Council adopts proposed millage and budget on first reading; second readings set for Sept. 15

The Destin City Council completed two required first‑reading public hearings and approved first readings on the proposed fiscal year 2026 millage and the operating budget.

The council adopted a proposed operating millage rate of 1.6150 mills, which city staff said is above the calculated rollback rate presented in the agenda materials. The council also adopted the proposed budget on first reading following a public hearing with no speakers on either item.

City staff reminded the public and council that second readings and final adoption of both the millage ordinance and the budget ordinance will be on the city’s scheduled public hearing on Sept. 15, at which the council will take final votes.

There were no changes made to the proposed budget or millage at the first reading; councilors encouraged citizens to attend the second public hearing if they wished to comment before final adoption.