P.O. Drawer 68 · Eustis, Florida 32727-0068 · (352) 483-5430

September 24, 2026

Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners:

I am delighted to introduce the Adopted Annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027. This budget is based on my understanding of the Commission's top priorities and the level of service required to fulfill the community's needs. This document represents the culmination of the annual budget process, commencing in February and ending with the final adoption on September 24, 2026. The budget is fully compliant with the mandates of the City Charter, relevant Florida Statutes, the City's Financial Policies, and is aligned with the goals and objectives outlined in the City's Strategic Plan.

Eustis remains a vibrant and thriving community that residents and businesses can take pride in. The City's fiscal health continues to be strong and stable. The Commission has exercised fiscal restraint and implemented expenditure plans that are within the City's available revenue streams. Over the past several years, Eustis has consistently adopted balanced budgets, adhering to the City's definition of a balanced budget, wherein total recurring revenues meet or exceed total recurring expenditures, practicing responsible financial practices.

The expenditure budget of $73,650,102 (Proposed Budget Summary, page 78) includes the acquisition of public safety vehicles, water and sewer projects, street resurfacing as well as funding for the police and fire pensions. There are several major projects slated for FY 2026/27. The most significant projects in the FY 2026/27 budget are the ground water storage tank in the Water/Sewer Utility, the replacement of the City's Enterprise Resource Planning software system, the Lake Willie dock expansion and the CRA / Downtown Implementation Plan. The build-out of the new facility to house the Building Department and Fire Administration is budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan. The Public Utilities Department has budgeted equipment for the sewer and water divisions, as well as repairs, upgrades and replacements for pumps, lift stations, water lines and meters. On-going city-wide street resurfacing and sidewalk maintenance is budgeted to preserve the existing infrastructure.

The City continues to experience steady growth, with an increase in population from 23,407 in 2021 to an estimated 24,734 as of April 1, 2026. The increase of 1,327 represents a 5.67% growth in population. The data is prepared by the University of Florida, Bureau of Economic and Business Research.

Figure 1:

CITY OF EUSTIS, FL POPULATION

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