Pompano Beach budget director Josh Waters unveils fiscal year 2026 budget plan

In a recent budget workshop held on June 24, 2025, the Pompano Beach City Commission reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, focusing on the general fund's estimated revenues and expenditures. Newly appointed Budget Director Josh Waters presented the budget, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of city staff and department heads in its preparation.

The proposed budget highlights significant financial pressures, particularly in public safety, which accounts for over half of the general fund expenditures. Key drivers of these pressures include increased pension contributions, employee compensation adjustments, and rising costs associated with the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) contract. The budget proposes an operating millage rate that remains unchanged from the previous year, while the aggregate millage rate is set to decrease by 0.7%. However, an increase in fire assessment fees is recommended to align cost recovery for fire services with actual expenses.

Waters detailed that the general fund expenditures are projected to rise by approximately $19.2 million, with public safety costs, including police and fire services, comprising the majority of this increase. The BSO contract alone is expected to increase by $6.6 million, driven by the first year of a two-year compensation study implementation. Additionally, pension contributions for fire and police employees will see a $4.4 million increase.

The budget also anticipates a growth of $19.2 million in general fund revenue, with non-ad valorem revenues projected to account for about 52.6% of total revenues. This includes increases in utility taxes and adjustments to fire assessment fees, which are expected to generate $31.4 million in FY 2026, reflecting a $2.4 million increase from the previous year.

The workshop underscored the city's commitment to maintaining public safety while navigating financial challenges. As the budget process continues, the commission will consider the proposed increases and their implications for residents and city services. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential adjustments before finalizing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.