Loxahatchee Groves council raises millage, directs review of sheriff contract and plans one-time resident rebate

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council voted 4-1 on Sept. 17 to adopt a 3.2564 millage rate and to approve the town's fiscal 2025-26 budget after lengthy public comment and internal debate over the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office contract and a proposal to return money to residents.

The council's action front-loaded revenue to preserve town services while also directing staff to pursue options on the PBSO contract and to set aside funds to ensure coverage while those options are evaluated. Council voted to move $120,000 from contingency back to the public safety line to cover roughly two months of the PBSO payment while the attorney investigates renegotiation or other remedies.

Why it matters: The vote followed public appeals from residents who urged the council to reduce spending or return excess funds to homeowners. Supporters of the higher millage and revised budget argued the extra revenue preserves municipal services and allows the town to maintain staffing and…