurate with maintenance cost.
- Operations of the Community Center should be outsourced and usage fees increased.
Much of our spending over the past seven years has been driven by ideology, not common sense. I believe our residents would welcome a more pragmatic, disciplined, and strategic set of priorities and related spending. I hope you will provide insight to put Winter Park on a better course for the future regardless of the decision of the voters on Amendment 3 in November.
Regards, Pete Weldon