Edgewater council adopts 6.33‑mill operating rate and $80.5 million budget; approves impact‑fee change and several voter‑approved debt rates

The Edgewater City Council approved the city’s final fiscal year 2026 spending plan and several tax rates at the public hearing on Sept. 22, 2025.

Finance Director Bridget Vass presented staff recommendations and background. The council set the final operating millage rate at 6.33 mills (held flat from the current year but described as 7% above the rollback rate) to fund operating costs, a 6% wage increase for existing employees, and several new positions including three police officers and three fire positions. Vass reported the city’s current taxable value for operating purposes as $2,222,709,693.

The council also approved voter‑approved debt service millage rates: 0.01 mills for the animal shelter (final year of payments) and 0.1129 mills for the 2016 GO Parks debt service. Council then adopted the final citywide budget, which staff presented as $80,516,543 for operating and capital purposes across all funds.

On land‑use fees, the council approved Ordinance No. 2025‑07 on second reading, which amends the schedule of development impact fees in Chapter 21 of the land development code; staff said no additional changes were recommended at the second reading. Council also approved Resolution 2025‑R‑34 supporting the Volusia County Local Mitigation Plan 2025, noting FEMA requirements and eligibility for federal mitigation grants and the National Flood Insurance Program community rating benefits.

All votes recorded in the transcript were roll calls and were recorded as unanimous approval by the five council members present.

The council indicated staff will return material for implementation, including posting any public notices required for fee schedule changes and ensuring grant‑eligibility documentation for the mitigation plan.