Fernandina Beach commission sets tentative millage at 4.8530 to keep flexibility ahead of parking referendum

The Fernandina Beach City Commission voted 4–1 to set a tentative millage rate of 4.8530 for fiscal year 2026–27, a decision the commission described as preserving budget flexibility in the face of pending state property‑tax reforms and a local referendum on paid parking.

City Manager Sarah Campbell told commissioners the 4.8530 figure is a "what‑if" scenario that would replace $1,500,000 currently allocated from the paid‑parking program to a waterfront redevelopment contract if the city chose to eliminate paid parking. Campbell said that option, which she balanced as a contingency, "would provide you the cushion of $1,500,000." The tentative rate must be followed by public hearings in September and a final vote later in the budget process.

Supporters of the higher tentative rate said retaining flexibility was prudent given uncertainty about the August referendum and state changes to property‑tax rules. One commissioner urged caution: "I'd rather go safe than sorry," and said the commission can always lower the rate at subsequent hearings. Opponents focused on fairness to non‑homesteaded and commercial property owners and concerns about deferred capital projects under lower rates.

The motion to set the tentative rate at 4.8530 was made by a commissioner and seconded; the chair called the vote and reported it passed 4 to 1. The commission closed the special meeting and directed staff to continue preparing the manager's budget and present contingency figures at upcoming workshops.