Council sets proposed millage rate at 1.815 for FY 2025‑26; public hearing scheduled

The West Melbourne City Council voted unanimously to advertise a proposed millage rate of 1.815 per $1,000 for fiscal year 2025‑26 and to set the required public hearing dates for the budget process.

City Manager Ron Rohde and Finance Director Candace Blake presented options including maintaining the current 1.88 millage, taking a middle position, or adopting the rollback rate of 1.81. Rohde noted strong property value growth in recent years and explained that even with a rollback there would be increased ad valorem revenue due to new construction and assessed values.

Blake said the city recommends a 1.815 proposed millage rate to fund operations while maintaining reserves; she also noted the first budget public hearing will be held on Sept. 3 to meet statutory public‑notice windows and the second hearing to set the final millage and adopt the budget is scheduled for Sept. 16.

Deputy Mayor Pat Bentley and other council members reviewed revenue streams beyond property taxes — including franchise fees, utility revenues and expected project receipts — and observed the city’s conservative fund‑balance policy and multi‑year planning allowed flexibility. Bentley noted that even if council adopted the rollback rate the city’s ad valorem receipts would increase because of new taxable value entering the roll.

Council action: On motion by Councilmember Bentley and second by Councilmember Adams, council approved advertising a proposed millage rate of 1.815 and set public hearing dates (Sept. 3 and Sept. 16) for adoption; vote 7‑0.

Practical effect: Advertising the proposed rate begins the public‑notice process. The council may set a lower final rate at the Sept. 16 hearing but may not increase the rate above the advertised amount. Staff asked council to consider timing fee updates earlier in the fiscal year if a declared hurricane would otherwise trigger the statute’s temporary fee limitations following an emergency.