Graceville Commission Approves 2025–2026 Budget and Millage Rate

The Graceville City Commission unanimously approved both the 2025–2026 operating budget and millage resolution during its September 22 budget hearing, finalizing months of discussion and review.

The meeting opened with a review of the city’s ad valorem tax calculations. City Manager Michelle Watkins reported that the certified taxable value of real property within Graceville stands at $112,504,084. With the millage rate set at four mills, the city expects gross revenues of $450,016.34. Per state statute, 95% of this figure—about $427,515—can be budgeted.

Watkins noted a Department of Revenue pre-review adjustment of $350, which was accounted for as a parks and recreation expense under park maintenance. She emphasized that the millage rate remains unchanged at four mills, the same level it has held for several years.

Commissioner Marshall Davis moved to adopt the millage resolution for the fiscal year 2025–2026, with Commissioner Terry Nichols seconding. The motion passed unanimously.

Following the millage approval, the commission turned its attention to the overall budget. Watkins presented a balanced financial plan totaling $3,899,484 in general and water/sewer revenues, and $19,559,740 in restricted and special revenues.

Key elements of the budget include:

• A 3% cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time classified employees.

• A $500 Christmas bonus for full-time classified staff and two contracted employees (fire chief and janitorial services).

• A projected revenue increase of $27,812 over the previous year.

Departmental budgets were briefly discussed, particularly maintenance allocations. Watkins explained that last year’s $1,500 allocation for police equipment repair had proven too low, and higher repair costs were anticipated due to the aging fleet.

Commissioner Nichols moved to approve the budget resolution, with Commissioner John McClendon seconding. The measure also passed unanimously.

During the public comment period, resident Regina Wolfgang raised concerns that no funds appeared allocated for animal control. Watkins clarified that while the revenue summary reflected “$0,” animal control expenses are budgeted under the police department, with $1,500 earmarked.

Before adjournment, commissioners and the mayor offered words of thanks. Several expressed appreciation for staff members’ work on the budget and for citizens’ participation. Commissioner Nichols reflected on national challenges and local blessings, while Mayor Walter Olds encouraged the city to “stay focused on where we go” rather than dwell on the past.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote of approval, securing Graceville’s fiscal plan for the coming year.

*A complete transcript of the meeting can be found in the October 2nd print edition of The Graceville News*

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