Bartow Adopts FY 2026-27 Millage Rate, City Budget Approved Unanimously
City Commissioners ratified both Resolution No. 26-4277-R, adopting the millage rate of 6.1080 mills for Fiscal Year 2026-27, and Resolution No. 26-4278-R, the tentative budget. No one from the audience chose to address the commission. Nor were there any questions or discussion among commissioners prior to the vote in which each resolution was unanimously approved in roll call votes.
Millage
The millage rate remains unchanged from FY 2025-26. It is projected to generate $10,447,872, an estimated 32.6 percent of total General Fund revenues.
This is a 2.66 percent increase over a rolled-back millage rate of 5.9495 mills. A rolled-back millage rate is the tax rate that would generate the same total property tax revenue as the previous year, based on current taxable values and excluding any new construction. This rate helps ensure property taxes do not increase solely because of rising property values. However, it does not account for potential revenue from new construction.
Budget
Commissioners also approved in a unanimous vote the tentative budget for FY 26-27 of $145,793,441. This amount includes the projected $10,447,872 in ad valorem taxes as well as:
- General government taxes: $7,696,899
- Permits, fees and assessments: $2,355,181
- Intergovernmental revenues: $4,684,477
- Charges for services: $78,164,447
- Judgments, fines and forfeitures: $1,395,047
- Miscellaneous revenues: $1,338,700
- Other sources: $1,078,892
- Impact fees: $2,175,000
- Debt proceeds: $13,000,000
- Transfers In: $12,951,500
- Fund Balances/Reserves/Net Assets: $10,505,426
Transfers In refer to the movement of funds or resources between different accounts or departments within local governments or municipalities. This can include budget transfers, utility profits, or road jurisdiction transfers, all aimed at reallocating resources to meet various operational needs.
Fund balances, reserves and net assets represent the financial resources available for future expenditures and obligations. These balances are crucial for maintaining fiscal stability and ensuring that municipalities can meet their financial commitments.
Steve Steiner can be reached at: [email protected]
Sources: City of Bartow City Commission Regular Meeting, September 15, 2026; City of Bartow City Commission Regular Meeting, September 3, 2026; Florida League of Cities, flcities.org; Florida Department of Financial Services, myfloridacfo.com; City of Bartow City Commission Agenda Packet, September 15, 2026.
