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Leesburg Current Newsletter (October - December 2022 Edition)

Leesburg Current Newsletter (October - December 2022 Edition)

Leesburg Current Newsletter HeaderOffice of the City Manager     October - December 2022 Edition


Budget Highlights for Fiscal Year 2023

         Leesburg Gateway Wall photo The City Commission and staff have worked diligently to establish the annual operating budget for Fiscal Year 2023, which begins on October 1, 2022.  This year’s budget totals approximately $224 million, an increase of approximately $47 million (27%) from FY 2022.  The increase is attributable to utility capital projects, primarily the expansion of the Turnpike Wastewater Treatment Facility. 

          Of the total budget, the General Fund comprises about $30 million or 14% of all the services provided by the City.  It is most recognized for governmental services which include police, fire, library, streets maintenance, parks and recreational programs.  To provide these services, the FY 23 proposes to maintain the tax rate of 4.0192 mills and continues to provide the same level of services.  

          The Enterprise Funds, made up of water, sewer, solid waste, gas and electric services, total nearly $156 million, compared to FY 22’s $112 million.  Providing utility services to the Leesburg region makes up the majority of the City’s operations.  In fact, the single largest annual expense is the purchase of energy from the Florida Municipal Power Agency which is $67 million – an increase of 67% and almost 30% of the entire budget.    

         The City Commission’s progressive goals and fiscal responsibility have earned the City recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association for 24 consecutive years.

Your Voice…Your Vote

          Vote clip artThe Venetian Center, located at 1 Dozier Court, is now an early voting location for Lake County.  PLEASE NOTE - Early voting is no longer held at the Leesburg Public Library

          Early Voting for the 2022 General Election will start on Monday, October 24th and conclude on Saturday, November 5th.  Hours of operation are from 10:00am to 6:00pm each day.  Any voter registered in Lake County may vote at the Venetian Center during the early voting period.

          Voters must go to their assigned precinct to cast a ballot on Election Day (November 8th).  Voters are required to have a signature and picture identification with them to vote.  

          For more information, including the location of your precinct and sample ballots, please visit www.lakevotes.com .

Halloween Safety Tips 
from the Leesburg Fire Department
 Fire logo 2      Make Halloween safe for your little monsters with a few easy safety tips.

  • Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
  • When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.
  • Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
  • Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
  • Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.  
  • Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.



Convenient Ways to Pay Your Leesburg Utility Bill

  • Pay by Phone. Call 352-728-9810 to access our automated phone service.  
  • Pay by Mail. Our mailing address is:  P.O. Box 491286  Leesburg, FL 34749-1286
  • Pay by AUTOPAY. Have your monthly payment made via your checking or savings account automatically.  Download an AUTOPAY form from the City website.
  • Pay online via our website: www.LeesburgFlorida.gov  
  • You can make a one-time payment or register for recurring payments with your Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card.
  • Pay at AMSCOT. Make your cash payment at any AMSCOT location.  Just provide a copy of your utility bill with your cash payment.  No service Fees.
  • All payment options are fast, free and simple.
You can also access the mobile version of the City website with any smartphone or tablet. Make payments, view your utility account and keep up to date with what’s happening with the City of Leesburg.  


Library Bell Tower graphic

Check Out the Leesburg Public Library

There is so much to do at the Library this fall. Here are a few program highlights.  For more information, visit our website at www.LeesburgFlorida.gov/Library.

Fire Truck photoBig Truck Touch - Tuesday, October 11, 10:00-11:30 am  
Love REALLY BIG trucks?! We do too! Come to the library on October 11th where the City of Leesburg will be parking their biggest trucks with the coolest equipment for you to explore. No registration required.

 “Spoken Word” - Thursday, October 27, 5:30 – 7:00 pm  
Spoken Word returns with Lake County Poet Laureate Jim Steele kicking off the first session.  Jim will read from his poetry and give away signed books to attendees.  The public is invited to read their original poetry, short stories or sing an original song.  Sign-ups will be at the door.  The program is for ages 16 and up.  Spoken Word dates for this season are last Thursdays of the month from 5:30pm–7:00pm starting October 27.

AARP Tax Aide Looking for Volunteers  
The Library offers free Tax Aide through AARP from February through mid-April each year to help taxpayers with low to moderate income file their tax returns.  To keep the program operating, new volunteers are always needed, including: Tax Preparers (Training Provided); Administrative; Technical and Communications Assistance; Interpreters; and Program Leaders.  To learn more:  Call (352) 717-4125 or online at www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaidevolunteer 

Sports Balls GraphicRecreation Department - Sports and so much more…


5th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament:
  October 21st.  This tournament raises money to support the Leesburg Recreation Scholarship Program.  This is an 18-hole 4-person golf scramble.  1pm shotgun start.  Fee includes lunch, golf, golf carts, range balls and light snacks.  Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Start Smart Sports Development for children ages 3-8 will be open for registration December 1st – January 14th.  This is an instructional program to introduce children to organized sports.   Groups will meet once a week for six weeks. 

Sign-ups for Youth Basketball are now open. Bitty Ball Basketball registration (ages 5-6) is September thru October. Junior Basketball (ages 7-9) and Hot Shots (ages 10-12) can register October thru January.

Rec N Saturday Events:  October 28 thru 31 - Haunted House at the gymnasium.  All ages welcome.  Admission is $5 per person.   
November 12th - Spades Tournament.  Cards, food, drinks and music.  Prizes for top three places.  Cost is $10 per team.

Fishing Clinic: November 5th.   Kids 5-16 are invited to spend the morning learning the basics of lakefront fishing including casting and knot tying.  Each participant will receive their very own fishing pole.  Space is limited.  Cost is $5 per person

Light Up Venetian Gardens and Boat Parade:  December 4th. Holiday music, food trucks and hay rides starting at 5:00pm.  Lighting ceremony at 6:00pm and Boat Parade at 6:15pm.  For info on Light Up activities call the Rec Department.  To enter the Boat Parade, contact Fred O’Brien at 352-326-8274. 

Breakfast with Santa:  December 17th, 9:00am-11:00am.  Space is limited to the first 100 guests.  Deadline for pre-sale tickets is December 14th.  Cost is $7.00 for pre-sale or $10.00 at the door if available. 

Adult Co-Ed Soccer:  7v7 league.  Must provide your own team jersey.  Minimum 2 females per team. Registration opens in December.  Games start in January.  $35 per player.

For more information and to register for activities, please contact the Recreation Department at 352-728-9885 or visit www.LeesburgFlorida.gov/Recreation.   


gavelCity Commission Meetings  - Upcoming Dates  
Oct. 10 & 24,   Nov. 14 & 28   and   Dec. 12 & 19
Meetings are held in the Commission Chamber
on the 3rd floor of Leesburg City Hall



christmas lights longFor information on upcoming holiday events,   please check the Leesburg Partnership’s website and event calendar at:  
www.LeesburgPartnership.com


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