Homestead Council Approves 6.0567 Millage Rate for Proposed 2026-27 Budget

The Homestead City Council approved a 6.0567 millage rate for the proposed 2026-27 fiscal year budget during its Sept. 8 meeting.

The approved rate is higher than the current 5.9604 mills but remains below the maximum 6.3945-mill rate that appeared on Truth in Millage notices sent to property owners.

The proposed budget also includes funding for five additional Homestead police officers, a request that contributed to the increase in the millage rate.

During an earlier budget workshop, the Council established a not-to-exceed millage rate of 6.3945 mills. Council members later lowered the proposed rate to 6.0567 during an Aug. 27 workshop.

According to city information, the increase from 5.9604 mills to 6.0567 mills will help accommodate the cost of the additional police officers as Homestead prepares its spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Councilman Larry Roth expressed concern about the city's overall level of spending, saying he believed Homestead should have found ways to reduce expenditures in the proposed budget.

The Sept. 8 action does not complete the city's annual budget process.

The City Council is scheduled to hold its second and final public budget hearing Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 5:01 p.m. The meeting will take place at Homestead City Hall and will also allow for virtual participation.

Council members are expected to consider final adoption of the city budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2026, and ending Sept. 30, 2027, along with the city's capital improvement plan.

The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.