Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–November 5
Nov 5, 2008
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Constitutional Amendment election results
Amendment for tax breaks on green homes too close
A constitutional amendment that would make home improvements that provide renewable energy or harden homes against hurricanes exempt from the home’s assessed value is too close to call.
Revenue, Education, Social Services Estimating Conferences Held This Week
Meeting materials include(d):
Education Estimating Conference–Community College Enrollment Forecast, November 4
Revenue Estimating Conference–Transportation Revenues, Wednesday, Nov 5
Social Services Estimating Conference–Medicaid Expenditures, Thursday, Nov 6
Layoffs, program cuts loom at Broward schools
Although the district experienced about $94 million in cuts during the past two years and the district laid off about 200 workers — none of whom were teachers — most of them have been rehired.
Landlords working hard to keep tenants
Landlords are negotiating terms, dangling concessions and offering improvements to retain rent-paying businesses — hot commodities in this market.
During the real estate boom, losing a tenant didn’t matter so much. Any tenant, whether office, industrial or retail, could easily be replaced
Wellington Vice-Mayor: Informed electorate crucial to preserving democracy
Our founding fathers believed that the study and understanding of our government should be at the core of every American’s education. Yet 40 percent of Florida adults cannot explain the separation of powers or name the three branches of government.
Broward home value drops 31 percent
The average single-family home in Broward County has dropped 31 percent in value since peaking in November 2005, according to a new economic report prepared by the county.
Miami-Dade to buy up bank-owned homes
Miami-Dade County has devised a plan to buy up property with $62.2 million it received in federal grants to stem blight caused by foreclosures.
To stabilize local neighborhoods suffering from the effects of foreclosures, Miami-Dade County officials have drawn up a spending plan for the $62.2 million in grant money they got as part of a mammoth housing stimulus measure passed earlier this summer by Congress.
Government watchdog groups hunt down turkeys, pork
Some call it pork. To others, they’re turkeys.
The labels carry a negative connotation, leading a tax-tired public to view the programs and projects as unnecessary or irresponsible spending by government officials.
Florida teachers work at last year’s salaries amid tight state budget
Three months into the school year, most Florida teachers are working for the same pay they got last year, as a grim state budget has stalled salary negotiations in districts across the state.
Report: Cities face ‘perfect storm’ for economic decline
Allen Green’s construction business got hit early by the economic crisis now rocking the world’s economy.
Voters get behind school property tax
In the middle of tough economic times, Alachua County voters overwhelmingly said yes to paying an additional property tax for the public school system Tuesday.
Referendum’s passage gives needed money to Collier school board
Collier County School Board member Kathleen Curatolo could not help but be elated Tuesday night after it was clear a referendum to fund schools passed.
Property tax bills hit Brevard mailboxes
Pinched already by the economic downturn, Brevard County homeowners got fiscally frightening tricks on Halloween: property tax bills.
Fort Pierce takes first step to expand Redevelopment Agency district
The City Commission Monday night declared 1,020 acres as containing slum and blight a first step toward expanding the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency district.
Hearing over Miami-Dade teachers’ raises postponed
The long battle for promised teacher raises in Miami-Dade County will last even longer.
At a hearing Monday, officials with the Miami-Dade school district asked for a delay because the district’s budget had ”changed dramatically” and needs to be amended.
Public Schools Foundation director brings energy to job
The Alachua County Public Schools Foundation had some big shoes to fill after Mary Chance, the nonprofit organization’s executive director for more than a decade, departed in the summer to lead the statewide Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.
Lee County school board looks at 3 percent raises
Higher health cost part of plan before board
Health insurance for Lee County School District employees next year could cost them more than their raises, depending on their salary and plan and whether they are insuring dependents.
Private schools hit by economic slump
Enrollment numbers fall as many parents find it harder to come up with tuition money
Giving their children a quality faith-based education was a priority for Tracy Johnson and her husband, Michael.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to relocate
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Co. plans to shift its Orlando operations into 250,000 square feet of new office space at SouthPark Center.
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