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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final
<br />July 9, 2025
<br />The Land Acquisition Bond related to voter -approved environmental debt decreased
<br />from 0.0639 mills to 0.0610 mills, resulting in a slight reduction in the countywide
<br />millage subtotal. The Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) rate of 1.1506 mills and
<br />the Emergency Service District rate of 2.3531 mills were proposed to remain
<br />unchanged, leading to a minor overall reduction in the aggregate millage.
<br />A breakdown of General Fund expenses was shown, revealing that 72.4% of these
<br />expenses were state -mandated, covering essential services such as Administration, the
<br />State Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office, the Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
<br />program, and the Medical Examiner. The State funds these services, and the County
<br />pays a proportionate share for the services that residents receive from these state
<br />agencies. Notably, the Sheriff's Office alone accounted for 52.3% of these expenses.
<br />Revenue sources were primarily comprised of 39.5% from taxes, with other sources
<br />and charges for services making up the remainder. The remaining expenses accounted
<br />for approximately 27.6%. Based on these figures, $149,921,000, or 60% of the
<br />General Fund, was allocated to fund the Constitutional Officers.
<br />The unincorporated residents previously paid an MSTU of $338.55, with a proposal
<br />to increase it to $350.44. This translated to an increase of $11.89, or 3.51%. For the
<br />entire unincorporated area, overall taxes increased from $2,093.55 to a
<br />recommended $2,166.15, reflecting a total increase of $72.60, or 3.47%.
<br />In relation to property values, the Save Our Homes program allowed the value of
<br />homesteaded properties to increase by either 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever
<br />was lower.
<br />Examining the General Fund overview, the projected increase in ad valorem tax roll
<br />was estimated at 8.8%, resulting in approximately $8.68 million in additional revenue,
<br />assuming a 95% collection rate at the same millage rate. Historical trends indicated
<br />that this collection rate was likely to remain consistent.
<br />The millage rate remained unchanged from the previous year, at 3.5475.
<br />Constitutional officers experienced an added cost of $4,692.64, representing a 5.2%
<br />increase. Additionally, funding for Children's Services was projected to rise by
<br />$421,144, or 13.8%, a figure based on an increase in value from the prior year,
<br />which reflected a one-year lag.
<br />Moreover, the State -Mandated retirement rate saw an increase affecting all areas,
<br />including Constitutional Offices, amounting to $2,567,074, or 17.5%. The Workers'
<br />Compensation rate related to the General Fund was expected to increase by 27.9%,
<br />resulting in approximately $337,444, excluding Constitutional Offices.
<br />Indian River County, Florida Page 4
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