Marathon City Council Member Robyn Still joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
The City of Marathon has approved its fiscal year 2026-27 budget and the increase is significantly lower than the 18.8% figure that had circulated during the budget process.
The 18.8% figure represented the city’s initial proposed increase in the millage rate, rather than an 18.8% increase on a property’s total assessed value.
For example, Still said that if the city had adopted the full 18.8% increase, the owner of a home assessed at $700,000 would have seen an estimated annual property tax increase of about $182.
“The good news is the final budget that we passed was 5.52%,” Still said.
The final budget was approved by the City Council on Sept. 22 after approximately two and a half hours of discussion. The 5.52% increase is above the rollback rate, after the city had remained at rollback for the previous three years.
Still said the lower increase comes with a financial tradeoff, however. The approved budget includes approximately $2.6 million in deficit spending.
The city will need to be particularly careful with spending during the coming year and make difficult decisions about which expenditures are necessary.
“We’re going to have to be very, very responsible going forward this year with our budget and with how we spend money,” Still said. “If there’s anything that’s not necessary, then we have to make some choices about that.”
Still also pointed to the city’s reserves as an important financial safeguard. Marathon has just under a year of reserves available, which serves as an emergency fund in the event of a major storm or other event that disrupts normal city operations.
Reserves can be particularly important after disasters because the city may have to spend money before receiving reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“That reserve keeps our city functioning, keeps our toilets flushing, keeps our water running,” Still said.
The city also continues to seek funding for major projects, including its deep well project. Still said City Manager Steve Williams is working to secure additional funding for the expensive project.
“We’ve gotten some funding, but that’s a very expensive project that we have to complete,” Still said. “Marathon’s strong, and we will get through it.”
Another issue facing the city is the future financial impact of Amendment Three. Still encouraged residents to research the amendment carefully before voting.
“Read everything you can about it from reputable sources, and educate yourself before you make that vote,” Still said. “It’s your right to vote whichever way you want.”
The city is also expected to begin the process of finding a new city attorney after its former city attorney was hired as city manager. Still said she would like the position to be opened to applications and noted that the city has an assistant city attorney who could potentially apply.
With an October City Council meeting approaching, Still said the city attorney search will likely become part of a future council discussion.
Beyond city government and finances, Still highlighted several upcoming community events.
The city will participate in a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States at the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge on Saturday, Oct. 10. The event is scheduled for 5 to 7:30 p.m. and will include the Marathon High School Culinary Program, Grimal Grove and other community partners, along with entertainment.
Still also highlighted upcoming Halloween activities, including the city’s second year of trick-or-treating at Sombrero Beach, as well as the Witches in the Hammock event at Crane Point.
For those looking for an alternative Halloween activity, a movie float event is planned at the lagoon at Bongos in Grassy Key, where attendees can watch “The Perfect Storm” from the water. Still said the movie is free to watch, although food from Bongos will be available for purchase.
Applications are also expected to be accepted for licensed charter boat captains interested in obtaining a slip at Seven Mile Marina. Still said there are a limited number of slips and encouraged interested captains to contact Sean Cannon, the city’s marine division director, for information about the application process.
Still also provided an update on flooding and drainage projects, including the Sombrero Boulevard project. With king tides, coastal flooding and heavy rainfall currently affecting the area, Still said she hoped the project would help reduce water accumulation compared with conditions before the improvements were made.
Finally, Still reminded residents about the Hope Walk for Cancer Awareness. A fundraising event is scheduled for Oct. 8, with the main walk set for Oct. 24 beginning at 8 a.m. at Marathon Fire Rescue.
Still said participants can walk individually or as part of a team and encouraged residents to take part in the annual event.