The Apopka City Council voted 4-1 during its special meeting on July 9th to set the proposed millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year at 4.6876 mills. This rate, which determines the amount of property tax residents will pay per $1,000 of assessed value, is a key factor in funding the city's operations. At this rate, Apopka is projected to generate approximately $36.6 million in property tax revenue for the 2025–26 fiscal year.
Commissioner Nick Nesta voted against the millage rate proposal.
The proposed general fund budget for the upcoming year stands at $108.6 million, supporting a wide range of city services including public safety, parks and recreation, infrastructure, and administration.
Earlier at the third budget workshop, the Apopka Fire Department proposed a budget of $29.5 million, which includes nine additional personnel to staff a second tower truck - three lieutenants, three engineers, and three firefighters. It also proposed three additional EMS captains.
The Apopka Police Department proposed a budget of $31.9 million, which includes six additional officers, a second crime analyst, 19 field service vehicles, and five support vehicles.
Related: Apopka CRA Board approves budget amendments for fiscal year 2025.
Setting the millage rate in July is an important procedural step that Florida law requires. It allows Orange County’s Property Appraiser to prepare and distribute Truth-in-Millage (TRIM) notices to properties in August. The rate approved on July 9th can be lowered during public hearings in September.
The first public budget hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd, at 5:15 p.m., during which residents can offer input and the City Council can begin finalizing the budget.
This developing story will be updated with further details, including any amendments to the budget or changes to the proposed millage rate, in future editions of The Apopka Voice.
