Interim county administrator says county will face $7 million budget shortfall if property tax amendment succeeds

FABRIZIO GOWDY

Gadsden County News Service

Gadsden County would face a $7 million budget shortfall next year if voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment phasing out non-school property taxes.

That’s according to Interim County Administrator Reginald James, who shared the news at the March 3 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.

“We’ll need to build a budget based on a $7 million shortfall, you’ll want to keep that in mind,” advised James.

Board chair Eric Hinson noted that Gadsden County is not alone, and that Leon and Wakulla Counties were preparing to confront similarly substantial cuts.

On Feb. 19, the Florida House passed HJR 203 largely along party lines, which would phase out non-school property taxes over 10 years on homesteaded properties. However, the measure still faces significant hurdles.

The Senate has yet to take action on the measure with just days before the end of the legislative session, and observers are speculating that the issue will be addressed in a special session. Senate Republicans have commented that their proposal will likely be “less generous.”

Even if the measure does make the November ballot, a recent UNF poll found only 56% currently support it while 35% are opposed, short of the 60% needed to pass. The survey found support at 76% of Republicans, 56% of independents, and just 27% of Democrats; homeowners were more likely to support the amendment than renters — 58% vs. 47%.

Boys and Girls Club Update

Bret Hammond of the Hammond Design Group shared renderings and updates of the Boys and Girls Club project in Quincy, which is now in the construction documents phase. He noted that the building’s windows had been made higher and smaller to save costs. Commissioners reiterated the urgency of the project and expressed their desire to see ground break as soon as possible, including Commissioner Ronterious Green, who pressed Hammond for a project timeline.

“What is your realistic timeframe?” Green asked.

“We are trying to accelerate without incurring additional expenses from the consultants to work overtime and weekends,” Hammond replied.

“So you didn’t answer the question, but it’s okay,” said.

“We’re doing the best we can,” Hammond said.

“So there’s no answer, thank you,” Green said.

“We’re doing the very best we can,” Hammond said.

In January, Hammond told commissioners he hoped to have all construction documents completed by mid to late March, award a contractor in April, and break ground by late June.

Other notes:

The commission honored Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church as part of its recent effort to celebrate churches that have served the community for more than 100 years.

All commissioners were present. The next BOCC meeting is March 16 at 6 p.m.

Interim county administrator says county will face $7 million budget shortfall if property tax amendment succeeds

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Interim county administrator says county will face $7 million budget shortfall if property tax amendment succeeds

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