July 20, 2026 - Citizen Budget Committee Meeting in Council Chambers

The City of Sebastian Citizens Budget Review Advisory Committee held a meeting on July 20, 2026, to review and discuss the draft fiscal year 2027 budget and proposed millage rate. The committee examined detailed budget presentations covering general fund allocations, including a $9.5 million police department budget, personnel costs, and capital improvement projects such as road reconstruction and city hall AC chiller upgrades. They discussed revenue sources like property taxes, utility taxes, and intergovernmental revenues, as well as the impact of potential state tax exemptions (Amendment 3) on future city revenues, which could result in significant shortfalls. The committee also reviewed funding for various city departments and enterprise funds, including the airport and storm water utility. A key procurement-related decision was the recommendation to adopt the rollback millage rate of 3.3339, which would require using approximately $282,732 of general fund reserves but would avoid a tax increase. The motion passed 5 to 1. The committee also discussed administrative fees related to solid waste management and the funding of police department positions, including the addition of two officers funded through budget adjustments. Overall, the meeting focused on balancing the budget amid rising costs and preparing for potential revenue reductions while maintaining essential city services and capital projects.