Fort Pierce adopts 6.9 millage; proposes $67.8 million general fund for 2025–26

At a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 8, the Fort Pierce City Commission voted to adopt a tentative millage rate of 6.9 mills and to adopt a proposed fiscal year 2025–26 general fund budget balanced at $67,787,211.

City finance staff presented the proposed budget and said the city’s taxable property values rose to $4,883,727,890 (a 10.46% increase), which pushed up projected ad valorem revenue to $33,697,722. The staff presentation said the city did not increase its millage rate; the higher bills that some residents may see reflect higher property values, not an increase in the 6.9‑mill rate, which exceeds the rollback rate of 6.6109 by 4.37%.

The budget package presented to commissioners allocates significant funding to the Fort Pierce Police Department and includes personnel and capital changes. The police operating budget is listed at $22,857,002.71, or 33.7% of the general fund. The budget adds two personnel positions: a deputy city manager role and a…