Jupiter approves first readings of FY2026 millage and CIP; council debates parks, seawall grants and fire-rescue funding

Mayor Nancy Koretsky presided over the Town Council's Sept. 4 public hearing and approved first readings for the town's fiscal year 2026 proposed operating millage and a five-year Community Investment Program (CIP). The council voted to set a proposed millage rate of 2.3894 and to forward the amended CIP for second reading after debate over project timing and funding.

Finance Director Scott Reynolds told the council staff is proposing to hold the town millage at 2.3894 and that taxable values had risen year over year, producing higher ad valorem revenue. He also outlined assumptions used in the operating budget: a 3% water rate index, a 7% stormwater rate index, 5% across-the-board salary increases for non-union employees and continued a 90/10 employer/employee split on health insurance costs. Reynolds said the budget includes the final year of implementation costs for Jupiter Fire Rescue (JFRD), and he presented an estimated FY2026 fire operating request of $16.8 million plus roughly $2.7 million in capital purchases, for a total near $19.7 million.

Reynolds and staff described General Fund reserve plans and cash flow. They reported the town held what staff called a healthy reserve position going into FY2026 and was targeting an ending fund balance near $35 million after planned uses tied to JFRD implementation.

On capital projects, staff highlighted several items that drew council discussion: Saltfish Bay seawall work restructured to include nature-based…