10/29/1981 - Laserfiche WebLink

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F4= rollback calculation. Mr. Barton stated that on the average taxes should increase approximately 10% for this fund,and noted that the average assessment in the County went up 22%. Mr. Barton then went on to list the major reasons for the proposed increase in the General Fund: (1) the salaries and fringe benefit package (2) energy costs, and (3) durable hard goods or capital purchases. A gentleman in the audience inquired why taxes have increased 30% in two years and why the County's expenses have gone up so much. He suggested that the Commission cut out a few frills and talked about Proposition 13 which was instituted in California. O. Falcone of Vero Highlands stated that the assessment on his home was raised $15,000 last year and now has gone to $48,000, but he did not believe he could get that for a home in a neighborhood that has run down. The Chairman advised Mr. Falcone to file an appeal with the Property Appraisal Adjustment Board. William Koolage, county resident, felt people are very confused by the talk about millage rollback, etc., and he believed that what the Commission should be talking about is how much money they are going to spend, which is the basic issue from which all the rest is a derivative. He wished the Finance Officer would give the public figures on the dollars projected to be raised by property taxes this year as compared to last year. He felt the preliminary figures indicate there was a 20% increase, or in other words, the county is spending more. Mr. Koolage continued that there is an inflation factor of 11%, and he suggested that the Commission not budget for expenditures in excess of the inflation index. Mr. Koolage felt that the county must concentrate on such services as fire protection, police, etc., and do away with the little things that are not needed. C BOOK 47 PAGE 856