Winter Springs commission adopts $79.6 million budget and sets final millage at 2.62 mils after last-minute debate

The City of Winter Springs City Commission on Sept. 22 adopted a $79,623,211 final budget for fiscal year 2025–26 and set the final operating millage rate at 2.62 mils.

The two items were approved during the commission’s regular meeting at City Hall. The resolution setting the millage (Resolution 2025-19) passed on a 4–1 vote; the resolution adopting the budget (Resolution 2025-20) passed 3–2 after an extended debate about capital equipment and a planned two-year streetscape replanting project.

Why it matters: the millage rate established the property tax rate the city will use to compute ad valorem tax bills, and the adopted budget sets spending priorities and capital work for the coming year. Staff said the adopted budget holds the city’s millage rate steady while reflecting changes in property values that increase the tax burden for some property owners.

City Finance Director Holly Queen told the commission the tentative millage, set Sept. 8, had been 2.62 mils and staff recommended the final rate remain the same. The motion to adopt Resolution 2025-19, establishing the 2.62-mil rate, noted that the final operating rate is 5.94% greater than the computed rollback rate of 2.473 mils.

The final budget…