Tavares council adopts FY2026 budget of $69.2 million and final millage of 6.685 mills

The Tavares City Council on Sept. 3 adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget and final millage rate after a public hearing, setting the operating millage at 6.685 mills and the voted debt-service millage at 0.1467 mills.

City Administrator Drury and city staff presented Resolution 2025-15 (millage) and Resolution 2025-16 (budget). Staff said the adopted budget totals $69,201,385 and is balanced. The staff summary provided the county-certified gross taxable value for operating purposes as $1,896,245,451 and noted that the adopted operating millage of 6.685 mills is 5.21 percent greater than the rollback rate cited in the resolution. The budget included a 5 percent employee pay increase, six new public-safety positions (three police and three fire), two additional general-fund positions phasing in during the year, and street paving funded at $400,000. Staff said reserves meet Government Finance Officers Association recommendations.

During public comment and budget discussion, multiple residents and council members emphasized streets and sidewalks as community priorities. Staff identified $108,970 in unappropriated revenue resulting from budget changes; council agreed to adopt the budget at this meeting and to decide how to allocate the $108,970 at the next council meeting. One council member noted putting the funds toward roads or sidewalks; another favored restoring or funding line items from the cut list such as fireworks or parks fixtures. The clerk read both resolutions into the record as required by state statute.

Votes at a glance
- Resolution 2025-15 (final millage): Adopted. Operating millage set at 6.685 mills; voted debt-service millage set at 0.1467 mills.
- Resolution 2025-16 (final budget): Adopted. FY2026 budget approved at $69,201,385; council approved staff recommendation to finalize the budget and defer allocation of $108,970 for final action at the next meeting.

Ending: Staff said the final public hearing on budget and millage will be held Sept. 17 for any further adjustments, and staff will return with any requested breakdowns (for example, sidewalk cost estimates) as follow-up prior to the final adoption date.