NSBU to Vote on Current Year Budget, Decade-Long Plan | The Locally Times
On September 30, the NSBU will vote on a budget for the fiscal year *ending that same day*, alongside a capital plan through 2035. Key financial details remain undisclosed, leaving residents to wonder about future utility bills.
New Smyrna Beach utility customers face a critical, and unusually timed, vote on September 30, 2026. That day, the New Smyrna Beach Utilities Commission (NSBU) is scheduled to approve its budget for the *current fiscal year* — the one that concludes on that very date. This last-minute approval, outlined in NSBU's Resolution 2025-05, also encompasses a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) stretching through 2035. While the resolution identifies these key financial documents, it notably omits specific dollar amounts for the proposed budget or the long-term capital plan. This lack of detail means residents currently lack insight into how these plans, which will shape the future of utility services, might impact their monthly bills and the reliability of their water and power. The NSBU's decision will require subsequent approval by the New Smyrna Beach City Commission. ## Last-Minute Budget, Long-Term Vision The NSBU's Resolution 2025-05, set for adoption on September 30, 2026, addresses the budget for the fiscal year that began October 1, 2025, and concludes on the resolution's adoption date. Beyond the immediate budget, the resolution details a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan. This plan outlines infrastructure investments across two phases: FY2026-2030 and FY2031-2035. The resolution also includes standard language about rescinding conflicting prior resolutions. However, the publicly available documents do not yet specify project details or financial allocations within these multi-year capital improvement plans, leaving the specifics of future infrastructure upgrades unclear. ## City Hall's Final Say The NSBU's budget and capital plan will not be final until they receive approval from the New Smyrna Beach City Commission via ordinance. This places the utility's financial future within the city's broader budget cycle, which typically sees staff developing annual budgets months ahead of the October 1st fiscal year start. The City Commission then approves the city's Financial Plan and Annual Budget each September for the *upcoming* fiscal year, a process that contrasts sharply with the NSBU's current timeline. City budget reports emphasize a commitment to a balanced budget, where proposed expenditures do not exceed estimated revenues and fund balances. This principle, requiring current revenue to support current expenditures, will also apply to the NSBU's plans once they reach the City Commission for review. ## Seeking Transparency: Where to Find Answers While the NSBU's specific financial details remain under wraps, the City of New Smyrna Beach generally provides extensive budget information. Residents can access current and previous fiscal year budget documents, information, and presentations on the city's website. Full budgetary and financial records are also available for public review at City Hall, 210 Sams Ave., during regular business hours. For specific details on the NSBU's proposed FY2026 budget and its long-range capital plan, residents will need to closely watch upcoming City Commission agendas. The ordinance approving the NSBU's plans will eventually provide the clarity needed to understand the financial implications for utility rates and the future reliability of services. ## What Residents Need to Know As the NSBU prepares for its September 30 vote, several key questions remain for New Smyrna Beach residents: * **When will the full financial picture emerge?** While the NSBU is set to approve its plans on September 30, the specific dollar amounts and project details are not yet public. The City Commission's review and ordinance approval will be the next critical step for transparency. * **Where can residents find details?** General city budget documents are available on the city's website and at City Hall. However, specific details for the NSBU's proposed FY2026 budget and long-range capital plan will only become clear once they are presented to the City Commission. * **How will this impact utility bills?** The proposed budget and capital plan *could* lead to changes in utility rates, directly affecting residents' monthly bills. Without specific financial allocations, the extent of any potential impact remains unknown.