FY 2026 Preliminary Budget Workshop with Budget Advisory Board - June 17, 2025

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission held a joint workshop with the Budget Advisory Board (BAB) on June 17, 2025, to review the Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget. Key topics included a proposed 8.15% increase in taxable property value, a $75 increase in the fire assessment fee to $403 for full cost recovery, a $4.8 million emergency management reserve funded by a PFAS settlement, and strategic enhancements for public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, and cultural initiatives. The meeting also featured robust debate on FIFA World Cup funding, the use of reserves, and the long-delayed Las Olas Garage lighting repairs.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar was presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments from non-board members were recorded.

Discussion Items

• Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget Overview: City Manager Raquel Williams presented a balanced preliminary budget reflecting no millage rate increase (4.1193 for the 19th consecutive year), driven by an 8.15% increase in taxable property value generating an additional $17.1 million for the general fund. Key revenue sources include a $4.8 million PFAS settlement and a fire assessment increase to full cost recovery ($403 per residential property, up $75), generating $10.4 million for capital projects (Fire Station 88, 13, and Herring Garage).
• Fire Assessment Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Vice Mayor Herbst proposed exploring a fire assessment exemption for disabled veterans. Staff analysis indicated it would affect approximately 469 properties (372 with 100% VA exemption, 97 partial) and reduce revenue by about $153,832. The Commission expressed support for pursuing this.
• Accelerated Cost Recovery for Fire Stations: Commissioner Glassman questioned the three-year accelerated cost recovery for fire station capital costs, arguing that costs should be recovered over the useful life of the building (e.g., 40 years). Staff stated this methodology is the consultant’s recommendation and has been used previously.
• Strategic Enhancements: Staff presented enhancements including homelessness support expansion (condition-based sheltering, safe parking pilot), economic development (airport workforce training, water affordability program), cultural affairs funding (public art, Sailboat Bend and Himmarshee activation), fire officer development program, classification and compensation study, and smart irrigation controllers.
• FIFA World Cup and Semiquincentennial Funding: Staff proposed $700,000 for FIFA World Cup activations and a New Year’s Eve celebration for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th birthday). Mayor Trantalis and Vice Mayor Herbst expressed strong caution, noting FIFA events are primarily in Miami-Dade County, ticket sales have plummeted due to travel fears, and the Tourist Development Council is already pushing back on county funding. The Mayor suggested prioritizing the New Year’s Eve celebration with Live Nation at Chase Stadium, which could be underwritten by Inter Miami.
• Special Events and Police Overtime: The budget memorializes $2.7 million in operational funding for 33 city-hosted events plus $1.8 million in police overtime (including $1.2 million for spring break). The Police Chief noted the growing security demands, including a recent incident where a loaded weapon was detected at Stonewall Pride. Commissioner Glassman advocated for reducing the number of events and increasing permit fees.
• Emergency Management Reserve: The city manager proposed a $4.8 million emergency management reserve funded by the PFAS settlement, citing uncertainty about federal FEMA support. Commissioner Glassman strongly opposed this, arguing the city already has a 25% fund balance ($100+ million) which is excessive, and suggesting the money should be used to pay down debt or fund infrastructure. Mayor Trantalis supported the reserve, citing potential elimination or reduction of FEMA reimbursement. Commissioner Sorensen sought clarification on the reserve’s use guidelines.
• Budget Advisory Board Recommendations: BAB Chair Brown reported that the board supports: (1) establishing the emergency reserve with strict codified guidelines; (2) the full cost recovery fire assessment increase; (3) no millage increase; (4) continued review of event costs, nonprofit funding, fees, and sponsorship opportunities. BAB members also expressed support for public safety initiatives and the 250th celebration but caution on FIFA.
• Las Olas Garage Lighting and Beach Wave Wall: Commissioner Beasley-Pittman pressed for action on the long-delayed Las Olas Garage lighting repairs (three years) and the beach wave wall. Staff reported a procurement process for garage lighting is underway with a July evaluation committee, while the city attorney’s office is in pre-suit mediation (tolling agreement expires July 12, 2025) with the contractor over defective lighting and screening. Commissioner Beasley-Pittman demanded a timetable and aggressive legal action. The wave wall is going out for solicitation, with an unsolicited proposal as a backup. Commissioner Glassman also expressed frustration over the delays.
• Stantec Long-Term Financial Plan: The presentation by Stantec Consulting on the FY 2026–2036 Long Term Financial Plan was postponed due to time constraints. The Commission decided to reconvene after a 30-minute recess to hear the presentation, deferring other conference agenda items.

Key Outcomes

• No vote taken on the preliminary budget; it is a discussion item in advance of the June 30, 2025 meeting where the commission will set maximum millage rates and the fire assessment rate.
• The Commission agreed to bring Stantec back for a presentation after a 30-minute recess, prioritizing it over conference agenda items.
• The Commission expressed support for exploring a fire assessment exemption for disabled veterans, with staff to include that in the budget draft.
• The Commission directed staff to provide a timetable for resolution of the Las Olas Garage litigation and to aggressively pursue the claim.
• Commissioner Sorensen requested inclusion in discussions about FIFA World Cup activations.