The exemption would increase from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027, and to $250,000 in 2028. It would then be adjusted annually for inflation beginning in 2029.<\/p>\n
The proposal needs 60 percent of the vote in order to pass. <\/p>\n
Tax experts say the increased homestead exemptions could save homeowners an average of $3,000 a year, but some Oviedo residents worry that the costs will be passed on in other ways. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a lot of unanswered questions, and I think a lot of the politicians are kind of giving you circular answers,\u201d said Oviedo resident Ed Ruping. <\/p>\n
As a senior on a fixed income, Ruping told Channel 9 it\u2019s hard not to support a property tax break, but as a retired firefighter, he worries about potential cuts to public safety.<\/p>\n
According to Oviedo city leaders, if approved, Amendment Three would reduce the city\u2019s property tax collections by about 37 percent beginning in 2028.<\/p>\n
City leaders said 59 percent of the city\u2019s property tax dollars fund police and fire services, and about 17 percent of those dollars go to the Recreation and Parks department. <\/p>\n
Oviedo Deputy Mayor Natalie Teuchert said preserving public safety is the top priority, but the next-largest category, Recreation and Parks, is likely to see significant cuts if Amendment 3 is approved.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not fearmongering. It\u2019s math. We have to make sure we run our city and our citizens, who have come to respect and love the level of service that we provide. And I would hate to see that be reduced,\u201d said Teuchert. <\/p>\n
The City of Oviedo said it would have three options if Amendment 3 passes: cut services, find new sources of revenue, including possible hurricane or fire fees, or do some of both. <\/p>\n
City leaders said cuts alone aren\u2019t realistic. According to Teuchert, to make up for a $9.2 million revenue loss in 2028, the city would have to eliminate about two-thirds of its non-public-safety staff. <\/p>\n
The deputy city manager said the city simply couldn\u2019t function with that kind of reduction. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think the best approach here is going to be a blended approach where we do some cuts and then we do increases elsewhere,\u201d said Teuchert.<\/p>\n
Orange GOP State Committeeman Nathan Cassidy said Florida families need savings.<\/p>\n
He told Channel 9 that most families have had to tighten their budgets. And local governments should be no exception.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe gotta rip the band-aid off and give these families some savings,\u201d said Cassidy, \u201cThey\u2019re [local governments] going to have to spend wisely, like we families have to spend wisely and decide what\u2019s important.\u201d<\/p>\n
Voting on Amendment 3 is already underway. According to the Seminole County supervisor of Elections office, the first batch of Vote by Mail ballots was arriving at homes on Tuesday, and at least one Oviedo resident told Channel 9 he already filled out his ballot. <\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n