Flagler County commissioners set proposed 7.9945‑mill operating rate, schedule Sept. 2 public hearing

Flagler County commissioners voted unanimously to set a proposed combined operating millage rate of 7.9945 mills and a debt‑service millage of 0.0961 mills, and scheduled the first public hearing on the tentative budget for Sept. 2, 2026, at 5:01 p.m. at the Flagler County Government Services Building in Bunnell.

The action was introduced by a staff member, who asked the board to "execute the appropriate paperwork in accordance with chapter 200 of the Florida statute" to include a general fund operating millage of 7.8695 mills and an ESL operating millage of 0.125 mills for a combined proposed operating millage of 7.9945 mills and a debt‑service millage of 0.0961 mills for the 2015 GO funding bond. The staff member also identified the date, time and location for the first public hearing on the proposed millage and tentative budget: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at 5:01 p.m., at 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Bunnell, Florida 32110.

The chair recorded that the motion was moved by "Mister Hansen" and seconded by "Miss Kearney." The chair opened the item for public comment; no members of the public approached to speak. During a subsequent roll call, Commissioners Hansen, Carney, Dantz, Chair Pennington and Commissioner Richardson each voted in the affirmative and the chair declared the motion passed.

Why it matters: setting a proposed millage rate and adopting a tentative budget schedule are the formal steps that allow the county to publish notice, hold public hearings and later consider final adoption of tax rates and the budget. The scheduled Sept. 2 hearing is the first public opportunity for residents to comment on the proposed rates before any final action.

The meeting record shows no public comments were offered on the item. After the vote the board moved to adjourn; the chair said the board will reconvene at a later time (not specified in the transcript).