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

Jun 18, 2009

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Governor Crist Signs Bill Adding New Protection for Taxpayers

Allowing New Use of Technology in Property Assessment

Governor Charlie Crist on Wednesday signed House Bill 179, relating to property appraisers, at the Property Appraiser’s Office in Duval County.

 

Crist signs bill prohibiting local governments to charge for emergency response

With little fanfare and no comment, Gov. Charlie Crist late Tuesday signed a bill that would ban local governments from charging what is known as a ‘crash tax.’

 

Broward commissioners reject tax rate hike

Broward commissioners rejected a tax rate hike and told the county administrator to cut more services instead. They’re also hoping for some help from the sheriff.

A meeting over the Broward budget turned into a symbolic showdown between Sheriff Al Lamberti and county commissioners Tuesday — though the sheriff wasn’t there.

 

Laid-off Broward teachers may get priority for substitute posts

The 400 Broward teachers laid off over the weekend may get priority to become substitute teachers, the School Board said.

The Broward school district will try to keep some of the hundreds of teachers who received pink slips over the weekend employed as school substitutes, School Board members and Superintendent Jim Notter said Tuesday.

 

Pinellas School Board gives first approval to property tax increase

The Pinellas School Board unanimously gave initial approved Tuesday to a property tax rate increase to help offset a projected $19 million budget shortfall.

 

Sarasota County tax rate to increase

For the first time in a decade the county will increase its property tax rate, although most homeowners will pay just a couple of dollars more next year.

 

Time for public to add its two cents on Manatee County budget

The suggestions to cut the county budget have been put forward, and now taxpayers can weigh in with their opinions.

 

Budget shortfalls continue to baffle Lee County officials

The leaders who determine how Lee County tax dollars are spent have yet to agree on how to make cuts and use their reserves to overcome today’s shortfall of at least $150 million.

 

Editorial: Voice of the people is heard

Lee County residents made it clear they are not ready for any school tax rate increases, despite the district’s revenue squeeze.

 

Hard economic times apparent in Martin County

Signs of economic distress abound in Martin County and the outlook for next year doesnt appear to be much better.

 

If gaming deal fails, Seminole tribe to take it to feds

Billions for Florida schools at stake

If the Seminole Tribe and the state cannot agree on a new gaming compact, the tribe will go to the federal government to seek the deal they want, the tribe’s attorney said Monday.

 

Commercial Property Values Expected to Decline Further in the Months Ahead, According to Survey

Real estate owners and investors are expecting further declines in commercial property values over the next 12 months as tenant demand weakens, rental rates decline and overall cap rates rise, according to the quarterly findings of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Korpacz Real Estate Investor Survey, released today.

 

Governor Crist Signs Legislation Enhancing Zero Tolerance in Schools

Governor Charlie Crist Wednesday signed legislation strengthening Florida’s “zero tolerance” school safety policies.

 

Brookings study: S. Fla. among weakest economic performers

Unemployment, a decline in housing prices, and the swell of foreclosures have landed the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area at the bottom of a list of 100 metro areas weathering the recession, according to the Brookings Institution.

 

Fla. Speaker Cretul considers run for Congress

Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul says he is giving ‘very, very strong consideration’ to running for Congress in 2010.

 

High court clears way for growth-management amendment

The state Supreme Court appeared to clear the way Wednesday for the controversial Florida Hometown Democracy constitutional amendment to go on the 2010 election ballot.

 

Dade school board names school after Alonzo Mourning and wife

Former pro basketball star Alonzo Mourning and his wife, Tracy, will lend their names to North Miami’s newest high school.

 

Florida schools get record number of A’s

More Florida schools than ever earned an A grade from the state in 2009.

 

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