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Winter Haven sets tentative 6.5900‑mill rate as city frames $372 million budget
Summary
Commission voted to set a tentative millage rate of 6.5900 mills for FY 2026–27 and scheduled the first public hearing for Sept. 15; staff presented a proposed $371.8 million budget focused on large capital investments, primarily in utilities, and warned of potential revenue losses under statewide property‑tax reform.
The Winter Haven City Commission established a tentative millage rate of 6.5900 mills for fiscal year 2026–27 and scheduled its first public hearing for Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the John Fuller Auditorium. City staff presented the proposed budget of $371,845,623, including approximately $177,500,000 in capital expenditures concentrated in the water utility and infrastructure projects.
City Manager explained the Truth in Millage (TRIM) process and said Winter Haven's 2026 gross taxable value is $5,608,674,230, producing an anticipated ad valorem revenue of $32,753,796 at the proposed rate. He summarized personnel and operating assumptions, including a proposed 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment effective Oct. 1 and a total staffing level of 776 positions. The manager said the proposed millage maintains budget balance and preserves reserves above the commission's 30% target.
On the potential statewide property tax change (Amendment 3), staff told commissioners that estimates show a local ad valorem revenue loss "about $10,400,000" based on the property appraiser's calculation and that some state estimates place the figure "north of $13,000,000." Commissioners discussed options including fire assessment fees and other revenue replacement strategies but chose to set the tentative millage now; a motion to set the rate and hearing dates carried by voice vote.
The commission may reduce the millage at subsequent hearings but cannot increase it beyond the tentative rate; staff said the final vote is scheduled for Sept. 28, 2026.
