OKEECHOBEE — On August 4, 2026, City Administrator Denise Whitehead was appointed to represent the city on the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation. Prior to his retirement, Gary Ritter sat on that board for several years. “They do good work,” said Mayor Dowling Watford, “and we know that you will be a valuable addition to their board.”

During the meeting, the council voted to move the Sept. 1 meeting to Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. This meeting will include the first budget public hearing.

In other business, the council voted to engage Carl Riggs and Ingram LLC to audit the financial statements and the disclosures of the city of Okeechobee for the fiscal year 2025/26. The firm has audited the city for at least 10 years, and the mayor said, “I think they’ve done a great job for us.

The city is working on the new budget for fiscal year 2026/27, led by the city’s new Finance Director Taylor Connell and Administrator Whitehead. “This budget prioritizes the people, equipment, technology, and facilities our employees need to continue providing quality services to our residents,” said Connell. The budget addresses property taxes, Homestead Exemptions, public safety, infrastructure, staffing, solid waste assessments, grants and more.

For more information regarding the proposed budget, visit the city’s website cityofokeechobee or go directly to exhibits from the Aug. 4 meeting: exhibits

Approved budgets for the last four years can be viewed here: Past budgets.