Special City Commission Meeting – Preliminary Millage Rate Approval for FY 2025-26

The Sarasota City Commission held a special meeting on July 29, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 3:34 PM to discuss and set the maximum preliminary millage rates for the City of Sarasota, the Golden Gate Point Streetscape, and the Downtown Improvement District for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The meeting included public comment, detailed deliberation on the proposed operating millage increase, and a separate vote on additional millage rates.

Public Comments

• David Lowe (city resident) urged the Commission to allocate additional funds for improvements to Fruitville Road, describing it as a critical corridor for connectivity, walkability, and economic development. He noted only $12,000 was currently budgeted and called for a more significant investment.

Discussion Items

• Operating Millage Rate: Financial Administration Director Kelly Strickland presented a brief overview. The proposed budget included a 0.2730 mill increase (from 3.0000 to 3.2730 mills) to generate $4,777,942 and achieve a 20% unassigned fund balance reserve. Commissioners debated whether to set a higher maximum (3.3000 mills) to capture more revenue from anticipated property value growth (5.3% projected for next year) while providing flexibility to lower the rate in September. Vice Mayor Trice opposed a higher rate, citing ongoing hardship from storms for residents, and favored sticking close to staff’s recommendation. Mayor Alpert and Commissioner Ohlrich supported a maximum of 3.3000 mills, noting the additional $90.27 per year on a median home ($360,000 value) was modest. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch sought to balance capturing revenue with not overburdening taxpayers.
• Non-Represented Employee Compensation: Vice Mayor Trice raised concern that 96 non-represented employees who are past the step program and earning below area median income would receive no salary increase. She proposed a one-time payment of approximately $500 per employee, costing less than $50,000. Commissioners debated funding sources, including reallocating $50,000 from the Strategic Planning line item. Interim City Manager Bullock noted he could find the funds administratively, and the Commission expressed support for the gesture.
• Other Items: Commissioner Ahearn-Koch requested starting the new Computer Support Specialist II (Webmaster) position sooner than the planned six months, with support from Commissioner Ohlrich and the Mayor. Vice Mayor Trice requested workshops on budget process improvements and the Capital Improvement Plan. Commissioners also discussed follow-up on debris removal reserve policies and thanked staff for their work.

Key Outcomes

• Motion 1 (Operating Millage): Commissioner Ohlrich moved, seconded by Commissioner Ahearn-Koch, to set the maximum preliminary operating millage rate at 3.3000 mills for FY 2025-2026. The motion carried 4-1, with Vice Mayor Trice voting no. Several commissioners indicated the final rate in September would likely be lower (e.g., 3.2730 mills).
• Motion 2 (Debt Service, Special Districts, Downtown Improvement): Vice Mayor Trice moved, seconded by Commissioner Battie, to approve the following preliminary millage rates: City Debt Service – 0.1348 mills; Golden Gate Point Streetscape – Operating 0.6148 mills, Debt Service 0.5899 mills; Downtown Improvement District – 2.0000 mills. The motion passed 5-0.
• Staff was authorized to communicate the approved rates to the Sarasota County Property Appraiser.