News Summary
The Oldsmar City Council has approved a tentative budget of $53.8 million, maintaining the property tax rate at 4.05 mills for the upcoming fiscal year. This marks the 36th year of stable or reduced millage rates. Key allocations include $21 million for the General Fund and significant funding for water and sewer operations. A public hearing is set for September 16 for community input before final budget adoption, reinforcing the council’s commitment to transparency and efficient city management.
Oldsmar – The Oldsmar City Council approved a tentative budget of $53.8 million and maintained the property tax rate at 4.05 mills during a meeting on September 10, 2025. The fiscal year is set to begin on October 1, 2025, with a final public hearing for the budget scheduled for September 16, 2025.
The council’s decision comes as part of a long-standing practice; this marks the 36th consecutive year that the city has maintained a millage rate that is either unchanged or reduced compared to previous years. Out of these 36 years, there have been four instances where the millage rate saw a decrease. The current rate of 4.05 mills represents an increase of 4.7% over the certified “rolled-back rate” of 3.86383 mills. The rolled-back rate is defined as the tax rate necessary to collect the same revenue from existing properties as the previous year.
During the meeting, the motion to approve the tentative millage rate received a unanimous vote of 4-0. Following this decision, the council held a public hearing to discuss and approve the budget.
Budget Allocations
Within the $53.8 million total financial plan, multiple allocations cater to essential city services. The General Fund is set to receive nearly $21 million, which will be utilized for day-to-day operations and various city services. In addition, over $13.8 million is earmarked for the Water and Sewer Operating Fund, ensuring the maintenance and operation of the city’s utility systems. Furthermore, more than $5.6 million has been allocated to the Capital Improvement Fund to support large-scale infrastructure projects.
Insurance and Efficiency Considerations
The budget approval process also included discussions regarding the renewal of general liability, property, and workers’ compensation insurance. The council indicated that there were no recommended changes to the existing coverages, reflecting an aim for stability in insurance management.
Council’s Commitment
Mayor Katie Gannon highlighted the council’s ongoing efforts to keep taxes low while maximizing the efficiency of city services. By maintaining the property tax rate and strategically allocating funds, the council aims to ensure that the city operates smoothly and that residents continue to receive essential services.
Conclusion
The upcoming public hearing on September 16, 2025, will provide an opportunity for additional community input before the final adoption of the budget. The City Council remains committed to transparency and accountability in the fiscal management of Oldsmar, fostering a collaborative environment with its constituents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- TBN Weekly – Oldsmar City Council Budget Approval
- Wikipedia: Property Tax
- TBN Weekly – City Services Overview
- Google Search: Oldsmar Budget Meeting
- TBN Weekly – Budget Allocations Breakdown
- Google Scholar: City Budget Management
- TBN Weekly – Council’s Commitment to Tax Payers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Council
- TBN Weekly – Community Input Invitation
- Google News: Oldsmar City Council
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