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Vero Beach schedules special meeting on ad valorem tax elimination after warning it could cut up to $14 million from budget
Summary
Mayor John Cotugno asked the Council to hold a Special Call meeting to educate the public about proposed ad valorem tax elimination; City Manager Monte Falls said the impact could range from $0 to $14 million, and the Council asked the City Clerk to schedule a February meeting.
The Vero Beach City Council voted Jan. 13 to schedule a Special Call meeting in February to educate the public about legislative proposals to reduce or eliminate ad valorem (property) taxes and their potential local impacts.
Mayor John Cotugno said the item was intended to give residents factual information before any ballot action, noting state law limits Council communications once a measure qualifies for the ballot. City Manager Monte Falls told the Council the potential fiscal impact to the City could range between $0 and $14 million—a figure the mayor noted could equal roughly 40% of the City's $35 million budget.
Councilmembers discussed timing: some members recommended waiting until after the legislature finalizes bills, while others urged earlier outreach; Council agreed to have the City Clerk organize a special meeting for February and to coordinate with county efforts. Public commenters urged prompt action and seat-it Tallahassee advocacy.
Next steps
The City Clerk will propose dates in February for a Special Call meeting; staff and councilmembers noted they may provide factual budget breakdowns to enable public understanding and planned coordination with county officials and state representatives where appropriate.
