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Broward County commissioners voted 8-1 to pass the proposed $9.2 billion budget on Tuesday at City Hall in Fort Lauderdale. Commissioner Michael Udine was the dissenting vote. They also approved a flat 5.6 millage rate. “In the over decade that I have been here, we have lowered the millage rate three times,” Mayor Mark D. Bogen said. “We have never raised the millage rate.”Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis warned that if voters pass the state’s Amendment 3 to increase the homestead exemption, the commission will have to readjust the millage rate. “It’s layoffs, increase the millage rate, cut services,” Davis said about the commission’s options to balance the budget. Monica Cepero, the county administrator, said the budget includes the largest investment in public safety in the county’s history. “This represents a $24 million total increase for salary adjustments for detention deputies, coupled with an additional $15 million increase for a 5.8% salary increase,” Cepero said. The operating budget is $194.5 million higher, according to Cepero. The capital funds include $27.7 million for the Affordable Housing Trust, which aims to increase the stock, according to Cepero. Commissioner Nan H. Rich said teachers are leaving the county, so the need is dire. “This board has absolutely prioritized affordable housing,” Cepero said. Commissioner Beam Furr said that if voters pass Amendment 3, the commission would have to lower the much-needed investment in affordable housing. The new budget will take effect on Oct. 1st.Related report: Broward commissioners vote to take back fire department from BSO in move Tony slams as ‘betrayal’Watch the meeting: Budget public hearing #2Related social mediaI am happy to report that for the second year in a row I have made the motion and received the support of my colleagues to REDUCE the tax millage rate to 5.6628 and another modest tax rate reduction for the Broward County millage rate. Thank you.— Michael Udine (@Michaeludine) September 22, 2026
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