High Springs commission approves tentative millage, adopts FY2025-26 budget and several rate and contract measures

The High Springs City Commission on Sept. 8 approved a package of budget, tax-rate, utility-rate and contract measures intended to close projected operating gaps and keep federally funded projects moving.

At a public hearing the commission set a tentative millage rate of 6.99 mills for fiscal year 2025–26, up from a rolled-back rate of 6.3438, and later adopted the city’s FY2025–26 budget by ordinance after a first public hearing. The commission also approved a separate resolution implementing sewer-rate and meter-fee changes and a set of contract and project authorizations tied to grants and capital repairs.

The millage decision and the budget vote came after staff presentations showing the city’s revenue and expense drivers: rising property valuations (which produced the rolled-back comparison), a $6.20 sewer shortfall in a prior year, a roughly $103,000 fire budget pressure, higher pension (FRS) costs and a 5% rise in health insurance premiums. Finance Director Diane Wilson described the 6.99 proposed tentative millage and explained the rolled-back calculation during the hearing.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025-K (tentative millage 6.99): Approved (roll call recorded as unanimous). Motion to accept the resolution as read was made and seconded; roll-call votes recorded in the minutes show Mayor Tristan Grunder, Vice Mayor Miller, Commissioner Bloodsworth, Commissioner…