Politics
Sunshine Council Freezes Residential Property Rates in 2026-27 Budget
The rate freeze keeps the levy at 2025-26 levels for all single-family homes and apartments, holding the typical annual bill at the current average of 2,450 dollars.
How we reported this
The Sunshine City Council approved a 2026-27 operating budget on July 7 that freezes residential property rates at their current level. The measure applies to every assessed home and rental unit inside city limits and takes effect with the first billing cycle in September.
Local government revenue from property rates has risen steadily since 2022 because assessed values increased each year. Council documents show the 2025-26 rate produced an average bill of 2,450 dollars for a single-family home. The freeze prevents the automatic adjustment that would have added roughly 85 dollars to that amount under the previous formula.
Direct effect on household budgets
Residents in the Riverside and Oakwood districts will see the largest dollar impact because those neighborhoods contain the highest number of owner-occupied homes. A two-income household earning 68,000 dollars a year that previously paid 2,535 dollars will now pay 2,450 dollars. The 85-dollar difference remains in the household account rather than moving to the city treasury.
Small landlords who own buildings with four units or fewer also receive the freeze. Council staff estimate that 1,240 rental properties fall into this category. Property managers told local advocates that some owners plan to apply the savings toward minor maintenance rather than raising rents immediately.
Next steps for residents and the city
The finance department will mail revised tax statements by August 15. Homeowners who pay through escrow will see the adjustment reflected in their September mortgage statements. The city has set aside 420,000 dollars from reserves to cover the one-year revenue shortfall created by the freeze.
Policy analysts note that the council will review the rate structure again when it begins work on the 2027-28 budget in January. Any future change would require a new ordinance and a public hearing at least 30 days before adoption.