Citing rising costs, inflation and uncertainty surrounding a proposed constitutional amendment that could dramatically reshape Florida’s property tax system, the Belleview City Commission unanimously approved a not-to-exceed millage rate of 5.75 mills Tuesday evening.
The action does not increase taxes today. Instead, it establishes the highest tax rate the commission may consider during this year’s budget process. State law allows the commission to adopt a lower rate later, but not a higher one without restarting the public notice process.
At 5.75 mills, a homeowner would pay $5.75 for every $1,000 of taxable property value before exemptions are applied. If the commission ultimately adopts the full 5.75-mill rate, the increase over the rollback rate would amount to about $102.50 annually on a home with a $100,000 taxable value, $153.75 on a $150,000 taxable value, and $205 on a $200,000 taxable value.
Under the options presented to commissioners, a 5.75-mill rate would generate an estimated $513,687 more if ultimately adopted, though Tuesday’s vote does not commit the city to levying that amount.
City staff said the city is facing higher costs than it was just a few years ago, while the future of property tax revenue remains uncertain. Rather than locking themselves into a lower ceiling, they recommended keeping more options available during the budget process.
Mayor Christine Dobkowski agreed, saying the city must be prepared for whatever financial challenges may lie ahead. “I don’t want to put us in a position where we’re not going to be solvent,” Dobkowski said.
Commissioner Michael Goldman said Belleview has a long history of careful financial management. “We have maintained a tight budget for years and years,” Goldman said, adding the commission has consistently been fiscally responsible.
