Ocala council adopts tentative city budget and asks staff to detail nonprofit in‑kind support

The Ocala City Council adopted multiple budget resolutions on Sept. 9, 2026, setting tentative millage rates and the FY 2026-27 budget and approving related budget resolutions by roll call.

Budget Director Tammy Haslam told the council the proposed city millage rate for FY 2026-27 is consistent with the current year and noted the budget is balanced. The clerk read the city operating millage of 6.6177, which the clerk said is greater than the rollback rate of 6.3727 by 3.84%. The clerk later announced the tentative general fund total of $207,375,506.96 and a total city tentative budget of $1,269,705,929.

During public comment, Lauren Diorio, CEO of the Community Foundation, said the Foundation "does not take any admin fee from the money we receive from the city of Ocala" and offered a paper with recommendations for a transparent nonprofit selection process. Wayne Little Jr., from the MLK commemorative committee, said "the loss of $10,000 creates a significant challenge for a volunteer led committee" and asked council to consider partial funding or in‑kind support for scholarships and events. Councilmembers agreed to proceed with the current-year funding distribution this cycle while directing staff to compile a complete inventory of in‑kind donations (police, fire, facilities, leases and similar city services) and to draft formal agreements or performance measures for the named nonprofits and the Community Foundation for council consideration.