Atlantic Beach adopts FY2026‑27 budget with no property tax increase; modest water fee rise approved

The Atlantic Beach Town Council unanimously adopted its FY2026‑27 budget on May 26, approving a General Fund budget of $10,980,000 and a Water Utility Fund of $2,400,000.

Town Manager John O'Daniel summarized key points in the proposal: "No property tax increase is proposed for the upcoming fiscal year," and a modest water rate adjustment would result in most residential customers seeing an increase of approximately $1 to $3 per month depending on meter size and usage. O'Daniel noted debt service for the town remains relatively small — roughly $675,000 annually for the public safety building, ladder truck and one remaining bond — and that the town's fund balance remains at an estimated 40–42%, above the council's 35% policy threshold.

Adjustments from earlier work sessions included higher part‑time police salaries, additional police equipment and uniform funding, removal of a boat motor line item, increased capital outlay for Fire Department SCBAs, and use of contingency to balance the budget. Fee schedule changes included a $5 online beach driving permit fee, raising the Junior Life Park fee from $35 to $100 per child to offset operating costs, and updated fire and EMS fees for repeat violations.

The public hearing on the budget produced no public comment. Mayor Pro Tem Harry Archer moved to approve Ordinance 26‑05‑01; Councilmember Austin Waters seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 5‑0.

The town manager said final festival accounting and other budget details will be presented at a future work session and that staff adjusted the tax‑collection assumption to 99.7% while preserving a fund balance above the council's target.