The Atlantic Beach City Commission voted 4-1 to approve a tentative $56.2 million budget, contingent on $500,000 in general-fund cuts.

The vote came at the commission's Sept. 14 budget hearing. Commissioner Candace Kelly cast the lone dissenting vote. The commission also approved a tentative millage rate of 2.7499.

Ford Ties Cuts to Amendment 3 Threat

Mayor Curtis Ford pushed the $500,000 condition, framing it as preparation for Amendment 3, a statewide ballot measure on Nov. 3 that would expand homestead exemptions. If voters approve it, Atlantic Beach estimates it would lose $1.06 million in general-fund revenue in 2027 and $1.84 million in 2028, according to city projections.

"What I wanted to see in preparation for the possible and likely passage of Amendment 3, I wanted to see a reduction in the recurring expenses in the general fund," Ford said at the Sept. 14 hearing, the Beach Gazette reported.

Grant Funding Cited as One-Time Savings

Ford identified one target: a $500,000 grant toward the Marsh Oaks Community Center that he called a nonrecurring expense from the current fiscal year. He said that grant, along with $633,000 in additional property-tax revenue the city collected, together account for more than $1 million in budget room that will not repeat in fiscal 2027.

City Manager Kevin Hogencamp has until the Sept. 28 final hearing to identify where the cuts will land within the $21.82 million general fund.

Ford Splits Vote on Budget, Millage Rate

Ford voted for the tentative budget but voted against holding the millage rate at 2.7499. He signaled he could back the rate at the final hearing if the $500,000 in cuts materializes. The 2.7499 rate represents a 6.52% increase over the rolled-back rate of 2.5815, Ford said.

City Attorney Jason Gabriel warned that adopting the rolled-back rate on first reading would have locked it in. The commission could not have raised it at the final hearing.

Resident Warns of Deferred Maintenance Costs

Not everyone welcomed the cuts. Resident Sarah Boren urged commissioners to consider what maintenance and capital projects would be deferred.

"I urge you before the next meeting to really wrap your heads around what maintenance we're deferring and what capital improvement projects are going to be deferred when you take $500,000 out of the general fund," Boren said.

Ford disagreed, saying the logic of spending more to save more has diminishing returns.

Atlantic Beach Keeps Lowest Beaches Millage Rate

Among the three Beaches cities, Atlantic Beach carries the lowest millage rate. Neptune Beach's rate is 3.3656 mills and Jacksonville Beach's is 3.9947, according to a Neptune Beach presentation in August.

Final Vote Set for Sept. 28

The final budget hearing and property tax rate vote is scheduled for Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. in the City Commission Chamber at City Hall, 800 Seminole Road.