Delray Beach Mayor Opposed Tax Rate Increase
Mayor Tom Carney argued against raising the city millage rate despite rising property values.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in City Hall
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Should your local government prioritize lowering tax rates despite rising property values?
Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney has officially opposed an increase to the city property tax millage rate. While the rate would remain unchanged, residents still face a nearly 7% tax bill hike due to the rise in local property values.
Why it matters
Rising property values mean homeowners face higher tax burdens even without a formal rate hike, prompting calls for the city to find cost-saving measures instead. This situation forces local officials to balance managing city expenses against the financial strain on the community.
Residents are facing a 7% increase in property tax bills due to rising valuations, even if the city maintains its current millage rate. New developments are expected to join the tax rolls in 2027 and 2028.
The players
Tom Carney
Tom Carney is the Mayor of Delray Beach who has taken a firm position against increasing the city property tax millage rate.
The details
City commissioners are scheduled to hold a public vote on the tax rate to address the city's financial obligations. To keep residents informed, the city has placed signs around the area to outline the implications of the upcoming property tax decision.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: City commissioners vote on the tax rate.
November 2026: Voters decide on the Amendment 3 referendum.
2027: New developments join the property tax rolls.
2028: New developments join the property tax rolls.
Political Context
Opposition to this tax strategy highlights a broader tension between fiscal management and the immediate tax burdens placed on residents in high-growth areas. While the Mayor maintains a neutral stance on the Florida Amendment 3 referendum, opponents of his fiscal policy argue that the city must pursue alternative revenue streams rather than relying on current property value spikes.
Even if the millage rate remains unchanged, homeowners should anticipate an increase of nearly 7% on their upcoming property tax bills. This shift may necessitate adjustments to household budgets as the city manages its financial growth.
The takeaway
Maintaining the current millage rate does not protect residents from higher tax bills when property valuations continue to climb. Property owners should monitor the results of the September 22 vote to understand the immediate impact on their personal finances.
What happens next
City commissioners will vote on the city tax rate on September 22, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local legislative decisions at City Hall.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize lowering tax rates despite rising property values?
