Winter Haven sets tentative 2025–26 millage at 6.59 mills and approves market pay reclassifications

The Winter Haven City Commission on Monday set a tentative property tax rate of 6.59 mills for fiscal year 2025–26, approved Sept. 10 as the first budget hearing, and authorized market‑based pay classification adjustments for 19 job titles affecting 38 seats.

City Manager (City Manager) told the commission the proposed budget uses the existing 6.59‑mill rate and “Staff does recommend the city commission establish the fiscal year 25 26 tentative millage rate at 6.59 mills.” The manager presented budget totals, proposed staffing changes and program highlights that staff said balance reserves with ongoing service needs.

The budget presentation said the combined city budget for 2025–26 is $250,280,102, a reduction of about $47.38 million (roughly 15.5 percent) from the prior year largely because fewer one‑time capital projects are included. The proposed general fund available fund balance is $25,261,367, which the manager said exceeds the city’s 30 percent reserve target by $641,403.

The manager outlined key numbers and program priorities: taxable value in the city increased about 12.3 percent over the prior year, forecasted ad valorem revenues increased by roughly $3.4 million, and the city proposes to continue a $250,000 appropriation to an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The budget includes 766 total positions, with 23 new full‑time and six part‑time positions; nine of the new full‑time jobs are in the general fund. Staff recommended a 5 percent market increase to base starting salary scales and a 6 percent adjustment for incumbent employees to address compression and recruitment/retention concerns.

The commission also approved proposed reclassifications for 19 job titles (38 seats) effective Aug. 1 at an estimated prorated cost of less than $4,850 through the end of the fiscal year, according to staff. The manager said those adjustments were intended to position affected positions correctly ahead of any broader pay changes on the new fiscal year’s first day.

Commission discussion emphasized maintaining reserves, continuing investments in affordable housing and public safety staffing, and carrying forward funding for capital projects. The manager said the budget anticipates capital spending will be lower than the prior year because many large capital projects were completed in 2024–25; fiscal year 2024–25 capital spending exceeded $133 million, while capital for 2025–26 is estimated near $72 million.

The commission voted to set the first public hearing on the millage and budget for Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. in the John Fuller Auditorium at City Hall. In the same meeting the commission approved the market reclassifications recommended by staff.

The manager also noted a separate resolution will return to the commission on or before Sept. 15 with a final non‑ad valorem assessment roll for corrective action liens and reiterated that the city will transmit required TRIM notices to the Polk County property appraiser following the commission’s action.

Less critical details: staff said the budget continues funding for community partners and transit, funds seed money ($500,000) for a proposed Hartford Winter Haven CDFI to support small‑business financing, includes step plan continuation for employees, and holds certain water and transportation projects for additional review. The manager asked the commission to authorize the market reclassifications and to permit staff to proceed with required TRIM notifications.

Looking ahead, staff said the commission will receive the formal budget adoption hearing in September and additional line‑item discussions and that any negotiated changes with bargaining units could alter final personnel costs.

Speakers quoted in this report are identified in the meeting record; motions on the millage, hearing date and reclassifications were moved and adopted by the commission.