CLEARWATER, Fla. — Several large projects that have been years in the making are preparing to move forward in Clearwater.

The first of two public hearings regarding the 2024 fiscal year budget is set for Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Pinellas County Government building on Chestnut Street.

City meetings are usually held at the public library but have been relocated due to maintenance issues.

The $724 million budget proposes a steady tax rate which has already been tentatively approved by city council members. During Thursday's meeting, the council can choose to lower the tax rate but cannot increase it, a spokesperson for the city confirms.

Major projects on the budget include a roughly $31.5 million plan to build a new city hall. The work would be in conjunction with a renovation of the municipal services building, bringing the project to a total of $45 million.

The new city hall would be built on the southwest corner of Myrtle Avenue and Pierce Street in a vacant city-owned lot.

Heated debate over what to do for a new city hall is what sparked former mayor Frank Hibbard to suddenly step down from his post during a budget workshop in March. At the time, four council members wanted the city to explore options for a combined government center with an estimated cost of $90 million. Hubbard said his philosophy was too different from the council and decided to step down.

City council members ultimately decided on the stand alone city hall option at a much lower price tag.

Other projects include a new parking garage in downtown, renovations to the Clearwater Beach Marina, and improvements to bike and walking trails.

The proposed 2024 budget is 9% larger than 2023.