Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–September 25

 

 

To view a complete story, click on a headline below:

 

County cities are losing money; taxes are increasing

In Boca Raton, fire fees could rise and libraries and parks could be closed on a rotating basis, but city leaders plan about 20 major celebrations.

 

Broward budget plan:  Less money for arts, parks but no county tax hike

Commissioners vote to cut $109 million in public services to balance budget while leaving tax rates level 

Broward County libraries will no longer be open on Sundays and most regional parks will be closed two days a week as part of government cutbacks that go into effect Oct. 1.

• City of Fort Lauderdale approves budget
• Lauderdale Lakes OKs budget, boosts property tax rate 11 percent
• Lighthouse Point adopts budget that boosts property tax rate 10.5 percent
• Margate OKs budget that boosts property taxes
• Parkland tax increase raises concern
• Pembroke Pines OKs budget that boosts property tax rate 15 percent
• Plantation approves budget with property tax hike
• Royal Palm Beach lowers tax rate by cutting vacant jobs
• Sunrise to raise millage rate
• Tamarac approves budget, property tax hike

 

Miami Commission may delay final vote on budget

As union members continue to fight pay cuts, the city of Miami may postpone a final budget vote.

Miami’s residents will have a chance to voice their concerns at the city’s second budget meeting Thursday — but Commission Chairman Joe Sanchez said he doesn’t expect a vote to set the budget until some time next week.

 

Palm Beach County unveils more corruption reform proposals

As new corruption scandals rocked Broward County government Wednesday, Palm Beach County officials were already working on corruption reforms coming in response to misdeeds that plagued local government in recent years.

 

Beverly Gallagher:  School Board ties run deep

Beverly Gallagher’s school district ties stretch back more than a decade, to when she started as a parent volunteer and substitute teacher.

 

Polk County School Board Talks About Impact Fees

A week after prevailing in court, the Polk County School Board may ask the County Commission to more than double school impact fees next year.

 

Fla. school enrollment down 4th straight year

Florida’s school enrollment has dropped for a fourth straight year but less than predicted.

 

Broward County to add more magnet schools to district

The Broward school district is planning a shake-up to magnet programs that would add some new offerings.

In an effort to attract more students to public schools and keep them there, some Broward schools will be getting new magnet programs, School Board members agreed in a workshop meeting Tuesday.

 

Brevard school board wants feedback on redistricting

Brevard County public school parents have until Friday to let the school board know how they feel about redistricting policies that could lead to the shuttering of schools and rezoning of thousands of students. No decisions have been made yet, but hearing from parents is the first step in a process that could bring change as early as January.

 

White House looks to improve No Child Left Behind

The Obama administration is committed to the school accountability at the heart of the No Child Left Behind law championed by former President George W. Bush but also wants to make changes, says Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

 

To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an e-mail to ccochran@cftlaw.com