With a new fiscal year set to begin in October, local governments are workshopping and preparing to approve Fiscal Year 2026 budgets.
Last week, Osceola County rolled out a proposed budget of $2,362,610,358, a decrease of about $577 million from the Fiscal 2025 budget.
That proposal features a General Fund millage rate of 6.7 mills (1 mill assesses $100 per $100,000 of assessed value on property), the same rate since 2011.
With property values increasing by 9.9% over the last 12 months, the county will have the flexibility to finish its road and infrastructure projects and begin new ones, County Manager Don Fisher said.
“This budget reflects significant investments in infrastructure and public safety,” he said. “Financially, Osceola County remains well-positioned to handle the challenges of continued growth and changing economic conditions, having maintained the County General Fund millage rate stability for the past 15 years.”
“Most importantly, this budget maintains the high level of service residents have come to expect, while also committing to expand these services as we grow, said Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Brandon Arrington.
The reduction in the budget is partly due to some road projects already being underway and soon to deliver. Combined with developers mobility fees and funding from agencies like the Florida Department of Transportation, over $5 billion in transportation investment is working to address the county’s top growth challenge. The budget also keeps the same number of county personnel at 1,1814.
Residents will have opportunities to give input on the County’s FY25 budget and proposed millage and rates. Staff will continue to adjust the budget, based on direction from the County Commission, in preparation for the first public hearing.
The next public hearing on the tax rates and proposed budget will be Thursday, Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Chambers.
Additionally, the Kissimmee Utility Authority has approved to present a $321 million operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2026 to the city of Kissimmee, which includes $51 million in capital expenditures to fund a new distribution substation, upgrade transmission facilities, and extend distribution facilities to accommodate growth, an increase of 3.5 positions to 292.5 and a 4% market adjustment for employees.
AdventHealth names Moore Kissimmee CEO Craig Moore has been appointed chief executive officer for AdventHealth Kissimmee effective July 27, the health care organization has reported. Moore brings more than 30 years of experience in health care within AdventHealth, and was most recently its chief operating officer (COO) for the Kissimmee campus.
“I’m humbled to serve in this role and lead AdventHealth Kissimmee as we continue to build on our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ to this dynamic and diverse community,” said Moore. “I look forward to partnering with our incredible care teams and community leaders to advance health care access and whole-person care throughout Osceola County.”
A native of New York City, Moore’s journey with AdventHealth began while he was in high school working as a transporter at AdventHealth Orlando. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Moore served as a physical therapist at the Orlando campus in a variety of clinical settings before advancing through leadership roles across acute care, home health, outpatient services and hospital operations. His career journey also includes serving as director of business development, executive director of clinical support services at AdventHealth Orlando.
“I know Craig will bring both history and heart to this role. His decades of service and dedication to our mission will help AdventHealth Kissimmee continue delivering exceptional, whole-person care for patients and families in this region,” said Doug Harcombe, CEO of the Central Florida Division - South Market.
Moore holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical therapy from Andrews University and an MBA from the University of Central Florida.
St. Cloud man a scratchoff Florida Lottery winner The Florida Lottery announced that Robert Shevett, of St. Cloud claimed a $2 million top prize from the ULTIMATE VIP CA$HWORD Scratch-Off game at the Lottery’s Orlando District Office on April 29. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $1.195 million. Shevett purchased his winning ticket from Winn Dixie at 192 and Narcoossee Road.
