The budget includes several programs that the City maintains by policy for the benefit of the public and the enhancement of the City's image. Revenues for these services do not necessarily cover costs and do require an annual commitment to continue. Major examples are as follows:
The UCF/Eustis Business Incubator agreement has been renewed for a second three-year term from 2026 through 2029. The program provides aspiring and young businesses with entrepreneur development services that were envisioned when the City, Mega Workplace, and the County partnered to establish the program. The Incubator framework facilitates valuable networking prospects, host events, and conduct workshops aimed at cultivating robust business relationships and fostering a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The UCF/Eustis Business Incubator allows the City's Economic Development Department to provide customized assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and emerging businesses, which results in the creation of new jobs and economic growth.
The UCF Business Incubator is expected to continue generating measurable economic benefits for the City of Eustis and Lake County by:
Supporting startup and early-stage companies.
Assisting existing businesses with expansion and growth.
Creating and retaining jobs.
Increasing private-sector investment.
Strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Encouraging graduates of the program to remain in Eustis and Lake County after completing incubation services.
Under the proposed funding structure, the City of Eustis will contribute $42,500 annually toward the operation of the incubator program. Lake County will provide an annual contribution of $127,500 through a separate interlocal funding agreement, resulting in total municipal annual funding of $170,000. UCF will apply $90,000 in unspent funds toward the operation of the UCF Business Incubator - Eustis during the term of this agreement with the City of Eustis in the amount of $30,000 per year for three years. The total municipal and UCF annual funding for the UCF/Business incubator is $200,000.
The City completed cemetery improvements, which included design and construction of landscaping and grounds beautification in FY 2025/26.
Annual revenues are budgeted at $21,850 (Greenwood Cemetery, page 331).
The current required reserve balance is $268,685.
The General Fund's annual operating expenditure for the cemetery is $11,000.
Discussion has been underway to update the ordinance and the by-laws, which entail revisions to the fee structure and introduce a revenue source for perpetual care. Due to the growth of the cemetery, perpetual care funds will ensure adequate resources are available to maintain the grounds, walkways and memorial markers.
a) The budget includes $1,249,194 (CM Events & Tourism Expenditures, page 136) in expenditures for a wide array of City events, festivals, activities, and celebrations, which
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