Largo Commission sets millage cap, approves multiple utility and fee changes; key votes at a glance

The Largo City Commission on July 15 set a cap on the proposed property tax rate, approved increases to several utility and service fees and adopted or advanced multiple ordinances and contracts affecting solid waste, stormwater, wastewater, redevelopment consulting and other city business.

The commission voted to set the proposed millage cap at 5.52 mills for FY 2026. That figure will appear on TRIM notices and limits what the commission may adopt in September; the actual adopted millage may be lower. Commissioners approved the cap by a 6-0 vote.

The commission also approved a package of utility and service rate measures and budget amendments. Highlights: - Solid waste: Commissioners approved Ordinance 2025-27 (solid waste fee changes, commercial recycling tiers) on first reading, selecting option 2 (tiered commercial recycling rates). Vote: 6-0. - Stormwater: Commissioners approved Ordinance 2025-29 adopting a 15% stormwater rate increase (option 1) on first reading. Vote: 6-0. - Wastewater: Commissioners approved Ordinance 2025-28 on first reading to raise wastewater charges by 5%. The measure passed 4-2; the roll call showed Commissioners Smith and DeBreeze voting no and the remaining four commissioners voting yes. - Budget and recovery items: A FY2025 quarterly budget amendment (Ordinance 2025-30) and a hurricane-recovery budget amendment (Ordinance 2025-31) were approved to appropriate costs for park projects, police equipment, data-warehouse work and $6.99 million in hurricane-related expenses; both measures passed 6-0.

Other formal actions included approval of a City-host agreement with Duke Energy to site DC fast chargers at Largo Central Park, approval of a professional-services award to CBRE for redevelopment consulting on the 201 Highland Avenue site, and adoption of the CDBG consolidated plan and FY2026 annual action plan for submission to HUD. Most of those measures passed without recorded dissent; the CBRE award drew substantial debate and a split vote (detailed in a separate article).

Why it matters: The actions set policy and revenue limits that will shape Largo’s FY 2026 budget and multiyear capital spending for utilities and stormwater infrastructure. The stormwater and solid-waste increases were presented as responses to aging infrastructure, rising tipping fees, vehicle and equipment costs and hurricane-related repair needs; the wastewater increase was tied to planned capital projects and anticipated SRF borrowing.

Votes at a glance (selected items) - Resolution 24-40: Adopt CDBG 2025–2029 consolidated plan and FY2025–26 annual action plan; authorizes submittal to HUD. Vote: 6-0. - Ordinance 2025-25: Vacate portion of utility easement at 12400 Shawnee Trail (second/final reading). Vote: 6-0. - Ordinance 2025-26: Amend anti-smoking provisions (second/final reading). Passed 4-2; two commissioners recorded as opposed. - Electric vehicle DC fast charging site-host agreement (Duke Energy): Approved; Duke to own and operate chargers; Largo to provide parking spaces. Vote: 6-0. - Award RFQ 25Q832 (201 Highland Avenue redevelopment consulting services to CBRE): Award approved; motion and vote recorded (see full meeting minutes for roll call and individual votes).

What’s next: Most of the ordinances approved on first reading will return for final reading and public hearing in August. The proposed millage cap will be used for TRIM notices in August; the commission may adopt a final rate and the FY 2026 budget at public hearings in September.

Sources: Largo City Commission transcript, July 15, 2025 (motions, ordinance numbers and time-stamped discussion).