The Clay County Commission unanimously adopted final millage rates and the FY2026–27 budget at its Sept. 22 meeting, approving an aggregate operating millage of 8.5931 mills and passing the budget by roll call after public comments about stormwater fees and tax impacts.

County administration reported a series of adjustments that reduced the proposed 2027 levy to approximately 5.79% (after fund-balance use, revenue updates and partial cost-sharing decisions); the board directed staff to return next week to set the preliminary levy.

County staff demonstrated a budget simulation showing how proposed Florida legislation — including HB 203 — could reduce ad valorem revenue and force trade-offs across personnel, reserves and local services. Commissioners asked for early guidance and voter education materials.

After staff presented three millage scenarios, the board voted to retain the current maximum millage (staff recommendation) and scheduled the first and second public hearings for the tentative FY 2026‑27 budget in September.

County budget staff told commissioners a baseline shortfall of $8 million for FY27 and outlined measures that have already reduced the gap, including elimination of 28 full-time positions and operational cuts, while flagging further options for commissioners to consider.

Assistant County Manager Troy Nagel told the Charter Review Commission the countys total budget is about $779 million with roughly $594 million in operating expenses after excluding reserves; ad valorem property taxes make up roughly 40% of revenue and public safety accounts for a large share of spending.

County officials propose reducing the sheriff's budget by $5 million and reserves by $2 million.

The commission adopted the county's 2026 operating budget (Ordinance 1A) and separately approved the prosecutor's budget (Ordinance 1B) after a recusal; the proposed budget totals $183,249,505 and includes COLA, new deputy positions, capital projects and ARPA deadlines.

County finance staff told commissioners the general fund rose to about $20.0 million at year-end — a $2.59 million increase driven partly by a $1.28 million market-value adjustment — and the board agreed to use $1.5 million toward the 2026 budget while approving a preliminary 2027 timeline.

Council unanimously approves provisional budget with discussions on fund transfers.

Budget committee discusses $1.3M courtroom renovation and staffing needs amid financial constraints.