Jupiter council adopts FY 2026 budget, sets millage at 2.3894; approves CIP amendment and athletic-field funding option

The Town Council of Jupiter on Thursday adopted its fiscal year 2026 operating budget, approved a millage rate of 2.3894 and amended the town’s five-year community investment program (CIP), actions the council said will fund the next phase of Jupiter Fire Rescue and several capital projects.

Finance Director Scott Reynolds presented the second and final public hearing on the proposed operating and community investment plan and explained the numbers driving the budget. “The proposed millage rate of 2.3894 would have brought in $44,000,000,” Reynolds said during his presentation, noting a 7.15% increase in assessed valuation for 2026 driven by roughly $105 million in new construction and valuation increases totaling about $1.2 billion.

Councilors said the adopted budget maintains services while using reserves to support the transition to Jupiter Fire Rescue. The operating budget increase totals about $41.5 million over FY 2025; Reynolds said roughly $20 million of that increase finances Jupiter Fire Rescue implementation. The council also approved a reduction in certain CIP allocations and directed staff to include funding for athletic-field repairs under the community investment plan.

Why it matters: the budget sets property-tax revenue, fund balances and capital priorities for the coming year and funds the town’s plan to begin…