Property tax rate and budget
Where it standsThe adopted FY 2027 budget sets the operating rate at 6.961 mills, up from 6.685 mills; the council's July votes on a higher maximum rate split 3-2 and 4-1.
What's on the tableThe next council sets the property tax rate each year and responds to a statewide homestead exemption amendment on the same ballot.
- The FY 2027 Adopted Budget includes a millage rate of 6.961 mills, which is 0.28 mills or 4.13% more than the prior year millage rate of 6.685. City of Tavares ↗
- On July 15, 2026 a motion to set the maximum tentative operating rate at 7.2000 mills got three yes votes (Pfister, Grenier, Keown) and two no votes (Gamble, Price). City Council minutes, July 15, 2026 (in the August 5, 2026 agenda packet) · Jul 15, 2026 ↗
- On July 15 a motion by Sandy Gamble to set the maximum tentative operating rate at 7.0000 mills passed 4-1, with Walter Price voting no. City Council minutes, July 15, 2026 (in the August 5, 2026 agenda packet) · Jul 15, 2026 ↗
- The city says Florida voters will vote on proposed Homestead Exemption Constitutional Amendment 3 in the November 3, 2026 General Election. City of Tavares ↗
Four-year council terms
Where it standsVoters will decide Nov. 3 whether to extend council terms from two years to four years and move city elections to even-numbered years.
What's on the tableIf approved, Seats 1, 3 and 5 elected in 2026 would serve four-year terms expiring in November 2030.
- The ballot question asks whether to amend the Charter to extend councilmember terms from two years to four years, with transitional terms to establish staggered four-year terms. City of Tavares · Apr 15, 2026 ↗
- Under the ordinance's transitional provisions, Seats 1, 3 and 5 elected in November 2026 would serve terms expiring in November 2030, and Seats 2 and 4 would serve terms expiring in November 2028. City of Tavares · Apr 15, 2026 ↗
- The Orlando Sentinel reported the one-time cost of placing the referendum on the ballot at an estimated $14,000, with estimated savings of $35,000 every other year if it passes. Orlando Sentinel · Apr 20, 2026 ↗
Growth and development
Where it standsThe council has opted out of a Live Local Act property tax exemption and in 2025 discussed raising impact fees on new construction.
What's on the tableHow the city handles new development, impact fees and the state housing law.
Police staffing
Where it standsIn August 2026 the council discussed restoring two police officer positions to the proposed budget.
What's on the tableHow many officers the city funds as population grows.
- At the August 5, 2026 meeting a police captain said the department had about 39 sworn officers and was below a benchmark of 2.4 officers per 1,000 residents. City Council minutes, August 5, 2026 · Aug 5, 2026 ↗
- Council Member Keown said adding two officers in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year would add about $61,000 to the police budget and require two vehicles. City Council minutes, August 5, 2026 · Aug 5, 2026 ↗
- The City Administrator proposed restoring the two positions to the budget, with hiring scheduled for July. City Council minutes, August 5, 2026 · Aug 5, 2026 ↗
Land conservation fund
Where it standsThe mayor proposed a Land Conservation Fund with $150,000 in seed funding; staff is to bring back a resolution defining the fund before it is added to the budget.
What's on the tableWhether the city sets aside money to preserve land.
- At the August 5, 2026 meeting Mayor Pfister said she would like to establish a Land Conservation Fund with $150,000 in seed funding. City Council minutes, August 5, 2026 · Aug 5, 2026 ↗
- Council Member Price said he was not in support of establishing the fund; Council Member Keown said he could see both sides but was concerned about taking $150,000 from excess reserves. City Council minutes, August 5, 2026 · Aug 5, 2026 ↗
- The City Administrator said a resolution on the proposed fund would be brought back for Council review before the item was placed in the budget. City Council minutes, August 5, 2026 · Aug 5, 2026 ↗