Apopka commissioners tentatively approved a higher property tax rate Thursday, one day after approving increases for water, sewer and garbage service.

The proposed rate is 4.6761 mills, up from the city’s current rate of 4.4376 mills. A mill represents $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of taxable property value.

The tentative rate is 10% above the rollback rate of 4.2510 mills. The rollback rate is the rate that would generate roughly the same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year, excluding new construction.

City budget documents show the higher rate would generate approximately $2.1 million more than keeping the current rate.

Commissioners approved the rate 4-1, with Commissioner Nadia Anderson casting the only opposing vote. No one from the public spoke during the public comment period before the vote.

Commissioner Sam Ruth said the proposed rate would return Apopka to about where its property tax rate stood two years ago.

Anderson pointed to city figures showing Apopka’s taxable property values have grown 12.8%, increasing the amount of money the city collects even before raising the rate.

“I just think it’s important that we don’t try to paint a picture that is not correct,” Anderson said.

Commissioners then worked through the proposed budget line by line, debating whether to restore money for City Hall renovations and office furniture.

Mayor Nick Nesta said $75,000 for renovations to the second floor of City Hall would address privacy, plumbing and accessibility concerns.

“They have to basically whisper about employee reviews or anything private because they’re not real walls up there,” Nesta said.

Anderson requested a detailed breakdown of the renovation costs before seconding a motion to restore the funding. The motion passed unanimously.

The commission then debated $210,000 for office furniture.

“If we’re going to spend $210,000 of taxpayers’ dollars for furniture, I think we should know exactly what we’re spending $210,000 on,” Anderson said.

Her motion to keep the money out of the budget died without receiving a second. Commissioners later voted 4-1 to restore the funding, with Anderson opposed.

The commission ultimately approved the entire tentative budget unanimously.

The final millage rate and budget hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 5:15 p.m. in the Apopka City Hall Commission Chambers. Commissioners can still change the budget and lower the property tax rate before the final vote.

The property tax debate came one day after commissioners approved 6% rate increases for water, sewer and reclaimed water service, along with a 6.5% increase for garbage service.