BRANFORD, Fla. — The Town of Branford is looking to raise its millage rate by more than 26 percent.

At the town’s first public budget hearing Sept. 12, the town council adopted the 2017-18 millage rate and budget.

The millage rate is 6.000 mills.

Branford’s current millage rate is 4.7433, an increase of 26.5 percent.

The increase in mills will bring the town an additional $26,274.

Town Clerk Donna Hardin said the purpose of the increase is to balance the budget.

Hardin said the town is losing revenue due to the numerous properties that are tax exempt.

The total budget is $1,022,305.

The second and final budget will be Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Branford Town Hall.

The public is welcome to attend the meeting.