Lake Placid council sets FY 2026–27 millage at 3.65 mills to open budget process

The Lake Placid Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to set a proposed fiscal-year 2026–27 millage rate of 3.65 mills, authorizing staff to begin budget preparation with that rate as the starting point.

The vote followed a lengthy council discussion about whether to publish a lower preliminary rate — council members debated figures between 3.3 and 3.5 mills — and staff warned that some capital and maintenance needs (including unplanned replacements for aging air‑conditioning units) would require flexibility. The rollback rate for the year was 2.8377 mills, and staff showed examples of revenue at various rates; council members noted Highlands County property values have increased roughly 6.67% this year, which will affect ad valorem revenues.

Mayor Charles and councilors emphasized that setting the millage at 3.65 mills does not lock the town into that final rate. Staff said the council can only reduce the rate later in the budget process, not raise it. Council members asked staff to present multiple budget scenarios at future workshops so elected officials can decide which programs and capital projects to keep or pare back.

Council members said the higher preliminary figure is a conservative choice intended to preserve flexibility for equipment replacement and other capital needs, while several members signaled an intent to reduce the published rate during budgeting. The council directed staff to prepare the budget materials and hold three workshops (July 30, Aug. 6 and Aug. 27 were announced) to consider priorities before final adoption.

The motion to set the millage at 3.65 mills passed by unanimous roll call among council members present.