The Venice City Council held a budget workshop on June 19, 2025, focusing on various financial matters and departmental performance. A significant portion of the discussion centered around the city's building department, which has faced public criticism despite having a budget surplus. Council members expressed concerns about the department's ability to meet state-mandated response times for inspections and permits, with current performance reported at only 57% compliance.

One council member highlighted the department's $4 million reserve and questioned why additional staff had not been hired to improve service levels. The building department's director responded that the current workload did not necessitate more personnel, citing an average of fewer than 15 inspections per day per inspector. The director emphasized that they were meeting most state requirements, except for a few areas where improvements were still needed.

The council also discussed the impact of recent storms on departmental performance, noting that the aftermath of these events had caused delays in processing permits and inspections. The director acknowledged that while the department had made progress, the effects of the storms were still being felt.

In addition to the building department, the council reviewed the airport's budget and operations. The airport director reported on ongoing repairs and the management of mobile home park rents, which had not increased in several years. The council discussed the potential for future rent adjustments and improvements to the mobile home park, emphasizing its role in providing affordable housing.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's efforts to balance budgetary constraints with the need for improved public services and infrastructure, particularly in the wake of recent natural disasters. The council plans to continue monitoring departmental performance and budget allocations as they move forward.