North Port FY27 adopted budget delivers resident savings

North Port FY27 adopted budget delivers resident savings

Published on September 25, 2026

NORTH PORT, FL - The North Port City Commission completed its Fiscal Year 2027 budget process Thursday following months of departmental review, public engagement, workshops and public hearings. The adopted budget balances fiscal restraint with investments in public safety, core services and the needs of a growing community.

The ad valorem property-tax rate remains at 3.7667 mills, unchanged since 2021. A flat millage rate does not necessarily mean an individual property-tax bill will remain unchanged, as taxable property values vary. The property-tax rate equates to $3.77 per $1,000 of the property's assessable tax valuation.

The final city-wide budget for FY2026-27 is $338,462,257. The total budget increased by just 1.3% from last year. Nearly $6 million in savings were achieved by a variety of cost-saving measures across departments, including reducing travel, training and professional development opportunities for City staff; eliminating some vacant positions; eliminating or scaling back community events, outreach opportunities and Social Services programs; reducing staffing and operating hours at recreation facilities and the North Port Aquatic Center; reducing mowing and weed control services; and deferring replacement of some vehicles and equipment.

Additionally, the City reduced compensation increases for non-union employees to 3% in FY27.

The budget does not include the proposed one-time Solid Waste assessments of $128.01 per developed dwelling unit and $150.49 per vacant or future residential-density unit, which were expected to generate more than $9 million to pay for a proposed Solid Waste Transfer Station. There is no increase to the Solid Waste rate.

The Road and Drainage assessment also remains unchanged rather than increasing by the recommended 5%.

Investments include $1 million for online permitting and virtual inspections that will expand and improve customer service; $5.3 million in federal and state grants for neighborhood wastewater extensions; $350,000 for the Dallas White Park boat launch; and funding for emergency response, vehicles and equipment, after-school programming, Utilities backup systems and more.

"The budget reflects a disciplined review of City spending and the feedback received from residents," City Manager Jerome Fletcher said. "It reduces costs where possible while protecting core services, investing in public safety and preparing North Port to serve a growing community."

Residents provided input through a Budget Input Eat & Greet, online survey and participatory budgeting tool, with feedback considered during budget workshops.

FY27 budget documents are available on the City's Budget Documents webpage.

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