Bradenton Beach commissioners Sept. 11 unanimously adopted a $5 million budget for fiscal year 2025-26, holding the property tax rate steady despite last year’s hurricane-related hit to values.
Commissioners approved a millage rate of 2.3329 — the same as this year and less than the rollback rate of 2.7804 mills.
The budget sets general fund expenditures at $5,045,506, against projected revenues of $5,652,680, with a focus on replenishing city reserves depleted during recovery from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“This budget, if it performs as expected, it puts about $300,000 in reserves,” city treasurer Shayne Thompson said.
The spending plan includes a 5% raise for employees, increased compensation for emergency management staff and $48,800 for the planning department’s scanning equipment to improve records management. Commissioners postponed adding new planning and police department staff until 2026-27.
The budget takes effect Oct. 1.
BB CRA budget adopted
The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency approved a budget and tax rate for the 2025-26 fiscal year Sept. 11 at city hall.
The budget, though built on reduced revenues following the 2024 hurricanes, still contains $1.86 million for projects — more than five times this year’s allocation — and emphasizes storm recovery and long-term redevelopment goals. Priorities include burying utilities, upgrading parking and sidewalks and enhancing waterfront areas.
Agency members voted unanimously to set the millage rate at 2.3329 mills, the same level as this year and approximately 16% lower than the rollback rate of 2.7804 mills.
City treasurer Shayne Thompson said, “It’s the same rate we’ve had now, or since I’ve been here, at least 10 years. In light of what we’ve experienced last year, holding it the same is still marketable.”
There was no public comment during the hearing.
The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
— Robert Anderson
