In two unanimous votes, the Palm Coast City Council tentatively adopted the 2024 budget of $357.7 million and the new millage rate of 4.2570 mills.
The budget is an overall 9% increase from the budget adopted in 2023, Financial Director Helena Alves said in the Sept. 7 meeting. Mayor David Alfin encouraged residents to take a look at the budget themselves, which is available online at palmcoast.gov.
“We have rolled back the millage rate, which is a good precedent,” Alfin said.
The council adopted the rolled back rate in July, which reduced the budget by $2.8 million in existing property taxes. Ad valorem taxes account for 63% of the general fund’s revenue, Alves said.
Vice Mayor Danko, who, along with council woman Cathy Heighter, both voted against adopting the rolled back rate, said he was glad the city managed to tighten its belt.
“It’s really good to see us complete the millage rate rollback,” Vice Danko said. “Which means this year, I don’t have to drink any anti-freeze.”
The final vote will be on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 5:15 p.m. at City Hall.
