Redington Shores approves increase in millage rate
By WAYNE AYERS
Article published on Tuesday, July 15, 2008  |
REDINGTON SHORES – Faced with an anticipated revenue shortfall due to declining property values, the Town Commission took the unprecedented step July 9 of raising the tax rate to its highest level in recent memory.
Commissioners adopted a tentative millage rate of 1.80, which is up 18 percent from the current 1.52.
The millage rate is the amount per $1,000 of taxable value used to calculate town taxes. The owner of a home with a taxable value of $300,000 will pay $84 more in taxes next year. However, due to a decline in property, most homeowners will pay about the same as the current budget year.
The 1.80 figure is the rollback rate, which is the rate needed to keep revenues the same. The millage rate was lower in past years when property values were higher. This year the millage rate is higher to compensate for a $19 million loss in taxable value, Mayor Jody Armstrong said.
While the rollback rate keeps revenue even with last year, the total budget of $2.18 million is actually higher than the previous year’s because of about $140,000 revenue on new construction.
Even with the projected revenue increase generated by the higher rate, the town is still anticipating a $12,000 shortfall. Money will be transferred from a surplus “savings account” to make up for the difference, Armstrong said.
The town has always been known for low taxes and frugal spending and that policy is continuing, Armstrong said.
“With all the (fiscal) uncertainties at the state and county level, we are well served by being as frugal as possible,” she said.
The mayor pointed out highlights in the tentative budget, which was put together with recommendations from the town’s Financial Advisory Committee. She noted that fees from licenses and permits are expected to bring in only half the revenue currently received. Money requested by Commissioner Casey Wojcik to upgrade the town’s cable TV channel was eliminated, along with funds to correct a fresh water inflow into the sewer system.
A $15,000 expenditure to revive the Fourth of July fireworks display was cut in half. Armstrong said she hoped the remainder can be made up by contributions from citizens and local businesses. Added to the budget this year is $100,000 for pavers to continue the beach access project. A Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant for that job has run out, so the town must now fund the upgrades.
Wojcik said he was optimistic the revenue picture will improve as additional new construction on the mammoth Redington Shores Beach and Tennis Club development is completed.
Armstrong was upbeat also, but said the relief may be a while in coming.
“This may not be the last lean year,” she said. “But in the next two years, we will come out of this tight belt approach.”
Volunteers needed for sea oats planting
The county has provided the town with 15,000 sea oats plants to be set out along the beaches, Wojcik said. Volunteers are needed to help with the planting, which will take place on Saturday, July 26.
Volunteers should come at 8 a.m. to the wooden walkover on the beach between Beach Avenue and Atoll Avenue. Bring a simple digging utensil, an appropriate hat or head cover, and sunscreen. Drinking water will be provided.
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Article published on Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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