Broward County Commissioners Cut Property Tax Rate by One Percent.
Broward County Commissioners agreed to cut the property tax rate by one percent in fiscal year 2017, meaning that most homeowners with a homestead exemption will see no increase on the county portion of their property tax bill.
The total recommended budget for FY17 is $4.7 billion, which includes all property tax supported and non-tax supported funds such as federal and state grants. The proposed one-percent reduction sets the FY2017 millage rate at 5.669.
While the average homestead property taxpayer will not pay any additional taxes, for some homeowners, changes in the market value of their property will affect the amount of their property tax bill.
Budget hearings were held September 15th and 27th to allow for the public to comment on the new budget, before it was approved on September 27th. The new budget takes effect October 1, 2016, with the beginning of the 2017 Fiscal Year. To learn more about Broward County’s budget, visit broward.org/budget.Budget hearings were held September 15th and 27th to allow for the public to comment on the new budget, before it was approved on September 27th. The new budget takes effect October 1, 2016, with the beginning of the 2017 Fiscal Year. To learn more about Broward County’s budget, visit broward.org/budget.
Penny Sales Tax Increase Slated for
November Ballot
Broward County voters will see two questions on the November 8th ballot – each proposing an additional half-penny sales tax to fund countywide transportation needs and city infrastructure projects.
These proposals are interconnected – meaning that unless a majority of voters approves BOTH proposals, NEITHER will go into effect.
The full one-penny sales tax would be limited to 30 years. It would raise an estimated $310-million in the first year and $12.4 billion over the full 30 years. Both proposals include the creation of an oversight board to ensure the revenue is spent effectively and efficiently on appropriate transportation and infrastructure projects.
The transportation half-penny surtax would fund an array of transportation projects aimed at alleviating traffic congestion across Broward County, including:
The Wave Streetcar in downtown Fort Lauderdale with future connections to the airport, Port Everglades and the Broward County Convention Center
Traffic signal synchronization improvements
Enhanced bus service with added routes, greater frequency and increased Community Bus service
Complete Streets projects to promote safer use of roads for bicyclists and pedestrians
The infrastructure half-penny sales tax would be shared with each of Broward’s 31 cities based on population. Funding would be used for capital improvements to:
You can find a detailed list of projects that would be funded with the two half-penny sales taxes across the county and in your city and neighborhood at apennyatwork.com.
Dedication Ceremony Held for September 11 Memorial at FLL
On Sunday, September 11, 2016, the Broward County Aviation Department hosted a Dedication Ceremony of its September 11th Memorial.
As part of the permanent installation in Terminal 1, the memorial features a fragment of the World Trade Center's South Tower, a helmet of a New York Fire Department firefighter who took part in the World Trade Center recovery effort, and an American flag donated by Retired Lieutenant Colonel Michael F. Janzen, USAF. Following the attacks, Col. Janzen tucked the flag inside the cockpit of his F-15C before each mission to remind himself of his sacred duty to protect the borders of the U.S.
The memorial is likely to be seen by many of the 29 million travelers who annually use the airport. Since it is outside the secure area, the memorial is also accessible to those who are not passengers to pay tribute to the victims and families of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Police and fire officials watch as the 911 Memorial at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is unveiled on Sept. 11, 2016, the 15th anniversary of the attacks.
E 911 Feedback Form
In October 2014, Broward County established a countywide communications infrastructure for fire and emergency medical services to improve the dispatch process when calling 911. In an effort to enhance the system, Broward residents can share their experience with the 911 system through an online form or the 311 call center. Help us improve response to emergencies in Broward County by sharing your comments about 911 with us.
Register to Vote by Oct. 11 for the 2016
General Election
If you want to vote in the Nov. 8 General Election, you must register to vote no later than Tuesday, Oct. 11.
Early voting starts Monday, Oct. 24 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 6, from 7:00a.m. to 7:00p.m. at 20 locations throughout Broward County.
You may also vote by mail by requesting an Absentee Ballot – it’s easy and free. You do not have to pay any postage to receive or return your ballot.
To register to vote, check your current registration, or request an absentee ballot, visit browardsoe.org or call 954-357-7050.
County Advisory Board and Committee Opportunities
Broward County Advisory Boards and Committees give residents an opportunity to participate in county government by providing their input, expertise, experience, and guidance on a variety of issues affecting our community. We are always seeking volunteers who are interested in public service. You can review our current Board and Committee vacancies today.
If you would like to be considered for a board appointment, please submit the following to my County Commission Aide, Pratima Raju at praju@broward.org: detailed resume, permanent address, phone number, email address and the board or committee on which you would like to serve. Residents who serve provide their board and the County with valuable insights, and their contributions to the community are greatly appreciated.
Mosquito Spraying
In a news conference earlier this month, Broward County announced the latest proactive measures to reduce mosquitoes and their breeding sites across the county, particularly the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which carries the Zika virus. As a preventive measure, aerial larviciding was recently conducted over areas chosen based on a number of factors, including requests from the Florida Department of Health, population density, and the number of women of child-bearing age in the community.
The mosquito larvicide used is VectoBac WDG. The active ingredient is Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti, strain AM65-52), a naturally occurring, biodegradable bacterial mosquito larvicide which is not harmful to humans, pets, bees, aquatic habitats or environmentally sensitive areas. It's certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and is registered for use by the US Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, VectoBac WDG has been reviewed by the World Health Organization and is listed as a recommended formulation for control of mosquito larvae. For up to date information regarding Mosquito Spraying please visit Zap Zika Broward.
As a precautionary measure, residents with breathing difficulties should remain indoors during spraying. Residents who wish to be notified before pesticides are sprayed in their area can register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. There is a $50 fee for the initial registration, plus a $10 annual renewal fee. Download the application here.
To learn more about mosquito spraying, as well as other tips to protect your family from the Zika virus, please visit Zap Zika Broward.