FY 2026/2027 tentative budget and millage rates
Summary
The county finalized its budget with no overall millage increase, though Commissioner Vargas voted no on most funds, warning of Amendment 3's fiscal hit. Hetherington zeroed out the District 2 MSTU.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 29, 2026.
Impact analysis
Total countywide budget of $334.4 million with taxable values up 6.38% and millage unchanged.
Residents keep current service levels without a countywide rate hike; District 2 MSTU taxpayers see that line item zeroed.
Homeowners facing rising property values, insurance costs, and cost of living; rollback-rate advocates sought deeper cuts.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Board of County Commissioners — September 29, 2026
The county finalized its budget with no overall millage increase, though Commissioner Vargas voted no on most funds, warning of Amendment 3's fiscal hit. Hetherington zeroed out the District 2 MSTU.
Board of County Commissioners — September 15, 2026
The board gave tentative approval to the FY 2026/2027 budget with the countywide millage rate flat at 9.9185, but Commissioner Vargas voted no on many funds, pushing for the rollback rate. Taxpayer advocates like the Martin County Taxpayers Association and several speakers urged cuts, citing rising insurance and cost-of-living pressures.
Board of County Commissioners — July 13, 2026
The county set its maximum tax rate for next year at 6.5614 mills — the same as this year — but your bill can still rise if your property value climbs. The overall budget grows 5.4% on inflation, state retirement mandates, and contractual costs. Final votes come at September public hearings, and the rate can only go down from here.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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