Volusia School Board adopts final millage, passes $1.21 billion operating budget after public hearing

The Volusia County School Board voted to adopt the district's final ad valorem millage rates and the 2025-26 operating budget after a public hearing on Sept. 9. The board approved a total millage rate of 5.279 mills and a consolidated operating plan that the superintendent and staff said will support the district's programs for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

The budget presentation was led by Mr. Cease, who outlined the millage components and TRIM (Truth in Millage) requirements. He told the board: "We request that you adopt the resolution sending the final total millage levy to support the 2025-26 budget." The district reported the total millage would produce an increase in the levy because taxable values rose, even though the millage rate declined slightly from the prior year.

The superintendent framed the request in operational terms, noting required local effort, discretionary operating millage and a capital outlay millage. The presentation explained how property taxes are calculated and gave a homeowner example showing a projected increase of roughly $32.26 for a homeowner in the 2025-26 year under the adopted rates.

Board members debated the overall budget numbers and long-term trends before voting. Krista Goodrich moved to approve the millage resolution; Reuben Colon seconded. The millage resolution and the final budget resolution were each adopted by 4-1 votes; board member Donna Brosmer cast the lone no on both measures. The clerk recorded the budget adoption as Resolution 2025-14.

Why it matters: The millage and budget set the district's revenue and spending plan for the coming school year, covering salaries, instructional programs, capital maintenance and federal grants. District staff told the board the adopted budget included adjustments made after late guidance from the Florida Department of Education.

What the board decided and next steps: The board authorized the superintendent and staff to take required administrative steps to comply with TRIM and to submit the budget to the Florida Department of Education. Staff said they will file the adopted budget within three days and continue routine reporting to the board and public.

Details: The district reported that estimated general fund revenues decreased from the prior year but that salary and benefits still make up the majority of operating costs. Mr. Cease and board members discussed fund balance, the impact of school choice and scholarship program enrollment shifts, and capital project constraints.

Public input and context: There were no members of the public who offered oral comment during the millage hearing portion. The board held a separate public comment period later in the evening for other items and general issues.

Ending note: The board approved the levy and the budget by recorded votes; staff will complete administrative filings and return to the board with any required implementation items or clarifications.