The Cooper City Commission has continued its long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility by approving a preliminary operating millage rate of 5.835 mills for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027. Approved during the July 21, 2026 Regular Meeting through Resolution 26-37, the proposed rate represents the eighth consecutive annual reduction in the City's operating millage rate.
The preliminary operating millage rate reflects a 0.17 percent decrease from the current fiscal year's rate of 5.845 mills while continuing a multi-year effort to reduce the City's operating tax rate without compromising the delivery of essential services. Since 2020, the City Commission has steadily lowered the operating millage rate each year, balancing sound financial management with continued investments in public safety, parks, roadway improvements, water and wastewater infrastructure and other capital needs.
The preliminary millage rate is projected to generate approximately $28.92 million in gross ad valorem revenue, or approximately $27.76 million when applying the City's 96% budgeted collection rate. These revenues will help support the delivery of essential municipal services while allowing the City to continue investing in critical infrastructure and long-term capital improvements.
Approval of the preliminary rate is a required step in Florida's Truth in Millage (TRIM) process. The action establishes the maximum operating millage rate the Commission may adopt during the September budget hearings. While the Commission may lower the rate before final adoption, state law does not allow it to increase the preliminary rate without providing additional notice to affected property owners.
During the Commission's discussion, members emphasized the importance of maintaining the financial flexibility needed to continue funding core services, infrastructure improvements and long-term investments while providing additional opportunities to refine the proposed budget before its final adoption in September.
As part of Florida's TRIM process, the City has scheduled two public budget hearings at Cooper City Hall, located at 9090 SW 50 Place:
First Public Budget Hearing: Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:01 PM
Second and Final Public Budget Hearing: Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM
Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearings and participate in the budget process as the City Commission continues its work to balance responsible financial stewardship with the investments needed to maintain Cooper City's high quality of life.