Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–February 18

 

 

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Florida taxing boards would be elected under proposal

The power to raise property taxes would rest solely with elected officials under a constitutional amendment proposed for the November ballot.

 

Broward exploring hike in property tax rates

Officials question ability to cope with another major budget deficit

Broward County’s top administrator warned commissioners Tuesday that they must raise tax rates this year or make devastating cuts in libraries, parks, law enforcement and other services.

 

Penny tax generating less money in Pasco

The list of school construction and renovation projects that Penny for Pasco has helped pay for during the past five years is long and stretches from one end of the county to the other.

 

‘Scary things’ ahead as Orange, Seminole schools brace for more cuts

Teaching positions, textbooks, busing are on list of possible reductions.

Cash-strapped public schools in Central Florida are bracing for more budget cuts over the next two years, and officials say that continuing reductions are pushing districts’ budgets toward a “tipping point” where educational quality will head downhill.

 

‘Nothing off-limits’ as Orange County struggles to trim budget

Don’t be surprised next year if Orange County parks are more run down, fewer kids can enroll in summer- and after-school programs, and one of the county’s low-income health clinics is forced to shut its doors.

 

Legislature working to delay business tax hike 

Legislation that would delay an unemployment compensation tax increase for two years is on a fast track to early passage in the Florida Legislature. Two similar bills received final committee approval Wednesday in the House and Senate, both by unanimous votes. 

 

Florida Senate panel approves class size amendment

An effort to overhaul the state’s constitutional limit on class sizes passed its first legislative hurdle Tuesday, with a Senate panel approving the measure over the objections of a teachers’ union and the committee’s lone Democrat.

• Blog:  Florida class-size amendment moves forward in House
• Blog:  Class size compliance–DOE figures show lots of work left to do to meet law’s full requirements
• Florida Teachers Union: Don’t Change Class Size Limits

 

Hernando earns high marks from two bond rating companies

Despite high unemployment, falling property tax revenues and the need to dig into reserves to offset budget shortages, Hernando County has still earned top bond ratings from leading bond rating companies.

 

Fort Pierce faces $2 million deficit; red-light camera income may help 

City officials are expecting at least a $2 million deficit in next year’s budget – not including the lack of budgeted revenue from yet-to-be-installed red light cameras.

 

Editorial:  Don’t spend more on school vouchers

With Florida facing a $3 billion deficit and striving to maintain momentum in improving public schools, this is an odd time to talk about expanding tuition vouchers for private schools.

 

Sarasota won’t start fee for foreclosed homes

When tenants and property owners walk away from a home going through foreclosure, the public often gets stuck with the cleanup costs.

 

National Builders More Confident

The National Association of Home Builders said Tuesday its housing market index rose two points in February, a sign that low interest rates and federal tax credits are boosting demand for new homes.

 

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