The City of Key West has taken another step in its annual budget process after city commissioners reached consensus during the first budget workshop to establish the proposed property tax rate at the rollback rate, while directing staff to continue identifying additional savings before final adoption in September.
City Manager Brian Barroso joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
The proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget reflects months of work by city staff and represents a different approach to budgeting than in recent years.
“For the first time in more than 15 years, we’re presenting a zero-minus budget for approval,” Barroso said.
The administration initially proposed a budget below the rollback rate before commissioners agreed to establish the rollback rate of 1.8848 mills as the maximum rate for further budget discussions. Barroso emphasized that the rate can still be lowered before final adoption during two public budget hearings scheduled for September.
Commissioners also directed staff to continue examining department operations, reducing redundancies, and improving efficiency without affecting city services.
“We’ve gotten our marching orders to continue to sharpen our pencils,” Barroso said.
The budget review coincides with the city’s broader strategic planning effort. Residents, business owners, community organizations, and stakeholders are invited to participate in a public engagement meeting on the Key West Forward Faster Strategic Plan for 2026 through 2030 from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, in City Commission Chambers.
Barroso said the meeting will focus on reviewing strategic priorities, discussing ongoing projects, and gathering public input on future initiatives involving infrastructure, housing, environmental protection, transportation, and long-term financial stability.
“We believe planning together today creates a stronger community for tomorrow,” he said.
The city has also expanded opportunities for residents to engage directly with city leadership through the “Coffee with the City Manager” program, held every other Tuesday, providing residents an opportunity to ask questions and discuss city issues.
Barroso said direct communication helps combat misinformation and encourages residents to make informed decisions.
“We’re providing you an opportunity to gather your own facts and make your own interpretation of what’s best for Key West,” he said.
The city is also encouraging residents to participate in its newly launched Adopt-a-Drain program, a volunteer initiative developed by the Utilities Department to help reduce localized flooding by keeping neighborhood storm drains clear of leaves and debris.
Participants can adopt a drain through a QR code registration system and work alongside city crews to monitor drainage conditions.
“Small actions by many people create lasting environmental stewardship,” Barroso said.
The city recently received a $4 million grant through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Resilient Florida Program to support the Harris Avenue and 10th Street drainage improvement project in New Town.
Barroso said the project is designed to reduce flooding while strengthening the city’s long-term resilience.
The grant follows what Barroso described as a record year for state appropriations and grant funding secured by the city.
“We’ve had a record-setting level of grant activity this year, and that’s not by accident,” he said.
In another funding announcement, Key West received a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant to install four hurricane-rated, artistically designed bus shelters at high-use transit stops in Old Town. The shelters will incorporate local artwork while improving public transportation infrastructure.
Environmental stewardship also remained a focus after city utility employees partnered with Save-A-Turtle to rescue six disoriented sea turtle hatchlings found near Smathers Beach after they entered storm drains.
Barroso reminded residents that nesting season is underway and encouraged efforts to reduce artificial lighting near beaches, which can disorient hatchlings.
“Protecting our natural environment is a shared responsibility,” he said.
The city will also recognize 13 employees during a special quarterly ceremony honoring milestone years of service. Among those recognized are two employees celebrating 20 years of service, two celebrating 25 years, and Key West Fire Department Division Chief Gregory Barroso, who is marking 30 years with the city.
The city recently also renamed Fire Station No. 3 in honor of the late Fire Chief Edwin “Eddie” Castro for his decades of service to the community.
Barroso also recognized Allison Crean, who is retiring after years of service to the community.
“Her professionalism, her dedication to this community, her unwavering desire to continue to provide awareness, communication, recognition — it’s going to be a huge void,” Barroso said.
The city and its employees work hard for the community.
“I see over 550 dedicated men and women here doing amazing things in the service of others,” he said. “Thank you to our community for your patience, your understanding, and your partnership as we continue to bring better forward.”