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Vero Beach Council allocates $15,000 for public outreach on proposed state property‑tax changes
Summary
With House action advancing a joint resolution to phase out certain non‑school property taxes, the council voted to spend $15,000 to hire communications support to inform residents and community groups about possible local impacts.
The Vero Beach City Council voted to allocate $15,000 to hire a public‑relations firm to run a short public‑education campaign about pending Florida property‑tax proposals and their potential local impacts.
Council members debated timing, scope and partner outreach before the motion. Members cited recent legislative activity—staff referenced a House Joint Resolution that has passed the Florida House and awaited Senate action—and staff estimates of local revenue impacts. One council member summarized local modeling presented earlier: an estimated initial local revenue loss of roughly $2.1 million in the first year under the proposal and larger subsequent reductions over time, depending on phase‑in details.
Proponents said the outreach should include social media, print and public forums so residents and business groups understand how a shift could affect services and fees; public commenters urged a town‑hall format that allowed Q&A. “We need to get the word out,” a resident, Ken Dague, said during public comment, urging clear presentations and taped materials for later use.
Councilmember (speaker 3) moved to award $15,000 for a communications firm; the motion carried on roll call 4–1 (Vice Mayor Dingell voted no). Staff will return with a scope of work and a proposal from local vendors to execute a short campaign targeted at the coming legislative window.
