The Town Council of Lake Clark Shores set a tentative millage rate of 5.9 mills for fiscal year 2025–26 and voted to adopt a tentative budget at its Sept. 3 budget hearing. Town Manager Joe Labello announced the tentative rate; the council then approved Resolution 2025-15 adopting the tentative millage and Resolution 2025-16 adopting the tentative budget. The council scheduled the final public hearing for Monday, Sept. 15; the required public notice will be published in the Palm Beach Post on Sept. 11.

The tentative 5.9-mill levy is 4.93% higher than the rollback rate of 5.6228 mills; Labello told the council the proposed rate is lower than earlier proposals and that, for homesteaded properties, assessed increases will be capped at the state’s 3% limit. Labello said the general fund budget is roughly $4.9 million and that the utility budget is similar in size; he described a balanced budget with a modest surplus. He also outlined capital activity carried out this year, including the recently opened bridge, boat ramp improvements, facility repairs and work on utility infrastructure associated with a new development that will add roughly 600 water customers and about $11–$12 million in developer-installed infrastructure.

Council members and members of the public asked questions during the hearing. Resident Tim Daughtry urged long-term fiscal restraint and suggested staff look for ways to reduce higher salary and vehicle costs; other speakers noted concerns about the local property tax outlook depending on pending state proposals. Town Attorney Charlie read the full text of Resolution 2025-15 as required by Florida law before the council moved and approved both resolutions by voice vote. The council will hold the statutorily required final budget hearing Sept. 15 to consider any changes and to adopt the millage and budget for FY 2025–26.