Sanford opens first public hearing on 2024–25 millage and budget; staff cites $9.2 million general‑fund increase

The Sanford City Commission held the first public hearing on the city’s proposed 2024–25 millage and budget on Sept. 9, receiving a staff presentation that outlined revenue and expenditure increases that will be considered for final adoption at the Sept. 23 meeting.

Lindsey, the city’s finance director, told the commission the proposed millage rate is 7.325, which staff described as a 6.7022% increase over the rollback rate. Lindsey said the increase would raise the typical single‑family homeowner’s tax bill by about $52.85 next year. The general fund budget would rise $9,204,487, or roughly 13.35%, with staff citing personnel cost increases (~$3.7 million), operating increases (~$1.5 million) and non‑departmental increases (~$4.0 million) as drivers.

City staff also displayed category‑level changes in projected revenues: increases in property tax and utility revenues, a near‑27% rise in licensing and permitting receipts, and other category shifts. Lindsey said the proposed budget shown at the hearing is the first public hearing version; the proposed budget document was not yet posted online but staff said the workshop materials and changes would be made available on the finance page.

After closing the public hearing, the commission moved and seconded resolutions to set the millage and establish the budget; both motions passed and commissioners scheduled the final adoption vote for 7 p.m. on Sept. 23 in City Commission Chambers.

The presentation did not include finalized department‑level allocations beyond the categorical summaries; staff asked commissioners and members of the public to submit feedback before the final hearing.