The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners approved a tentative millage rate of 9 mills and a proposed tentative budget of $190,579,209 during a public hearing on the tentative budget. Barry Baker, who presented the budget figures to the board, said, "The proposed tentative budget for Suwannee County is $190,579,209. The tentative millage rate is currently at 9 mills, which is a 7.7% increase over the rollback rate, which is 8.3567 mills." Baker also reported a gross taxable value of $3,105,521,300.

The vote on the tentative millage rate passed 5-0, with a motion by Commissioner Hale and a second by Commissioner White. The board then approved the tentative budget 5-0 on a motion by Commissioner White and a second by Commissioner Hale. The tentative millage can be lowered before the final budget hearing but cannot be raised after it is set, Baker told the board.

Why this matters: setting a tentative millage and budget begins the county's formal public process toward the final fiscal plan for fiscal year 2025–26 and establishes the maximum tax rate the board may propose before the final hearing. The proposals also guide contingency planning and staff work before the final vote.

Supporting details: Commissioners approved several budget-line actions and follow-ups during the hearing. The board voted 5-0 to grant $7,000 to address a zoning/code enforcement backlog; that amount was assigned to be taken from contingency. Commissioners also gave consensus direction to escrow $300,000 for the courthouse dome restoration and $100,000 for roof work at the historic train depot, with staff authorized to pursue a piggyback contract to expedite work. County staff said FEMA reimbursement is a possibility for storm-related repairs but not guaranteed.

During the hearing commissioners and staff discussed employee pay adjustments. County staff reported a classification/salary study with a preliminary "bring-to-minimum" cost of roughly $590,000. Commissioners directed staff to produce a refined calculation—accounting for pending 1% and $0.50 pay adjustments—before the final budget hearing so the board can consider precise figures.

Public comment: Residents urged caution on millage increases and asked the board to consider lowering millage or returning unspent contingency to taxpayers. Bo Hancock noted the statutory practice of budgeting at 95% of expected revenues and asked the board to explain balance-forward and contingency practices to the public.

Next steps: county staff will return with the refined payroll numbers and updated cost estimates for prioritized projects before the final budget hearing; the board will consider any changes at that final hearing. The tentative rates and budget approved at this meeting are subject to revision before final adoption.