Zephyrhills bodies approve budget, millage, airport amendments and several contracts; Jeffreys House reroof cleared

Zephyrhills City Council and the Zephyrhills Community Development Agency approved a series of budget, tax rate and procurement actions on Sept. 8, including first readings or approvals of the city budget and the millage ordinance, amendments to airport construction agreements and piggyback contracts for utility meter replacement and parks/stormwater work. The Community Development Agency separately approved reroofing the historic Jeffreys House.

The City Council voted unanimously to set a citywide millage rate at 6.25 mills for the 2025-26 fiscal year, a technical increase above the rollback rate the staff computed as 6.0848 mills under Florida Statute 200.065. Council also approved the proposed fiscal-year 2025-26 budget. City staff presented the budget as $136,000,000 in total expenditures, of which $70,000,000 is capital spending and about $43,000,000 is identified in two large projects: roughly $27,000,000 for a public works facility and $16,000,000 for Zephyr Park. Council discussion noted a planned $9,000,000 contingency parked in administration and a carry-forward/use-of-fund-balance recognition of roughly $3,200,000 in revenues.

On the consent agenda council approved multiple airport-related contract items. Staff said the Federal Aviation Administration will fund about 90% of apron construction at the T-hangars, and a state appropriation combined with city funds will cover a second box hangar and taxiway Foxtrot; an amendment adding box…