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City manager: HJR 203 could cut about 24% of Sebastian’s general fund and force service cuts
Summary
City staff said House Joint Resolution 203, which passed the Florida House, would eliminate much local ad valorem revenue and remove roughly $4.76 million in Sebastian’s property‑tax receipts — about 24% of the city’s general fund — forcing service reductions or new fees, the city manager said.
City Manager said the House-passed House Joint Resolution 203 (HJR 203) would, as amended on the floor, eliminate non‑school ad valorem property taxes effective Jan. 1, 2027 if the Legislature and voters enact the measure. The city estimates the change would cut Sebastian’s general fund by roughly $4,756,309 — about 24% of a roughly $19.9 million general fund — and eliminate about $4.76 million in homestead‑derived property‑tax revenue built into the fiscal 2026 budget.
Why it matters: Sebastian relies heavily on homestead property taxes. The manager told residents that ad valorem collections estimated for fiscal 2026 total $8,393,178, with homesteaded properties producing about $4,756,309 (57% of property tax revenue) and non‑homestead producing $3,636,869 (43%). "Homestead property tax elimination would cause us to see a 24% reduction in our entire general fund revenue," the City Manager said.
What would be protected and what would be…
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