District Board votes to reduce tax rate for sixth consecutive year

PALATKA, Fla., July 10, 2018 — The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board Tuesday approved a tentative budget that reduces the millage rate for taxpayers for a sixth consecutive year while continuing to provide significant funds for programs and projects to ensure sustainable water resources, increase water conservation and protect water quality in springs and other priority water bodies.

“This tentative budget reflects the district’s continued commitment to our core missions of water supply, water quality, flood protection and natural systems,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “We continue to invest taxpayer dollars and focus our efforts on cooperative projects that are helping to restore and protect our water resources.”

The tentative 0.2562 millage rate would result in nearly $87 million in revenue toward a total $142.5 million budget for fiscal year 2018‒2019, which begins Oct. 1, 2018. The budget is also funded through state, federal and other district sources (including timber sales, cattle leases, interest earnings and permit fees).

The millage rate adopted by the board is approximately 6 percent less than the current year’s tax rate.

Under a 0.2562 millage rate — 25.62 cents for every $1,000 of assessed property value — the owner of a $200,000 house with a $50,000 homestead exemption would pay $38.43 in the coming year in property taxes to the district.

The proposed budget will fund the district’s major programs, such as priority water body and springs restoration and continued cost-share partnerships.

Public hearings will be held at 5:05 p.m. Sept. 11 and 25. Final budget adoption will occur at the Sept. 25 Governing Board meeting.