Parkland approves 2025 millage (4.2979 mills) and FY2025 budget after debate over $1 million cut

Mayor Walker called the City of Parkland commission to order Wednesday, and the body held a final public hearing before adopting the fiscal year 2025 millage and budget.

Chris Johnson, the city’s finance director, told the commission the city’s gross taxable value is about $8.2 billion—an increase of roughly $650 million from the prior year—that will generate about $2.5 million in additional ad valorem revenue. Johnson said the city’s final operating millage for FY2025 is 4.2979 mills, which he described as 6.06% higher than the rollback rate computed under Florida law. "The city actually receives about 23% of your tax bill," Johnson said, noting the remainder of property taxes goes to Broward County, the Broward County School Board and smaller taxing districts.

Johnson summarized budget highlights: roughly $41 million in this year’s capital program; an increase of about $700,000 in the Broward Sheriff’s Office contract and about $500,000 for the Coral Springs–Parkland Fire Rescue contract; a nearly $13 million stabilization reserve; a $750,000 insurance deductible to cover storm property loss; $550,000 for infrastructure and equipment replacement funding; $2.8 million in capital project funding; and a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment for employees effective Oct. 1.

Commissioner Bob Meyerson urged the commission to consider reducing the proposed budgeted revenue by $1 million, citing projections from the Florida Department of Revenue’s tax research office that showed higher statewide estimates for communication service tax, half-cent sales tax, local option fuel tax and municipal revenue sharing. Meyerson said lowering the city’s conservative revenue estimate by $1 million would provide immediate relief to taxpayers without changing planned expenditures.

Other commissioners disagreed. Several members, including Commissioner Bridal and Commissioner Cutler, cautioned that state projections are only guidance and that the city must adopt a balanced, conservative budget to avoid a shortfall in coming years. "I remember the commission voted to roll back the millage at that time, but the rollback in 2½ years put us in a financial hole," Commissioner Bridal said, urging prudence. Commissioners and staff noted rising contract and construction costs and said reserves and planned projects would be jeopardized by precipitous reductions.

During public comment, resident Fred Apt of The Ranches said Parkland’s rapidly rising assessments mean each household already contributes substantially more than many Broward cities and urged the commission to lower the millage. Other Ranches residents and Pete McAloon asked for clarity about how capital projects—particularly a proposed $5 million repaving for Ranch Road—would be funded and whether the city would use reserves, bond revenue or assessments. Several speakers warned that, depending on apportionment, assessments for The Ranches could average roughly $29,000 per owner under some scenarios and pressed the commission to seek alternative funding sources.

After public comment and deliberation, Vice Mayor Israel moved to adopt Ordinance 2024-010 setting the FY2025 millage rate at 4.2979 mills; Commissioner Cutler seconded. The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Meyerson voting no. The commission then separately moved and seconded adoption of Ordinance 2024-011, the FY2025 budget; that motion also passed 4-1, with Meyerson opposed.

The commission closed public comment, heard brief community and storm-preparation updates from commissioners, and adjourned. The ordinances reference Florida Statutes section 200.065 for rollback calculations and list separate votes for the millage and the budget.

What’s next: The ordinances take effect according to their stated effective dates; staff will follow up with residents on questions about how specific capital projects will be funded and whether assessments or bonding will be pursued for road work in The Ranches.