St. Augustine, Florida Development News

City Commission Reviews FY2027 Revenue Manual, Discusses Millage Rate and Fee Adjustments

The Finance Director presented the fiscal year 2027 revenue manual, detailing major revenue sources, legal authority, and usage. The manual includes historical collections, current projections, and five-year forecasts. Key discussions included Ad Valorem taxes, franchise fees, utility taxes, state-distributed revenues, building permits, fire assessment fees, short-term rental permits, event fees, and proprietary funds such as utilities, stormwater, solid waste, and the Visitor Information Center Fund. Staff recommended maintaining the current millage rate of 7.5 mils due to uncertainties and the need to sustain service levels. Several fee increases were proposed to cover operating costs and capital replacements across various city funds. Commissioners discussed potential impacts of a proposed property tax reform amendment and explored various revenue enhancement strategies, including increased fees and rental income, while also considering potential cost reductions.