archiveBudgets and Funding

The problem: Reducing or getting rid of property taxes would eliminate dollars local governments rely on for needed services.How well will the Florida Legislature work with Gov. Ron DeSantis?FLORIDA TODAY's John Torres discusses the 2025 legislative session with reporters James Call and John Kennedy in this excerpt fro the Florida Pulse.Florida lawmakers excluded property tax cuts from the recently approved state budget and tax package.House and Senate leaders plan to study the potential impact of property tax reductions on local governments before considering further action.While a potential property tax cut...

The county millage rate will stay at $4.50 and the housing prices are leveling off so what is the root of a likely increase in property taxes for Palm Beach County homeowners?Palm Beach County news: Charlie Woods' golf game; Trump's travel banCharlie Woods finished the Amateur Championship, Guy Fieri sells Lake Worth mansion, Donald Trump puts travel bans on twelve countries.Palm Beach County homeowners will likely see a property tax increase in 2026 due to rising property values, despite a stable millage rate.New construction fueled a significant portion of the...

Habitat for Humanity of Collier County progresses on new Naples communityScenes from Habitat for Humanity of Collier County's Majestic Place community. When construction is complete, it will have 109 single-family homes.Collier County's preliminary property values increased by roughly 3% to $229.3 billion in 2025.Taxable property values saw a larger increase of 8.2%, reaching $164.5 billion, largely due to new construction.While market value growth slowed, new construction added $4.18 billion to the tax rolls.The final tax roll will be submitted to the state on July 1st, with TRIM notices sent to...

Aerial video along the Swannanoa River reveals the wrath of Tropical Storm HeleneAerial video along the Swannanoa River between Black Mountain and Asheville reveals the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene.Buncombe County’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes a 3.26-cent property tax increase to offset revenue shortfalls in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.The budget prioritizes essential services, including $122 million for education, though still short requests from Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools.ASHEVILLE – Described as a “break-even budget” focused on essential government services and recovery in the...

House and Senate budget and tax cut negotiators are running out of time to reach a deal and end the legislative session on time.Local cheerleaders with Special Olympics show their skills at CapitolSpecial Olympics athletes demonstrate their cheerleading skills during Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run and ceremony at Capitol courtyard.The House and Senate disagree on tax cut plans, with differing approaches and overall amounts.The legislative session's deadline is approaching, with budget and tax cut negotiations still ongoing.One of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ main gripes with the House in his ongoing feud...