District Board votes to reduce tax rate for fourth consecutive year
PALATKA, Fla., July 12, 2016 — The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board today approved a tentative budget that reduces the millage rate for taxpayers for a fourth year, provides significant funding for cost-share programs supporting water related projects, partnership programs to protect water quality in springs and other priority water bodies, and enhances water supply planning efforts.
“The tentative budget allocates district resources in a way that will support our core mission responsibilities of water quality and natural systems protection, water supply sustainability and flood protection,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “This budget reflects the leadership and commitment of our Governing Board as responsible stewards of your taxpayer dollars while protecting Florida’s water resources.”
The tentative 0.2885 millage rate would result in $84.1 million in revenue that would be part of a total $166.5 million budget for fiscal year 2016-2017, which begins Oct. 1, 2016. The budget is also funded through state, federal and other district sources (including timber sales, cattle leases, interest earnings and permit fees).
The millage rate adopted by the board is approximately 4.6 percent less than the current year’s tax rate.
Under a 0.2885 millage rate — 28.85 cents for every $1,000 of assessed property value — the owner of a $200,000 house with a $50,000 homestead exemption would pay$43.28 in the coming year in property taxes to the district.
The proposed budget will fund the district’s major programs, including springs protection and projects to improve water quality and develop alternative water supplies. In addition, the budget provides funds to rehabilitate flood control structures and conduct groundwater resource assessments.
Public hearings will be held at 5:05 p.m. Sept. 13 and 27 at district headquarters. Final budget adoption will occur at the Sept. 27 Governing Board meeting.