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Port Orange council sets maximum millage at 5.1500% amid budget uncertainty
Summary
After a detailed budget presentation that flagged a potential $10.5 million hit from a state property‑tax amendment, the Port Orange City Council voted 4‑0 to set the maximum FY 2026‑27 operating millage at 5.1500% to give staff a funding ceiling while staff finalizes revenue numbers.
The Port Orange City Council voted unanimously to set a maximum operating millage rate of 5.1500% for fiscal year 2026‑27, a move staff said is necessary to balance rising personnel costs while state and other revenue figures remain incomplete. City Manager Wayne told the council the proposed budget balances a general fund of $67,800,000 but still needs a millage ceiling to plan for payroll, insurance and fleet transitions.
"We balanced that budget to $67,800,000 at a $5.1000 millage rate," Wayne said during the presentation, and later explained staff had about $700,000 in carryover and needed roughly $1.6 million more that a 5.15% option would provide. Wayne also warned the council the city could face a two‑year reduction of about $10,500,000 if a state property‑tax measure (referred to in presentation as 'Amendment 3') passes.
Councilmembers debated the tradeoffs before voting. Council member (label 3) said he would prefer to hold the line and use fund balance if possible, while Council member Sean (label 5) urged support for the manager’s proposal, saying the city must provide tools to departments. "Let's give him the tool he needs," Sean said when backing the motion.
Public commenters urged the council to approve the ceiling to avoid personnel cuts. Warren Carmen, a Port Orange Police Department employee, said killing the 5.15 option would force cuts: "If you're not gonna go with the 5.15, then we gotta talk about cutting wages or cutting people or freezing positions," he said.
After public comment the council approved the 5.1500% maximum on a roll call vote, 4‑0. The action sets a ceiling only — it does not finalize the adopted millage or the complete budget. Clerk and staff announced tentative TRIM hearings for Sept. 16 (tentative) and Sept. 28 (final).
