After heated public comment and extended commissioner debate about reserves and services, the Delray Beach City Commission adopted a $214.9 million FY2027 budget and a 6.3501 operating millage (total 6.3790 with debt), passing 4–1. Supporters cited projected revenues and service needs; opponents urged restraint and more cuts.

Commissioners signaled conditional consensus to return next week with a revised operating millage recommendation of 6.3501, down from the city manager's 6.4371 proposal, after identifying roughly $2 million in savings to boost reserves ahead of a possible statewide rollback in November.

The commission set a proposed operating millage of 6.4371 mills plus 0.0289 mills for debt (total 6.4660 mills) for FY 2026–27 as the maximum to appear on residents' TRIM notices. Commissioners debated the cap rules, reserve drawdown and whether to prioritize budget cuts rather than raise rates; the measure passed by roll call.

City staff proposed a balanced $219.8 million FY2026–27 budget and recommended a tentative millage rate of 6.4371; the plan relies on roughly $14 million in increased property tax revenue (partly offset by CRA/TIF) plus an $8.4 million drawdown of reserves and directs staff to study fee options if a November referendum reduces future revenue.

City staff presented FY 2026–27 "most likely" budget scenarios on June 9, showing a baseline gap of about $19.5 million under the current millage and options that include small millage increases, drawing fund balance and identifying $5–19.5M in efficiencies; commissioners urged cost accounting and public education on municipal service taxing units.

Public comments reveal concerns over upcoming budget and significant tax hikes in Delray Beach.

City officials identify $507,000 in savings ahead of Delray Beach's fiscal year budget vote.

Council members express concern over balancing budget with rising safety expenses.

Commissioners question significant expenses and seek clarity on miscellaneous budget allocations