[Normal]

With the new tax rates now being written into constitutional law, what will be the adjustments by county and city governments?

We know tourist revenue will increase, we know impact fees can be rewritten and there are caps for the value assessed on residential homes. We also know business taxes and fuel taxes have limits for general fund usage.

Does anyone have suggestions to help reduce wast in Sumter county, Wildwood, Leesburg, Fruitland Park or Lady Lake?

[dewilson58]

Hope everyone participates in the Budget Workshops.

[Bill14564]

With all the discussion of the amendment already it's hard to believe these questions are still being asked.

Tax rates are NOT written into the constitution. Homestead exemption amounts were changed and the maximum increase in assessed value for non-homestead properties was changed but neither of those are tax rates.

Tourist taxes will be collected but their use is limited by law.

Impact fees could always be changed (though Tallahassee preempted a Sumter County change a few years ago) but again, their use is limited.

But do we know what adjustments will be made? Two points:
1. That was a major point of the no-on-3 position. This amendment throws a wrench in the works to break things but provides zero information on how they will be fixed.

2. As was discussed several times, the County has already presented a projected budget that takes into account this amendment passing. It has been available since sometime in June or July.

It would have been nice if this had been a concern BEFORE voting for the amendment but that ship has now sailed. As was suggested above, these questions can be answered at the budget workshops next year.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

With all the discussion of the amendment already it's hard to believe these questions are still being asked.

Tax rates are NOT written into the constitution. Homestead exemption amounts were changed and the maximum increase in assessed value for non-homestead properties was changed but neither of those are tax rates.

Tourist taxes will be collected but their use is limited by law.

Impact fees could always be changed (though Tallahassee preempted a Sumter County change a few years ago) but again, their use is limited.

But do we know what adjustments will be made? Two points:
1. That was a major point of the no-on-3 position. This amendment throws a wrench in the works to break things but provides zero information on how they will be fixed.

2. As was discussed several times, the County has already presented a projected budget that takes into account this amendment passing. It has been available since sometime in June or July.

It would have been nice if this had been a concern BEFORE voting for the amendment but that ship has now sailed. As was suggested above, these questions can be answered at the budget workshops next year.

We will see what impact this has locally

Meanwhile, we now have a huge problem on a larger scale.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

We will see what impact this has locally

Yep. I think there may still be a surprise or two.

The impact will come slowly. The proposed budget around July and new tax bill in October. There my be some early service adjustments in anticipation to working under the new budget but the real changes won't happen for another 14 months or so.

Meanwhile, we now have a huge problem on a larger scale.

As always, you and I are going to disagree on this. Color doesn't matter to me and actions speak louder than words. We'll have to see what actual changes occur to decide whether it's a problem or a blessing.

[Moderator]

Please keep this discussion focused on the New Sumter County Budget.

Off topic comments, national political tangents, ridicule, and assumptions about other voters’ motives are not welcome..

Avoid comments that even hint of politics.

Support factual claims with reliable sources and clearly distinguish predictions from announced changes.

Thank you to contribute respectfully.