Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Comprehensive Workshop on the Road Infrastructure Plan

Comment Up
After 50 years of neglecting our infrastructure,
 we want it all replaced now!

For the tax year 2013, the commission voted to set the millage rate which came to a total millage of 8.9526 which includes 5.4945 for operating and 3.4581 for MSTU-Fire according to the Property Appraiser's office. Because our property values increased, the roll-back rate was 5.2652 but they did not elect to roll it back. This amounted to a 4.35% tax increase. They did the same thing the year before and the property owners were taxed at a rate of 4.81% more because of increased property values. After paying county taxes that included, children's Services, F.I.N.D., etc., our total millage rate was 23.7518. We had paid off our bond debt the year before.

So that means for every $1,000 of property value, you paid $23.75. We weren't the highest taxed city in the County but right up there.  By law, the city can not levy taxes over 10 mills UNLESS the residents vote to do so.

Last night we were presented, once again, with a financing plan for the Road Restructuring Plan or 2020 Plan. On July 15th, 2014, the commission will set the millage rate. On August 25th, the County's Property Appraiser will mail the Truth in millage (TRIM) notice to all property owners in Lake Worth.

The very next day, August 26, 2014, the city wants a referendum on the Lake Worth 2020 capital improvement plan and will be asking you to vote above the 10 mill cap of a high end of an additional 3.64 mills. There are three different scenarios--one with 0% of a general obligation bond and increasing our water cost by 16%; 50% GO funding and an 8% increase in water. No one in the room, when asked, could answer the question on the water rate increase which was 10.25% in 2012 with no increase for last year. This is the trouble when you get new people in charge...there is a huge learning curve. Still, the commission should have remembered this important point as it was they who voted for it. Another option is one with 100% general obligation bond that will pay for their every desire.

So, what they want, and what the electorate wants may be two different results when it comes to election day.

13 comments:

Weetha Peebull said...

Did I miss the plan to keep up on the roads for the next 50 years?

Admitting we have a problem is only the 1st step - never letting this happen again has got to be 'a' step too!

Did anyone catch the MOD Meeting "Porn by the Playground"
zoning snafu in the POC?
Apparently that is the only place say a strip club could go in the city. Interesting?

Anonymous said...

I will get in touch with them all. I want assessments so Every property owner pays their fair share, not just the people who's home are appraised for more than $40,000 dollars with a double Homestead.

Lynn Anderson said...

yup....a$30,000 place should pay the exact same fee as a property worth $1 mil. Sounds absolutely fair in your messed up little way of thinking it through.

Lynn Anderson said...

Someone who moved here several years ago came over here last night with another huge personal attack. Of course it was anonymous. They didn't like this blog or any that I write. they are looking for a cheerleader for the company message. Obviously it is a developer backed individual who wants to ruin John Prince Park, wants heights to go to 65 feet in our downtown, loves illegals, hates Allen West and just all of the things I advocate. Oh, probably an Obama lover.

Can't help your rotten politics. You say you won't come over here again--that's a good thing. Have a very nice but closed minded life. live in a vacuum...your business. Stay over on the bully's blog who trashes me every day with personal ugly attacks...insecurity at the 9th grade level at best. This is what you must enjoy. Join his sick club and stick with people you admire. I don't turn on Rachel Maddow either...one little flick of the remote. Here it is much easier...DON'T COME HERE unless you want to talk to me personally by writing me an e-mail, calling me on the phone and then attacking me...but you are way too gutless for that.

Anonymous said...

It is an uphill battle in Lake Worth, a city full of left leaning people looking for government grants and placating to developers as some salvation to save the city. So, we haven't had development in 2 years. So what? All they are putting in is affordable rentals. This city will always stay depressed and attract the poor.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the belly laugh. Someone that doesn't pay any taxes and contributes ZERO to the city complaining about how money is spent. I'm going to be laughing all day now.

Lynn Anderson said...

LOL--keep on laughing. This blog is not written about me or for me unlike the bully's. Actually some of us with low property values or those who rent in this city (what is it now...60%?) may end up laughing at you for being such a "company man." At least my home is NOT in foreclosure. Who's belly laughing now?

Anonymous said...

I am in favor of an assessment or a bond that would be billed to each property owner. Every property owner in this city should pay his/her/its fair share to fix the roads.

Anonymous said...

Are you saying that no one has the right to point out what's going on in this town unless they pay taxes?

Anonymous said...

10:50. What do you consider fair? Should everyone be paying for the 2 inch pipes that have to be replaced in College Park or just the people affected by that replacement cost?

Anonymous said...

Fair to me, means everyone pays based on the assessed value of their property. If you have a $400,000 house (assessed value)may be you pay $800 assessment. If you have a $100,000 house you pay $200 assessment. But every property should pay.

Anonymous said...

$200 for 20 years?

Anonymous said...

What do you think they will propose?