Manatee County adopts FY2026 tentative budget and approves 0.05‑mill cut after debate over reserves

Manatee County commissioners adopted a tentative fiscal year 2026 budget and approved a 0.05‑mill reduction in the countywide millage rate during the Board of County Commissioners' Sept. 10 hearing, after more than two hours of presentations and debate over reserves, capital projects and operating assumptions.

Sheila McLean, Manatee County chief financial officer, presented the county's tentative FY2026 financial plan, saying, "The fiscal year tentative budget reflects a balanced financial plan that maintains essentially county services while addressing future capital needs as well." She told the board the countywide gross budget is $3,580,000,000 and that the gross operating budget (excluding grants and special districts) totals about $2,600,000,000. She also reported a FY2026 capital improvement program (CIP) investment of $520,800,000 and a five‑year CIP total of roughly $2.29 billion for 2026–2030.

The budget hearing focused on three interlocking topics: the millage decision required under Florida's Truth in Millage (TRIM) process, the county's available reserves, and the operating and long‑term costs tied to new capital projects. McLean summarized changes since the July reconciliation, including inclusion of the Port…