St. Augustine Beach to weigh property tax hike, park smoking ban, and waste fee increases
St. Augustine Beach city officials will consider a property tax rate increase, a ban on smoking in parks, and higher solid waste fees at upcoming meetings. All items are on published agendas; minutes have not yet been released, so no final decisions have been reported.
Property tax rate and FY 2027 budget
The City Commission will review the proposed FY 2027 budget and set a tentative operating millage rate of 2.6700 mills, up from 2.5000 in FY 2026. If adopted, the rate would generate $6,020,323 in ad valorem taxes. The total budget across all funds is $15,726,204, with a general fund of $12,092,993, up from $11,851,708.82 in FY 2026. The commission will also schedule public hearings on the budget for September. Employee pay raises are capped at 3% (2.5% cost-of-living adjustment plus 0.5% merit). Road resurfacing would move to the Road/Bridge Fund budget.
Park smoking ban and tree rules
The commission will hold public hearings on Ordinance 26-07, which would regulate vaping and smoking of tobacco in public parks, and Ordinance 26-08, which would amend Land Development Regulations for tree licensing (state-mandated changes). Both are listed for final or second readings.
Solid waste fee increases
Resolutions 26-06, 26-07, and 26-08 would increase fees for residential, commercial, and transient rental solid waste collection. Specific dollar amounts were not listed in the agenda.
Other commission items
The commission will also review a request to locate a “tiny forest” at the parkette northwest corner of 2nd Avenue and D Street, and discuss qualifications and language for a city manager recruitment brochure.
Sustainability and environmental planning committee
The Sustainability and Environmental Planning Advisory Committee met on August 5 to review reforestation and landscaping projects, including progress on Tiny Forest #2 and its budget, updates on Ecogarden plazas at D Street and A1A Beach Boulevard, and the future of the 8th Street Ecogarden due to a parking conversion. The committee also discussed plans for an Environmental Speaker and Film Series on September 24 and a tree protection resolution for the City Commission. Minutes from the July 9 meeting were to be approved.
Coming up
No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Residents should check the city’s official website for any newly scheduled meetings or public hearings on the budget and ordinances.