Sumter County Adopts the Budget for Next Fiscal Year (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026)

The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the final budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 during a public hearing held on September 30, 2025. The budget outlines the county's financial plan for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and reflects a continued commitment to delivering essential services, enhancing infrastructure, and supporting public safety.

"We continue to improve our process each year to provide clear and detailed financial planning for the organization in its service to Sumter County residents," said County Administrator Bradley Arnold. "This effort requires participation at all levels within Sumter County, and I appreciate the hard work and collaboration of our employees, Constitutional Officers, and partner agencies."

The approved budget complies with Chapters 129 and 200 of the Florida Statutes and aligns with Sumter County's adopted financial policies. These policies are designed to maintain the long-term financial viability of the organization, ensure flexibility to respond to demographic and statutory changes, and provide the infrastructure necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of county residents.

The FY 25-26 final budget includes the following:

• • Retaining the current General Fund Ad Valorem millage rate for property owners at 4.8900 mills to increase funding for road maintenance
• • Establishing a property tax revenue for both The Villages Public Safety Department and Sumter County Fire & EMS Department.

In addition to these tax measures, the budget reflects a continued funding priority for public safety, most notably the availability of advanced life support (ALS) ambulance transport services provided through the Sumter County Fire and EMS Department and The Villages Public Safety Department Dependent District.

The County funds its wide array of services and infrastructure improvements through a combination of revenue sources. Local fuel taxes play a vital role in funding roadway maintenance and improvement projects, while road impact fees collected from new development help accommodate population growth and future transportation needs. These funding sources, combined with additional capital investment outlined in the FY 25-26 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), ensure Sumter County is able to maintain and expand critical infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner.

This final budget also supports the BOCC's adopted 2025-2029 Strategic Plan and demonstrates continued commitment to collaboration with municipal and district governments and Constitutional Officers.

All budget materials, including the final budget document, fund line item details, expenditure breakdowns, CIP, and position information, are available for public review at: www.sumtercountyfl.gov/budget.