The Stuart Town Council approved its fiscal year 2026-27 budget and a water and sewer rate increase at its June 17 meeting.
The balanced budget totals $2,396,529, according to Town Manager Bryce Simmons.
“We have a general fund and unassigned fund balance of about $3.9 million, and that comes from the 2025 audit. One thing I do want to note is that we have proposed a deficit budget for this year, and that is represented in the general revenues. We are running a deficit of about $25,972,” Simmons said.
He said the deficit budget was adopted to help offset increases in the town’s water and sewer fund.
“We are offsetting our enterprise fund, which is our water and our sewer accounts, with general fund revenues in the amount of $283,521,” he said.
Council member Erica Wade said she appreciates the budget committee for its work on this year’s budget.
“We’d like to thank Mr. Bryce. He made our job easier,” Mayor Terry Dalton said.
The council also approved increasing the base water and sewer rate for in-town customers from $21.11 to $22.50, effective July 1.
Simmons said rates have not increased significantly since he became town manager about five years ago.
The council also discussed roofing issues at the Star Theatre and learned there is a possibility that it could remain closed for the rest of the year rather than reopening in October after crews discovered moisture issues beneath the vinyl siding covering the roof.
