St. Augustine Beach outlines TRIM schedule and tentative millage process

Patty, the city's finance director, told City of St. Augustine Beach residents that July 1 begins the Truth in Millage (TRIM) process and starts a roughly 100-day period of budget review that will lead to tentative millage rates and public hearings on proposed property taxes.

"So this is the time of year when we all get together to start reviewing our budgets," Patty said, describing the steps the city takes to post notices and schedule hearings under TRIM guidance from the Florida Department of Revenue.

The finance director said the city typically sets its tentative millage rates at the commission meeting on the last Monday in July and will publish dates, times and locations for public hearings so homeowners can review the notice of proposed property taxes. "Has to start at 05:01," she said, noting that the start time is a legal technicality that will be included in the published notice.

Patty described the practical schedule the city follows: after the July meeting sets tentative rates and hearing dates, the city expects to display finalized revenue and expenditure numbers at the first commission meeting in September for a first reading of the ordinance. She said insurance renewal figures often arrive late and are one of the last expenditure items to be finalized. A final reading is typically held about two weeks after the first reading, at which point the city submits documents to the state for review.

The finance director also noted the Florida Department of Revenue provides a homeowner's guide explaining millage and how to read property-tax notices; she said that guide will be posted on the state's website and linked from the city's materials.

Mayor Dylan Rumrill praised the finance director's work and highlighted the city's recent approach to rates. "We have kept the millage low. We have reduced millage. We have reduced our debt millage," Rumrill said, crediting the finance office with maintaining city services while holding down tax rates.

Rumrill and Patty urged residents to review the posted information and attend hearings. "Make sure you guys look at that, and then make sure you pay attention. July, September, we gotta get this done. We want your input. It's about the public. It's about you all because it's your tax money," Rumrill said. He closed by reminding listeners the city will continue budget outreach on its regular "Monday with the Mayor" program.

No motions or votes were taken during the exchange; the remarks were an informational briefing on the calendar and process for upcoming budget and millage hearings.