Erin Hill
Gadsden County News Service
The Town of Havana is proposing a fiscal year 2026-27 budget that keeps the town’s property tax rate unchanged while directing millions of dollars toward wastewater and other infrastructure improvements.
The proposed budget covers Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. Town Manager Leigh Davis wrote in her budget message that the spending plan was developed with the goals of maintaining the town’s financial stability, addressing operational and infrastructure needs and continuing town services. Town officials also considered rising costs for fuel, materials and health insurance, as well as new unfunded state mandates.
Overall operating spending would increase 2.3%, or $348,904, from the current budget. Of that amount, $246,050 is tied to approved or anticipated grant funding for infrastructure. The remaining approximately $102,000 is spread across the town’s funds and reflects increased operating costs.
The proposed property tax rate is 3 mills, the same as the current year. The budget also includes a $1,500 cost-of-living adjustment for employees, down from the adjustment provided this year.
Wastewater infrastructure is a major focus of the proposed spending plan. According to Davis’ budget message, grant funding will provide approximately $7.4 million for lift station rehabilitation and another $850,000 for improvements to the wastewater treatment plant.
The budget also calls for increased right-of-way tree trimming, repairs to the wastewater equalization tank and replacement of a door at the Waterworks Building. Funding for professional services would also increase as the town works to modernize operations and improve efficiency.
The General Fund is proposed at approximately $2.23 million, nearly unchanged from the current year. Revenue from property taxes is projected at $371,006, up from $348,754 in the current budget.
Police Department spending would increase from about $1.25 million to $1.29 million. Regular salaries are proposed at $734,305, while overtime would increase from $12,000 to $27,000. Health insurance costs for the department would rise from $95,405 to $118,650.
Fire Department spending would decrease slightly, from $63,554 to $62,984. The town is also proposing $365,000 for garbage and recycling services, unchanged from the current budget.
Administration spending is proposed at $166,263, up from $147,653. The budget includes $15,000 for professional services, compared with $6,000 this year, and $23,000 for the Community Redevelopment Trust, up from $15,000.
The Special Revenue Fund, which accounts for several grant-funded projects, is proposed at approximately $8.03 million, an increase of $246,050. Funding listed in the budget includes money for storm drainage, lift station and water projects, treatment plant improvements and other infrastructure work.
In her budget message, Davis also noted several developments during the current fiscal year, including the opening of the Public Safety Complex, an improved fire insurance rating, a new fire service support contract with Gadsden County, continued investment in the town’s electric system and voluntary annexations.
The Town Council held its first public hearing on the proposed budget Sept. 14. The second and final public hearing, when the council is scheduled to consider final adoption of the budget, is set for Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. at Havana Town Hall, 711 N. Main St.
