Flagler County Commission Sets Rate to Lower Property Taxes
The rate, $5.5905 will mean a reduction in property taxes for most residents in Flagler County on the county portion of the tax bill.
Palm Coast, FL – August 3, 2010 – The Flagler County Commission approved a tentative tax rate at Monday’s regular meeting that will bring in $2.7 million in tax dollars less that received in the current year.
The rate, $5.5905 will mean a reduction in property taxes for most residents in Flagler County on the county portion of the tax bill. “This marks the third straight year the County has operated on more than $2 million less than the proceeding year and almost $8 million less cumulatively as result of declining property values and other reductions in revenue tied to the economic downturn,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “To adjust to this new reality the County Commission has been proactive and made sweeping changes to how we do business cutting expenses at every level and trying to do things smarter.”
This has been a continuous process the past three years as the County has laid off or eliminated through attrition 65 positions, combined departments, reduced services, froze wages, cut employee benefits, and privatized services.
On Monday the County Commission was complimented by Property Appraiser Jay Gardner who spoke at the meeting when the tentative rate was passed. “I commend the County Commission,” Gardner said. You are providing the same services with a lot less tax money.”
The County Commission set the date of the first public hearing on the budget for 6 p.m. Thursday September 9. A second public hearing will be held at a date to be determined before the budget is final. The County’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
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