Winter Haven sets tentative 2025–26 millage at 6.59 mills and approves market pay reclassifications

The Winter Haven City Commission on Monday set a tentative property tax rate of 6.59 mills for fiscal year 2025–26, approved Sept. 10 as the first budget hearing, and authorized market‑based pay classification adjustments for 19 job titles affecting 38 seats.

City Manager (City Manager) told the commission the proposed budget uses the existing 6.59‑mill rate and “Staff does recommend the city commission establish the fiscal year 25 26 tentative millage rate at 6.59 mills.” The manager presented budget totals, proposed staffing changes and program highlights that staff said balance reserves with ongoing service needs.

The budget presentation said the combined city budget for 2025–26 is $250,280,102, a reduction of about $47.38 million (roughly 15.5 percent) from the prior year largely because fewer one‑time capital projects are included. The proposed general fund available fund balance is $25,261,367, which the manager said exceeds the city’s 30…