FY 2026-27 millage rate and budget shortfall
Summary
The city is deep in the red: even the 4.5869 mills needed to balance the budget comes with 29 job cuts, no events, no capital projects, and $2.8 million in annual debt payments on an $18 million hurricane-recovery debt through 2034. The commission set a 4.65 ceiling only — the real decision lands in September, and Amendment 3 on the November ballot could slash homestead tax revenue further.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 10
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 22, 2026.
Impact analysis
A proposed 12%+ millage increase over the current 4.05 rate, with $2.8 million in annual debt payments and a $405,000 deficit even at 4.35 mills.
Anyone counting on the city keeping basic services running — though the price is higher property taxes on residents, especially seniors on fixed incomes.
City employees facing layoffs, residents facing higher tax bills, and users of parks, events, and programs being eliminated.
Mentions & discussions (10)
City Commission - Sep 22, 2026
The $54.5 million budget drops funded positions from 221 to 190, cuts the Fourth of July parade and fireworks, and slashes stormwater and street spending. The city is running on a razor-thin surplus, and Commissioner Langford wants monthly variance reports to catch problems early.
General - Sep 22, 2026
The CRA's spending power drops from about $2.5 million to roughly $1 million, mostly because last year's one-time cash carry-forward isn't repeated. Sidewalk funding is cut from $800,000 to $300,000 and park, playground, and drainage projects are zeroed out. Commissioners suggested possible general-fund transfers could boost CRA money between meetings.
General - Sep 8, 2026
The adopted CRA budget strips out most projects, cuts the director's position by 20%, and parks money in reserves — even though state law pushes CRAs to spend their funds on redevelopment. The director says the CRA can't make a difference without tools and funding.
City Commission - Sep 8, 2026
The city set a tentative millage of 4.35 mills — up from the 4.25 on the published agenda — with a 4.55 attempt failing for lack of a second. Some commissioners wanted to cut the CRA contribution to 50% instead of raising rates. The final rate comes at the next hearing and can only go down from here.
City Commission - Sep 1, 2026
The city is wrestling with how high to set property taxes for next year. A 4.35 millage needs 4 of 5 votes just to pass; anything less drops the rate to rollback and blows a roughly $385,000-plus hole in the budget. Staff expects a 3-2 split.
General - Sep 1, 2026
The city is trying to close a budget gap without raising the millage above 4.35, the max on a 4-1 commission vote. Even at 4.35 the budget is bare-bones — no cost-of-living raises, zero capital, and broken vehicles stay broken. If the November property-tax amendment passes, the city could lose about $1.6 million next year.
General - Aug 17, 2026
The city cut the general fund 16% (about $4.2 million) and is still short. The rollback rate (3.9707) leaves a $1.2 million hole requiring major service cuts; 4.35 leaves $545,000 short; 4.65 (needing a unanimous 5-0 commission vote) still leaves $32,000 short. The committee recommended 4.35 plus cutting the CRA.
City Commission - Aug 6, 2026
If the property tax overhaul passes in November, Lynn Haven faces an estimated $1.6 million hit in FY 2028 — the first of several years of cuts. Commissioners noted it could make a safety non-ad valorem assessment the only tool left, and a state judge's wording challenge adds uncertainty.
City Commission - Jul 28, 2026
The city is deep in the red: even the 4.5869 mills needed to balance the budget comes with 29 job cuts, no events, no capital projects, and $2.8 million in annual debt payments on an $18 million hurricane-recovery debt through 2034. The commission set a 4.65 ceiling only — the real decision lands in September, and Amendment 3 on the November ballot could slash homestead tax revenue further.
City Commission - Jun 23, 2026
Facing a lean FY27 budget and a possible homestead exemption ballot measure, the commission directed staff to study consolidating services — up to and possibly including police and fire with Bay County. Residents warned about slower emergency response and job losses.
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