Port Richey presents FY 2026–27 draft budget, proposes 6.25 millage

Acting City Manager Sala Carey presented a draft FY 2026–27 general fund budget that totals “about $10,020,000,” and proposed a millage rate of 6.25 mil — lower than the city’s rollback rate. Carey said staff is aiming to hold fund balance reserves near the city’s 30% policy level, citing an estimated 30.7% reserve in the draft.

Carey told council that current-year revenues are listed at roughly $8,161,000 with prior-year carryforward and transfers contributing to the draft; she emphasized the budget remains tentative while staff finishes reconciling late discrepancies. “This is our general fund budget at a glance. We're basically at about $10,020,000,” Carey said. The presentation noted large spending priorities remain police, fire and general government, with general government shown at about $1,587,000 and fire at about $1,381,000.

The presenter framed the 6.25 mil proposal as part of a broader attempt to lower the millage from the current rate and to preserve service levels: staff cited the need to maintain emergency reserves in the event of storms and other disruptions. Council will consider the draft at upcoming budget hearings on September 3 and September 17.