11th consecutive year: District reduces tax rate, funds comprehensive list of projects in $250 million budget

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What a typical District homeowner can expect to pay in 2020 for their water management district portion of their tax bill at 0.2189 mills

PALATKA, Fla., Sept. 26, 2023 — The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board has unanimously approved its fiscal year 2023‒2024 budget, marking the 11th consecutive year of reduced millage rates. This decision ensures low taxes while providing substantial funding for vital water resource protection and cost-share projects.

What a typical District homeowner can expect to pay in 2020 for their water management district portion of their tax bill at 0.2189 millsThe District’s initiatives span 18 counties in east-central and northeast Florida, focusing on sustainable water resources, heightened conservation efforts, flood protection, and safeguarding water quality in priority water bodies.

Since 2014, the District’s cost-share program has achieved impressive milestones, including providing approximately 134 million gallons per day (mgd) of alternative water supply, conserving 24 mgd of water, and protecting 5,112 acres from flooding.

The adopted 0.1793 millage rate will generate over $98.07 million in revenue toward a total budget of $250.5 million for fiscal year 2023‒24, which begins on Oct. 1, 2023. This budget is diversified through state, federal, local and other District sources (including timber sales, cattle leases, interest earnings and permit fees), ensuring financial stability.

The millage rate reduction of about 9.17 percent continues the District’s tradition of easing the tax burden on its constituents since FY 2013–14.

Under the 0.1793 millage rate — 17.93 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value — a homeowner with a $200,000 property and a $50,000 homestead exemption will contribute $26.90 in property taxes to the District in the upcoming year.

Key allocations in the budget will fund major programs, including water supply planning, priority water body and springs restoration, and cost-share partnerships with local communities for essential water quality, supply and flood protection projects.

Budget highlights:

  • $10 million for projects benefiting the Indian River Lagoon
  • $1 million dedicated to districtwide resiliency projects
  • $6.7 million allocated for springs restoration
  • $13 million for alternative water supply projects
  • $7 million for Lake Apopka’s continued restoration
  • Ongoing Black Creek Water Resource Development project for up to 10 million gallons per day aquifer recharge in the Keystone lakes region