City of Homestead adopts FY2026 budget, keeps millage steady; council approves multiple code and fee changes

The City of Homestead City Council adopted its fiscal year 2026 budget and kept the operating millage rate unchanged at 5.9604 mills during a public hearing Tuesday. Council members also approved a package of ordinances and resolutions that update fees, permit schedules and other administrative items tied to the new budget year.

The proposed operating millage — unchanged from the prior year at 5.9604 mills — and the proposed debt millage of 0.2446 mills were adopted by roll-call vote. Finance staff said holding the millage flat, coupled with a 13.2% increase in property values, will generate about $3.84 million in additional property-tax revenue for the city at current values (city values presented as approximately $6.38 billion). The budget uses one-time appropriations of fund balance ($5.4 million) for capital transfers and other one-time items and services.

Why it matters: The budget funds a multi-department spending plan and capital-improvement projects, funds staffing increases and supports citywide utility and infrastructure investments. Council and staff highlighted water and sewer projects, stormwater planning, and prioritized funding for police, parks and enterprise utilities.

Key budget numbers and priorities - Total proposed general fund budget and…