Davie council adopts tentative millage and tentative budget for fiscal 2026

The Town of Davie on Wednesday approved a tentative operating millage rate of 5.625 mills for fiscal year 2026 and adopted a tentative budget that officials say will increase the general fund by roughly $8.8 million.

Town Administrator Richard Lemack, speaking at the council's first budget hearing, said the proposed operating millage “is a tax increase under state law,” because it is 6.87% higher than the rollback rate of 5.2633 mills. He also noted the town's voted debt millage that covers general obligation bond debt would decrease from 0.1868 mills to 0.1725 mills.

The tentative budget approved at the hearing includes a 4% increase in the general fund — approximately $8,800,000 — and a 13% increase in operating expenditures, or about $7,000,000, driven in part by salary costs tied to collective bargaining and other personnel changes. The council approved the millage and the tentative budget by roll call votes; each motion passed unanimously (Yes: Council members Lewis, Whitman, Starkey, Vice Mayor Hatton, Mayor Paul).

Why it matters: Town leaders said the increases will support ongoing operations, planned capital projects and business-plan initiatives. Finance Director Bill Ackerman described priorities in the…