Commission sets millage rate, approves modest fire assessment increase and raises local business tax receipts

Hollywood — The commission set the city's maximum operating millage for fiscal year 2027, approved a small increase to the city's fire assessment and advanced local business tax changes.

Deputy City Manager Adam Reichbeck told the commission the July 1 taxable‑value roll increased the city's tax base and recommended a flat operating millage of 7.4293 mills, which staff estimated would yield about $202.4 million in operating property tax revenue. The commission voted to adopt the resolution setting the proposed maximum millage rate and scheduling the public hearing; the vote on the resolution was unanimous.

On fire services, staff proposed raising the residential fire rescue assessment by $10 (from $354 to $364) to restore the historic funding ratio for fire suppression to roughly 97.5% and generate about $936,000 in additional revenue. The commission approved the fire assessment resolution. Staff also proposed holding the fire inspection assessment rate unchanged at $17 for multifamily and nonresidential properties; that resolution was approved as presented.

On local business tax receipts (Ordinance 36), Deputy City Manager Adam Reichbeck presented a staff‑recommended 5% across‑the‑board increase—permitted under state statute—the first tax increase since 2010. The ordinance passed first reading 4–3 after roll‑call votes.

Commissioners and staff reminded residents about the next budget workshop on Aug. 26 and noted that the millage and assessment actions will be refined during the budget hearings and public workshops.

Ending: The commission set the budget timetable and formal hearing dates, advanced the local business tax ordinance on first reading and approved modest fire assessment adjustments to begin next fiscal year.