Palmetto Bay Mayor and Council set to raise property taxes and other fees. Second and final budget hearing set for Wednesday, September 23

Remember Pinecrest - also hit hard by COVID. They are fully funding their security and are still set to actually lower the property tax rate for the Pinecrest residents and businesses. See:  September 9, 2020, Good news continues to flow from Pinecrest. Government spending kept in check results in dividends to residents - as one member of the Pinecrest Council opined: "We lowered your (Pinecrest) property taxes this year, With ample reserves and a fully-funded police department, lowering your taxes was the right choice."

Now contrast that with Palmetto Bay. 

$6,673,288 in property tax revenue is not enough for the tax and spend Mayor and Council who want an increase their take from property owners to $7,151,021.

A hike in stormwater fees (excuse is that 'it is not that much') and an actual increase in the Property tax mileage rate. Palmetto Bay levied a property tax for the current budget year that resulted in $6,673,288. Palmetto Bay officials cannot live off that same number for 2020-21. The new proposed property tax increase to 2.235 will result in the collection of $7,151,021 in taxes from area property tax payers. 

Remember when the Council stopped the stormwater tax increase proposed back in December 2019? [See: December 9, 2019, Finally “Not Today!” Palmetto Bay’s tax bleed on hold - after raising and even creating new taxes in 2019 - 3 out of 5 Palmetto Bay Council members say "enough is enough" (for now)].  Well, that was a mid-year publicity show. Three out of five voted against it in December 2019 (David Singer, Patrick Fiore and the Vice Mayor voted no at that time), but the increase was merely delayed. The Stormwater increase is back in 2020 to be assessed in fiscal year 2020-2021, tucked neatly into a comprehensive budget, out of sight and out of mind of far too many residents.

They seem to vote "NO" on tax increases merely for show when people are watching, but "YES" to these same tax increases at a later date, when they think you're not watching.

Other local municipalities: 

I reviewed the advertisement for the budget proceedings for tax year 20-21 for the Village of Key Biscayne. It notes, in conspicuous type that:

 'THE PROPOSED OPERATING EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE ARE 16.87% LESS THAT LAST YEARS TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET." (all emphasis provided in original source)

Now that is some serious fiscal discipline! And it shows it can be done. 

Back to Palmetto Bay, where the Mayor and council are preparing to 'make it rain' with our tax dollars, for their pet projects.

Hamilton Making It Rain GIF from Hamilton GIFs

What you can do, how you can participate:

Public comments forum (Option 1): Prior to the meeting, the public can submit a web form available at this web address: https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/FormCenter/Public-Comments-Form10/Public-Comments-Form-52. Form submissions received prior to the meeting will be read before the item is heard. Form submissions received after 7:00 p.m. will be read at the end of the Village Council’s Agenda. 

Public comments forum (Option 2): Public attendees wishing to provide real-time, audible public comments during the meeting may do so using GoToWebinar’s desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone app. Once registered, attendees will receive GTW session information and call-in telephone numbers for those wishing to use a telephone. Telephone attendees may not participate in public comment as the system has no way to mute or unmute. Attendees wishing to speak during public comment time must use the GoToWebinar application on their desktop, laptop, or smart device. Attendees may not use a webcam whatsoever. In lieu if no availability to participate through the webinar, please submit your public comment using the web form as described above. 

Please register to attend the session as follows: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5235020460006942733 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 

All persons are invited to speak at this meeting, or to be represented by an agent, or to express their views in writing addressed to the Village Council c/o of the Village Clerk, 9705 E. Hibiscus Street, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 and/or via email: council@palmettobay-fl.gov. Inquiries may be directed to the Clerk at (305) 259-1234. The above items may be continued at this meeting and, under such circumstances, additional legal notice would not be provided. Any person may contact the Village Clerk for information as to the status of this item as a result of the meeting. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needing special accommodation (or hearing impaired) to participate in this proceeding or to review any documents relative thereto should contact the Village for assistance at (305) 259-1234 no later than four (4) days prior to the proceedings.