NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — A $200 million budget proposal to fund the city of New Smyrna Beach is one step closer to passage.
Commissioners voted 4-1 to advance the measure during a special meeting on Wednesday night. The proposal is $30 million lower than the 2026 budget. The public will get a chance to weigh in on the proposed budget at another meeting on September 23.
“It’s typical for us to get two bites of the apple and let the public come in twice to have a look, just to make sure the transparency is beyond reproach,” said Mayor Fred Cleveland.
Commissioners have held multiple budget meetings over the past six months to review which areas they could streamline before developing a proposal. Leaders say the move was not in response to Amendment 3, which could eliminate property taxes for 60% of Floridians while likely significantly reducing local government revenue.
If Amendment 3 passes in November, New Smyrna Beach could lose up to $4.5 million in revenue in its first year and $9 million in year two, Mayor Cleveland said.
The Commission will convene on September 23 for another budget hearing.
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