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Palatka commission recesses final budget hearing, schedules special meeting Sept. 30
Summary
City commissioners recessed a final public hearing on the fiscal 2025–26 millage rate and budget and set a special meeting for Sept. 30 after debate over whether to adopt a 6.4-mill rate or roll back to 6.2397 mills.
The Palatka City Commission recessed its final public hearing on the fiscal 2025–26 millage rate and budget on Sept. 25 and set a special meeting for Sept. 30 to allow the full commission to vote after debate about whether to adopt the proposed 6.4 mills or use the rollback rate of 6.2397 mills.
Finance Director Chantelle Pia told the commission the city’s proposed aggregate operating millage for fiscal 2025–26 is 6.4 mills, 2.57% above the rollback rate of 6.2397 mills. “The total final budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 is $85,592,317,” Pia said, explaining the increase is intended to cover personnel, operating and capital costs, and grant matches.
The matter prompted extended discussion about the tax impact on residents. Commissioner Jones said he opposed the higher rate, noting he had intended to vote to roll back the millage and questioned whether adequate line-item cuts had been explored earlier in the budget process. “I personally was not pleased with the auditors, and the timelines as well,” Jones said during an earlier debate about an unrelated agenda item; in the millage discussion he argued for additional transparency and for exploring alternatives to the fire assessment that factors into residents’ bills.
Commissioner Campbell urged commissioners to put “all the chips on the table,” citing the cumulative burden of multiple taxing authorities on city residents and pressing staff to provide clearer, earlier budget communications and options for reductions. City Manager Denise Carty and Pia said staff will produce a revised budget showing the line-item reductions that would be necessary if the commission selects the rollback rate; the city manager estimated the revenue difference between 6.4 mills and the rollback rate at $118,567.
Because not all commissioners were present for the vote and to give the public an opportunity to comment, the commission recessed the final hearing and agreed to continue it on Sept. 30. The finance director said the city will publish required notices for the new meeting date. The recess motion passed by voice vote.
