The September 11 Levy County Commission hearing on proposed taxes and budget drew a crowd of over 150 citizens, filling the court room used for the meeting. The four Commissioners attending the meeting immediately proposed setting the millage rate at 7.9 mils, a reduction from the first proposal of 9.0 mils, but 26 percent higher than that needed to generate tax revenue equal to that of the past year. For more than an hour citizens addressed the Commission, without exception asking for tax relief. Some speakers were clear and logical, others poorly informed or confused. One woman said she has a well, so why should she pay taxes to a Water Management District? Parnak Williams, of Williston, said that high taxes are putting small businesses out of business. He said the disparity between the (high) millage rate and tax revenue would allow a lower millage rate. Shellie Downs, of Gulf Hammock, complained that the public had not been allowed to see the budget under discussion. (Current versions of the budget were prepared and given to the Commissioners only, just minutes before he 6:30 PM meeting started.) Commissioners' responses to the barrage of requests fell under several categories. The need for capital improvements, bridge repairs and increasing safety services were balanced against lowering taxes. Vice Chairman Sammy Yearty, presiding in the absence of vacationing Chairperson Nancy Bell, cited the need for two more ambulances and twelve more EMT personnel as reason for tax increases. Commissioner Lilly Rooks expressed concern that between $1.5 and $3 to $4 million are needed to fix a bridge on the county road to the Cedar Key Airport. Commissioner Tony Parker emphasized that the Commission has no control over the County Property Assessor. (Commissioner Rooks had requested that petition forms for tax adjustments be available at the budget meeting, but Property Assessor Francis Akins did not honor her request.) After hearing public comments, on a motion by Tony Parker, seconded by Danny Stevens, the four Commissioners present voted unanimously to set the millage rate at 7.9 mils. At that rate, given the 46 percent increase in assessed value of property in Levy County, tax revenue is expected to be $77,891,819 according to County Coordinater Fred Moody The final budget and tax rate hearing will be held September 25. Meanwhile, the Sheriffs Department $10 to $11 million budget is being revised, and may be a significant factor in the final Levy county budget. |
