The city’s budget for FY26 is, somehow, simultaneously leaner than last year and bigger than ever before. City commissioners passed the $65.8 million taxing and spending plan on Sept. 25.

For the third year in a row, there will be fewer employees in the city, however there is money for an additional sworn police officer. (The vacant position isn’t new; it was “frozen” in the previous budget.)

The city’s Unassigned Balance Fund, a sort of emergency fund, is about twice (~35%) the recommended percentage of the budget (17.5%). That helped fund a decrease in property taxes.

The city millage rate was cut 3% to 6.3931. City taxes make up about a third of your overall property tax bill. Commissioner Mike Bracchi appreciated the cut, but believes it doesn’t go far enough.

“I think our residents need more of a break. I know there was no desire to go further than that, but I don’t think this is enough that our residents need.”

Commissioner Don D’Arminio says he supports the cut as-is, calling it “sustainable.” He believes that any deeper rollback may lead to increases in the coming years and wants the millage rate to be stable and not become a rollercoaster.

Mayor Scott Newton says some cities may look at the Wilton Manors budget and label much of it superfluous, but he says residents have different quality of life expectations.

“This is a good budget for this city at this time. Our residents and taxpayers look for a quality of life. That’s why they move to Wilton Manors. The things that are in this budget are needed.”

The votes come after months of wishlists, scrutiny, proposals, and counterproposals. The millage rate passed unanimously. The budget passed 4-1 with Bracchi dissenting. The budget takes effect Oct. 1.

Property taxes are the primary means that municipalities use to fund their operations. However, an overhaul to the state’s tax system is lurking.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced he is working on a plan to essentially eliminate property taxes in Florida. Republicans in the legislature are working separately on an overhaul, but recently told Newsweek they are not “currently entertaining” the idea of complete elimination.

Either would likely erode “home rule,” giving state officials in Tallahassee more influence over local spending. Any major change would require a statewide ballot referendum in Nov. 2026, and need the approval of 60% of voters.