The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 4 to set a tentative millage rate of 9 mills and to approve a tentative budget totaling $190,579,209 for fiscal year 2025–26. Commissioner Hale moved the millage motion, seconded by Commissioner White; the roll call was 5–0 in favor. The tentative millage of 9 mills represents a 7.7% increase over the rollback rate of 8.3567 mills, county staff said. County staff reported a gross taxable value of $3,105,521,300.
Earlier in the public hearing, the board approved a $7,000 request to address a backlog in quasi-judicial code-enforcement hearings, a contingency allocation moved by Commissioner Mobley and approved 5–0. County staff said the $7,000 would fund additional meeting and minutes-preparation time as zoning/code-enforcement sessions move from quarterly to weekly to address the backlog.
County staff also briefed commissioners on other capital items in the tentative budget: an air-conditioner replacement at Dallin Park with a preliminary estimate of about $80,000 and a $100,000 machinery line for library equipment already present in the draft budget. Staff noted some line-item flexibility; if the depot or dome come in under estimate, excess funds could be applied elsewhere.
Public comment included residents who urged consideration of millage reductions and emphasized stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Bo Hancock noted the county budgets at 95% of expected revenues “by statute,” leaving a 5% cushion; Moses Sleeper encouraged lower millage. Commissioners and staff said they would provide additional operational detail and refined figures before the final budget hearing.
Formal votes taken at the meeting: approval of the $7,000 contingency request (motion by Commissioner Mobley, seconded — vote 5–0), adoption of a tentative millage rate of 9 mills (motion by Commissioner Hale, seconded by Commissioner White — vote 5–0), and approval of the tentative budget in the amount of $190,579,209 (motion by Commissioner White, seconded by Commissioner Hale — vote 5–0). The meeting concluded with a unanimous motion to adjourn.