The Royal Palm Beach Village Council prides itself on having one of the lowest municipal property tax rates in Palm Beach County. The council moved toward keeping the village’s current property tax rate at 1.92 mills during a budget workshop held Thursday, July 10.
The village has maintained its tax rate unchanged for the past 16 years. Royal Palm Beach’s proposed property tax rate of 1.92 mills compares favorably with other nearby municipalities, such as Wellington’s rate of 2.47 mills.
Finance Director Sharon Almeida, who won a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award last year from the Government Finance Officers Association, provided the council with a well-organized, easy-to-read budget document of 270 pages.
“During my time on the council, this was one of the best budget workshops we’ve had,” Mayor Jeff Hmara said. “It highlighted our much-improved budget process — from the new, easy-to-use budget book to the updated five-year financial forecast. Council and staff worked closely together, reviewing every detail. The workshop reflected our commitment to continuous improvement and transparency. Everyone had a voice. That’s good government in action.”
Village Manager Ray Liggins agreed.
“I think the fiscal year 2026 budget workshop went very well,” he said. “Adding the strategic plan process and the long-term financial model to the introduction of the budget plan provides a complete picture of village finances. Getting clear and unanimous direction from the council on key issues regarding staff and the funding of the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center project is priceless.”
The proposed budget would spend $31.5 million in the general fund next year, and $27.2 million in the capital improvement fund, including reserves. All the funds together total $60.9 million, which is down 10 percent from the current year’s adopted budget of $68.2 million.
Key highlights of the fiscal year 2026 budget include modernizing public facilities, upgrading technology and investing in people.
Facility improvements include a major expansion of the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center.
“The recreation center is being updated and expanded, wrapping up a long-term effort to renovate public buildings across the village,” Hmara said. “Once finished, the rec center will offer more flexible, modern space, enhanced programming and improved amenities for all ages. This upgrade helps us serve residents better for years to come.”
The budget reflects that the village is continuing a multi-year effort to modernize its internal information technology (IT) systems. According to village staff, while not as visible as other improvements, these upgrades are crucial. They strengthen cybersecurity, streamline operations, and make government services more secure, efficient and accessible.
The proposed budget also invests in people. For example, the budget funds merit increases and cost-of-living adjustments for village staff.
“None of this would be possible without our outstanding staff,” Hmara said. “The proposed budget supports our commitment to attracting and retaining skilled, experienced and dedicated employees — without taking on any municipal debt. We know that investing in our team means better services for our residents.”
Liggins noted that Royal Palm Beach’s budget and tax rates compare favorably to other municipalities.
“The village continues to deliver excellent facilities and service for residents,” he said. “A few examples of these facilities are Commons Park, the Recreation Center, the Cultural Center, Cypress Hall and 20 other neighborhood parks throughout the village.”
The village also offers many popular services, he added, including youth sports, senior programs and seasonal community events.
“The village staff and council are driven to make Royal Palm Beach a place you can be proud of and a place you want to call home,” Liggins said.
While taxable property values are projected to increase 6.79 percent or $313 million to $4.92 billion, making the budgeting process a bit easier, village finances are not without challenges. Consumption-based revenues are projected to decrease 4 percent. Meanwhile, Palm Beach County’s one-cent sales surtax is anticipated to sunset this December, taking away a key source of revenue over the past decade. Also, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are expected to be fully expended prior to the December 2026 deadline.
Despite those challenges, Hmara is proud of the village’s financial position.
“Thanks to sound decisions and an improved budgeting process, Royal Palm Beach continues to have one of the lowest municipal property tax rates in Palm Beach County,” he said. “At the same time, we’re still investing in facilities, technology and people to meet the needs of our growing community.”
The next steps in the budget process are two formal budget hearings in September.
