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Delray Beach adopts FY 2025–26 budget and raises operating millage after contentious commission debate
Summary
Commission adopted a $424.3 million citywide budget and approved a 6.1611 operating millage (aggregate 6.192) after extended debate; commissioners split on whether to keep prior year rollback rate.
The Delray Beach City Commission on Sept. 15 adopted the city’s fiscal year 2025–26 budget and approved new tax rates after a lengthy public hearing and debate. Commissioners approved a proposed operating millage of 6.1611 mills and a debt service millage of 0.0309, producing a total city millage of 6.192 for 2025–26.
Why it matters: The adopted budget funds police, fire, parks and other city operations, and sets the property tax portion homeowners will pay toward city services next year. City staff described an 8.74% increase in assessed taxable value for the jurisdiction and projected the average homeowner (taxable value cited in staff presentation) would see the city portion of their bill rise by about $113.
Budget details: Finance staff presented a $424.3 million citywide budget, up from about $400.0 million in the current fiscal year. The general fund totals roughly $201.5 million. Personnel services (salaries and benefits) were scheduled to rise from about $114.2 million to $120.8 million. Major department increases include Police (about $6.5 million increase to $56.8 million) and Parks and Recreation (about $0.7 million increase).
Commission debate and public comment: Several residents voiced concern about higher taxes and sharp increases in specific fees, notably stormwater charges. One resident said the stormwater fee had risen substantially since 2023 and urged that rate increases produce visible results. Commissioners divided over the proposed millage level. Commissioner Cassell moved to retain the current millage (5.9063); that motion failed on roll call. After deliberation the commission approved the advertised rate and then adopted the final budget as amended with a few directed additions (library $55,000; pressure cleaning $75,000; Neighborhood & Community Services training $7,000).
Context and next steps: The commission also adopted related items required for the fiscal year: the Downtown Development Authority taxing district rate (separately adopted), the capital improvement plan update, and the budget appropriation resolution. Staff noted enterprise funds are self-supporting and listed rate changes planned in the utilities: water/sewer rate increase of 4.5% (effective Oct. 1) and a sanitation rate adjustment of 2.14%. The budget and millage are final for fiscal year 2025–26.
