Government officials in Flagler County and its cities were sobered, vexed and rattled today by the Florida Legislature’s approval of a ballot measure that would ask voters this November whether they wish to all but phase out homesteaded property taxes for all but the richest, and sharply cap non-homesteaded property taxes. Only school taxes would be exempt.
“It’s a tax shift. Think of it that way. They’re not doing away with taxes,” Flagler County Property Appraiser Jay Gardner said today. “They’re moving them from point A to point B.” What is point B? “We don’t know at this point.”
The House in a 74-25 vote and the Senate in a 30-9 vote approved the measure today. It would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 starting in January, and to $250,000 every year after that. It would lower the cap on taxable valuations of non-homesteaded properties from 10 percent to 5 percent in 2027. (See the bill’s analysis here.)
It would restrict the use of property tax revenue to specific purposes, assuming voters approve the constitutional amendment with more than a 60 percent majority in November. Police, fire and emergency services, government administration, courts, utilities and stormwater, transportation, economic development, parks, libraries, health care and cultural events would be permissibly funded.
Constitutional officers (with sheriffs’ exception) were not initially on the list of “top-level categories” of permissible funding but were subsequently added. The fate is less clear for programs such as animal control, beach management. Programs like Flagler County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands would be wiped out, as might be mosquito control districts, water management districts, the Florida Inland Navigation District and many other property-tax-supported services.
“What’s so sad is that I don’t think those making those decisions truly understand funding at the local level,” Bunnell City Manager Alvin Jackson said. “It is what it is.”
With roughly 60 percent of the county’s properties being homesteaded, says Gardner, Flagler County government stands to lost in the range of $35 million in the first year and upwards of $60 million in the second year in property tax revenue, or the lion’s share of the roughly $110 million in property tax revenue that goes into the county’s general fund.
Cities would also experience disproportionate hits to their general funds. In Palm Coast, property taxes this year generate $43 million of the general fund’s $67 million. The general fund pays for essential services, from public safety to parks and recreation to roads to animal control and code enforcement, among other services. A significant share of that $43 million in revenue would be eliminated.
How much precisely isn’t yet clear. Those numbers are being crunched ahead of a workshop later this month, Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin said this afternoon. He wasn’t surprised by the legislature’s decision.
“Right now I would encourage everyone to take a breath and remain calm. We’re going to work through this challenge the way we have other ones,” McGlothlin said. “I don’t think anybody can speak with any authority on what exactly needs to take place, so, given that we need to get the numbers tightened up, develop concrete plans, right now that’s where we should be.”
Next, he said, will be an evaluation of services in line with council priorities, since ultimately it will be the council’s decision on what to prioritize. But like his administrative colleagues, like elected officials, he has no illusions about what’s ahead, should voters approve the measure in November: “We’ll be looking at severe cuts of some type of course, to the budget, but what those would entail, it would be impossible for me to project.”
Palm Coast City Council member Ty Miller called it a complex issue, “and I absolutely understand the thought process that lowering property taxes is a good thing, but I also think that it’s perhaps painting with too broad a brush,” he said this afternoon. “I don’t think anyone has a full picture of how this will affect our ability to provide public safety, parks and rec., public works, etc. In any case we’ll be the ones tasked with implementing whatever framework comes out of this, and that’s what I’ll focus on because it’s the only thing I control as one of five policy makers.”
Acting County Administrator Adam Mengel spoke in similar terms of the potential financial hit ahead: “It is significant and it would involve, not to sugarcoat anything, it would involve programmatic cuts that are going to be difficult for the board.” Commissioners (if not the public) are going to have to “rethink some of the assumptions we’ve had in the past as far as what the government provides and what the government does not provide.”
Jackson, the Bunnell city manager, was in the middle of a discussion about those very issues with his finance director when a reporter called this afternoon. The director, he said, was on her way to get the precise numbers on the Bunnell impact, though he had preliminary figures: Bunnell’s general fund totals $7 million. Property tax revenue accounts for $3.1 million of that. The cuts ahead will amount to about $1 to $1.5 million.
The administration was already restructuring the budget for this coming year anyway, Jackson said. “Now we’ll have to look at some additional options, how we restructure some of the services to reduce the cost,” he said. “There may be a few programs we may not be able to do. We are looking at those options.”
Jackson has been in municipal government for 41 years. He recalled his years in Eustis in the late 1980s and early 1990s when Gov. Bob Martinez won enactment of a new tax on services. It generated huge revenues–three times more than projected. That drew a backlash from the Legislature, which pressured the governor to approve rescinding the tax. He did. By then, local governments had built budgets on the expectation of the additional revenue. They had to make large cuts.
City directors took 5 percent cuts in pay, budgets were reduced from 5 to 10 percent. “I remember counting toilet paper for parks and rec. We could only put out X number per week,” Jackson said. “I remember us pretty much cutting back our office supplies, the whole works. But we came up with strategies to make it through that time, and I don’t see why we can’t do it this time.”
But Jackson was dismayed by the lawmakers’ disconnection between policy and reality. “I think the Legislature did not examine all of the nuances,” he said. “Most definitely, the legislators have not identified how do you replace the revenue sources. They allude to trust funds, but how do you fund those trust funds?” He added: “Really a true transparency is, there has to equally be a reduction in services, and that’s what the public truly doesn’t understand. I don’t think the Legislature truly understands those nuances. Or the governor.”
Flagler County Commissioner Kim Carney was caught off guard by the outcome of the special session, and she had a particular concern: “I hate that it’s on Ron DeSantis’s way out, because I don’t know what he’s leaving behind. I don’t know what’s the motivation of it. We’ve been trying to get some information out of the CFO’s office, Blaise [Ingoglia]. We’ve not been successful at that.”
Carney sees the county needing some guidance, whether it’s from consultants or through more clarity from lawmakers. Meanwhile, she expects that “municipalities are going to get crushed by this.” She had been a city commissioner for nine years in Flagler Beach, where the majority of property tax revenue is from residential properties, though the proportion of homesteaded properties there is not as high as in Palm Coast and the county.
DeSantis and some legislators have claimed that homesteaded property owners are crying for tax relief. But no homesteaded property owners have appeared before local government boards to complain, because for the homesteaded, taxes have not only been kept artificially low due to the 3 percent cap on annual taxable valuation increases (the “Save .Our Homes” Amendment), but because inflation has gradually diminished the effective tax burden.
Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin on Monday emailed Rep. Sam Greco, who represents all of Flagler County, with a different perspective on tax burdens.
“While my TOTAL property tax bill (City, County, Schools, other agencies) has increased less than 3% for the past two years (an increase of approximately $200 annually, or less than $1/day),” Martin wrote the legislator, “it is my homeowner’s insurance that creates a more significant financial burden. My property insurance was not renewed” (he had attached the insurer’s letter of termination) “due to ‘catastrophic loss exposure.’ In obtaining a replacement policy, my insurance increased 50%, from $4,200 to $6,300 (and that does not include flood insurance). It is imperative that the State of Florida review and address property insurance relief which is likely more burdensome to Florida property owners than are property taxes.”
Martin also attached a document for Greco that shows how Flagler Beach’s property taxes are distributed across the city’s general fund, with almost 50 percent of the typical tax bill supporting public safety.
A campaign-like website set up by the DeSantis administration called “Save Our Homes” features a calculator that allows any property owner in Florida to see what her/their/his property taxes would look like if the new “Save Our Home” measure was adopted. But the calculator is inaccurate, because it projects the DeSantis proposal to eliminate all homesteaded property taxes, not the legislative proposal adopted today, which preserves school taxes. So most people who use the calculator will falsely see that they will pay no property taxes in the future.
County Commission Chair Leann Pennington said there’s no question that affordability is a real issue. No local official would disagree, she said. “The critical question for me is what replaces the revenue that funds the local services people don’t want to see dismantled.”
“I’m for some sort of reform but I don’t believe that this comes without additional fees and a shift in taxes,” Pennington continued. “I suspect there’ll be higher taxes in other avenues to replace the taxes. It’s obviously going to be very painful to parks, libraries, animal control, code enforcement, beach management.”
Joe Saviak, the attorney whose firm–Douglas Law in St. Augustine–represents Palm Coast and Marineland, along with other local governments in the region, and who continues to lead leadership programs and seminars in Flagler County government, expects the November measure to pass. “The Florida Legislature wants to provide meaningful property tax relief to keep Florida affordable while ensuring funding for priorities such as public safety, education, and infrastructure,” he said in a text. “Looking at the history of proposed constitutional amendments aimed at tax relief in our state, it’s likely to pass.”
Rick G says
This political insanity must stop. With no solid alternative funding in the plan, this should trigger a loud no when it appears on the ballot. One doesn’t get services for free. Ad valorem taxes is a way the cost is spread amongst those who own property and can pay it. Flagler Beach City Manager has rolled it into a nutshell. The tax bill has increased slightly while homeowners insurance had skyrocketed. That’s where the attention should be going.
bill says
i’ve been paying for over 23 years and 23 years ago is when the last time I seen my road in front of my house repay so like a crap for my taxes and then the speeders on old Kings Road you can’t get a damn deputy down here with a radar gun. They’re doing 5565 in a 45 mph speed zone so my taxes get me shit.
Sherry says
@bill. . . soooo, you really don’t want your children/grandchildren to be educated? You want no one to come put out at fire in your home? You want no electricity clean water or air?
I guess “LaLa Land” is more than a place in California. Hummmm!
wow says
If you get that little “benefit” from your “high” taxes then imagine the level you’ll get from “no” taxes.
Stevie H says
You miss the point that counties and cities spend without regard. Only 30% of all property is homesteaded. This forces the County Commissioners and city councils to be fiscally responsible with the unlimited spigot of funds turned down. People are getting taxed out of their homes and the insurance issue is coming in line with new companies and increased competition. I just moved from Ocala to a beachfront condo in Ormond and my HO6 policy premium DROPPED. Don’t fall for the dire predictions by government. They need to implement and/or raise impact fees. How many times have we heard “growth pays for growth”? It doesn’t happen. Look at who contributes to their campaigns: developers, real estate brokers, builders… that should tell you something
Sunny says
You want to talk about spending with no regard lets talk about a sheriff that refuses to let us see our budget! He spends like it grows on trees & the commission hands it to him by the bucket full! We are entitled to know where OUR money is SPENT especially on TOYS & more TOYS that he doesn’t pay to maintain!
Jitters says
Tell palm coast stop wasting money I’m voting yes on tax reduction city is a joke
Suzie says
Why is it up to those who own a house to find everything? What about the thousands who rent? They’re not worried about the landlord paying taxes. There are plenty of funds to pay and it is not taking away the school taxes which are also mismanaged
Mothersworry says
Martin makes a real valid point. Homeowners insurance is crazy expensive and it should be reined in.
Fernando says
What they got to be doing is advising themselves on how to stop the wasteful spending of our taxes and give us a homesteaded tax relief. Vote them all out especially Pennington.
D. Wise says
I agree that government should always be looking for efficiencies and reducing waste. The concern I have is that this proposal goes far beyond cutting waste.
If you read the reports, the amount identified as potential inefficiency is only a fraction of the revenue loss being discussed. At some point, the conversation stops being about waste and starts being about services.
What worries me most is that many homeowners may save a relatively modest amount on their tax bill while fundamentally changing the character of the community they chose to live in. Parks, libraries, senior programs, community centers, environmental programs, recreation, and many of the things that make Flagler County feel like home all depend on local funding and local staff.
I think the real question is not whether we want tax relief. Most people do. The question is what we are willing to give up in exchange for it.
Once services, facilities, and experienced staff disappear, rebuilding them is far more difficult than preserving them in the first place.
The dude says
MAGA will only become concerned when the cuts start to hit Staley’s militia.
Ray2 says
BS
Skibum says
Once again, it is very important for people to not only recognize, but to fully understand and acknowledge the plain truth about where our local property tax dollars go to fund and support essential services and quality of life services such as public parks, libraries, public transportation options, etc. The very people in Tallahassee who are proposing drastic cuts to local taxpayer dollars don’t give a damn because it will not reduce one single penny in the state’s general fund! If that were the case and such an idiotic proposal would take money from the state, they would NEVER be behind such an idea.
Local property tax dollars are much more critical for city and county governments, AND should be just as important for you and I because those services we count on in our daily lives would all have to be looked at to see where cuts would be made if this scheme were to pass. Don’t be fooled! The very services YOU depend on are not handouts… are not free!
Leave it to our local elected officials and local governments, the ones closest to us and our own needs, to figure out the priorities and the needs of our communities, NOT idiots in Tallahassee who have shown total disregard for taxpayer money when they allowed the current maga supporting governor to secretly take many millions of our taxpayer dollars and use that money to put immigrant families on planes and buses in Texas and other states and send them to far away places in other states far away from Florida, just for kicks and giggles. Then our “illustrious” govie spent another reportedly two hundred million dollars more of state taxpayer dollars to build Alligator Alcatraz, what, a year ago??? And now, all of a sudden, they claim it is kaput and no longer needed, so they are going to dismantle it, wasting even more state taxpayer dollars without ever seeing even one penny of the “promised” repayment from the feds.
It all was total hogwash to begin with, and just one more in a long line of horrible decisions and very inappropriate, wasteful spending of YOUR taxpayer dollars that they tried to hide from our own eyes. And they have the gall to instead try to distract all of us from those misuses by having us somehow believe that it is our LOCAL taxpayer dollars that are being misused and need to be cut. DON’T buy into the nonsense! DON’T believe their lies! They are trying to pull the wool over our eyes yet again.
WE control local taxpayer spending because WE THE PEOPLE have control over who we put in charge in our cities and counties, and can remove those who don’t act in our interests. Let’s retain that important control. Voters need to tell the governor and legislature to get their own priorities straight and stop the misuse of state taxpayer funds before they speak up about how local property tax dollars are spent in our communities!
bill says
I worked for the city 20 years as a regular employee in the salaries that I have seen are unbelievable for example gross head of cold enforcement 70 years old been there how long probably since the city became a city making $125,000 a year she’s just one example overpaid positions pumped up titles the positions. What do you want from a city that most of the employees are from the north, they came down here to steal.
Laurel says
And more will come down looking to pay less. More congestion, more traffic, more crying about how much better it is up north, more out of control growth, and less services. More people to vote for the same people and same nonsense we’re going to experience with the property tax shenanigans.
I spent my 50 or so years of careers split in local government, and private industry. What I saw in local government, was the good ole boy system, a stupid method of budgeting, slow promotions (the average worker does not go into civil service to get rich), and promotions to people who didn’t deserve it. I saw how people did only what they were told, with little innovation, as innovation was punished, so why bother?
What I saw in private industry was the good ole boy system, no transparency in the budgeting, promotions for men and head family members and friends. I saw how people did what they were told, and innovation was ignored unless it was by favored people, or ideas stolen by favored people or family members. I saw sexism more consistent, more accepted, in private industry.
The one difference I saw was, private industry, when I needed a new computer, it was FedExed over night. In government, I had to wait eight months, until the new October budget was available, to get a good computer that reflected my needs.
Fact of the matter is, really good jobs, really well managed companies, are hard as hell to get into. No one leaves.
Skibum says
Just like in competitive private businesses, salary comparisons are routinely done to see what the going rate is elsewhere in order to attract and retain employees. Do you know just how expensive it is to have to keep hiring and training someone again and again simply because the person in a particular job took a more lucrative job elsewhere and left that employer in a lurch?
I worked in both county and state government for my entire 29-year law enforcement career. If you think public sector employees are stealing because of what they are paid, you are not thinking straight! Many people could make more money in the private sector. A couple of main advantages for public sector employees over private businesses are: 1) usually better healthcare options, and 2) usually a defined pension benefit plan at retirement.
Whatever position you decided to point to that you say is making $125,000 per year, local governments would be insane to have a much higher salary locally than what is typical for a like size local government job in another jurisdiction, and I can almost guarantee that the same or even higher salary could easily be found in similar jobs. That is not “stealing”. It is what the market bears for the same type of job… whatever your assumed example was supposed to describe.
Finally, if you really want to talk about stealing, or the inequity of pay, all one has to do is look at both the pay inequity between CEOs and upper management in private sector compared to what their employees make, and the fact that CEOs receive many hundreds of times higher raises than the average worker, and then are able to often leave a company with millions more – a “golden parachute” is what that is called, while employees may not even have a retirement or healthcare option after many decades of dedicated work for a company.
So don’t go bashing government employee pay when it is the private sector that really needs to reign in overpayments and benefits to the highest paid employees, because THEY are the ones responsible for higher prices for all of us. THEY are the ones STEALING from the public!
D. Wise says
I think there is truth on both sides of this discussion.
Homeowners are facing real affordability pressures. Property taxes may not be the largest expense for many families, but they are one of the few housing costs local governments can directly influence. It’s reasonable for people to want relief and it’s reasonable to expect governments to operate efficiently.
At the same time, I don’t think this discussion should be reduced to “cut waste and everything will be fine.” The projected revenue reductions being discussed are far larger than any realistic estimate of waste or inefficiency. At some point, the conversation becomes about what we want our community to look like and be like–not waste.
Before voters are asked to make this decision, I would like to see complete transparency from every city and county. Not just presentations at meetings, but clear information on their websites showing what services, facilities, programs, staffing, and capital projects are most likely to change, and where local governments may need to create new fees, special districts, assessments, or other funding mechanisms to maintain services.
If the public is being asked to choose between lower taxes and certain services, they deserve to understand the tradeoffs before they vote, not after.
This isn’t just about government budgets. It’s about what kind of community we want to live in and whether the savings justify the changes that come with them.
JimboXYZ says
Considering the STF’s are all loaded up on the water utility bills every month. That’s where the inflation is. 8 % per year. If we’re all being honest about the residential swale maintenance, if you mow the grass in front of the property there, you’ve done more than City of Palm Coast has ever done. So what exactly are we paying for, for that “better” service for that feature ? Just have to keep the neighbors from parking in the swale & messing that ground up. I guess MetroNet dug up the swales, so that everyone gets Fiber internet & cable TV that they’ll raise the prices on monthly services too. Same 1/2-1 GB service you always were getting before Biden was telling us life would be better with all the illegals they allowed across the border to receive benefits they never paid into that system ? The fraud & abuse of Daycare & food programs. Yet somehow that’s become new & improved too ? Then there’s the criminals that deal drugs throughout this community ? They aren’t paying taxes on that side hustle, but the rest of us pick up law enforcement, fire department for the ambulatory rides so that Advent makes their inflated healthcare profits. How many head counts get cut over at City Hall ? Until inflation is under control, eliminating property taxes is the only win for taxpayers. They simply have not contained costs for anything CPI from Day 1 of Biden to the present. And that’s where even Covid & it’s vaccines became a fraud & abuse.
All I know, cost of living has gone up, & I’m dodging more potholes in the road than ever. Anyone wanna go hunt down & interview Alfin & Biden, ask them why we paid more to get nothing more than what we already were getting over their terms in office ? All the lawsuits that resulted from the approvals of growth, Visions of 2050 that never made it to 2025 ?
The dude says
Can’t help but notice you haven’t called out the president before Biden or the current president for any of current high costs…
This negates anything else you posit in your word salad.
PaulT says
Nice one ‘dude’, though @JimboXYZ’s unhappy ramble is more like a stack of stale left-overs than a tasty ‘word salad’.
But Jimbo comment on the growing cost of utilities is definitely valid. Problem is, a yes vote for Ron’s homestead amendment isn’t going to help in that area. We will still be expected to pay for essential services like Fire/Rescue, Law Enforcement, Emergency Management and towards the inadequate Street and Highway Maintenance budget even if our homesteaded property taxes go away and we’ll lose that modicum of control we sort of have over millage rates.
County and City government, being card carrying Republicans, shy away from tax hikes but the Pslm Coast City Council has no qualms about adding items and incremental annual increases to our so called utility bill
Tired of it says
You really have Biden Derangement Syndrome. You keep blaming Pres. Biden for everything. What has trump fixed or made better?
Dennis C Rathsam says
IRAN has no nukes!!!!!!No other president did what TRUMP has done! TRUMP lowered the price of gas, right out of the gate! He closed the border to, without Bidens bullshit, he needed Congress! TRUMP didn’t need anyone, he did it.Yes he bombed Iran,to save the world. That’s when gas went up. Soon as its over prices will come down again.
Laurel says
Trump should need others, that’s the problem. We don’t want a king, we want the American government to have the checks and balances of the three systems of government that the founders, and the Constitution demands.
By the way, Trump has made Iran more powerful than they, themselves, never dreamed of. The Straight of Hormuz is still closed, preventing the world wide open use of the seas.
Sorry, man, he’s a dumb ass, with a “b”.
The dude says
None of this actually true.
Les Lohnes says
SO THE SCARE TACTICS BEGIN ! Let’s start by looking at the State Audit results that determined our leaders wasted $59m in the past couple of years. Floater County came out as on of the worst Counties throughout the State. Secondly, if you listened to the details of the proposal as outlined by our Governor, the State will establish a fund to assist communities that truly have difficulty in providing essential services. Considering the track record of our recent leaders; it’s time to replace the current spenders and elect financial management candidates who will meet the challenges ahead. Again, let’s not forget the results of the State audit!
C says
Yes, thank you. Nothing but scare tactics
Tired of it says
And where is the money for the ” …fund to assist communities…” going to come from? But hey, I am all for replacing the current crop of “Republican” leaders in charge of this city and county.
JC says
Poster above doesn’t understand how State Government works. Governor can call special sessions and give ideas/goals, but the FL Legislature have the final say on how that going to work. For example, the Funds/Trust to assist communities was removed from the final bill that was voted on today because enough FL GOP members thought it was too much like Socialism, even if in practice as of today the State Government does give funds to some of the poorest counties in the state. You can read the bill yourself and you will see the fund/trust language was removed.
Lets call the amendment for what it is, losing local control of our funds and have big government State Government more involved in our lives. Replace the State Government with Democrats and you have a common talking point on why people move to Florida from New York, to escape the big government policies.
Laurel says
JC: I agree, but what I fail to understand, is why do people move from governments that charge too much, as I believe they do, why don’t they vote the high expenses out? People accept too much, as they are overwhelmed with daily life. They just want to get on with life, in a normal, comfortable way.
No, they move to Florida to get out of the snow, and bring all speed limits to a screeching halt.
PaulT says
Except the GOP super majority legislature in Tallahassee folds to comply with DeSantis more than it asserts it’s independence.
Ron still holds onto his bully pulpit over the Florida legislature just as Trump does with Congress.
And however you care to describe our payment of county and City services Benjamin Franklin’s “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes” still holds true.
JC says
I forgot to post this since it goes with PaulT point: In Florida the Governor has line-item veto power on the budget. DeSantis (and future governors) will use the line-item power to get the FL House/Senate to vote their way. Why you think almost all FL GOP voted to have the amendment on the ballot? Because if they didn’t, the recently passed 2026 budget by FL House/Senate will have a bunch of line-item vetos by the Governor, and DeSantis will be line-item vetoing on projects/asks from the people who voted against the amendment back on Tuesday. DeSantis has use line-item veto in the past to get back at people who voted against the bills he was for, and those budget ask does include items that local communities asked for. DeSantis during his item as governor had line-item veto on many asks from Democrat politicians and less on his GOP allies. Unless the FL House/Senate want to override every single one of those vetos, they won’t because lately they want to be on the good side of the Governor.
And this is why people don’t think, or really even understand how our state government operates. They wish the amendment pass so the State Government will be the only one with the $ and can decide who gets what from the capital. You don’t want to be in a situation where you have to ask your local House Rep/Senator for finances, then gets added to the State Budget of the year, and then gets veto by the governor. This means you are shit out of luck. Expect this process to get worse/corrupt if the amendment passes since in a way it will make the Governor even more power, which I am against.
Then again, when you have a state that is growing with boomers who mostly (which is true in my experience) only care about themselves in their homes and don’t care about losing power as long as their taxes are lowered, Florida gets what it deserves. I’ll be living while the boomers are gone and having a powerful State Government isn’t something that I would enjoy seeing, which would get worse if the Democrats get back in Power in Florida in 20-30 years.
D. Wise says
I agree that local governments should be efficient and accountable. If there is waste, let’s identify it and fix it.
But I think people are conflating two very different numbers.
The audit findings being referenced covered roughly six years. Even if you accept the entire $59 million figure as waste, that’s about $10 million per year.
The revenue reductions being discussed for Flagler County are roughly $60 million per year.
Think about that for a moment.
Even if every single dollar identified by the audit were eliminated tomorrow, local government would still need to absorb another $50 million in cuts every year beyond that.
That’s like reviewing your household budget, discovering you’re spending $2,000 a year on things you probably don’t need, and then deciding the solution is to take a job that pays $12,000 less per year. The solution is cutting the unnecessary spending, not reducing your income by six times the amount of the waste.
And that’s really the conversation we should be having.
For many long-time homeowners, particularly seniors who already benefit from homestead protections and assessment caps, the annual tax savings may be relatively modest. Yet the changes to the community could be substantial.
Parks, libraries, community centers, senior services, environmental programs, code enforcement, recreation programs, road maintenance, and countless other services don’t disappear because they were wasteful. They disappear because the revenue supporting them disappears.
If this amendment passes, local governments will adapt. They always do. But adaptation doesn’t mean nothing changes. It means the way local government operates will likely look very different for years. There will be new priorities, new fees, new special districts, fewer services in some areas, and lessons learned along the way.
Some Floridians may decide those tradeoffs are worth it. Others may not.
My only point is that voters deserve to understand they’re not simply voting on waste. They’re voting on the future shape of their community.
Laurel says
D. Wise: You are, indeed, wise! You are absolutely correct. The problem with local government is many of the department heads are not necessarily the brightest bulbs in the system, they are often more egos than brains. The workers are almost never praised for thinking outside the box, so they don’t bother. They LEARN not to. Just do the job. It’s a major shame.
The budgeting system is nuts. They do have line items, and full transparency, but each department has a set amount. If the current need isn’t as big as the budget was projected. unnecessary items are purchased just to push it to the limited amount. The reason they do that, is because it’s possible that if they do, justifiably, need more purchases the next year, they won’t get the money needed as what was spent the previous year, makes the limit smaller for the next. This makes no sense whatsoever. But that’s what they do.
Efficiency is not really considered, as it should be. Bringing in efficiency experts may help, but bean counters, who have no idea what’s what, like the DOGE babies, will not help at all. That would just make it worse. Real experts would be needed, hopefully, temporarily, but consider, that would mean shifting ideas all across the state. This proposed tax “relief” will just screw things up way worse.
Tax says
Our City and County managed conservation land like princess place is on the chopping block with this vote. This is their main objective, Rons special interest wants to develop in the parks and conservation land
FK says
The trust fund language was removed from the bill that was passed.
Mort says
What state audit? Are you referring to Mullins friend, the state CFO? There is no backup to his allegations. That appears to have been a campaign stunt, not surprising considering sidering Mullins was involved.
Deborah Coffey says
It did not occur to you that the State Audit may have been deliberately falsified because DeSantis wanted so badly to have his way? It’s the same thing Trump does daily…falsely blames everyone else and then does what he wants even if it’s against the law….
Ed Danko, former Vice-Mayor, PC says
I support this amendment 100%! It is time for our local elected officials and the absurd overpaid senior bureaucrats to finally do what the rest of us have to do at home, which is manage our money responsibly, cut foolish spending, and tighten our belts. We can no longer afford “Tax & Spend Pontieri” and her RINO friends foolishly throwing our money away on their “Pet Projects!” There is plenty of money still to take care of our “must have” needs.
Laurel says
Ed Danko, etc., etc.: Please inform us of the past commissioners and city managers, etc., who voted in a higher pay for themselves. Thank you.
Ed Danko, former Vice-Mayor PC says
County Commissioners make around $70,000 plus a year and their raises are decided by the state house. School Board is around $35,000 I believe, and again raises come from the state. Palm Coast City Council had been making only around $12,000 a year, and they had not had a raise, not even a cost-of-living increase, for over 15 years, until 2021 when the council, including me, voted to increase it to $24,000 a year, still, far behind County Commissioners. Council had hoped to attract more and better candidates (and hopefully ones that didn’t shoplift at Walmart like one former councilman did.) You got to remember, Palm Coast Council handles close to half a billion dollars in budget and are now getting paid about as much as the kid at the drive-thru window handling burgers and fries at McDonalds.
FlaglerLive says
Here’s a full list of current salaries for constitutionals, judges, state attorneys, public defenders, and so on. The list for constitutionals is on page 12, showing Flagler school board members now at $44,000 and county commissioners at $77,000.
The dude says
Oh liddle Eddie…
That kid “working the drive thru at McDonalds” could’ve done the job better than you and the rest of the clowns on the council when you were there. Without a doubt.
You, Mullins, Woolbright, McDonald, and Hunt leaving public office were some of the best moments in Flagler County history.
Unfortunately, like a bad rash or herpes, you all are never totally gone.
Laurel says
When my husband was a commissioner, in South Florida, he got a stipend and the use of a truck.
Laurel says
…and, he was a water plant operator, and ran a plant nursery. His best friend, who was also a commissioner with him, was a firefighter, and a farmer.
I guess times have changed.
Mort says
Time for you to move on, Ed.
Scaredy cat says
I’m so afraid.. *as I grab the sci cord to make the cuts*
Alex says
So why do I need to pay triple the taxes for my home compared to others? How is that fair?
I won’t add a pool or another garage because here comes the unfair tax increase by the rip off county to capitalize on my improvements. It’s bad enough where I have to pay 3x more than the average house but we all get the same benefit. Yes get rid of them and do a better job managing the budget.
Joe D says
Well, I’m going to have to say “we” as a State, ELECTED ALL THESE “representatives”…so we are partially to blame for not holding them accountable. Then of course, another group being up for re-election or aspiring for higher office (someone who will remain nameless in our State House who is term limited …maybe looking for Federal office)…will be able to say “I CUT PROPERTY TAXES, and returned money to the PEOPLE!”….I can just hear the election ads NOW!!!
Darin says
NEED RELIEF!! My taxes go up every single year! If for some ungodly reason I can’t afford to pay my property taxes then tax deeds will be sold and eventually sell your home! It’s my house, and people need to take their home off the “chopping block!)
Steveo says
It took the politicians who have wasted taxpayer money less than 24 hours to start the fear mongering. Services should be cut. Covid taught us what was and what was not essential services. More money in the taxpayers pocket leads to increased spending and that gets taxed. The state will rake in the cash and can vet all requests for additional funding. As it should! The Population hasn’t grown much since 2020, yet taxes/revenue have skyrocketed.
Mort says
The population hasn’t grown since 2020??? Are you blind? It has grown by about 20 to 30k.
JC says
Translation: I want the big government to handle funding needs more than the locals can, because the answer to this problem is an even bigger state government.
Diane says
Should look at it by county. Palm Beach County has the highest amount of investment properties, part time rentals, second homes. Taxes from these properties will still roll in. However not all cities/counties have this non homestead tax income.
FLF says
I put in a new pool in 2019, my tax bill went up $825 per year beginning in 2020. This, I get to pay for the rest of my life. No new services needed from the city, nothing. Just pinching my wallet because they can. Our road has the 1948 design swale system, been flooding across the road for over 20 years, two attempts to repair the swale system to no avail. I can go down to the end of my driveway and look 4 houses down and clearly see that that my neighbors culvert is higher than the rest of us. Water doesn’t flow well going up hill. MY TAX DOLLARS AT WORK! People get fed up with this stupid @#it! This is a direct reason why people contemplate things like voting for this bill.
Laurel says
“”It’s a tax shift. Think of it that way. They’re not doing away with taxes,” Flagler County Property Appraiser Jay Gardner said today. “They’re moving them from point A to point B.” What is point B? “We don’t know at this point.”” Mr Gardner is correct.
School taxes will remain. You will continue to pay for private schooling and home schooling, draining the Florida State Constitutional public schools.
“Yes, public school funding is addressed in the Florida Constitution, specifically in Article IX, which outlines the state’s commitment to public education.”
-Search Assist, University of South Florida, USAFacts
This is an override of the Florida State Constitution. Keeping it on the books, with little to offer the children needing, and/or wanting, public education. Another attempt at killing local rule.
Along with other non-ad valorem assessments, fees, and and taxes to be considered. Your property will still be on the chopping block if you don’t pay. Do you think, for one minute, these rate will remain current status?
I agree that taxes have become too high, in many cases. Flagler Beach tax regular, small homes for $6K to $12K. It is not fair to have to pay $600, and up, a month for taxes, not considering utilities. We have a small, boat crank, that is used so little a squirrel built a nest in it, that is taxed every year.Something should be done. Maybe certain appurtenances should be removed from assessments. But this current attempt to drastically cut homestead taxes is not a good way.
Think about this: If this goes cut through, and the people decide that it is costing them more by other means, such as fees and taxed purchases, and want the old system back, they would all be assessed at the new rate! All will go up. Middle class, seniors and working class will no longer afford to stay. Gentrification.
Keep in mind, that if you are a small time investor, such as a rental home or two, you may not be able to afford it any more. This proposed cut will increase your taxes, and it will have to be passed on to renters. Will the renters stay, or go? Businesses, especially small businesses, will have to pass on the cost to you, including any new purchase tax fees. Will you cut down on your purchases, your investments, your vacations? The regular guy gets the shaft again, of this, I’m sure.
All I’m saying is, the proposed cuts look to be a desperate attempt to keep a certain class, and certain politicians, in power this upcoming election. Afterwards, then what? There is no transparency in the proposed cuts, there is no real guarantee this will help. Things could get a whole lot worse, we are not getting a plan that tells us what to do after the election, when it could be too late.
We need to slow it down, think it out, and demand plans that show the whole story. This one does the opposite. This is short sighted, and we should be wondering just why only one political side is pushing it. If it was really a good thing, both sides would be interested. It needs further thought.
Kevin says
Same here. Installed a pool in 2014. Taxes went up $800.00. No extra people, no kids in the school system. My street floods also. Two vacant lots to the corner are flat like the road. No swale to speak of. Water flows to corner but the city refuses to dig them out. One city code enforcer says” someone will build on them eventually, I want water in the swales”. I give up. Called 4 times, 4 different answers. But Palm Coast has the newest trucks and equipment every 2 years.
Laurel says
Kevin: Got it! I understand. But let me ask you, what has the party in charge, who is proposing this *cut* done for your roads, your complaints, and your pockets up to this point? Not much, right?
Tell you what to do. Get a group of your neighbors, go downtown, and ask the roads dept where your street is on their repair list. If it is not satisfactory, go to the city Manager’s office and demand a talk. If y’all are holding together, and making a strong demand, your road will be fixed.
I usually go to the top right after talking to someone in charge downstairs. Call me a Karen, but I get stuff done fast!
Skibum says
Laurel, you are right. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
JC says
People overlook that if this amendment passes, it will give the State Government a lot more power to handle financial affairs of local governments than us locals (read the bill). This sounds like Big Government to me, because does the State Government know the needs of rural counties more than the locals? I think not. The real purpose of the bill is to weaken home rule even more where the State Government have greater control of our affairs. I escaped from this crap since this was what NY State was doing. Now people think “ooooo lower property taxes yes” but what will happen is we will have Big government more of our lives. I will be a hard no on this and I am more fiscal conservative than the FL GOP who are learning the power of strong government from the Northeastern Democrats.
CPFL says
Be a shame if they have to cut positions in the city and county due to a lack of funds. They need to dredge those waters and curb the dead weight. Ever go in a city or county building? Always one person working and a bunch of other people standing around doing nothing but talking. There is a lot of money that can be saved if positions are staffed correctly with people that will actually work.
Laurel says
CPFL: Yes, as in everything. Go after the thieving corporations, their lobbyists and super PACs too! Then, maybe, we’ll get somewhere.
Nicholas Klufas says
She is such a quisling. Carney sees the county needing some guidance, whether it’s from consultants or through more clarity from lawmakers. Meanwhile, she expects that “municipalities are going to get crushed by this.” She had been a city commissioner for nine years in Flagler Beach, where the majority of property tax revenue is from residential properties, though the proportion of homesteaded properties there is not as high as in Palm Coast and the county.
John Stove says
YES on reducing and eliminating property taxes. Palm Coast is run by a bunch of clowns and the Public Works – Engineering group are incompetent.
Swale maintenance was supposed to be “improved” when they got the budget increase for more equipment and more crews….I havent seen anyone doing swale maintenance in my C-section neighborhood in over 8 years.
The study for Salt Water Canal dredging has been completed and the consultant they hired was supposed to come up with a plan of action to do maintenance work and determine how to fund it…..anyone hear any updates?….NO
The “loop road” supposedly was to be paid by the developer as part of the westward expansion but just recently we learn that the developer is not going to do it so it will fall on the taxpayers…
Waste Water plants get hit with a consent decree order to upgrade the facility due to over capacity discharges and the taxpayers get hit with another “fee” on our bills….why didn’t the geniuses at the Public Works – Engineering department have a capital improvement program in place years ago to fund this?…..they heads their heads in the sand.
One of the Charter Amendments they want voter approval on is to increasing loan amounts to $30 Million dollars WITHOUT VOTER APPROVAL…..so that we can have another “fee” added to our bill to make the payments.
So….we need a “reset” on property taxes to give us relief while forcing our leaders to take a long hard look at critical programs, equipment maintenance and purchasing, capital programs and employee compensation…..the gravy train ends.
Our taxes and “fees” are a death by a thousand cuts.
Taxpayer says
Another Republican scam, do not buy into this.
Mike Cocchiola says
Flagler and Florida, you voted for this. You voted for ever more state interference in local affairs. You voted for chaos. Instead of attacking energy and insurance costs, DeSantis took the easy way out. States and the federal government are not supposed to do the easy things. They’re supposed to do the hard things.
Do the right thing in November. Vote no.
Mark Webb says
…and then the voters woke up and realized this was all a campaign stunt by DeSantis because he needs something to run on for President and won’t have to deal with the mess this is going to create.
Is there waste in government? Absolutely. Is there waste in EVERY household. Absolutely. There is far more waste at the Federal level than at State and Local levels.
When “Mr Flagler County Wastes Millions” threw our county under the bus remember 2 things (and check for yourselves):
1. He’s running for office and will say ANYTHING.
2. 90% of the money he claims was wasted is in the County’s RESERVES. The county didn’t “waste”the $48 million that’s it moved to its reserves.
I get that you don’t trust democrats, they’ve lost their minds. However, don’t trust Republicans totally either.
For example, DeSantis didn’t open the state of FL during COVID because it was the “right thing to do”. He did it because he was running for President.
Steve V says
If in fact federal income taxes are voluntary, why couldn’t people be allowed to voluntarily fund those services that they wish to keep funded?
Endless corruption says
End GoP terror! While I support having a homestead only up to 250k. What are the side effects? If you save 1000 on property taxes but pay 2000 more due to increased sales tax, gas tax, parking, fees, fines, ect ect than average joe doesn’t win! Never trust a rapeublican! You know they will screw kids first and take more money from the failing schools they already defunded:
Ed P says
Rapidly inflating home prices and accelerating local government revenues are the 2 primary reasons for overhauling the property tax system. The current setup has morphed into an inequitable financial burden based on someone’s home values.
Home values across Florida have surged dramatically, leaving fixed income retirees and working families struggling.
Fact, local tax collections have vastly outpaced population growth.
The phasing in a $250,000 exemption is intended to partially absorb the initial financial hit to new buyers who suddenly face property taxes multiple times long time owners while still protecting those current owners. 30%-35% of all Flagler county homes have an assessed value under $250,000. Buy one, and you will eventually be 100% covered. You have the choice.
How does a retired couple living in a $2,000,000 home use more public services than a similar couple in a $200,000 home?
It will also slow the tax shift over to small businesses who simply pass those costs on to the consumers in higher prices.
Non Ad Valorem taxes are a flat fee based on specific metric of use. For instance the trash pick up fee. Everyone pays the same, unlike an Ad Valorem tax based on the value of one’s home.
The sky will not fall, the sun will shine and the actual cost of running local government will continue. It will however, be more equitably spread amongst everyone.
Will it actually provide any financial relief? Not unless local government receives more money from the state or spending is reduced. Draconian cuts will not occur. Breathe.
Sometimes everything changes, but nothing actually changes.
Dean Gallberry III says
Every year, by law, local governments must present a proposed budget. There are public hearings. The elected officials must vote on the final budget. It’s all public record. If all this waste and overspending is so egregious, there is a chance every year to eliminate it, or VOTE for someone else. If you’re against libraries, public events, paved roads, water and sewer service, emergency response, law enforcement and fire protection, by all means, vote accordingly in your local elections. You can experience living in 1950s rural Mississippi or Alabama without ever moving.
Jay Tomm says
I’ll be voting NO. Not because of the issue. Because these amendments are backdoor ways to pass laws that NEED to be legislated as intended! I vote no all ALL OF THEM
HARRY M says
what are people talking about this city waste more money on thing we don’t need , like that western loop road that would costing millions . people drive to work in orlando that take a hour , but those people on route 1 can’t drive 10 mins to town , wow . a 9 million brigade on moody blvd that go to nowhere . a community center that cost 8 million with small parking area , allowing builders not paying property tax on spec homes , but they are allow to pay a lot fee for a house that build on it ,that bs , we have no lights in neighborhoods, , they don’t repave streets , they are allows builders to build big building- now we have traffic every where they should fix old king road on make it 4 lanes with lights , royal palm is crazy trying to get into old kings road , buiding a new fire station on clobert lane even though they have one in palm coast parkway , all they had to do was redo the old one on the inside saving millions , get rid of that bridge toll to go on a1a , only one making money on that bridge is who owns it .police is a joke people parking on swales over night no one giving tickets, city want save how about putting solar street light ,get rid of that loop and use that money on lights ,repave streets, do old kings road and put lights on white view , and old kings , and get rid of any counsel member thats work or is a realtor, because thats why palm coast is failing , and they are worry about people saving on property taxes . now water bills will go up because they allow building ,more people more water need to be use , we the people should be allow to get rid of any counsel member with a vote of no confident starting with the mayor! HOW ABOUT THAT.
MMT says
I’m voting YES! I been here almost 40 yrs before the “City of Palm Coast”, which I voted against and still stand by my decision. I bought my house and my land and I maintain it! Stick your fear mongering. The city continues to invent new ways to financially fleece people from garage sales to replacing a water heater, laying a few pieces of friggin sod and it will continue. Funny how all the bs taxes start showing up when people from high tax states move here. That’s why ya left ain’t it! Oh and the best one is taxing property owners for a swale that the CITY owns, that’s rarely, if ever, maintained by the city and if you park on it, you’ll get a ticket. So, pay for property you don’t own and it you try to use it, we’ll ticket you. Yeah, it’s so legal and for the greater good. Go pound sand.
Land of no turn signals says says
Great scare tactic! The last thing our local government what’s to do is responsible spending.This put’s them on notice and learn todo more with less.If you have to raise the sales tax a 1/2 % so the tourists can chip in.
Laurel says
Kevin: Got it! I understand. But let me ask you, what has the party in charge, who is proposing this *cut* done for your roads, your complaints, and your pockets up to this point? Not much, right?
Tell you what to do. Get a group of your neighbors, go downtown, and ask the roads dept where your street is on their repair list. If it is not satisfactory, go to the city Manager’s office and demand a talk. If y’all are holding together, and making a strong demand, your road will be fixed.
I usually go to the top right after talking to someone in charge downstairs. Call me a Karen, but I get stuff done fast!
Laurel says
It is interesting that, what sounds like talking points of “fear mongering,” The sky’s not fallings,” “pearl clutching” keeps coming up from one side of the isle. Good for you, who has blind faith in those who have done little to respond to your needs.
The whole point is that your preferred party is in a real, big hurry to push through a agenda before, and by the midterm without out transparency, and a complete plan for funding the essentials in a way of claimed money savings for us. What’s the hurry? Do you not wonder?
Just sit and ponder that before you vote. We need more information, do we not?
PB says
Are the services already being cut. Our driveway drainpipe is clogged and this is what the city said.
[email protected]
3:21 PM (7 minutes ago)
to me
Thank you for contacting The City of Palm Coast. The driveway culvert (pipe under the driveway) is owned and should be maintained by the homeowner under municipal code (24-159). This includes removing debris and ensuring that the flow of stormwater through the culvert is not blocked or obstructed, digging out the pipe and removing any mounds or obstructions from in front of the pipe so water may pass.
Thank you.
Stormwater & Engineering
Mark says
Yet they have that fancy truck that can clean out the pipe in 5 minutes or less.
PB says
I know but they now say they don’t do that anymore unless they are working on the swale. Our job!
Laurel says
PB: Well, here’s the thing. Even though the small piece of land, in front of your house is in the road right of way, you are still responsible to maintain it. You are responsible to mow it, to keep the swale clean and the culvert clean. That’s the way it is anywhere you live in the state, not just in Palm Coast or the county here.
PB says
I understand taking care of it and I do. However how am I supposed to keep the sand out of the culvert when the swales have not been realigned in years. Are we expected to crawl through the pipe?
Laurel says
PB: All I’m saying is, it is what it is. Get your like minded neighbors together, keep a cool and friendly head, and talk to the road department. They always have a list of the roads needing repairs. Find out where your street is on it. Explain that you are happy to maintain the swale, but it is beyond your ability to realign the swale along the right of way. It is beyond your ability to clear out the culvert whereas the city does have the ability.
If you get the run around, you don’t bother to go to the next level, you go to the top. Your group stays sincere about trying to do right, but you are not getting the help that is needed. You will be headed off by an assistant, but that assistant will pass on the message that your group is serious, and is not going to drop it. The manager will then delegate the job, and it will get done. But only if you, and your group are willing to comply, and at the same time, make it clear you’re not going away until you get the help you need.
If you do it right, you will get the help you need.
PB says
Laurel that is exactly what I did. They were here yesterday!
Good advice for anyone!
Laurel says
PB: So glad to hear it! Wisdom comes with experience and age. Stay the course! You’ll get it done.
Marvin says
DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Where do you people think the money for the Sherrifs’ office, Fire, ambulance, library, etc comes from? Property taxes, bone heads, they are funded by property taxes. Not everything is an effing left/right issue, sometimes it’s common sense about how government works, you know, civics? Go ahead and eliminate property taxes and when there is one fire truck, one ambulance, and a handful of sheriffs for the entire town, you’ll cry and whine asking why it happened. You happened. Your vote. The alternative is they “raise” funds another way, fundraising (hard pass, I’ll pay property taxes instead), easing sales tax, or even seeing the error of their ways and implementing *gasp* a state tax. They will need money. They will not have much without property taxes from all. You crap the bed, better be prepared to sit and stew in it.
Skibum says
Absolutely correct! If property tax revenue is cut, either people will keep paying for the public services provided by the local government via another tax, or the services that people expect will have to be cut. It is not brain surgery, just common sense. Unfortunately, common sense is not all that common these days. People keep voting against their own interests, and I expect that to continue when there are so many people in society who lack critical thinking skills.
Laurel says
Some people actually believe they are going to get a break with this tax cut. They will not, and DeSantis is counting on them believing they will. It’s a real sucky tactic for his, and his party’s gain, temporarily. He moves up, and leaves the mess behind. The party will blame others for the mess. Same old, same ole.
Bronxite says
Flagler County Employee salaries are available for public access. Also , site gives a rough percentage comparison to other areas in Florida.
https://opengovpay.com/employer/fl/flagler-county
Similar website exists for Palm Coast City.
When Palm Coast incorporated, were some proposals to CLOSE Old Kings Road, fortunately that was fended off. The poor planning goes back quite a while. The trash pickup contract another example of poor choice, resulting in higher pay.
The lack of code enforcement is lowering standards and is a loss of revenue for the City. The recent abandoned puppies story , excessive dogs , with continual dog barking , backyard breeding(‘often advertised on social media) ; chicken proposal and of course swale parking are just a few examples.
In NYC whenever budget cuts were proposed; the fear mongers quickly pivoted to police , fire, libraries. The same old playbook.
The new city manager was intwrviewed on local radio shortly after taking the job , at a nice compensation package, with benefits. He mentioned that ‘we need more revenue, or have to cut services’.
Maybe he can cut his compensation.
Speaking of libraries; I may return to work to meet expenses; assistant library director sounds like a good fit; but only $107k per annum around here.
Skibum says
Well, Bronxite says, you obviously have never worked in the public sector because you have an appalling lack of knowledge and understanding of how tax policy and cuts do in fact have a direct impact on budgets. That definitely can include cuts to police and fire services as well as libraries and other essential services as well as “niceties” that people like such as parks, recreation, transportation, classes and services for the elderly… on and on. It is NOT “the same old playbook” as you suggest in your comment above. It could be our reality right here in Palm Coast.
During my 29-year public sector career working for both a county and later state government, there were multiple years where either the county fathers or the governor/state legislature enacted budget cuts and directed all department heads to identify certain cuts either by a certain percentage or specific programs. My career was in law enforcement and YES, it mattered not and cuts were made, jobs were either lost or went unfilled, employee travel/training/equipment purchases were curtailed, etc. Don’t ever believe the hoax that public sector cuts due to less property tax revenue would not potentially affect police and/or fire services, because I know from first hand experience that such naysayers as yourself do not speak the truth either from a complete misunderstanding or intentional lies. Period!
Dennis C Rathsam says
About 4 yrs ago I purchased the lot next to my home. Just trees, & an asshole grass cutter throwing yard trash on my lot. Soon as I am able, all that yard trash will be on the street. The more I call & complain, they tell me to catch the guy. Then about a month after purchasing the lot, & cutting the grass in front of it, is flat like a pancake the city sends me a bill for swale maintanance…. For what? I ve been here over 13 yrs now & theyve never did anything to that property & it has no swale… But don’t forget to send a check!
Mama Mia says
Taxes are going up not just here, but everywhere. The problem is minimum wage is ridiculous. How does our governments expect us to live? My daughter and her family have lived with me for over 10 years. The can’t save for a house because they don’t make enough. Foods high, electric is high, gas is high and they will never be able to move. This Country no longer cares about people only the almighty dollar. It sucks!