City Council completes budget workshops

Consensus vote of 5-0 to increase millage rate 0.5

The Apopka City Council concluded its series of workshops yesterday by keeping the 0.5 millage increase that was proposed in an earlier workshop.

The Council cancelled the scheduled budget workshop for today. The proposed $102,264,752 budget for fiscal year 2017 moves to the public hearings stage next month.

The Council voted 5-0 and gave consensus to raise the property tax rate by a half-mill, which would equal $50 in additional annual taxes for every $100,000 in taxable property value. It was the first of three votes needed to set the rate.

“I think it’s a modest increase that sets Apopka up for future success,” said Mayor Joe Kilsheimer. “That’s my goal – to set Apopka up for success. I want to make Apopka the best metropolitan community in Central Florida.”

“I’m pleased we are putting reserves back,” said Commissioner Doug Bankson. “Putting back reserves was my sticking point. Had we not done that, I would not have been for it.”

Commissioner Kyle Becker summarized the workshops as a process, and looked forward to future discussions on the budget.

"As we went through the budget process and workshops over the last month, it became apparent we would not be positioned to address short term infrastructure, facility and fleet needs; as well as address resource deficiencies to ensure quality service and safety to our residents. In lieu of pulling more dollars from reserves, it was a unanimous decision to increase the rate by half a millage point. Apopka will still benefit from a millage rate lower than most in our area, but be better positioned for future budget needs. I also look forward to having conversations about new or revised impact fees to mitigate the burden on current residents for growth needs brought on by new development."