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Alachua County officials warn state property-tax proposals could wipe out tens of millions from county budget
Summary
County staff told commissioners that several pending state proposals to expand homestead exemptions or eliminate property taxes on certain classes of property could reduce Alachua County general-fund revenue by tens of millions and create an initial shortfall estimated at roughly $24 million in a worst-case scenario; commissioners discussed hold-harmless provisions and the restricted nature of county funds.
County finance officials on Feb. 10 gave commissioners a detailed briefing on how proposed state property-tax changes could affect local services and budgets, and outlined the specific programs that rely on property-tax revenue.
County Manager Michelle Lieberman and Budget Director Tommy Crosby explained the mechanics of millage rates, taxable versus assessed value, and the county’s historical reductions in millage since FY 2018. Lieberman said that Alachua County’s taxable value is reduced by homestead and institutional exemptions — she noted only 67.36% of assessed value is taxable in the county — which affects the county’s ability to generate revenue compared with other Florida counties.
Crosby presented cost drivers that…
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