Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kissimmee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in taxes budget with critical priority
FY 2027 millage rate and budget balance
Kissimmee kept its property tax rate at 4.6253 mills for an 18th straight year — 2.46% above the rollback rate — and adopted a $321.9 million budget. A hiring freeze, deferred equipment replacements and delayed capital projects are baked in to guard against Amendment 3's potential hit to the budget.
Property tax constitutional amendment fiscal impact
A proposed state constitutional amendment could cost Kissimmee $3.7 million in 2028 and $5.5 million in 2029 — a 12% to 18% property tax revenue cut. Worst case: losing 59 to 88 city jobs. The city is planning cuts now in case it passes in November.
Homestead exemption ballot measure and budget cuts
A new state measure — $150,000 homestead exemption rising to $250,000 in 2028 — goes on the November ballot, and staff is already preparing budget-cut recommendations to keep the city's budget balanced.
Termination of the City Attorney
The firing of the city attorney at the last meeting dominated public comment and the mayor's statement, with disputes over budget figures, Sunshine Law process and whether the vote was valid.
City Attorney termination and governance disputes
Mayor Espinosa cited a ten-year budget she says shows $6.2 million overcharged to taxpayers, $2.9 million in outside legal fees, delayed police pay raises, and an alleged unauthorized release of city documents to media. The commission terminated the city attorney 3-1, with severance negotiations ongoing through attorneys.