Sarasota News Leader

06/06/2014

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government boards, could be indicators of bigger tax bills for homeowners, especially those who do not have homestead exemp- tions. The latter lessen the impact of millage rate rises. Even if elected officials keep their tax rates the same, higher property values translate into higher tax bills. However, if elected offi- cials "roll back" their tax rates, the bills would remain the same. In Sarasota County, there does not appear to be much support among the commissioners for lowering the millage rate. If the board keeps the present rate the same, the increase in property values would mean an additional $6.9 million for the county's general fund, Fratangelo said. The county commissioners will discuss the millage rate during upcoming budget workshops as they prepare to set a tentative tax rate in July. By law, the final rate cannot be higher than that figure, though the board can choose to lower it. For Commissioner Nora Patterson, lower- ing the millage rate is not a realistic option because, even with $6.9 million added into the 2015 fiscal year budget, it is likely the commis- sioners once again will still have to use "rainy New home construction also is adding to Sarasota County's tax rolls. File photo DOWNLOAD THE PDF Read the list of all the 2014 estimated property values. Sarasota News Leader June 6, 2014 Page 34

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