The Town of Indian Shores has approved a tentative $6.56 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, reflecting financial impacts from hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.

The Town Council voted 4-0 to adopt the budget and maintain the property tax rate at 1.8700 mills per $1,000 of assessed property value. Council member Nicholas Menchise was absent from the Sept. 10 meeting. The town’s assessed property value for the coming year is estimated at $1.71 billion, according to the Pinellas County Property Appraiser.

Finance Director Amy Lockhart and Town Administrator Tina Porter presented the budget, which was developed in a July 29 workshop. A final public hearing is scheduled for 5:01 p.m. on Sept. 22.

Porter described the budget as “lean,” noting that the town spent nearly $1 million in hurricane-related costs last year. The plan reduces reliance on general funds while maintaining employee benefits and allocating $250,000 for permanent storm repairs.

General fund expenses total $5.77 million. The town’s general fund has an unassigned balance of $1.9 million, above the required $1.1 million.

The adopted millage rate has remained unchanged for 12 consecutive years. Property values in Indian Shores are projected to rise by 5.17% for the coming fiscal year.

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