SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s been a theme we have heard across the state of Florida recently — fiscal responsibility. That was one key in the State of the County address by Andria Herr, the chair of the Seminole County Board of Commissioners.
What You Need To Know
On Friday afternoon, Commissioner Andria Herr delivered her first State of the County address as the new chair of the Seminole County Board of Commissioners
Fiscal responsibility was one of the key takeaways from the presentation
An increase in the millage rate is expected to sustain the county for years to come, but the county is preparing for possible changes to property taxes
Seminole County could lose 15% to 20% of its general fund dollars if property taxes are eliminated
Herr broke down how the county spends taxpayer dollars, an issue that came into question a few months ago by the Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. Herr wanted to let community leaders know exactly how the county plans to be good stewards of their money, especially as property tax reform could be on the ballot soon.
On Friday afternoon, hundreds packed the room to hear the address.
“Learning about what is going on, especially in your own backyard, I think is crucial,” said Renee Holt with Mainframe Real Estate.
Holt knows discussions about property tax reform are all the buzz.
“I think property taxes are very important. I know a lot of homeowners would like their taxes to be reduced, in certain communities where they just keep rising,” Holt said.
How is all that property tax revenue being spent? Herr gave an explanation.
Nearly 75% goes toward public safety with law enforcement and the jail, as well as fire and emergency medical services. They are followed by transportation and the courts, and the smallest sliver goes toward parks and libraries.
“Our priority is making sure we keep taxes low. It was a difficult year last year, and our budget process has already started to make sure we are looking for every opportunity to save, become more efficient, expand services but not expand cost,” Herr said.
For the first time in 16 years, the county had to raise the millage rate, but Herr said she expects that to sustain for the long term.
“It is not a new trend; it had not been addressed for 16 years, so I will tell you we are still in the bottom third of counties in terms of where we stand in regard to our millage,” Herr said.
Other changes could trickle down from Tallahassee, like the elimination of property taxes, which could be on the ballot soon.
“I can tell you, that is not going to happen. It just physically cannot happen, and I think the folks in Tallahassee are coming to that conclusion,” said David Johnson, the Seminole County property appraiser.
Johnson said after running the numbers, Seminole County could lose 15%-20% of its general fund dollars if property taxes are eliminated. While he said he doesn’t expect that to happen, other tweaks are possible.
“The notion that we help senior citizens stay in their homes is fabulous,” Herr said. “Taking it too far will have unintended consequences that not even the state can plan for.”
Behind the scenes, county leaders are working toward best-case scenario and worst case when it comes to changes in property tax revenue.
The county collects other taxes, too. The gas tax recently increased, and that is estimated to bring in an additional $6 million a year.
A Tourism Improvement District tax collected at hotels also has collected $2 million since April. Eventually, that money will be used for a new indoor sports complex. There is no word yet when construction would start.