Council split over 6.2 vs. 6.5 mills as members weigh tax relief, services

A council member urged the City Council to reduce the proposed millage from 6.5 to 6.2 mills, saying Brooksville's taxable value has roughly doubled in a decade and that the difference in revenue between the two rates would be about $274,500. "I support reducing the millage rate to 6.2," the member said, urging the council to find savings before asking taxpayers to pay the higher rate.

Council colleagues pushed back, arguing that prior staff cuts shifted workloads and that proposed investments are needed to maintain services. One council member warned that eliminating positions restored last year would be "irresponsible," and described investments such as equipment and employee pay as necessary to avoid repeating past staffing shortfalls. The council ultimately rejected the 6.2 proposal and voted 4–1 to approve 6.5 mills.