The Green Cove Springs City Council set the tentative millage rate for the 2026-27 fiscal budget of 5.5000 during its meeting on Tuesday, July 21, that would generate approximately $200,000 more than the current rollback rate of 5.2290 mills.

The first public hearing for the budget will be on Sept. 1, followed by a final hearing on Sept. 25. The new budget will go into effect on Oct. 1.

The city also has plans for budget workshops at City Hall on July 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on July 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Four of five council members – Tom Centracchio voted no – agreed of the 5.5000 rate after discussing several options. Mayor Darren Stutts suggested setting the rate at the rollback rate of 5.2290 mills, while Councilman Matt Johnson said the rate needed to be between 5.3000 and 5.5000. Centracchio sided with the 5.3000 rate.

Finance Director Marsha Lowry said the 5.3000 rate would generate an additional $60,000, while the 5.5000 rate would add $200,000 to the city’s coffers.

Lowry also told the council if they decided on the rollback rate and then decided to change it during a workshop or public hearing, the city would have to pay the Clay County Property Appraiser’s Office to revise TRIM notices.

In other business:

• The council approved a zoning amendment from Mixed Use Highway to General Commercial for 1271 Energy Cove Court and 00 U.S. Highway 17.

• They approved the Development Agreement for 111 acres at 965 Leonard C. Taylor Parkway (corner of State Road 16 and U.S. 17).

• They approved The Rookery Phase 2A Pearce Boulevard Traffic Circle to U.S. 17.

• And they reviewed the Site Development Plan for a new Culver’s restaurant at 521 Orange Avenue.