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Orange County Library District tentatively adopts 2025-26 millage and $175.1M budget
Summary
The Orange County Library District governing board set a tentative millage slightly above the rollback rate and adopted a proposed fiscal 2025–26 budget of $175,148,620; the board adopted both measures unanimously after one public comment urging preservation of print books.
The Orange County Library District governing board on Sept. 16 set a tentative millage rate and adopted a tentative budget for fiscal year 2025–26, approving a plan that would levy a millage 5.34% higher than the rollback rate and establish a proposed budget of $175,148,620.
Library Director and CEO Steve Powell opened the library district’s public hearing and noted materials were available for public inspection. Christopher Shoemaker, the library’s chief financial officer, announced the rollback millage (0.3558) and said the tentative millage rate being set at the hearing is 5.34% above that rollback. Shoemaker then announced the proposed budget total, which staff listed as a 5.82% increase over the prior fiscal year.
One member of the public, Frank Carl Vassell of Orlando, spoke in favor of the library and urged the board to retain print collections as staff expand digital offerings: "Do not take the books away. Go digital. It is useful, but never replace the books," Vassell said.
After public comment the board adopted the tentative millage and the tentative budget by unanimous vote. The board noted that the final public hearing to adopt the library’s final millage and budget will be held in the same chambers on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 5:01 p.m., when the board will consider final adoption.
The tentative millage and budget actions are procedural steps under Florida law to set the district’s preliminary tax rate and spending plan; the board must hold a second public hearing to approve final figures. The governing board adopted both items during its meeting in which it had reconvened as the Orange County Library District board following county business.
