Hendry County adopts tentative 6.77 millage rate, approves $133.7 million tentative budget amid public concern over tax increases

The Hendry County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 8 adopted a tentative millage rate of 6.77 mills and a tentative fiscal 2025–26 budget with proposed revenues of $133,731,277 after a public hearing that drew multiple residents who said higher property taxes and new assessments threaten household budgets.

Ian Proverbs, Hendry County budget director, opened the public hearing saying, “The rollback rate is 6.6104 mills. The proposed millage rate is 6.77, which is 2.41% more than the rollback rate.” He told commissioners the revenue increase is driven by higher employee costs, insurance premiums and additional public safety positions.

The budget matter drew lengthy public comment. Amanda Dominguez, who identified herself as the spouse of a retired Hendry County deputy and as a former county corrections employee, said her household property tax bill rose from about $1,400 last year to nearly $3,900 under the proposed figures, and urged the board to “step back and to reconsider, spread increases out, find areas to cut…