ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County commissioners will hold the first of two public hearings Thursday on the county’s proposed $9.01 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27.

The hearing will begin at 5:01 p.m. in the Board of County Commissioners Chambers at the Orange County Administration Center. Residents are invited to attend and speak during public comment.

A second public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24 at 5:01 p.m.

Orange County has kept its countywide operating tax rate at 4.4347 mills since 2008. According to the county, that is the 11th-lowest countywide operating tax rate in Florida.

The proposed budget includes more than $1.1 billion for the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue and Corrections. The county said public safety uses about 53% of its property tax revenue.

The proposed increases would help pay for salaries and equipment, create new positions and support safe jail operations.

The budget also dedicates $19.5 million to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Orange County has set a goal of creating or preserving 10,000 housing units by the end of 2028.

More than $56 million is proposed for homelessness crisis intervention and behavioral health services. The budget also includes a new 150-bed homeless service center in East Orange County.

For transportation, the county is proposing $115.5 million for LYNX and $15 million for SunRail.

Orange County said construction and maintenance costs have risen significantly since 2019, reducing the purchasing power of each transportation dollar by about 42%. The county budgets more than $200 million annually for roadways. In 2024, commissioners also allocated $100 million over five years to the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program.

The county is also preparing for the possible effect of Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Orange County estimates the amendment could reduce its property tax revenue by $165 million in 2027 and $275 million in 2028. If it passes, the county said commissioners could face decisions about spending, service levels and other legally available sources of revenue.

Orange TV will broadcast the hearing live. Residents can watch on Spectrum Channel 488.