SUBJECT
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Set Proposed Countywide Millage Rate for FY 26/27.
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DESCRIPTION
Pursuant to the statutory timetable for Truth in Millage (TRIM) compliance (Florida Statute 200.065), within 35 days of the certification of value from the Polk County Property, each taxing authority shall advise the Property Appraiser of:
a. Proposed millage rate
b. Current year rolled-back rate
c. Date, time, and place of the Tentative Budget Public Hearing
Therefore, to be in compliance with the TRIM statutory timetable, it is required that the Board of County Commissioners set the proposed Countywide millage rate of 6.6348 mills for FY 26/27 at today’s Board Meeting.
The proposed millage rate consists of four elements: (1) the General Fund operating millage rate of 4.9848, (2) the 1.2000 mills for Transportation, (3) the 0.2500 mills for Emergency Medical, and (4) the 0.2000 mills for Environmental Lands.
The proposed Countywide millage rate of 6.6348 mills is the same as the Countywide millage rate in the current fiscal year.
A copy of the Florida Department of Revenue’s Certification of Taxable Value form will be sent to the Polk County Property Appraiser so that the Property Appraiser’s office may mail the Notice of Proposed Property taxes. Section II of the completed form reflects the proposed millage rate of 6.6348 mills.
The millage rate adopted at the Final Budget Public Hearing cannot exceed the proposed millage rate. However, the adopted millage rate may be less than the proposed millage rate.
RECOMMENDATION
Set the Countywide operating millage rate for FY 26/27 at 6.6348 mills, which is more than the rolled-back rate of 6.5209 mills, and set the date, time, and place for the Tentative Budget Hearing as September 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at Polk County Commission Boardroom, County Administration Building, 330 West Church Street, Bartow, Florida
FISCAL IMPACT
The ad valorem revenue included in FY 26/27 Proposed Tentative Budget will be based on the millage rate set by the Board of County Commissioners.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Christia Johnson
Budget & Management Services Division Director
(863) 534-5985