Commission Reduces 2007 Budget,
Lowers Millage Rate

Broward County Commissioners approved a $3.1 billion budget on September 26, at the conclusion of their second and final public hearing on the 2006-07 spending plan. After reducing approximately $20 million from the proposed budget, Commissioners approved a millage rate of 6.0661 mills, a 10.6 percent decrease from last year’s millage rate. The millage rate decrease is the largest reduction in nearly a quarter of a century and represents the ninth year in a row that the tax rate has been reduced or remained the same. With the new millage rate, the average single family taxpayer with a homestead exemption will experience a decrease of approximately $83 on the Broward County portion of their tax bill. Approximately 60 percent of property in the County is covered by homestead exemption.

26,000 Property Owners Appeal
To Value Adjustment Board

By the September 18, 2006 deadline, approximately 26,000 property owners in Broward County had filed appeals with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). The VAB and its staff serve as the decision-making authority when there is disagreement between the taxpayer and Property Appraiser concerning property valuations, exemptions, and classifications. The VAB is independent of the Property Appraiser’s office, and was established by Florida Statute to hear taxpayer appeals. Three Broward County Commissioners and two School Board members sit on the Value Adjustment Board.

Even though the initial petition filing period has passed, the VAB does have a “Good Cause” process for those homeowners who have acceptable reasons for missing the deadline. Petitioners can submit a “Good Cause” request, along with a petition and the appropriate filing fee. A special magistrate, approved by the VAB, will review the request forms as to why the homeowner did not file a timely petition. Deadline: January 2, 2007.

The magistrate can grant or deny the request to accept the petition. Any homeowners/property owners that believe they did not receive just consideration from a special magistrate, either at a hearing or from a denial of “Good Cause,” can then appeal the decision of the special magistrate to the VAB. The board meets monthly, considers appeals, and decides if the petitioner should be granted another hearing or the original decision upheld.

For additional information on filing a “Good Cause” request, call 954-357-7292 or visit the Property Appraiser’s web site, www.bcpa.net.

General Election Early Voting Sites
Open Monday, October 23

Early voting locations will open on Monday, October 23, for the November 7 general election and will remain open until Sunday, November 5. The polling locations will be open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and, Sundays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The 20 early voting locations for the general election include:

• Coconut Creek–North Regional/BCC Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd.
• Coral Springs–Northwest Regional Library, 3151 University Dr.
• Davie–Davie/Cooper City Branch Library, 4600 S.W. 82nd Ave.
• Deerfield Beach–North Regional Satellite Courthouse, 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Room 170.
• Deerfield Beach–Deerfield Beach Percy White Library Branch, 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd.
• Fort Lauderdale–African-American Research Library, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. (N.W. 6th St.)
• Fort Lauderdale–Imperial Point Branch Library, 5985 N. Federal Hwy
• Fort Lauderdale–Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave.
• Hallandale Beach–Hallandale Beach City Hall, 400 S. Federal Hwy.
• Hollywood–Hollywood Branch Library, 2600 Hollywood Blvd.
• Hollywood–Broward County Satellite Courthouse, 3550 Hollywood Blvd., Room 180.
• Lauderhill–Lauderhill Mall, 1241 NW 40th Ave., Bay 80-K
• Oakland Park–Oakland Park Library, 1298 N.E. 37th St.
• Parkland–Parkland City Hall, 6600 University Dr.
• Pembroke Pines–Pembroke Pines City Hall, 10100 Pines Blvd.
• Pembroke Pines–Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan St.
• Plantation–West Regional Courthouse, 100 N. Pine Island Rd., Room 130.
• Pompano Beach–Pompano Beach Library, 1213 E. Atlantic Blvd.
• Tamarac–Tamarac Branch Library, 8701 W. Commercial Blvd.
• Weston–Weston Branch Library, 4205 Bonaventure Blvd.

Precinct polls will be open on election day—Tuesday, November 7, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents interested in casting absentee ballots should call the Supervisor of Elections office at 954-357-7055 or request an absentee ballot online by visiting their web site, www.browardsoe.org. Click on Voting Information and then click on Absentee Voting. Voted absentee ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections’ office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. A voted absentee ballot cannot be accepted at a polling place.

New Regulations on Asbestos
Available for Viewing Online

Following County Commission approval of amendments to the Air Quality Section of the Broward County Code earlier this year, a number of new ordinances are now in effect. The changes include new provisions that will affect how owners and operators responsible for building renovation and demolition projects must comply with federal, state and county asbestos requirements. For additional information, call 954-519-1220 or visit www.broward.org/air and click on Air Quality Code Revisions.

Transit Ridership Increases
In Broward County

Broward County Transit (BCT) reported that bus ridership increased by 3.2% from January to June 2006, mirroring the national average, as reported by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

“While we have continued to show a steady increase in ridership, service was down for one day and a half because of Tropical Storm Ernesto,” said Christopher Walton, director of Broward County’s Mass Transit Division. “We were able to make some service improvements, such as later Saturday and Sunday bus service that allowed us to capture more riders and keep us on our steady increase.” For additional information, visit www.broward.org/bct or call 954-357-8400.

County Initiates New Program
To Assist Home Homebuyers

The Broward County Commission’s Housing and Community Development Division and the Housing Finance Authority of Broward County are offering a new program to help residents purchase a home. The 2006 Single Family Bond Program features low, fixed-rate mortgages and down payment assistance to qualified buyers. All options feature a 30-year, fixed rate first mortgage at 5.60 percent. An 80/20 loan permits 100% financing. Depending on household income, the 20 percent down payment may be a zero percent, deferred payment second mortgage, or a 20-year, amortizing second mortgage at a rate of 7.0%.

To qualify for the program, household income may not exceed $72,720 for 1 or 2 person households or $84,840 for 3 or more persons. The maximum purchase price is $525,090 and the new or existing single-family home (attached or detached), condo or townhouse must be located in Broward County. Residents do not have to be first-time homebuyers. A $225 bond program fee is charged at closing. The first mortgage is exempt from documentary stamps and intangible taxes, allowing homebuyers significant savings. Some second mortgages and notes may also be exempt. For more information, visit www.broward.org/housing or call the Broward County Call Center at 954-831-4000.

Four County Parks Offer
Evening Autumn Hayrides

While it’s often difficult to detect a change of seasons in Broward County, the fall does bring somewhat cooler nights, which is an ideal time to enjoy the autumn weather in Broward County’s pristine parks. While you won’t see colorful leaves, you will see the moon peeking above the stars, as nocturnal creatures come to life. These great family-oriented hayrides are fun, educational and an opportunity to witness the change of seasons, subtropical style. In October, four parks are participating in the autumn hayrides: C. B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines, 954-437-2650 (Saturday, October 14); Markham Park, 16001 W. State Rd. 84, Sunrise, 954-389-2000 (Saturday, October 21); Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, 954-360-1315 (Saturday, October 14); T.Y. Park, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood, 954-985-1980 (Friday, October 20). Hayrides are $3 per person. Start times vary by park. For November and December dates, call the park or check online at www.broward.org/parks.

Three-Year Licenses
For Dogs and Cats Available

Effective October 1, 2006, residents can purchase three-year licenses for their cats and dogs. For sterilized animals, the three-year fee is $35, compared to a one-year fee of $14. For pets who are not sterilized, the three-year fee is $75, compared to a yearly charge of $26. Required rabies vaccinations are available at local veterinarians for an additional cost. For information on licensing, call 954-359-1313 or visit www.broward.org/animal.

Hurricane Update Information
Available through Email

With less than two months remaining in the hurricane season, which ends November 30, residents are reminded that Broward County is offering residents the opportunity to receive updates on information before, during and after a hurricane or tropical storm. Through the email update system, residents can get the latest and most accurate information on the progress of a storm, actions being taken by governmental agencies and helpful advice. To subscribe, visit www.broward.org and click on the Hurricane Update Email System box.

Wartime Propaganda Exhibit
Opens at Main Library

A free exhibit of wartime propaganda, with about 50 items dating from the Boer War to World War II, are now on display in the Bienes Center for the Literary Arts, The Dianne and Michael Bienes Special Collections and Rare Book Library at the Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. The exhibit continues through January 9, 2007.

Titled “The Game of War: Books, Toys, and Propaganda from The Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Study Center of Miami,” the exhibition contains works originally curated by a team of 11 students from Miami-Dade College and New World School of the Arts. The exhibit features a diverse collection of wartime propaganda, much of it instructional. The display visually expresses the evolution of societies under pressure from strong leadership in cultures dominated by fear and uncertainty.