Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–October 22
Oct 22, 2009
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‘Save Our Homes’ Is Challenged In Court
Retired Florida State University President Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte regaled an appellate court with a “magic potion” tale and invited the judges to a “house of mirrors” as he challenged homeowner tax breaks in two cases Tuesday.
Property tax appeal fee could triple
Fighting property taxes would cost more under a push to more than triple filing fees imposed on taxpayers appealing their tax bills.
Watchdogs urge Broward school district to act quicker over audits
Broward schools are keeping better track of big-ticket items, but there are still gaffes the district needs to deal with more quickly, the head of the school district’s audit committee told School Board members Tuesday.
Blog: Broward teachers: Don’t rehire retired administrators | See the retired-rehired
As Broward School Board members were poised to rehire a retired district administrator to her old job, a month after she left, two school district unions are calling for the district to stop the practice.
Hollywood’s newest school: A lesson in how things get off-track
The Broward School Board was warned that the bids for Hollywood’s newest school were inaccurately low, the permits weren’t ready, and cost overruns and delays would follow if they approved the construction contract.
Palm Beach County commissioners brace for $117 million shortfall in next budget year
Palm Beach County commissioners finalized this year’s budget just a month ago, but the seven-member board is already bracing for the $117.7 million financial blow they expect to face as they prepare the county’s 2011 spending plan next summer.
Martin County School District waits for audit on facilities expenditures
The Martin County School District paid West Palm Beach-based Fastrack Management & Consulting more than $160,000 for work the company did in the facilities and maintenance department between January and August.
Underused schools could house clinics
With soaring health costs on everyone’s mind, the Miami-Dade school district is offering a possible solution: Turn properties owned by the School Board into urgent care centers.
Survey: Home values will plunge even more
While recent evidence shows South Florida’s home values have begun to flatten out, a new forecast says prices of single-family homes will take another serious tumble in the year to come.
Fla. in top 10 for afterschool programs
Florida has been named one of the top 10 states for afterschool programs by the Afterschool Alliance for its comparatively strong participation in programs by youth and high satisfaction rates among their parents.
Editorial: The Uneducated American
If you had to explain America’s economic success with one word, that word would be “education.”
New York Times: Rising Taxes Squeeze Local Operations
When property taxes go up, homeowners can find other homeowners willing to fight for relief. Big businesses, too, can flex their muscles. But small businesses are often left behind, mainly because they are, well, small.
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