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Although the Series 2025 Bonds are not payable from ad valorem taxation, <br />approximately 80.6% of governmental fund revenues which were collected by the County <br />in Fiscal Year 2024 were derived from ad valorem taxes. To the extent that the future <br />collection of ad valorem tax revenues is adversely affected, a larger portion of Non -Ad <br />Valorem Revenues would be required to balance the budget and provide governmental <br />services. This could impact the County 's ability to pay debt service on the Series 2025 <br />Bonds. <br />The County is permitted by the State Constitution to levy ad valorem taxes at a rate <br />of up to $10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for general governmental expenditures. The <br />County's General Fund ad valorem tax millage rate for the Fiscal Year ending September <br />30, 2025 is $3.5475 per $1,000. For the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2026, the <br />County's General Fund ad valorem tax millage rate is budgeted to be $[3.4751 per $1,000. <br />The County is also permitted by the State Constitution to levy ad valorem taxes above the <br />$10 per $1,000 limitation to pay debt service on general obligation long-term debt if <br />approved by a voter referendum. Currently, the County has one such levies with a total <br />millage rate for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2025 equal to $0.0639 per $1,000. <br />For the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2026, such levy is budgeted to be equal to <br />$[0.06101 per $1,000. <br />On April 29, 2025, the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives announced <br />the creation of the Select Committee on Property Taxes (the "Select Committee") to <br />consider various property tax reforms in the State that may be included on the ballot in the <br />November 2026 general election. On May 2, 2025, the Select Committee convened for its <br />first meeting to discuss five proposals offered for talks on providing property tax relief. <br />Among the property tax reforms that the Select Committee is considering are (i) <br />eliminating foreclosures on homestead properties due to property tax liens, (ii) requiring a <br />referendum on eliminating property taxes on homestead properties, (iii) creating a <br />$500,000 homestead exemption for non -school property taxes, which would increase to $1 <br />million for residents 65 and older or those who have had a homestead in the State for 30 <br />years or more, (iv) authorizing the legislature to increase the homestead exemption to any <br />value by general law, and (v) changing the caps on annual increases for homestead <br />property. Recommendations from the Select Committee are expected to be considered <br />during the 2026 regular Florida legislative session and if enacted, placed on the November <br />2026 general election ballot. There can be no assurance that any such proposals, or similar <br />or additional proposals, will not be introduced or enacted by the legislature or approved by <br />the electors, if applicable, in the future that would or might apply to, or have a material <br />adverse effect upon, the County or its finances. <br />Budget Process <br />The County's annual budget is prepared pursuant to Chapters 129 and 200 of the <br />Florida Statutes and represents the County's legal authority to levy taxes and expend funds <br />41 <br />