Council sets tentative millage at 6.25 mills; staff to prepare budget details
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Summary
Zephyrhills set a tentative millage rate of 6.25 on July 28; finance staff said the rate produces an estimated $1.2 million in additional revenue given the taxable value increase and that it will allow planned capital projects while drawing down reserves for capital work.
The Zephyrhills City Council voted July 28 to set the tentative millage rate for 2025 at 6.25 mills.
Finance Director Ted Beeson presented the taxable value figures provided by the property appraiser’s office — about $1.00178 trillion in taxable value for the city’s jurisdiction (transcript numbers parlance), representing a $209 million increase in assessed value from the prior period and approximately $115 million in new construction value. Using the proposed 6.25 mill rate, Beeson said the city would generate approximately $1.2 million above the rolled‑back revenue level.
Beeson told council staff expects to use reserve funds and the increased revenue to pursue capital projects, noting the city intends to draw down reserves for planned capital work while maintaining contingencies. He described the tentative millage as an interim figure; final rates and the budget will be adopted later in the public‑budget process. Council voted unanimously to set the tentative millage at 6.25.
Council members commented they preferred not to increase the rate and noted the city’s overall budget includes enterprise funds that lessen dependence on ad valorem taxes.
Setting the tentative rate allows staff to continue budget work and publish required notices ahead of final budget hearings.
