Oldsmar manager presents lean $53.8M proposed budget; millage held at 4.5 mills

City Manager Felicia Donnelly on Wednesday presented the City of Oldsmar—Y26 proposed operating and capital budget totaling $53,842,890 and recommended holding the ad valorem millage rate at 4.5 mills.

The proposal, described by Donnelly as "more than just numbers in a spreadsheet. It's our roadmap," would reduce overall budgeted spending by about $10 million (15.8 percent) from the current revised year, preserve a required 15 percent general fund unrestricted balance, and keep enterprise funds self-supporting.

Why it matters: The document lays out the city—s near-term spending and capital priorities while preserving reserves and avoiding a tax-rate increase that would affect homeowners; several large capital projects remain contingent on grant awards and future council decisions.

The proposal—s main details - Total proposed budget: $53,842,890 (a 15.8% decrease vs. the revised FY25 budget), with capital outlay of $16,450,500 (30.6% of the total). - Millage rate: proposed to remain at 4.5 mills (no increase). - Personnel: the budget includes a 4% global wage increase effective Oct. 1 and up to a 1% merit increase on anniversary dates. It also anticipates a 11% increase in medical insurance costs and factors firefighter pension contribution changes based on FY25 pensionable wages. The budget does not include any negotiated contract increases from ongoing collective-bargaining with the Oldsmar firefighters or adjustments that may result from a pay-and-classification study expected this year. - Staffing: net reduction of 3.5 full-time equivalents (2.5 FTE in the general fund, 1.0 FTE in the water/sewer fund) through reorganization and vacancy management.

Revenue and one-time proceeds The staff emphasized a mix of recurring revenues and one-time items: taxable property…