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Commission adopts FY2026 budget and keeps millage at 7.5 mills; day center phase‑1 construction nearing completion
Summary
St. Augustine’s City Commission adopted the final millage rate of 7.5 mills (2.02% above the rollback rate) and passed the FY2026 budget and five-year capital improvement plan; a public commenter representing CARE urged continued city funding for phase 2 of the homeless drop-in day center.
The St. Augustine City Commission adopted a final millage rate of 7.5 mills and approved the FY2026 budget and five-year capital improvement plan during a Sept. 30 special budget meeting.
The commission’s adopted millage of 7.5 mills represents a 2.02% increase over the rollback rate of 7.3513 mills, as required by Florida law. The millage rate and budget ordinance were both adopted after public hearings; the commission recorded unanimous roll-call votes.
Why it matters: The ad valorem revenue increase will be used for items discussed in earlier budget workshops, including continued road resurfacing, the South Dixie Highway sidewalk projects and implementation of the capital improvement plan.
Budget and votes: The second-reading ordinance adopting the budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and ending Sept. 30, 2026, passed on second reading. The ordinance language confirms the budget will be spread on the minutes and allows the city manager authority to transfer appropriations within activities when necessary. The vote for the millage (Resolution 2025-33) and the budget ordinance (Ordinance 2025-29) were both recorded as unanimous.
Public comment and homelessness services: Vicky Pepper, speaking for Community Advocates for Racial Equity (CARE), praised the city for funding and completing phase 1 of a drop-in day center for people experiencing homelessness and asked the commission to include some city funding for phase 2 in the 2026 budget. Pepper said CARE understands the city will need outside funding for phase 2 but requested the city “include some funding, city funding for phase 2 in the 2026 budget to reflect the city's commitment and intention to proceed to complete the entire project.” Pepper also said she believed the city had included roughly $250,000 toward phase 2 in next year’s budget but said she had reviewed a high-level budget and could not confirm details.
Commission discussion: Commissioners spoke in favor of maintaining the millage to preserve public safety staffing, road and capital projects and conservation priorities. One commissioner noted that taxes vary by individual circumstances — for example, long-held homestead exemptions — and asked residents to consult county tax and property offices for questions.
Ending: The budget and millage are effective for fiscal year 2025–26 beginning Oct. 1, 2025. The city indicated staff will finalize budget details and publish the adopted budget and capital improvement project schedules.
