Anyone see this? What do you guys think about it?
http://www1.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/MI40248/
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida homeowners could see their property tax bills drop by nearly 20 percent this year under a House plan released Wednesday that would also give voters the option of abolishing the property tax on primary homes, trading it for higher sales taxes.
The proposal would also cap the amount local government tax collections could grow each year unless local elected officials unanimously agree to raise more.
House Speaker Marco Rubio unveiled the proposal, which calls for a special election later this year in which voters would be asked to eliminate all property taxes on homestead property -- the primary residence on which a person has a homestead exemption. Taxes would still be paid on vacation or second homes.
If voters approve the elimination of the property tax, the state sales tax would be increased to 8.5 percent from 6 percent. That's aimed at helping local governments absorb the impact of losing property tax revenue.
More at link.
pgurneypgurneyBeach FanaticATL & Seacrest586 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
pgurneyBeach FanaticATL & Seacrest586 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic4,565 views
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Joe CompleteJoe CompleteBeach LoverTaxahassee FL/Watercolor173 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
Joe CompleteBeach LoverTaxahassee FL/Watercolor173 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach LoverI agree 100% that counties are spending too much. Any solution must include some sort of caps that line up spending with population growth and inflation.
I find it interesting that when the Florida Supreme Court originally approved the wording for the SOH amendment in 1992, 3 of the 4 justices dissented and said it violated the "equal protection" clause. The class action lawsuit may very well have some merit.
I find it interesting that when the Florida Supreme Court originally approved the wording for the SOH amendment in 1992, 3 of the 4 justices dissented and said it violated the "equal protection" clause. The class action lawsuit may very well have some merit.
RambunksciousRambunksciousBeach Lover136 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
Yes, the county budgets are the problem. I was told last Friday that in 2005 Okaloosa County had a 12% population increase yet the actual county expenditures went up 83% for 2005. ( Okaloosa County is the county adjacent to Walton County on the west).
You would think the counties would be a little sensitive here and if the values double, the millage would halve.
Apparently, however, this extra funding that the counties have began to receive in the last 2 or 3 years has only whetted their appetite for more, more, more. It would be interesting to hear their side of this story.
On the insurance side of the story, a sweet and simple answer to that problem is to let Citizens write all the homeowner business in the state; tell the other insurance companies to go home. This would cause our premiums to go way down because no profit would be realized. However, this is a very political situation, hence our politicians are not likely to agree to this.
You would think the counties would be a little sensitive here and if the values double, the millage would halve.
Apparently, however, this extra funding that the counties have began to receive in the last 2 or 3 years has only whetted their appetite for more, more, more. It would be interesting to hear their side of this story.
On the insurance side of the story, a sweet and simple answer to that problem is to let Citizens write all the homeowner business in the state; tell the other insurance companies to go home. This would cause our premiums to go way down because no profit would be realized. However, this is a very political situation, hence our politicians are not likely to agree to this.
SHELLYSHELLYSoWal Insider5,763 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
SHELLYSoWal Insider5,763 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderPalm Beach County rejects recommendation for no budget increases
By Josh Hafenbrack
Sun-Sentinel.com
Posted February 27 2007, 7:03 PM EST
Turning back a wave of residents clamoring for slimmed-down county spending, Palm Beach County commissioners on Tuesday rejected a recommendation that they hold the line on the budget and slammed their own advisory committee for making the suggestion.
Residents told commissioners that because county spending has spiraled in recent years, property taxes are forcing people from their homes and stifling the real estate market.
Commissioners were defensive, quarreling with speakers and blaming state legislators for passing down unfunded mandates. Commissioners unloaded on the Budget Advisory Committee chaired by Commissioner Warren Newell, threatening to replace board members they appointed just months ago unless the committee changes its focus.
Of the 16 percent increase in county property taxes this year, resident Virginia Brooks noted: "That's nearly triple the combination of population growth and inflation, and almost double the growth in personal income. I think the solution might be, just like any good household would do, a belt tightening."
Commissioners rejected the budget committee's recommendation to keep 2008 spending to this year's $4.3 billion level.
The commission formed the advisory committee less than three months ago in response to a growing outcry over increases in county spending. On Tuesday, commissioners said the committee should focus on specific programs and county expenses, rather than making broad suggestions. Commissioners each appointed one person to the seven-member budget committee, save for Newell.
"Just telling us, 'Go cut,' I think we need to be more specific," said Commissioner Karen Marcus. "If they don't want to do that, we need to put new members on there."
Commission Chairman Addie Greene took it a step further.
"Why do we need this committee?" she asked. "It's my personal opinion it's a waste of time."
About a dozen residents spoke on the spending issue, all hammering home the same theme: county spending is out of control, leading to crippling property tax bills for anyone without a longtime homestead exemption.
Many more showed up, but not everyone spoke because commissioners broke the property tax session into two parts.
The issue came up before 10:30 a.m., but commissioners moved onto another agenda item less than an hour later and didn't take the budget recommendation back up until after 3 p.m.
One woman wore a T-shirt that said, "Taxation Without Representation is Tyranny," referring to seasonal residents who have borne the brunt of increased government spending.
Others complained that commissioners were being bullies for lecturing speakers on why county spending has gone up. "I resent some of the arrogance that comes across sometimes," said James Grice, 51, of Wellington.
"We'll try and work on that," responded Commissioner Jeff Koons.
David Wood noted that when 500 residents packed a legislative hearing on property taxes this month at Palm Beach Community College, no commissioners showed up. "Hundreds of citizens were there who had questions for all of you, and none of you were there," he said.
Christina Pearce, a Realtor, zeroed in on the county reserves, noting the $2.3 billion the county has in its investment portfolio. That money includes not only the budget reserves, but also money to pay for future parks, projects and roads.
"I think I speak for everybody when I say that seems to be a lot of money," she said. "I know it might be designated for this project or that. But what we're saying is, there has to be some money that can be used to offset property taxes."
Property taxes are the Legislature's top concern for the spring session. Among the proposals is a plan to roll back county spending to the pre-real estate boom levels of 2001 and replace homestead property taxes with a 2.5 percent increase in sales taxes.
"It looks like the state is finally going to make you guys prioritize your spending," said resident John Early, who ticked off county cost-saving measures from a hiring freeze to 10 percent department budget cuts. "From what I'm reading, you're going to really have to cut back a lot."
Representing a consortium of condo communities in Boynton Beach, snowbird Dory Kilburn said her taxes shot up 70 percent in one year and many of her neighbors are being forced from their homes by taxes.
"When you raises taxes in Palm Beach, we pay," she said. "We're asking you not just to freeze the budget, but? try to find some ways to save money, because our communities are not going to survive if you keep raising the taxes."
In their discussion, commissioners focused on the Budget Advisory Committee itself, lamenting that the board didn't identify specific areas the county should cut.
"Commissioner Marcus, I think you're right on track," Commissioner Burt Aaronson said when Marcus threatened to find new board members. "The fact is, I don't think they've fulfilled their mission."
Newell also criticized the committee he chairs, despite having supported its budget recommendation at the committee hearing. He said a lot of politics has infiltrated the group, later explaining it is influenced by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, which has battled the commission over its spending. That group's executive director, Mike Jones, said the commission was shortsighted to reject the idea of holding the line on county spending.
"I think it's a lot more generous than the Legislature might do," he said.
By Josh Hafenbrack
Sun-Sentinel.com
Posted February 27 2007, 7:03 PM EST
Turning back a wave of residents clamoring for slimmed-down county spending, Palm Beach County commissioners on Tuesday rejected a recommendation that they hold the line on the budget and slammed their own advisory committee for making the suggestion.
Residents told commissioners that because county spending has spiraled in recent years, property taxes are forcing people from their homes and stifling the real estate market.
Commissioners were defensive, quarreling with speakers and blaming state legislators for passing down unfunded mandates. Commissioners unloaded on the Budget Advisory Committee chaired by Commissioner Warren Newell, threatening to replace board members they appointed just months ago unless the committee changes its focus.
Of the 16 percent increase in county property taxes this year, resident Virginia Brooks noted: "That's nearly triple the combination of population growth and inflation, and almost double the growth in personal income. I think the solution might be, just like any good household would do, a belt tightening."
Commissioners rejected the budget committee's recommendation to keep 2008 spending to this year's $4.3 billion level.
The commission formed the advisory committee less than three months ago in response to a growing outcry over increases in county spending. On Tuesday, commissioners said the committee should focus on specific programs and county expenses, rather than making broad suggestions. Commissioners each appointed one person to the seven-member budget committee, save for Newell.
"Just telling us, 'Go cut,' I think we need to be more specific," said Commissioner Karen Marcus. "If they don't want to do that, we need to put new members on there."
Commission Chairman Addie Greene took it a step further.
"Why do we need this committee?" she asked. "It's my personal opinion it's a waste of time."
About a dozen residents spoke on the spending issue, all hammering home the same theme: county spending is out of control, leading to crippling property tax bills for anyone without a longtime homestead exemption.
Many more showed up, but not everyone spoke because commissioners broke the property tax session into two parts.
The issue came up before 10:30 a.m., but commissioners moved onto another agenda item less than an hour later and didn't take the budget recommendation back up until after 3 p.m.
One woman wore a T-shirt that said, "Taxation Without Representation is Tyranny," referring to seasonal residents who have borne the brunt of increased government spending.
Others complained that commissioners were being bullies for lecturing speakers on why county spending has gone up. "I resent some of the arrogance that comes across sometimes," said James Grice, 51, of Wellington.
"We'll try and work on that," responded Commissioner Jeff Koons.
David Wood noted that when 500 residents packed a legislative hearing on property taxes this month at Palm Beach Community College, no commissioners showed up. "Hundreds of citizens were there who had questions for all of you, and none of you were there," he said.
Christina Pearce, a Realtor, zeroed in on the county reserves, noting the $2.3 billion the county has in its investment portfolio. That money includes not only the budget reserves, but also money to pay for future parks, projects and roads.
"I think I speak for everybody when I say that seems to be a lot of money," she said. "I know it might be designated for this project or that. But what we're saying is, there has to be some money that can be used to offset property taxes."
Property taxes are the Legislature's top concern for the spring session. Among the proposals is a plan to roll back county spending to the pre-real estate boom levels of 2001 and replace homestead property taxes with a 2.5 percent increase in sales taxes.
"It looks like the state is finally going to make you guys prioritize your spending," said resident John Early, who ticked off county cost-saving measures from a hiring freeze to 10 percent department budget cuts. "From what I'm reading, you're going to really have to cut back a lot."
Representing a consortium of condo communities in Boynton Beach, snowbird Dory Kilburn said her taxes shot up 70 percent in one year and many of her neighbors are being forced from their homes by taxes.
"When you raises taxes in Palm Beach, we pay," she said. "We're asking you not just to freeze the budget, but? try to find some ways to save money, because our communities are not going to survive if you keep raising the taxes."
In their discussion, commissioners focused on the Budget Advisory Committee itself, lamenting that the board didn't identify specific areas the county should cut.
"Commissioner Marcus, I think you're right on track," Commissioner Burt Aaronson said when Marcus threatened to find new board members. "The fact is, I don't think they've fulfilled their mission."
Newell also criticized the committee he chairs, despite having supported its budget recommendation at the committee hearing. He said a lot of politics has infiltrated the group, later explaining it is influenced by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, which has battled the commission over its spending. That group's executive director, Mike Jones, said the commission was shortsighted to reject the idea of holding the line on county spending.
"I think it's a lot more generous than the Legislature might do," he said.
RambunksciousRambunksciousBeach Lover136 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
The arrogance of the Palm Beach County commissioners is appalling.
The county budget requirements exceed the ad volorem taxation value so some new method of meeting the county budget requirements needs to be found.
When county governments are so insensitive to their constituents needs,
and keep in mind the property owners are getting killed on many sides,
(taxes, insurance, unable to sell their properties) the county commissioners should be replaced.
The county budget requirements exceed the ad volorem taxation value so some new method of meeting the county budget requirements needs to be found.
When county governments are so insensitive to their constituents needs,
and keep in mind the property owners are getting killed on many sides,
(taxes, insurance, unable to sell their properties) the county commissioners should be replaced.
Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertThe arrogance of the Palm Beach County commissioners is appalling.
The county budget requirements exceed the ad volorem taxation value so some new method of meeting the county budget requirements needs to be found.
When county governments are so insensitive to their constituents needs,
and keep in mind the property owners are getting killed on many sides,
(taxes, insurance, unable to sell their properties) the county commissioners should be replaced.
Look for a tax rebellion in Walton County this year when either the Prop Appraiser doesn't lower the assessed values or when the County Commissioners raise the millage by 40% if the assessed values are reduced. Get ready, because one of the two things, or some combination of the two, will happen this tax year.
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