West Melbourne council approves tentative $103.3 million budget, outlines staffing for new water plant

West Melbourne City Council adopted a tentative fiscal 2025–26 millage rate of $0.8151 per $1,000 of taxable value and approved a $103.29 million tentative budget after a public hearing and staff presentation Tuesday night.

The vote on the tentative millage rate came on a motion from Ms. Adams, seconded by Mr. Bentley, and passed unanimously 7–0. Later in the meeting the council approved the tentative budget on a motion from Mr. Frampus, seconded by Ms. McGuire; that vote was also 7–0. The council set a final public hearing on the budget for 6 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2025.

City staff emphasized the budget reflects a planned use of reserves to fund large capital projects. “Our total budget for this budget coming year is gonna be 103,289,000, $460,” Mr. Rohde said during a slide presentation, noting a roughly 12% increase from the prior year driven largely by capital spending. Staff said the proposed millage represents a rollback from the prior rate and will reduce the city’s share of a typical property tax bill; Rohde said the city receives about 14% of a homeowner’s overall property tax bill.

Why it matters: Council and staff framed the budget as a multi‑year investment in infrastructure—particularly water, sewer and roads—while trying to limit the tax impact on residents. The council moved forward with the tentative numbers so staff and departments can continue project work and recruitment ahead of final adoption.

Key capital items and revenue context

- Wate…