The Cooper City Commission adopted a tentative operating millage rate of 5.835 mills during the First Public Budget Hearing on September 14, 2026. The rate represents the eighth consecutive annual reduction in the City’s operating millage rate.
The tentative rate is 0.17% lower than the current fiscal year’s rate of 5.845 mills. Since 2020, the City Commission has reduced the operating millage rate each year while maintaining essential services and continuing to invest in public safety, parks, roads, water and wastewater infrastructure, and other capital needs.
The Commission also adopted the tentative Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. The proposed citywide total budget, at about $109.8 million, is 13.6% lower than the current fiscal year’s adopted budget.
A Lower Budget Through Improved Budgeting
During the hearing, the Commission asked whether the lower proposed budget reflected reductions in City spending. Finance Department staff explained that the difference is driven largely by improved budgeting practices and the timing and funding of capital projects as opposed to any reduction in service levels.
In previous years, set amounts were transferred into capital project funds based on budgeted allocations, even when the full funding was not immediately needed. This could cause funds to accumulate in the Capital Improvement Fund before the related expenses occurred.
Under the City’s improved approach, transfers are more closely aligned with the funding that projects require. Budgeted transfers from the General Fund and other funds are made based on anticipated project costs and timing instead of automatically transferring predetermined amounts.
As a result, transfers out are proposed to decrease from approximately $8.6 million in FY 2026 to approximately $4 million in FY 2027. Several projects originally anticipated for FY 2027 were also advanced and completed during FY 2026, contributing to the year-over-year difference in the proposed budget.
These changes provide a clearer picture of the City’s anticipated expenses while keeping funding available for approved capital improvements.
Maintaining Services While Managing Rising Costs
The tentative budget continues to support the services residents rely upon while allocating funds toward infrastructure and other capital improvement projects.
City staff reviewed departmental budgets and reduced numerous line items where appropriate. At the same time, the City must account for expenses that continue to increase, including employee health insurance, personnel costs and public safety contracts.
For example, the proposed budget incorporates higher costs associated with Broward Sheriff’s Office services and pension obligations. The City also established an additional police contingency reserve following direction from the Commission.
The proposed budget reflects the City’s continuing goal of providing the highest level of service at the lowest possible cost while maintaining appropriate reserves and planning responsibly for future needs.
Understanding the Millage Rate
The operating millage rate determines the amount of City property tax charged for every $1,000 of taxable property value. While Cooper City’s rate is proposed to decrease, an individual property owner’s City tax amount may still change depending on the property’s taxable value.
The tentative rate is projected to generate approximately $28.92 million in gross ad valorem revenue, or approximately $27.76 million based on the City’s 96% budgeted collection rate. The revenue supports municipal services and investments throughout the community.
See how your property tax dollars go to work in Cooper City.
Final Public Budget Hearing
The tentative millage rate and budget are not final. The Commission will consider their final adoption during the Second and Final Public Budget Hearing:
Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM
Cooper City Hall
9090 SW 50 Place
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate as the City Commission completes the budget process for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026.