2026/2027 Tentative Millage and Budget
Summary
The city ended last year $2.8 million in the red in the general fund, though pension funds improved. Commissioners want a simple dollar-bill graphic showing where property taxes go — partly to explain park costs and defend against criticism over rising tax bills.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 28, 2026.
Impact analysis
A $2.8 million general fund loss last year and ongoing pressure on park maintenance funding — about $46,000 a year just for landscape upkeep.
Residents, who will get a clearer picture of where their tax dollars go.
Sanford's own street projects and potentially other city services funded by gas tax revenue.
Mentions & discussions (6)
CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AND ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING - Sep 28, 2026
The city locked in a 7.225 mill property tax rate and adopted its full 2027 budget. The rate is up over the rolled-back rate but actually slightly lower than last year's rate.
CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AND ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING - Sep 14, 2026
The city set a tentative tax rate of 7.225 mills — technically a 3.43% increase over rolled-back but a small cut from last year, costing the average homeowner about $7.33 more a year. The budget grows 2.3% and includes 4% raises, but nearly $14 million in capital requests went unfunded, and public safety already costs more than the city collects in property taxes. The final vote is Sept. 28.
City Commission (Work) - Sep 14, 2026
The proposed budget is up about 2.3% and carries a 7.225 mill rate, meaning the average homeowner pays $7.33 more a year. Public safety costs exceed the city's entire property tax take, and there's $14 million in unfunded capital requests looming.
City Commission (Work) - Aug 10, 2026
The airport's FY27 budget totals about $43.5 million in operating revenue with a $14 million capital program, including $2.6 million to chip away at $44 million in deferred terminal maintenance left over from the old management contractor. The city legally has to approve the airport's budget even though it doesn't cost the city anything.
Live From the City of Sanford City Commission Work Session Meeting @ — May 11, 2026
A crash course on why the city can't just spend its 'reserves' — most money is legally tied to specific uses. Sanford's general fund reserve is 17.9%, below the 25% recommended for a strong bond rating, which can cost or save hundreds of thousands in interest on bonds.
Live From the City of Sanford City Commission Work Session Meeting @ — April 13, 2026
The city ended last year $2.8 million in the red in the general fund, though pension funds improved. Commissioners want a simple dollar-bill graphic showing where property taxes go — partly to explain park costs and defend against criticism over rising tax bills.
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