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City of Stuart finance staff flags $3.9M shortfall; commissioners schedule budget workshop and keep not-to-exceed millage at 5
Summary
Finance staff presented a preliminary 2026 budget showing a roughly $3.9 million gap driven by pension (FRS) and health insurance cost increases. The commission agreed to a budget workshop and to publish a not-to-exceed millage of 5 mills while exploring cuts and revenue options.
City of Stuart Finance Director Jolie and City Manager Mortel on July 14 presented a preliminary 2026 budget framework that showed roughly $3.9 million in currently unfunded department requests and cost increases.
Why it matters: the shortfall follows modest taxable-value growth, higher pension (FRS) contribution rates for some employee classes, and a large health‑insurance renewal estimate. Staff said some of those expense changes are outside local control and stressed the need to prioritize spending, identify one-time funding sources and consider a commission policy on the millage to guide budget workshops.
Numbers and drivers: city staff reported the 2025 tax roll yields about $18 million in ad valorem revenue before the CRA share is deducted; after the CRA increment…
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