Palm Bay staff present proposed FY26 budget prioritizing public safety, roads and fleet replacement

City staff presented the City of Palm Bay’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget at a council workshop, outlining a $155 million general fund proposal and broader capital and enterprise spending that staff said is designed to prioritize public safety, road maintenance and long-term fiscal stability.

City Manager Matthew Morton opened the presentation and turned the discussion over to finance staff. Angelica Collins, assistant finance director, said the proposed budget is built on the current ad valorem tax rate of 6.7339 mills and does not increase the millage. “My name is Angelica Collins. I'm the assistant finance director, and I oversee budget and capital and asset management,” Collins told council. Jessica Hinchman, budget program administrator, and Shane Bird, budget analyst, joined Collins in the detailed review. Capital program details were presented by Sean Spillers, capital asset program administrator.

The nut graf: staff presented a budget that they described as maintaining core services while seeding reserves and targeted capital investments. The proposed general fund totals about $155 million, with roughly $85 million earmarked for police and fire combined and $55.78 million in debt-service obligations. Staff also proposed dedicated road maintenance transfers and new reserves to reduce reliance on midyear budget amendments.

Most important figures and priorities: staff said general fund revenue is projected near $155 million, about $67.3 million of which would come from property taxes at the current 6.7339 rate. Public safety represents the largest share of general fund spending (about $85 million). Debt service is listed at $55,780,000. Council was told staff plan to continue a $3.25 million transfer to road maintenance plus an additional $1.25 million from local option gas…