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Lynn Haven sets millage ceiling at 4.5; finance staff warns cushion will be needed for debt service
Summary
Facing debt-service pressures and a projected shortfall, the Lynn Haven commission set a millage-rate ceiling of 4.5 and approved related budget amendments and utility fee changes; finance staff said a large portion of the city's $19 million balance is earmarked for bond debt service.
The Lynn Haven City Commission set a millage ceiling of 4.5 and approved several fiscal items after a finance briefing that highlighted near-term cash pressures.
Kiki Roman, director of finance, told the commission the city faces a near-term negative cash position of roughly $315,000 and will carry debt-service payments of about $2.8 million into fiscal 2026. Roman recommended setting a ceiling that could be lowered later; the commission voted to set the ceiling at 4.5.
Commissioners debated the practical effect of the ceiling and the statutory deadlines for submitting millage figures to the state. Roman emphasized the deadline for returning the certificate of taxable value and the need to schedule the required public hearings in August and September.
The commission also approved a resolution amending chapters 54 and 70 of the fee schedule to adjust utility rates (new rates to take effect Oct. 1, 2025). During public comment a resident asked the city to ensure meters are functioning before further rate increases; staff said a meter-replacement program is underway and could be completed by fiscal year 2027 if fully funded.
Finally, the commission approved a final budget amendment that corrected a clerical error (removing approximately $90,000 from the CRA fund) and added invoices related to HMGP grants; the net amendment to fiscal 2024–25 was described by staff as approximately $77,392.
The commission's actions set procedural ceilings and directed staff to return with more detailed budget workshops and any needed resolutions to finalize figures.
