Alachua County approves tentative FY2026 millage and budget; residents warn rising property taxes threaten seniors and heirs properties

The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 11 held the first public hearing on the fiscal year 2026 proposed millage and tentative budget and adopted resolutions setting the countywide proposed millage at 7.6 mills and approving the tentative general fund budget and several non‑ad valorem assessments.

County Attorney staff opened the hearing by explaining the Truth in Millage (TRIM) process required under Florida law and the notice procedures used to inform taxpayers. The county announced a proposed countywide millage rate of 7.6 mills, a 6.36% increase over the rollback rate of 7.1455 mills. The county manager presented the tentative FY2026 budget total of $946,936,554 — a net increase of $2,610,774 from the county manager’s prior proposed budget — and noted property tax revenue for FY2026 is estimated at $229,156,150, $16,519,946 higher than FY2025.

County staff emphasized the drivers behind higher revenue needs: rapidly rising taxable property values in parts of the county, double‑digit inflation over recent years, increased labor and construction costs, and higher minimum wages. The manager also noted that major tax‑exempt institutions such as the University of Florida and Santa Fe College contribute to service demands while remaining off the tax rolls.

Public commenters said the increases create hardship for seniors, fixed‑income households and owners of heirs properties. Jim Carrington, a longtime resident, told commissioners: "The fire assessment, dollars 23,000,000 budget, our revenue expected. We could get 23 new super fire trucks, they tell me." Jackie Casanova, a retired resident who described herself as living on Social Security, said the county has “over 1,600 family heir properties” and that “nearly a quarter of those are delinquent in their property taxes,” warning that tax increases can push families from homes they intend to pass to heirs.

Beatrice, speaking on behalf of her parents, said the family’s tax bill was nearly $7,200 and described the move from Pennsylvania as a financial strain. A young homeowner, Stefania Bamies, said higher taxes threaten her family's ability to meet other needs and urged prioritizing spending that supports nature and community services. Commissioners and staff pointed residents to existing hardship exemptions and heirs‑property outreach; staff noted hardship applications must be renewed annually.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025‑050: Establishing fiscal year 2026 proposed general county millage (7.6 mills). Motion moved by Commissioner Prizio; second not specified. Vote: adopted (voice vote; motion carried).

- Resolution 2025‑051: Adopting change revenue estimates and the fiscal year 2026 tentative general county budget (total $946,936,554). Mover: Commissioner Alfred; second not specified. Vote: adopted (voice vote; motion carried).

- Resolution 2025‑053: Establishing proposed municipal service taxing unit (MSTU) law enforcement millage (3.5678 mills; 6.66% over rollback of 3.345 mills) and adopting change revenue estimates for the MSTU law enforcement budget. Motion and second recorded; vote: adopted (voice vote; motion carried).

- Sugarfoot Oaks and Cedar Ridge Special Assessment District: Adopted final non‑ad valorem assessment rates. Motion and second recorded; vote: adopted.

- Stormwater final assessment resolution FY2025‑26 and certification to the tax collector: Motion and second recorded after public comment; vote: adopted.

- Fire service final assessment rate resolution FY2026 and certification: Motion and second recorded; vote: adopted.

- Solid waste final assessment resolution FY2025‑26 and certification: Motion and second recorded; vote: adopted.

Commissioners emphasized the county has reduced its millage rate in recent years and said the board continues to try to lower taxes where feasible while maintaining services. Several commissioners encouraged residents to engage earlier in the budget process and pointed to county resources — including online budget documents and the Citizens Academy — and to ongoing heirs‑property outreach and assistance offered through Community Support Services and the property appraiser’s office.

The board closed the tentative budget hearing and noted the second and final public hearing on the FY2026 millage and budget will be held Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at 5:01 p.m. in the same location.