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Southwest Ranches council adopts 3.9 millage, approves FY 2024–25 budget
Summary
The Town of Southwest Ranches council voted unanimously to adopt a 3.9 millage rate and to approve the fiscal year 2024–25 budget; staff said much of the year-over-year increase reflects carried-forward intergovernmental and ARPA funds and a $28,800 pilot for curbside composting was included.
The Town of Southwest Ranches council unanimously adopted a final millage rate of 3.9 and approved the town's fiscal year 2024'25 budget at a public hearing on Thursday.
Town finance staff told the council the proposed millage is unchanged from prior years and presented budget totals showing the general fund functional amount reported at approximately $23.236 million, an ad valorem figure reported near $99.1 million, and an appropriated fund balance of about $1.2 million. Staff said operating expenses represent roughly 53% of the general fund and that public safety accounts for about 66'67% of operating costs. Emil, the presenting staff member, told the council there were no changes from the first hearing.
The hearing drew public comment. Resident Laurie Parrish read the town's public notice of a "proposed tax increase" and noted that while the millage was held steady, assessed values and new construction increased revenue for the town; she said the budget summary showed operating expenses up roughly 24.7% compared with the prior year and asked staff to explain the rise. Emil said a key driver of the year'over'year increase was additional intergovernmental revenue, including ARPA funds carried forward from the previous year, and that unused allocations roll forward until spent, raising the current-year budget base.
Council members highlighted that the millage is the local rate the council controls and noted the town had lowered the rate compared with levels 15 years ago. The clerk read the resolution adopting the final millage and the ordinance approving the budget into the record; roll-call votes were recorded as "Yes" for each council member present and both measures passed.
The approved budget includes an allocation of $28,800 for a composting pilot program intended to include an estimated 100 homes in its first phase. Staff said the figure was listed in the slides and budget materials presented to the council.
The council closed the hearing and announced two special meetings related to grant funding scheduled soon after the session.
The council's action takes effect as stated in the adopted ordinance and resolution; staff indicated they will continue to publish budget documents and address public follow-up questions.
