Wakulla County sets tentative millage at 7.9 mills after hour-long budget hearing; commissioners debate cuts and reserves

The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners on July 14 held the first of two required public hearings on the fiscal year 2025–26 budget, approved a tentative countywide millage rate of 7.9 mills and adopted a tentative budget after extended discussion about future deficits, public‑safety costs and whether to lower taxes.

County Administrator Kelly (County Administrator, Wakulla County, government) said the tentative countywide millage rate read into the public record was “7.9 mills, which is 5.39% more than the countywide rolled back millage rate of 7.4963 mills.” The board voted first to open the hearing and then, after public and commissioner comment, took separate votes on the millage and on the budget.

The commission’s debate centered on whether the county should reduce the millage to give taxpayers a break now or hold the rate to protect reserves and services. One commissioner urged a rollback…