Apopka residents urge caution as commission considers tentative millage increase

Several Apopka residents told the City Commission on July 27 they oppose a proposed millage increase or demanded clearer justification before agreeing to higher property taxes. Rob Olsen, a longtime resident, told the commission, "We have not put the infrastructure in place to support that growth," and listed flooding, sidewalks and water system problems as reasons the city needs to prioritize repairs.

Other commenters emphasized financial strain on households. Savita Lewis said she was a single parent and warned the increase "could mean the difference in us keeping our homes." Matthew Hutchinson, a commercial property owner, described steep increases in his property taxes and cautioned that rising costs are often passed on to tenants. At the same time, at least one resident, Jim Brumberg, said he supported tax increases to pay for emergency response, water and roads, calling it a choice about how quickly residents want services. The public comment period closed with commissioners preparing to consider a tentative rollback and to continue budget deliberations at a later hearing.