Questions about Apopka budget continue as residents scrutinize high-paying positions

Questions about the City of Apopka’s proposed budget remain a major concern for residents and city officials following last week’s vote to raise property taxes.In addition to the tax hike, attention is now focused on the salary of the city’s new Public Information Officer, Steven Monteiro.According to the proposed budget, Monteiro’s annual salary is $180,000. That figure is approximately $50,000 more than the salary of Orange County’s top public information officer, raising concerns among some residents about the city’s spending priorities.The proposed budget also includes funding for a new chief of staff position with a salary of $300,000, adding to questions about personnel costs as the city asks property owners to pay higher taxes.Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta defended Monteiro’s salary, saying the city is investing in a modern communications office to better serve residents and improve how the city shares information with the public.The proposed budget is expected to remain a topic of di