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Escambia County officials outline $890 million proposed FY2026‑27 budget, no millage change
Summary
County staff presented a balanced FY2026‑27 budget totaling $890,095,709 that holds millage rates steady, increases general‑fund reserves and includes a 2% across‑the‑board raise; commissioners pressed for more data on reserves and pay‑policy options.
County staff presented a proposed FY2026‑27 balanced budget of $890,095,709 during the July 23 budget workshop, a $22.1 million increase from the prior year. The proposed general fund totals $360,396,329 and the county is not proposing changes to existing millage rates for countywide, library and special taxing units.
"The fiscal year 26‑27 budget represents an increase of $22,100,000 across all county funds over the prior year's total adopted budget," the county administrator summarized during his overview. He also walked the board through the proposed reserve structure, noting a general‑fund contingency target of 12.5 percent.
The presentation itemized mandated costs and staffing changes: the budget includes a 2 percent across‑the‑board pay increase totaling about $2.5 million across all funds, 85 added positions and 68 deleted or defunded positions across multiple departments. The plan also reflects a rising share for Florida Retirement System contributions and specific allocations for community partner requests and TIF payments. "There is no change in millage rates as follows: Countywide millage is 6.600," the presenter said.
Commissioners probed the reserve policy and pay proposals. One commissioner asked why the board's contingency policy was set at 12.5 percent and whether an industry standard informed that rate; staff replied they reviewed Government Finance Officers Association guidance and county cash‑flow patterns in setting the target. On raises, commissioners debated a flat 2 percent increase versus a merit‑based system, and whether merit metrics could be developed in time for next fiscal year. HR staff said performance evaluations exist but would need position‑specific metrics and union agreement to move to a merit system.
The workshop concluded with staff confirming the public budget hearing dates: September 8 (first public hearing) and September 24 (second public hearing).
