Stuart presents FY2027 draft budget balanced around 5‑mill assumption

City staff presented the draft fiscal year 2027 budget at a special commission workshop on Aug. 10, outlining approximately $108 million in total revenues and roughly $112 million in proposed spending across all funds. Financial Services Director Kate Ambrosini said the draft keeps the general fund near balance—approximately $50.2 million in revenues and about $50.2 million in expenses—assuming a 5‑mill ad valorem rate and subject to state revenue updates. "The draft '27 budget book is available online," Ambrosini told commissioners during the presentation.

Ambrosini said the city started July projections with about $49.5 million in revenues and $54.3 million in expenses and worked to close an initial $4.8 million gap through a combination of insurance updates, a 5% departmental operating reduction and a review of pension and other benefit rate changes. She flagged state revenue as the largest outstanding variable and said the current numbers include an 8.8% Cigna insurance rate increase and a roughly 5% FRS rate increase. The city manager said capital spending will be presented separately in a multiyear capital budget that will include funding sources and a recommended two‑year adoption window.