Winter Park adopts 4.0923‑mill tax rate and FY2027 budget

The City Commission opened a simultaneous public hearing on two ordinances required by state statute: one to set the 2027 millage rate and another to adopt the fiscal year 2027 budget and five‑year capital improvement plan. City staff read the certified rollback and proposed millage calculations and explained that a 4.0923‑mill ad valorem levy (including a 0.1937‑mill voted debt service levy) is proposed based on increased assessed values.

"The millage rate needed for fiscal year 2027 to generate the same property tax revenue for the city as in 2026... is 3.8915 mills," the mayor read during the required notice. The commission then adopted an operating millage of 4.0923 mills, which staff said represents a 5.16% increase over the rollback rate due to assessment changes.

Following public comment — which included several speakers urging protection of the urban tree canopy — the commission voted to adopt the budget ordinance for fiscal year 2026–27 and to approve the millage. Commissioners recorded their votes individually on the record; all voted in favor. The manager and mayor noted that contingency funds could be used to add back items if the commission decided to do so based on later information or results from the canopy inventory.

The adopted budget includes appropriations across general fund, stormwater, utilities, affordable-housing trust, capital funds and enterprise funds. The commission also authorized an updated capital plan and carryforwards as part of the ordinance.