Oakland commission approves tentative FY2026 millage at 6.7% and tentative budgets that draw $500,000 from reserves

The Town of Oakland Commission voted unanimously to approve a tentative millage rate of 6.7 and to adopt tentative budgets for fiscal year 2026 covering the general fund, the water enterprise fund, impact fees and the Oakland Charter School. Gabby, the town's director of finance, presented the budget and the proposed millage at the meeting and outlined revenue updates and budget changes since the June workshop.

The tentative general fund budget totals $11,020,949, which Gabby described as including $10,500,000 in operating revenues and expenditures and $500,000 of town revenue used to balance the books. “So the purpose of tonight's meeting is to present to the public the proposed millage and the tentative budgets,” Gabby said during the presentation.

The nut graf: the commission-approved package balances planned spending by drawing $500,000 from reserves and reflects several cost pressures, including higher Orange County Fire Rescue charges and increased health-insurance premiums. Commissioners said the reliance on reserves is a concern and urged tighter spending and a push for more commercial development to broaden the tax base.

Key budget details and changes

- General fund: total $11,020,949; budget built on a 6.7 millage. Property values used in the estimate rose about 9.39% since the prior year, Gabby said. Without the $500,000 reserve transfer the…