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Vero Beach Council approves $15,000 for outreach on proposed property-tax changes
Summary
The council approved a $15,000 allocation to hire a public relations firm to inform residents about potential state property-tax changes (HJR 203 and related proposals); the motion passed 4-1 with Vice Mayor Dingle opposed.
The Vero Beach City Council voted to allocate $15,000 to hire outside communications support to explain how proposed state changes to non-school property taxation could affect city services and residents. Councilmember Linda Moore made the motion, which Councilmember John Carroll seconded; the measure passed 4-1, with Vice Mayor Taylor Dingle voting no.
City Attorney John Turner summarized legislative context, telling the council that House Joint Resolution 203 (HJR 203) had gained traction in the House and that the Senate had not yet released a matching plan. Councilmember Aaron Vos presented a revenue-impact estimate taken from the Property Appraiser’s Office suggesting the city could lose about $2.1 million in the first year and approach $4 million in subsequent years under some scenarios.
Mayor John Cotugno and other councilmembers discussed outreach venues, including the scheduled "Let's Talk Vero" event on March 4, and suggested town-hall formats and online materials. City Manager Monte Falls said staff would implement the allocation and report back on vendor selection and the scope of work.
Councilmembers emphasized the need for consistent talking points and collaboration with county and municipal partners. The funding is intended for short-term messaging while the Legislature completes its session and any referendum timelines are clarified.
