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Royal Palm Beach council reviews $60.9 million proposed FY2026 budget as ARPA and surtax revenues sunset
Summary
Council reviewed a proposed $60.9 million FY2026 budget, including a projected $827,000 general fund surplus, personnel adjustments and the winding down of one‑time revenues such as ARPA and the 1¢ surtax. Staff stressed long‑range planning ahead of two September public hearings.
The Village of Royal Palm Beach Council met July 10 for a public workshop on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, during which Finance Director Sharon Almeida presented a $60,900,000 spending plan and outlined revenue changes that will affect long‑term planning.
Almeida told the council the FY2026 request represents roughly an 11% decrease from the prior year, largely because fewer capital projects were requested. She said general fund revenues are projected at about $32.3 million, general fund expenditures about $31.5 million and a surplus of roughly $827,000 is forecast under the proposed plan. "We will be going through, as department directors, all of our departments' budgets more in detail," Almeida said as she reviewed the book and timeline for adoption, with two public hearings scheduled for Sept. 11 and Sept. 17.
Why it matters: council members and staff emphasized that FY2026 is the last year to rely on several one‑time revenue sources. The presentation highlighted that the village’s 1¢ discretionary sales surtax is expected to sunset in December 2025 and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are being drawn down; staff noted a $2.5 million annual ARPA transfer to police services will end in the coming year. Those changes reduce recurring revenue that had been used for operating support and capital projects and drove the council’s focus on longer‑range financial planning.
Key details: Almeida outlined the budget composition — general fund operating at 52% of the total, capital projects at 28% and reserves at 18% — and noted updated taxable values increased projected growth to about 7.9% over earlier estimates. She also illustrated typical residential tax bills, explaining roughly 11% of an average tax bill comes back to the village while the school board and county receive larger shares.
Staffing and operating items: the proposed budget includes several reclassifications and small staff increases — three part‑time intern positions overall — plus a budgeted average merit increase of about 3.5% and a 2.83% cost‑of‑living adjustment. Police services reflect a 3% contractual increase with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office. Almeida also reported insurance savings from adopting a self‑insured windstorm policy, with property insurance costs declining by about $800,000 in the proposed plan.
What the council directed: no final votes were taken at the workshop; councilmembers asked clarifying questions and gave staff direction for adjustments before the September hearings. The village manager said staff will return with a final proposed budget after incorporating council input.
