From Staff Reports
The Apopka City Council will hold its second budget hearing on Wednesday to give final approval to its 2025–26 budget and millage rate. The upcoming hearing will mark the conclusion of a months-long process that included three summer workshops, a tentative budget vote earlier this month, and now a final decision before the new fiscal year begins on October 1st.
At the first budget hearing on September 3rd, the council voted 4-0 to approve the city’s tentative spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Commissioner Nick Nesta abstained from the vote, citing a conflict of interest involving a nonprofit organization connected to the budget.
In addition to adopting the tentative budget, the council voted 5-0 to lower the property tax rate from 4.6876 to 4.4376 mills. That reduction, though modest, represents an effort by the City Council to provide some relief to residents after a rate increase to utility bills.
Commissioner Diane Velazquez emphasized that the lower millage rate was designed to help residents with rising costs.
“With all the increases, this is a way of giving back to the taxpayers,” Velazquez said.
Mayor Bryan Nelson agreed, adding that while the City has faced criticism over utility rates, lowering the millage rate was a more responsible way to ease the burden on residents.
“I can assure you there is no one in Central Florida reducing their rates,” Nelson said. “As much as people are angry with us over utility rates, we’re going to try to help the residents. This is a better way than reducing water rates.”
The 2025–26 budget funds a wide range of city services, including public safety, parks and recreation, infrastructure improvements, and city administration. Department leaders presented their priorities during three budget workshops held in July, giving the council a detailed view of the needs across Apopka.
With the tentative approvals now in place, the September 17 hearing will provide residents with a final opportunity to weigh in before the council makes its official vote. If the budget is adopted as expected, it will take effect on October 1st, the beginning of the new fiscal year.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at Apopka City Hall, 120 E. Main Street. It is open to the public and can also be watched on the City's YouTube Channel.
