During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the fiscal year 2025 budget for the City of North Port, Florida, which is set at $284,084,630—a 13.19% increase from the previous year. This increase comes despite a population growth of only 9.47%, raising concerns among commissioners about the sustainability of such budgetary expansions.

One commissioner expressed strong opposition to the current military rate of 3.767 mills, advocating for a reduction to 3% this year and a gradual decrease to 0% over the next three years. The proposed millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year is 3.7667 mills, which translates to $3.7667 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This rate is 8.5% higher than the rollback rate of 3.4695 mills.

City officials attributed the increase in ad valorem tax revenues to several factors, including the addition of 18 general fund positions, rising operating expenses, and new agreements with police and fire unions. The proposed millage rate is expected to generate approximately $36.5 million in general fund revenue, assuming a collection rate of 96.5%.

The city manager urged the approval of Ordinance Number 2024-30 on its first reading, with a second reading scheduled for September 25, 2024. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of balancing budgetary needs with population growth and fiscal responsibility.