Strong Services, Smart Investments In Wellington Budget
The Village of Wellington’s adopted budget for fiscal year 2026, which began Oct. 1, ensures that Wellington maintains its high-quality programs and services while investing in the future.
For our residents, the recently adopted budget is more than a set of numbers; it’s a roadmap for daily life in the village. From well-kept parks and stronger public safety to ongoing infrastructure improvements, the spending plan represents both stability and a continued investment in the community’s quality of life.
On Sept. 18, the Wellington Village Council adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget, a $155.9 million plan that reflects careful stewardship and a continued commitment to excellence in serving our residents. Each year, the budget is developed through a strategic process rooted in our mission, vision, village fundamentals and council initiatives while adapting to economic conditions and community needs. After a series of workshops and public hearings, the adopted budget ensures that Wellington maintains its high-quality programs and services while investing in the future.
For FY 2026, the council maintained the ad valorem millage rate at 2.47 mills. While ad valorem property taxes represent about 20 percent of Wellington’s revenues, most funding comes from charges for services, such as water and sewer, recreation programs and license fees. To balance service delivery and infrastructure needs, residents will see modest increases in certain rates: a $20 adjustment to the Acme Improvement District assessment, a 10 percent increase in utility rates to support system rehabilitation and water treatment improvements, and a $10 increase in residential curbside solid waste collection. These changes ensure that Wellington continues to deliver reliable services, keep our infrastructure strong and fund essential capital projects.
This year’s budget includes an expenditure increase of $6.9 million, directed toward enhanced public safety, capital improvements and continued resident services. Major projects funded in FY 2026 include: Stormwater pump station improvements; Greenbriar Blvd. bike lanes and rebuild; traffic signal component upgrades throughout the village; C-8 Canal pathway connection and multi-modal pathway extensions; Wellington Tennis Center court additions; water plant membrane expansion and rehabilitation; and the water meter replacement program.
In addition to capital projects, the budget prioritizes essential services, such as surface water management, solid waste collection, road and facility maintenance, and employee retention. It also supports community priorities, including the Keely Spinelli education grants, Freebee senior transportation, paratransit contributions, flood control, pathway improvements, Vision Zero traffic safety, and a wide range of recreation and cultural programs.
We are also preparing for the operations and maintenance of expanded community facilities, including the new Wellington Aquatics Center, South Shore Community Park, Greenbriar Community Park and the Wellington Tennis Center expansion, while minimizing the impact on taxpayers.
Looking ahead, Wellington is responsibly investing in our future through initiatives like the new Public Safety Annex, environmental preservation projects, long-term traffic control improvements and continued master planning efforts.
Wellington’s financial health remains strong. By maintaining fund balances and reserves above policy levels, the village is positioned to deliver services sustainably while protecting residents from sharp tax increases in the future.
I encourage you to learn more about how your tax dollars are being invested by visiting www.wellingtonfl.gov/budget. There, you can view helpful resources, such as our Budget in Brief, which provides an easy-to-understand overview of this year’s spending plan.
By approving a budget that grows modestly over last year’s, our council aims to balance fiscal responsibility with the services and amenities that make Wellington feel like home.
These investments ensure that Wellington continues to thrive as a premier community, one that provides exceptional services today while planning responsibly for tomorrow.
