New state rules make a tax rate above the no-raise line need a supermajority — the city is still aiming above it
Finance Director Douylliez walked the July 13 Commission through Senate Bill 4F: a millage above the rollback rate will need two-thirds or a unanimous vote at the final September hearing, depending how far above. House Bill 1329 piles on more "transparency" reports.
The rollback is the no-raise line. Anything higher is a raise. Staff said FY27 will be "particularly challenging" and that the new vote math does not stop the city from setting a high notice rate now.
Two weeks later, the July 27 packet asked the Commission to adopt 2.67 mills — above this year's 2.50 and 10 percent above the 2.4273 rollback, $547,240 more on staff's own table. That is the two-thirds ceiling, not a decision to take less.
The final rate vote is still September.
Sources
- City Commission Meeting, July 13, 2026 minutes (PDF) July 13 Finance briefing on Senate Bill 4F vote thresholds for millage above rollback, House Bill 1329 reporting, FY27 called particularly challenging, and that the new rules will not affect the initial millage-setting.
- City Commission Meeting, July 27, 2026 agenda packet (PDF) Staff asked the Commission to adopt 2.6700 mills; table lists FY26 millage at 2.5000, rollback at 2.4273, and 2.6700 as 10.00 percent / $547,240.65 over rollback.
- City Commission Meeting, July 27, 2026 livestream (YouTube) Majority to stay at rollback, two-thirds up to 110 percent of rollback, unanimous above 110 percent; TRIM notices carry the July 27 tentative rate; final hearings in September.
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