Melbourne council adopts 7.0112 operating millage, approves $315.9 million budget to boost road and equipment funding

The City of Melbourne City Council voted Sept. 11 to set an operating millage rate of 7.0112 and to adopt a revised fiscal 2026 proposed budget of $315,889,605, with the separate police headquarters debt-service millage set at the rollback rate of 0.2977.

The council majority chose “option 8,” a package staff presented that raises property-tax revenue to add roughly $1 million annually to the pavement management program and increase recurring funding for the machinery and equipment (M&E) replacement fund. Council members said the additional revenue is intended to slow long-term deterioration of roads and to avoid deferring replacement of critical vehicles and equipment.

Ross McGinn, staff member, led the presentation and explained why staff recommended the higher millage: “we are, seeing increases in employee compensation and, are desiring to, dedicate additional funding to our pavement management program and MNE program,” McGinn said. He showed the city’s pavement-management target —…