City Council Approves $500K for Wells Facility Rehabilitation and Future Campus Design

Concerns over the future of recreational facilities in Riviera Beach took center stage at the City Council meeting on September 3, 2025. Council members expressed urgency regarding the upgrades needed for Barracuda Bay and the Wells campus, emphasizing the importance of maintaining services for residents during renovations.

City officials confirmed that senior programming has temporarily moved to the Wells campus due to a $1.2 million renovation project at the Lindsay Davis facility, expected to last about a year. The council assured that recreational facilities would remain operational until new ones are constructed, with plans to avoid any service gaps during the transition.

A significant point of discussion was the proposed $500,000 allocation for architectural and engineering designs for the new Tate Callaway campus. While cosmetic improvements are planned for existing facilities, officials noted that both Wells and Tate are nearing the end of their useful life and will require complete reconstruction.

In addition to facility upgrades, council members discussed potential cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for city employees. A request was made for detailed financial projections regarding how different COLA percentages would impact the budget, with estimates suggesting that each percentage increase could require an additional $100,000.

As the meeting progressed, the council unanimously approved the budget adjustments and improvements, setting the stage for future developments in Riviera Beach's recreational offerings. Public comments were scheduled to follow, allowing residents to voice their opinions on the discussed matters.