City Commission Approves Operating Millage Rate and Adopts Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
The City Commission approved Resolution 25-48 during the Second and Final Public Budget Hearing on September 25, 2025, officially setting the operating millage rate at 5.845 and adopting the budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025–2026. The millage rate represents a slight reduction from the previous year’s rate of 5.855 and marks the lowest operating millage for Cooper City since 2011.
Despite rising costs for equipment, materials, and services, the City Commission has reduced the millage rate every year since 2021, demonstrating a strong and consistent commitment to financial stewardship and long-term planning. The finalized rate is projected to generate approximately $27.67 million in gross ad valorem revenue, or $26.28 million when applying the State of Florida’s 95% collection standard.
The FY 2025–2026 budget was adopted in conjunction with the millage rate and supports a number of strategic initiatives and infrastructure investments that will directly benefit Cooper City residents. Key highlights from the adopted budget include, and are not limited to:
· $1,000,000 for citywide road resurfacing to address pavement rehabilitation and improve overall drivability.
· $1,000,000 for a new splash pad at the Pool & Tennis Center, expanding family-friendly amenities.
· $750,000 for Christie Schafale Park upgrades, enhancing recreational offerings for families and youth.
· $500,000 for Suellen H. Fardelmann Sports Complex restroom upgrades, improving accessibility and functionality.
· $523,000 for citywide HVAC replacements to modernize aging systems and increase energy efficiency across municipal facilities.
· $500,000 for monument signage beautification, reinforcing Cooper City’s brand identity and enhancing public entryways.
· $400,000 for Ted Ferone Park upgrades, continuing the City’s investment in neighborhood parks and open spaces.
The adopted budget reflects Cooper City’s ongoing efforts to invest in critical infrastructure, elevate quality of life, and ensure a sustainable financial future, all while continuing to make every effort to minimize the tax rate on property owners.
City Commission Approves New and Reclassified Job Positions to Support City Services and Communications
The City Commission approved updates to the City’s staffing structure, including the reclassification of two existing positions and the creation of two new roles aimed at strengthening internal operations and public engagement. These changes affect the Finance Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and the newly established Innovation and Community Engagement Department.
The adjustments include:
· A new Accounting Manager position in Finance to help support bond-related financial reporting and advance the City's credit rating and cash management goals.
· A reclassified Senior Park Attendant role in Parks and Recreation to enhance weekend and cross-functional park coverage.
· The creation of a Director of Innovation and Community Engagement to lead City branding, information technology, communication strategies, and public outreach.
· A Communication Generalist role to provide entry-level, in-house support for messaging, events, and resident engagement.
These changes reflect the City’s commitment to improving transparency, expanding resident communication, and ensuring the effective delivery of services across departments.
City Commission Approves Agreements to Acquire and Supplement Bucket Truck Access for Utilities Operations
The City Commission approved two separate agreements to ensure Cooper City has reliable access to a bucket truck for critical maintenance tasks. Under Resolution 25-69, the Commission approved the purchase of a new Altec bucket truck for $238,880 using a cooperative purchasing agreement through Sourcewell. The new truck, expected to be delivered by the end of October 2025, will support ongoing needs such as tree trimming, lighting repairs, roof cleaning, and maintenance of safety equipment at City facilities. To provide flexibility and ensure coverage in the interim or in case of emergencies, the Commission also approved Resolution 25-68, authorizing an agreement with the City of Pembroke Pines to rent a bucket truck, complete with driver and insurance, at a rate of $1,300 per day, for up to 30 nonconsecutive days per year.
City Commission Approves Annual Adjustment to Water and Wastewater Utility Rates Based on Consumer Price Index
The City Commission approved Resolution 25-64, authorizing a 2.7% increase to Cooper City’s monthly water and wastewater utility rates, effective October 1, 2025, for Fiscal Year 2026. This annual adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers, as published by the U.S. Department of Labor, and is consistent with Section 19-152 of the City Code, which calls for CPI-based increases to be considered annually during the budget process. The change is projected to generate approximately $197,335 in additional utility revenue during FY 2026, helping the City keep pace with rising operating costs, capital replacement needs, and service demands. For the average customer using 7,000 gallons of water per month, the increase will result in an estimated monthly impact of $2.92. Read more about the bigger picture regarding water and wastewater services and the capital improvement projects we will be undertaking during the FY 2026.
City Commission Approves Design Alternative for Stirling Road Drainage and Roadway Improvements
The City Commission approved a design alternative for the Stirling Road Roadway and Drainage Improvement Project, which will address persistent pooling and drainage concerns that occur during heavy rainfall along Stirling Road between Palm Avenue and Flamingo Road. This corridor serves as a major passthrough within Broward County, and the City continues to request that the County assume ownership and maintenance responsibilities for this stretch of roadway due to its regional significance. The approved design focuses on preserving the existing 5-foot sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, repairing and resurfacing as needed, while minimizing disruption to infrastructure and avoiding the removal of mature trees. Drainage improvements will be achieved by modifying swale elevations to help redirect stormwater runoff and reduce roadway flooding. The approved design has an estimated cost of $3.7 millions and is supported by a $5.03 million Broward County surtax grant. Final design is expected to be completed in 2026. The City Commission also directed staff to utilize funding for lighting and landscaping enhancements.
More Information:
For more information on the September 25, 2025 Public Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting, please visit: https://www.coopercity.gov/page/city-commission-agendas-and-minutes.