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City proposes nearly $1.9 billion FY2027 budget, adds 37 firefighters and 9 police officers
Summary
City staff presented a tentatively balanced FY2027 budget that holds the millage at 6.65 mills, proposes a total city budget just under $1.9 billion, and prioritizes public safety with 46 new positions (37 in fire, 9 in police) while recommending measures to prepare for potential property‑tax reform.
City staff presented a tentative FY2027 budget at an Orlando City Council workshop that prioritizes public safety while seeking to limit recurring cost growth ahead of possible state property‑tax changes.
Jason (S7), the presenter, said the proposal is tentatively balanced with general‑fund revenues and expenses both projected to grow roughly $40 million (about 5.5%). The budget assumes a flat millage rate of 6.65 mills and a total proposed city budget just under $1.9 billion.
“We come before you with a fiscal year 27 budget proposal that is tentatively balanced,” Jason said, noting the city’s reserves sit just above the 25% target recognized by rating agencies. He highlighted three priorities: protecting core services (especially public safety), funding long‑term commitments such as debt service and SunRail, and maintaining infrastructure.
Key operational and personnel highlights:
- Public safety staffing: the budget adds 37 positions in fire (including 30 sworn firefighters and 6 paramedics to staff a forthcoming Fire Station 18) and 9 positions in police to support growth in the Southeast—46 net additions in public safety overall.
- Net general‑fund positions: after public‑safety additions, the remainder of the general fund shows a net decrease of 9 positions through deleting or repurposing vacant roles.
- Compensation and staffing costs: the proposal includes a 4% pay increase to fulfill the second year of collective bargaining agreements and significantly increased temporary/seasonal staffing to account for minimum‑wage pressures.
- Revenue assumptions and notable sources: the budget keeps the millage at 6.65 mills, anticipates roughly 6% property‑tax growth (driven by new construction and valuation increases), and includes an OUC dividend of nearly $81 million—about 10% of general‑fund revenues.
- Operating pressures: major increases are driven by IT contracts (Axon body cameras, CAD communications), higher data and utility costs, and leased vehicle expenses; SunRail costs also grew and were moved into the other‑operating line.
- Capital: the proposed capital program across funds is approximately $108 million (down about $19 million year over year), while the general fund contribution to capital remains near prior year levels at just over $30 million; highlighted capital items include neighborhood‑center maintenance, playground renovations (Ivy Lake Lane, Rosemount), dock and boardwalk repairs (Langford Park) and approximately $8 million for pavement rehabilitation.
Council members asked for additional specificity and district‑level breakdowns. Commissioner Chapman (S3) pressed for clearer public‑facing materials that explain how revenue growth differs from inflation and where unmet service needs remain. Commissioner Rose (S5) asked about the allocation of red‑light camera funds and district impacts; Jason said detailed line‑item information will appear in a commissioner notebook due in about two weeks.
Jason closed by noting minor refinements may follow over the next weeks, that a detailed commissioner budget notebook will be provided, and that tentative millage rates for the city and related districts would be considered that afternoon. Public budget hearings are scheduled later in the process, with staff indicating public meetings in September.
