Highland Beach rolls out preliminary FY2026 budget, holds millage and prioritizes capital projects

Town of Highland Beach staff presented a preliminary fiscal year 2026 operating budget on June 17, saying the town would keep its millage rate at 3.5875 while funding a slate of capital projects and modest rate changes.

The finance presentation, led by David (staff member, finance), framed FY2026 as “about capital,” listing a $2.6 million general-fund capital program that includes a marine dock facility, security and entrance work for the police facility, repairs and work on the old fire station, and bridge/road repairs on Bellido. Town staff also proposed a 5% across‑the‑board water and sewer rate increase and a 12.3% reduction in building-permit fees to bring the building fund into a statutorily compliant balance.

Why it matters: Staff said the town’s financial position is strong after a 6.7% increase in property values from the county property appraiser, allowing the commission to fund near-term capital needs without raising the millage. Staff presented a multi‑fund package that…