Pompano Beach commission adopts tentative FY2026 budget, raises fire assessment fee; EMS budget and classification changes approved

The Pompano Beach City Commission on Sept. 15 adopted a tentative fiscal year 2026 budget, approved tentative millage rates (as modified on the dais), and approved a $30-per-unit increase to the residential fire assessment fee. The commission also approved first-reading changes to the position classification plan and adopted tentative millage and a $32.16 million tentative budget for the Pompano Beach Emergency Medical Services (EMS) District. A separate motion to add consideration of termination of the city manager to the agenda failed on a 3-3 vote.

Joshua Waters, the city's budget director, presented the budget and the options the commission asked staff to explore to reduce the operating millage. "Budget development really is a year-round process," Waters said as he walked commissioners through revenue and expenditure highlights and the recommended modifications. Waters said total estimated revenues for all funds are about $463.5 million and that the general fund totals about $244.1 million, with ad valorem (property) tax revenue the largest single source at roughly $136.3 million.

Why it matters: the adopted tentative budget and millage-setting resolutions set the parameters for the city's funding for the coming fiscal year and allow the city to meet state TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice requirements ahead of the final hearing. The fire assessment increase is intended to improve the coverage ratio of assessment revenues to fire-related expenditures.

What the commission approved and how the votes fell

Votes at a glance - Motion to add consideration of termination of the city manager to the agenda: moved from the dais and seconded; roll call vote: Commissioner Fazek 'Yes; Commissioner Perkins 'Yes; Commissioner Seegerson (Eaton) 'No; Commissioner Smith 'No; Vice Mayor Fournier 'Yes; Mayor Harton 'No. Tally: 3 yes, 3 no. Outcome: failed. (s:355.97'437.76)

- Motion…