City of Ocoee Tentative Budget Public Hearing Recorded on 9.9.2026

The City of Ocoee held a public hearing on September 9, 2026, to discuss and adopt the tentative budget and millage rate for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026. The city commission set a tentative millage rate of 4.95 mills, which is a 2.89% increase over the rollback rate. The total budget is approximately $140.6 million, reflecting a 2.5% increase in operating funds. Key procurement-related highlights include the creation of two new enterprise funds for Emergency Medical Services and Building, shifting costs from the general fund, and capital projects totaling nearly $14 million focused on road resurfacing, sidewalk repairs, and utility infrastructure upgrades. Personnel costs increased due to collective bargaining agreements and pension costs for police and fire departments, with additional hiring planned for EMS paramedics. The commission discussed budget constraints, the impact of potential state constitutional amendments on funding, and the importance of maintaining community services. The tentative millage rate and budget were both adopted by motion and vote during the meeting.