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Islamorada council sets 2.8‑mill cap to begin FY27 budget process
Summary
Council voted unanimously to lower a proposed 3.0‑mill starting point to 2.8 mills and directed staff to aim for further reductions in the budget process while identifying savings and preserving essential services.
The Village Council on July 7 opened the FY2026–27 budget process and set a starting millage cap at 2.8 mills after debate and public comment. Ron (village manager) said staff recommended beginning with a 3.0‑mill proposed rate as a cushion to account for known cost increases, including a roughly $200,000 increase in the sheriff's contract and rising insurance expenses. "That gives you a lot of cushion," Ron said of a 3.0 proposal, but council members argued the village should start lower and force more aggressive line‑by‑line scrutiny.
Multiple residents urged a lower starting point or more time for public review of budget documents. Council Member Deb Gillis recommended a 2.8‑mill cap and directed staff to work toward 2.65 mills; Council Member Anna Richards and Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney supported the lower cap. After motion and roll call, the council approved reducing the proposed rate from 3.0 to 2.8 mills (vote 5–0).
The manager said staff will hold budget workshops in August and public hearings in September to refine numbers and identify potential cost savings, including vacancy management, consolidation and other operational changes. The council stressed the need for transparent, line‑by‑line review during workshops.
