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Ocala sets tentative millage rates, adopts fire-assessment resolution and approves budget carryforwards
Summary
Council tentatively set FY 2025–26 millage rates equal to the current year, adopted a resolution establishing the maximum fire-assessment rate to be advertised and scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 11; council also approved standard carryforward budget adjustments and a schedule adjustment for budget hearings.
City staff presented budget items supporting the council’s fiscal-sustainability goals and council took several actions related to next fiscal year budgeting.
Budget Director Tammy Haslam said the resolution on the agenda set the maximum fire-assessment rate for fiscal year 2025–26 using the same amount, rate structure and methodology adopted for the current fiscal year; final action on the fire assessment will take place at a publicly noticed hearing scheduled for Sept. 11, 2025, and assessment exhibits will be included in required Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices. Council adopted the resolution as presented.
Haslam also presented tentative millage rates for FY 2025–26, which staff recommended remain the same as in fiscal year 2024–25. The tentative rates the council set (and will advertise per TRIM requirements) include: General Fund 6.6177; District A 1.7185; District B 1.6332; District C 1.4699. Haslam said the tentative millage rates become the ceiling and may be lowered but not increased at final adoption. Council approved the tentative rates and discussed scheduling for the TRIM/public budget hearings; staff proposed and council adopted a preferred hearing schedule that shifts the regular Sept. 2 meeting to Sept. 3 so the hearings fall within statutory TRIM timing.
Council also approved a budget resolution to carry forward appropriations from FY 2023–24 into FY 2024–25 for in-progress projects and cash-balance reconciliation; Haslam called this “standard activity” when closing the prior year.
The council approved the items on roll-call votes recorded in the transcript. Haslam said staff will continue preparing a more detailed overview at a budget workshop scheduled for Aug. 12, 2025.
