Escambia County School Board approves 2025–26 budget and 5.359 total millage after 3–2 votes

The Escambia County School Board on Sept. 16 approved the district'wide final budget for fiscal year 2025'6 and a 5.359 total millage rate after a series of roll-call votes that produced several 3'to'2 outcomes. The board approved the general fund, capital projects, and a local capital improvement millage increase tied to a 1.5 mills capital outlay rate intended to generate an estimated $52 million for the district.

Board supporters said the adopted tax and budget package was a budgeting necessity to preserve the district's fund balance and avoid short-term borrowing that could force deeper cuts later. Board opponents said the timing placed an undue burden on taxpayers already facing high inflation and questioned the size of the increase.

Board member Williams said he had collected constituent feedback and would oppose increasing millage for his district, saying, "Tonight, I will be voting against the increase in millage rates for that reason. I represent the…