Submitted By: Cindy Krepps
presenter
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
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Department: Budget
FORMAL TITLE (Motion Ready):
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Resolution 2026-160 to adopt the tentative Fiscal Year 2026-27 millage rate for the City of Ocala at the current rate of 6.6177
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The budget was presented to the City Council during an August 11, 2026, workshop. The attached budget resolution reflects the Fiscal Year 2026-27 millage rate to be levied. Highlights of the tentative budget follow:
• The overall budget totals $1,269,705,929.
• The General Fund budget totals $207,375,596.
• The budget is balanced at a millage rate of 6.6177, which is 3.84 percent above the rolled-back rate of 6.3727.
• The additional revenue derived from the increase over the rolled-back rate will support the addition of critical employees as well as assist with increasing cost pressures related to salary, benefits, and operating costs.
• The General Fund reserve for fund balance is fully funded at the 20 percent level.
• All funds are balanced revenues to expenditures.
• The Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board adopted the Community Redevelopment Subarea Funds' budgets on September 9, 2026.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Per Florida Statutes, Section 200.065, the City Council must hold a public hearing to adopt the tentative millage and budget for the City of Ocala. The Council, Mayor, City Manager, and all departments have participated in the budget process.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget to be tentatively adopted on September 9, 2026, totals $1,269,705,929. This total includes the Downtown Development fund, which the City Council adopted on September 9, 2026.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
Provide alternative direction
RESOLUTION 2026-160
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OCALA ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE LEVYING OF AD VALOREM TAXES FOR THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
WHEREAS, the City of Ocala, Florida, on September 9, 2026, adopted a fiscal year tentative millage rate following a public hearing as required by Florida Statute 200.065; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ocala, Florida, held a public hearing as required by Florida Statute 200.065; and
WHEREAS, the gross taxable value for operating purposes not exempt from taxation within the City of Ocala has been certified by the Marion County Property Appraiser as $9,179,773,499.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Ocala, Florida, that:
1. The Fiscal Year 2026-27 operating millage rate is 6.6177, which is greater than the rolled-back rate of 6.3727 by 3.84%.
2. This resolution will take effect immediately upon its adoption.
This resolution adopted this ______ day of ______________________, 2026.
ATTEST: CITY OF OCALA
By: By:
Angel B. Jacobs Ire Bethea, Sr.
City Clerk President, Ocala City Council
Approved as to form and legality:
By: _________________________________
William E. Sexton
City Attorney
Reviewed for accounting accuracy & completeness:
By: _________________________________
Peter A. Lee
City Manager