District Board approves tentative budget

Tax dollars help to ensure sustainable water resources

PALATKA, Fla., July 13, 2021 — The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board approved a tentative budget Tuesday that maintains the current millage rate for taxpayers.

“We are pleased to keep District taxes low while providing significant funds for projects to ensure sustainable water resources, increase water conservation, enhance water supply and improve water quality in priority water bodies,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle.

The tentative 0.2287 millage rate would result in $97.1 million in revenue toward a total $151.7 million budget for fiscal year 2021‒2022, which begins Oct. 1, 2021. The budget is also funded through state, federal and other District sources (including timber sales, cattle leases, interest earnings, and permit fees).

Under a 0.2287 millage rate — 22.87 cents for every $1,000 of assessed property value — the owner of a $200,000 house with a $50,000 homestead exemption would pay $34.31 in the coming year in property taxes to the District.

Public hearings will be held at 5:05 p.m. Sept. 14 and 28. Final budget adoption will occur at the Sept. 28 Governing Board meeting.