Pasco board adopts tentative 2026–27 millage and budget; sets final hearing for Sept. 8

The District School Board of Pasco County voted unanimously to adopt a tentative millage rate of 6.184 mills and to approve the tentative fiscal year 2026–27 budget, which Superintendent Legg read into the record as totaling $2,284,173,662.

Superintendent Legg (Superintendent) told the board the tentative budget reflects a $21,610,763 (0.9 percent) decrease from last year and includes a general operating budget of roughly $1.154 billion and a capital budget of $602 million. Under the proposed millage, a homeowner with a $350,000 house after the $25,000 homestead exemption would pay an estimated $2,010 in property taxes, a $29 decrease from the prior year. "Once these millage rates are adopted, the district will certify them to the property appraiser to begin the notices to residents for the upcoming tax year," Legg said as he requested approval of the tentative figures.

Board members emphasized the limits imposed by restricted state funding. Mrs. Harding, a board member, thanked the finance team and noted the district must manage pass-through and categorical allocations that "flow through our budget, but do not stay on our traditional public schools," citing family empowerment scholarships and charter pass-throughs as important examples. Harding pointed out that 90.7 percent of the general fund operating budget is spent on school-level services and highlighted reductions in debt service and other cost-saving measures.

Attorney Meeker announced the tentative hearing was the first of two and that the final public hearing will be held Sept. 8, 2026, at 6 p.m.; he also confirmed notices were posted "in compliance with Florida statutes." With no public speakers registered for the hearing, the board moved to the formal votes. The motion to adopt the tentative millage was moved and seconded and carried unanimously; the motion to adopt the tentative budget likewise passed by unanimous vote.

The district's published budget book includes staff allocations, a five-year capital plan, and the strategic goals the board will finalize with the adopted budget in September. The tentative budget remains subject to change through formal budget amendments before final adoption.