City Commission Joint Workshop with Budget Advisory Board & Conference Meeting on June 16, 2026

The City of Fort Lauderdale held a joint workshop with the Budget Advisory Board on June 16, 2026, focusing extensively on the city's preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027 and related financial planning. Key procurement-related discussions included the recommendation to raise the fire assessment fee to $444 for full cost recovery, maintaining the millage rate for the 20th consecutive year, and addressing the financial impacts of ongoing and upcoming capital improvement projects such as the Holiday Park fire station and seawall replacements. The board and city staff discussed budget challenges including inflation-driven cost increases, public safety staffing and union contract negotiations, and the potential effects of a property tax reform referendum on city revenues. The meeting also covered proposed film permitting fees aligned with state best practices to support local economic growth, and the future redevelopment options for the city-owned post office site, with emphasis on community engagement and affordable housing. The city’s long-term financial plan was presented by Stantec Consulting, highlighting projected deficits without millage adjustments and the need for strategic revenue enhancements or expense reductions. Commissioners expressed interest in exploring millage rate adjustments, budget efficiencies, and transparent public communication regarding potential service impacts. No formal votes were recorded during this session, but several action items were identified for follow-up, including further analysis of fire assessment fee methodology, millage rate scenarios, and redevelopment planning for the post office site.