Suwannee County adopts 8.8-mill rate, approves $189.99 million final budget

The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 22 approved a final millage rate of 8.8 mills and adopted a revised fiscal 2025–26 budget totaling $189,989,161. The vote was 4–0. The action reduces the originally proposed 9.09-mill rate and lowers the county's contingency balance; the board also preserved funds earmarked for capital needs and set smaller reserves for pay-scale implementation and other priorities. County staff presenter Mr. Baker told the board the package before commissioners included “a proposed millage rate of 9 mills and a proposed final budget of a $190,579,718.” The clerk and finance staff later recalculated the budget after commissioners agreed to an 8.8-mill rate. Why it matters: the millage decision directly affects property-tax revenue available to fund public safety, road maintenance and county services. Commissioners said rising…