The Titusville City Council will meet tonight, July 28, 2026, to establish the city’s proposed tentative property tax rate for Fiscal Year 2027 and vote on several land-use and policy updates.

The regular meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, located at 555 S. Washington Ave.

Proposed FY 2027 Property Tax Rate
The City Manager’s proposed FY2027 General Fund budget is balanced using an operating millage rate of 6.2000 mills. This agenda item asks the City Council to set the tentative operating millage rate for the FY2027 budget. Under Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, the final adopted millage rate may be reduced below the tentative rate, but it cannot exceed the rate established at this meeting.

If the City Council chooses to set the tentative operating millage rate at the current level of 6.3000 mills, General Fund ad valorem revenue would increase by approximately $389,202. The Council may allocate this additional revenue as it sees fit during a future budget workshop.

If the Council instead sets the tentative millage rate below 6.2000 mills, General Fund expenditures must be reduced by an equivalent amount to offset the decrease in ad valorem revenue and maintain a balanced budget.

The council will also formally schedule public hearings for the FY 2027 budget for Sept. 9 and Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Commercial Zone Cell Towers
Council will conduct a first reading and public hearing for Ordinance No. 15-2026, which would permit wireless transmission towers as a conditional use in Community Commercial (CC) zones. City code currently restricts cell towers to industrial zoning districts.

Vertex Development LLC submitted the request on behalf of Verizon Wireless to resolve a coverage deficiency near Knox McRae Drive and Barna Avenue, where no industrial land exists. Proposed performance conditions include a 1-mile separation from existing towers and a 400-foot setback from residential buildings.

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval on July 8. A final public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11.

Urban Forest Trust Fund
Council will consider Ordinance No. 16-2026 on first reading to rename the Landscaping Trust Fund as the Urban Forest Trust Fund. The change aligns city code with the Urban Forest Management Plan adopted on June 9.

The ordinance updates tree removal criteria and mitigation rules, allowing developer mitigation funds to support planting and maintenance on public and eligible private properties. Priority will go toward low-canopy neighborhoods and public rights-of-way. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on July 22.

Canaveral Avenue Duplex Proposal
Council will review a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning request for a vacant 0.16-acre lot along Canaveral Avenue, between Pine Street and Palmetto Street.

Gold Coast Developers of Florida LLC is requesting High Density Residential land use and Multifamily High Density Residential (R-3) zoning to construct a residential duplex. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of both measures on July 8.

Board Appointments & Policy Updates
Council will address membership appointments for the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Longtime Chairman Thomas Al Taylor is stepping down after nearly 28 years of service across city boards. Incumbents John Greene and Dr. Gina Beckles are seeking reappointment, while alternate member Carshonda Wright has applied for a regular seat.

In his report to the council, City Manager Tom Abbate highlighted a revised utility payment policy. Customers whose accounts are restricted following a returned check can now pay using cashier’s checks, money orders, or credit and debit cards, rather than cash only.

Staff also presented a proposal to pilot Friday morning virtual agenda review workshops starting in August to streamline regular council meetings.