Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Delray Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in taxes budget with critical priority
CRA Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget
The city is facing a $19.5 million gap between projected revenues and expenses for the upcoming fiscal year. Commissioners discussed whether to keep the tax rate steady or adjust millage rates, draw down rainy-day reserves, and find major operational efficiencies.
FY 2027 Budget and Millage Rate Adoption
The Commission locked in a 6.3501 mill operating rate — meaning most homeowners pay roughly 7% more due to rising property values, about $3,073 in city taxes on an average home. Carney wanted the 6.1611 rate held, arguing the city manager said services wouldn't be cut; Casale and staff warned about reserves dropping below policy. The budget grew to $715.8 million, driven mostly by capital and utility funds.
Fiscal Years 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program Budget
The city has opened its annual Capital Improvements Program public comment period to gather resident feedback on infrastructure projects over $25,000. Board members discussed various needs, including seawalls, traffic signals, tree canopy as infrastructure, and neighborhood drainage.
General Employee Compensation and COLA
The commission approved a 3.5% cost-of-living wage adjustment and a 5% salary schedule adjustment for general employees, alongside initiating a 2.5% retiree pension COLA, recognizing years of wage freezes and inflation pressures.
FY 2026-2027 Preliminary Departmental Budgets
Delray Beach is rolling out a zero-based budgeting process for its major departments, requiring department heads to justify every dollar from scratch and explore minimum, improved, and alternate service levels to find savings and efficiencies.