Largo presents FY26 proposed budget with millage options, utility rate hikes and $19.3M wastewater borrowing

City staff on July 25 presented the city manager—s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget for Largo, including a proposed millage rate that would raise about $2.4 million, utility rate increases for solid waste, stormwater and wastewater, and a planned borrowing of $19.3 million for a wastewater deep-well injection project.

"This is not the doomsday budget," staff member John said during the presentation, adding that while Largo is not facing immediate insolvency, slower property-value growth means the city may fall below its 10% minimum fund balance in future years if growth continues at the current pace.

Why it matters: The budget sets spending priorities for city services and funds several resilience and capital projects. Staff and commissioners debated whether to adopt the full proposed millage or a lower option and discussed targeted fee increases and staffing requests that would affect service delivery and long-term reserves.

Most important figures and choices

- Millage options: Finance staff presented a range of millage scenarios. The city manager—s proposed rate (the maximum shown on TRIM notices) would generate roughly $2.4 million more than FY25 and project a general fund ending balance of about 19.7% for FY26. A statutory rollback option would produce an additional roughly $343,000. Staff estimated the proposed budget raises the typical resident—s cost by about $9.57 per month (about $115 per year) under the manager—s recommendation.

- Utility rate increases: The FY26 proposal includes a 10% increase for solid waste, a 15% stormwater increase…