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Crestview council holds extended FY27 budget workshop, votes to keep millage rate
Summary
City staff outlined FY27 priorities and risks — including utility capacity projects and proposed fee increases — and emphasized contingency planning for two statewide ballot measures; council accepted the tentative millage rate and set budget hearing dates.
City of Crestview officials spent a full-day workshop detailing priorities and contingencies for the fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on infrastructure projects, utility capacity and possible revenue shocks from statewide ballot measures. The council voted unanimously to accept the current millage rate as tentative and approved Sept. 8 (tentative) and Dec. 21 (final) hearing dates.
City Manager Levins framed the workshop as a proactive planning exercise amid uncertainty from two ballot initiatives. "If this passes ... we'll see a 3.8, almost $3,900,000 loss in revenue by year 2," Levins said, summarizing staff analysis on the proposed homestead property-tax change and its potential 30% impact on city ad valorem revenues. Staff described a menu of responses — from fee increases to shared services — but stressed the need for time-sensitive planning. "However the vote goes, we will adapt and overcome," Levins said.
The workshop covered the strategic plan, major capital projects (a recently approved $20 million bond for Fire Station 3, a public services complex and the Crestview Recreation Center) and utilities work including water modeling and sewer lift-station projects. Staff noted water supply is in a relatively strong position while sewer capacity remains a multi-year challenge that will require targeted investments and potential diversion agreements with county systems. The council approved the tentative millage by voice vote (5–0) and directed staff to continue refining the proposed budget and fee schedule for later hearings.
