Deerfield Beach adopts 2025–26 millage and final budget; operating rate 6.0018 mills

The Deerfield Beach City Commission adopted an operating millage rate of 6.0018 mills and a total city millage of 6.1729 mills for fiscal year 2025–26 at a public hearing Sept. 15. The commission also approved the final operating budget for the year that begins Oct. 1, 2025. City Attorney Anthony Siroka read the ordinance into the record, noting the operating rate is 7.59% above the rollback rate of 5.5786 mills as computed under state law. “The City of Deerfield Beach final operating millage for fiscal year 2026 is equal to 6.0018 mills, which is 7.59% more than the rollback rate of 5.5786 mills,” Siroka said. The city’s chief financial officer presented the budget highlights and the legally required TRIM (Truth in Millage) summary to the commission and the public, saying the operating millage has not changed since 2020 and that property taxes are the largest single revenue source in the general fund. The CFO described the budget drivers as increased public-safety personnel costs, benefits, insurance, capital purchases and higher operating costs; he also showed the city’s share of an average Broward County tax bill and a multi‑year capital improvement plan. After the hearing the commission voted to adopt the millage and budget; the ordnances required higher-than-normal thresholds to pass on second reading, and the clerk recorded unanimous approval for both measures. The adopted budget authorizes encumbrance and carryforward of funding to complete outstanding purchase orders and funds the city’s general operations, the community redevelopment agency (CRA) budget and other special assessments carried in related actions during the same meeting. The CFO reminded residents that the budget documents, capital plan and the budget workshop materials are posted on the city’s budget page and that the required public notices were advertised in advance. Commissioners and staff said they will continue to publish details on line and to meet with residents and stakeholders about specific capital projects and revenue allocations.