Committee sets tentative FY2027 millage at 5.299 mills, advances draft budget

The Rockledge Finance & Budget Committee voted to set a tentative millage rate of 5.299 mills for Fiscal Year 2027 after a discussion of historic rates and potential changes to state property-tax rules. "A millage rate of 5.27 mills," City Manager Dr. Brenda Fettrow said while outlining the draft budget parameters, and staff moved the recommendation to a slightly higher tentative rate after modeling potential impacts.

Committee members approved the motion by a 4-0 vote. The draft budget presented to the committee assumes a base millage of 5.27 mills but committee discussion and a preliminary analysis led Councilman Frank T. Forester to move for a 5.299 mills tentative rate. The committee also discussed contingency planning should the state constitutional amendment on property taxes pass and asked staff to present fee and assessment options as part of the budget process.

The committee directed staff to continue refining the FY2027 budget and noted the tentative millage will be revisited during the formal budget hearings before the full Council. The committee meeting packet and the tentative figures will be included in the upcoming full Council budget files.