At its Sept. 23 meeting, the Alachua County Commission approved the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, continuing its record of fiscal responsibility while investing in essential services and community priorities.
Commissioners adopted a $947 million balanced budget covering public safety, essential services and capital infrastructure.
Countywide property taxes will generate $192.3 million of the total budget. This year marks the ninth consecutive year that the county reduced its countywide property tax millage rate, moving from 8.9290 mills in FY17 to 7.6000 in FY26 – a 15% overall reduction. This ongoing reduction reinforces the commission's long-term strategy to mitigate the tax burden on residents.
The Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) for law enforcement remains stable, generating $36.8 million with a millage rate of 3.5678. The MSTU is paid by residents in the unincorporated area and the residents of some small cities that receive enhanced law enforcement services from the sheriff.
"Approving this budget is a testament to our commitment to fiscal responsibility and community priorities," said Commission Chair Charles Chestnut IV. "I am proud that we have reduced the millage rate for the ninth consecutive year in our ongoing efforts to ease the tax burden on residents while still funding essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and programs that enhance our residents' quality of life."
Notably, only 67.4% of Alachua County's assessed property value is taxable, compared with a state average of 84%. Only seven of Florida's 67 counties have a higher share of property off the tax rolls. In FY24, if Alachua County had matched the state average, the millage rate could have been lowered from 7.6180 to 6.1045 while maintaining the same revenue.
How the county millage rate and taxes rank among Florida's 67 counties in 2024, the most recent figures from the state:
- 41st in countywide general fund millage: 7.6180 mills
- Statewide, county property taxes average $942 per capita. The Alachua County average is $714 per capita, which is the 32nd lowest in Florida.
Key budget allocations and initiatives:
$244 million for public safety projects
This includes increased funding for the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, jail operations, Fire Rescue services, Combined Communications and vital jail diversion programs. The Sheriff's Office and Fire Rescue account for over 25% of the county's budget.
$34 million for projects funded by the Wild Spaces Public Places (WSPP) surtax
This voter-approved surtax funds $14 million in land conservation efforts, $12 million for road improvements, $5 million for housing projects, and $3 million for parks and recreation.
$111 million for transportation and stormwater infrastructure projects
This includes the $12 million in WSPP funding mentioned above, the stormwater fee, gas tax, general fund, grants, and communications service tax funding.
$38 million for housing projects
Focused on addressing housing instability, these funds will support projects such as motel conversions and a container home pilot program for individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as developments that provide affordable and workforce housing, and home rehabilitation programs.
$108.5 million for capital projects and the Facilities Master Plan
Key projects include constructing a new Animal Resources building, the new civil courthouse/parking garage complex, and Tech City Fire Station #25.
Employee retention and living wage adjustment
To attract and retain a skilled workforce, the county will raise its minimum wage from $18 to $18.50 an hour and provide a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees.
The FY26 budget reflects the commission's commitment to striking a balance between fiscal responsibility and investments that support residents' well-being. It addresses today's needs while laying a strong foundation for long-term community success.
View the FY26 Budget Message.
For additional information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or msexton@alachuacounty.us.
