10/25/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Assistant County Administrator Mike Zito commented that any meaningful discussion of tax reform should include a review of the ad valorem tax based system that we have used for years. He noted that the homestead “save our homes program” was not based on ad valorem taxation but on timing and the two systems were now in conflict. He saw ad valorem based taxation as a fictitious approach because many properties, as their value increased, have not consumed more services. If you are going to talk tax reform, we need to do it from the bottom up, he asserted. Commissioner Voltz asked Representative Poppell if the State had ever looked at potentially a different method of taxation rather than ad valorem. Representative Poppell responded that they have, but they are being looked at more seriously now than before. He agreed with Commissioner Wheeler’s comments regarding shifting the burden; believed they were creating two classes of citizens in a mind-set, and did not think that was a good form of government. Administrator Baird wished State Legislators would talk about tax reform and not about local levels being wasteful, which he found to be offensive. He felt they would be more successful if they could all work together and look for reform in the tax situation rather than pointing fingers. Ms. Pat Richardson Headman , Real Estate Broker, argued, “As a Real Estate Broker, this is a knee-jerk reaction to the increase in sales in 2004 and 2005.” She felt the local people could not afford to invest in the market because they cannot afford the taxes and the insurance together. She believed they needed to look primarily at investment properties because the homesteaded properties are protected, and agreed with Commissioner Voltz that there needed to be a 5% cap or less. Commissioner Voltz said her Property Appraiser had suggested a 3% on not just the homesteaded properties but for rentals, commercials, and others as well. October 25, 2006 7 Joint Workshop / Brevard