Tax Policies in Question

A protest against unfair taxation by Cedar Key citizens surfaced in front of the Cedar Key Post Office September 5. Over the past week Levy County sent notices to property owners that properties not protected by homestead exemption may have great tax increases, pending action by the Board of Commissioners. As people came to the Post Office they were asked if they would attend the Levy County Commissioners meeting September 11 at which the proposed tax increases will be discussed.

Cedar Key citizens discussuing tax protest. Their identities have been intentionally obscured.

An invitation from Mayor/Commissioner Paul Oliver to the County Tax Assessor to come to Cedar Key to explain his assessments was declined by mail received at City Hall September 5. However, the Tax Assessor invited citizens to visit the Tax Assessor's office in Bronson if they have questions.

Examples of sign-up sheets for tax protest.

The relationship between the millage rate and the valuation placed on a property by the Tax Assessor appears to cause confusion. Some observers say that all the County Commissioners need to do is reduce the budget and therefore be able to reduce the millage, regardless of the assessed values. Others believe that the assessed values have been inflated beyond demonstrable market values in an effort to allow budget increases. There is a consensus that assessments should be uniform and fair between communities in the County and within communities. Superimposed on some discussions are charges that the County has not provided services such as routine bridge maintenance and road and airport runway repair.