Thad Carroll

The budget includes the General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Utilities Fund. The General Fund is balanced with equal revenue and expenditures. Revenues include Ad Valorem Tax Revenue, Villages Fire Assessment revenue, and transfers from Special Revenue and Special Revenue Reserves. Highlighted expenditures include capital outlay costs and other expenses covered by special revenue for all departments. The Special Revenue Fund includes revenues from the one-cent tax. The Utilities Fund includes a 5% increase in water, sewer, and reuse utility rates and solid waste fees. The budget also contains pass-through revenues and expenses for Fire Assessment, Solid Waste, and State Casualty Insurance Premium Tax.

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes the General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Utilities Fund. The General Fund is balanced with equal revenues and expenditures. Revenues include Ad Valorem Tax, Villages Fire Assessment, and transfers from Special Revenue. Highlighted expenditures include capital outlay costs and expenses covered by special revenue. The Special Revenue Fund includes revenues from the one-cent sales tax. The Utilities Fund includes revenues from water, sewer, and reuse utility rates, and solid waste fees.

The Lady Lake Police Department introduced new officers and received awards. The department overcame challenges in hiring and is now close to full staffing. Several officers were recognized for their contributions, including a Meritorious Police Service Award for two officers who de-escalated a suicide attempt, and a Chief's Award for Deputy Chief Jason Brough for his exceptional dedication and leadership.

The Town of Lady Lake's 2025-2027 Strategic Plan focuses on enhancing services and improving the quality of life within the town through seven key goals: branding, placemaking & wayfinding, community engagement, infrastructure, innovation & technology, financial health, public safety, and recruitment & retention. The plan aims to foster a vibrant and thriving community by increasing community outreach, completing library renovations, improving police supervision, and ensuring competitive compensation to attract and retain talent.