Ad Valorem taxes are budgeted at $14,036,211 (General Fund Revenue, page 123) and are collected by the Lake County Tax Collector's office. Most of the tax collections occur from November through March. Tax bills are mailed in November, coming due March 31, with a sliding discount rate for early payment beginning in November. Collections are calculated by multiplying the City's adopted millage rate for every $1,000 of taxable property value. The City's millage rate is adopted by City Commission each budget year, with the established rate predicated upon desired revenue generated (within statutory limitations) based on the gross taxable value of real and personal property as certified by the County Property Appraiser. The proposed millage rate for FY 2026/27 is 7.3898.
Eustis is included in the Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area, one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation. Additionally, City leadership has instituted further pro-growth measures such as development incentives, impact fee waiver programs, annexations, and business recruitment strategies; as well as marketing, community engagement, livability, and tourism events. These factors have assisted in producing an average annual taxable value increase for the last four years. The City will explore any combination of efficiency/cost reduction measures, enhancements in other revenue streams, and continued pro-growth policy to maintain long-term financial health. Additionally, the City will continue to benefit from its exceptional climate, geography, small-town charm, and inclusion in a rapidly growing metro area, which will contribute to healthy growth in the tax base for decades to come. Due to current City development and rapid population increase, a 2% annual growth assumption is used.
Franchise fees are budgeted at $2,365,000 (General Fund Revenue, page 123) and utility service taxes are budgeted at $3,751,000 (General Fund Revenue, page 123). They are collected from customers by public service providers and remitted to the City monthly except for the Communication Services Tax (CST), which was budgeted at $660,000 (General Fund Revenue, page 123). This is a tax on the purchase of electricity, metered natural gas, and water service. The CST is remitted by telecom providers to the Florida Department of Revenue (State) which then distributes collections to local governments with a one-month lag. Budgeting for franchise fees and utility service taxes is calculated by reviewing historical trends along with any information on rate or customer base changes. All franchise fees and utility service axes are based on a percentage of service cost. Electricity is by far the biggest generator of utility tax and franchise fee revenue with 90