City would take $163,924 more to fund 3% raises

The St. Augustine Beach City Commission is scheduled on September 8, 2026, to set a tentative property tax of 2.5000 mills — $2.50 on every $1,000 of taxable value — for fiscal year 2027. That rate sits 3 percent above the 2.4273 rollback figure that would have brought in the same property-tax dollars as this year.

City Manager Max Royle’s memo says the 3 percent bump is worth $163,924 and exists to cover employee pay raises of 3 percent over fiscal year 2026 wages. In July the commission advertised a ceiling of 2.6700 mills, a number already printed on every owner’s notice, which would take about $547,241 more than a freeze.

Finance Director Patty Douylliez is listed to walk through a proposed $15,555,894 budget. Keeping last year’s 2.5000-mill operating rate on a larger tax roll still lifts what City Hall collects; the rollback would have held the haul even. The extra six figures are the raise.

Commissioners may adopt 2.5000 mills, cut toward the hold-even rate, or climb as high as the advertised 2.6700 mills. After public comment they may give preliminary approval to the levy and the budget. A second public hearing and final vote are proposed for September 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.

The matter is set for 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, at City Hall, 2200 A1A South.