Council Update: Council proposes keeping tax rate steady for a third year

The governing board of Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County on Monday tentatively agreed to hold the 2025-2026 millage rate steady for the third year in a row at .4908.

The Council’s ad valorem tax revenue would rise by about $10 million, allowing it to focus on implementing its new strategic plan.

In the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, the Council will fund programs that support its mission, so the community’s children are born healthy, grow up with safe and nurturing families, and are ready to learn when they enter school. This upcoming year, the Council will continue addressing issues highlighted by the community, which participated in the organization’s strategic planning process. Those issues include additional support for youth ages 6-18, bolstering grassroots organizations and provider capacity, expanding partnerships in the community and ensuring families receiving CSC services have access to basic needs. 

“We are thrilled to have the support of our Council and the community to respond to the needs of Palm Beach County families with creativity and flexibility,” says Lisa Williams-Taylor, CSC’s CEO. “We look forward to implementing initiatives that directly address these needs and improve our children’s well-being.”

Under the proposed millage rate, a Palm Beach County owner of a single-family home with an assessed property value of $375,000 (with $50,000 in typical exemptions) would pay about $160 in ad valorem taxes to the Council in 2025-2026. 

Total ad valorem taxes to the Council would be $160,177,040. More than 93% of the Council’s overall budget would go to support children’s programs and services.

The Council will vote on the final millage rate at 5:01 p.m., Sept. 29, 2025.