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
