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High Springs officials hear warnings of multimillion-dollar hit from state property tax reform
Summary
Residents and commissioners pressed the city to prepare for a state property tax reform that staff estimates could reduce general-fund revenue by roughly $1.1–1.2 million in the first year and about $1.8 million once later exemptions apply; managers said they can publish only factual guidance now that ballot language exists.
Nick Whiteitman, a High Springs resident, urged the commission to quickly prepare information and contingency plans for voters about a recently passed state property tax reform, saying social-media calculations showed a potential $1.82 million hit to the city’s budget and asking the commission to hold a special session.
“The Main Street Daily News figures are correct…1.82 was the hit,” Whiteitman said during public comment, urging the commission to develop “about six ways to get around it” should the ballot measure meet the required threshold.
City Manager Mr. Marshall said staff will publish only factual material now that ballot language exists and emphasized legal limits on what can be communicated. Marshall and other staff outlined an initial fiscal estimate that the city could lose roughly $1.1 million to $1.2 million in the first year, with larger losses—around $1.8 million—if later exemptions in the law take effect.
“Before it went on the ballot, I could educate you and I could tell you everything. But now that there’s ballot language… I can put out facts and that’s what I will put out,” Marshall said, adding that it would take a year for any change to be fully phased in and for the commission to “figure out what we’re going to do to recoup” the lost revenue.
Commissioners said High Springs is especially exposed because a large share of its ad valorem tax base comes from homesteaded residential property. One commissioner noted the city ranks fourth in the state by percentage of budget potentially affected, driven by the community’s high share of homestead exemptions.
Commissioners directed staff to: provide a clear, written list of possible legal restrictions that would apply to municipalities under the new law; prepare factual graphics or materials for the public; and explore special sessions or budget-workshop timing so the commission can consider options before the next budget cycle.
The manager said staff are already coordinating with county and outside advisers, and cautioned that some revenue categories and special-restricted funds may be protected from reductions while others will not. He also warned there are nuances in which districts and restricted funds could be shielded, and that further analysis is underway.
The commission did not adopt policy changes at the meeting; members said they want staff to return with legal clarifications and concrete budget scenarios for commission review as soon as possible.
