Media Release

3:10 p.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY - Florida Governor Charlie Crist's recent property tax reform proposal entails rolling back local government revenue caps to 2003 levels, and a reduction in property taxes on the homestead over the next 2 years.

This "hybrid" property tax reform proposal would result in a reduction of Alachua County's General Fund Ad Valorem revenues of $31,000,000.  A breakdown of the impact is as follows:  $19,000,000 roll back to 2003; $11,000,000 double homestead exemption; $1,200,000 Tangible Personal Property $25,000 exemption.  This calculates to a 25% reduction to the County's current General Fund budget.

While considering the magnitude of this proposal, citizens should also consider that 46% of Alachua County's property values are already off the tax rolls, which has an obvious negative impact on the County's millage rate.

Below are two charts and a spread sheet breaking down Alachua County's current budget by State mandates, Constitutional Offices and other Board expenses.  These underscore how difficult it will be to implement a 25% reduction to the programs/services that the Board has control over without significantly impacting the quality of life in Alachua County.

FY08_Legislative_Funding_Issues_with_General_Fund.pdf

For more information, please contact Suzanne Gable, CPA, Director of the Alachua County Office of Management and Budget at (352) 374-5262.