Mayor Hunschofsky Discusses Upcoming Budget Meetings in her July Message

From Mayor Christine Hunschofsky:

At the time of this writing, Broward County just allowed summer camps and sports activities to take place. Graduation parades and virtual ceremonies were taking place, and most families were adjusting their summer plans. The City has been working to adopt the Broward County orders safely, while also preparing for the summer budget season.

This month, the City Commission will meet on July 8 at 6 pm for a workshop and 7 pm for a meeting. At our meeting, we will be voting on a millage (tax) rate that will appear on the TRIM (Truth In Millage Notices) that are sent to every homeowner in August.

This millage rate is only a placeholder, but when the Commission votes on the final millage rate at the two budget hearings in September, we cannot vote for a millage rate higher than the one we approve in July. At the July commission meeting, our city manager will give the Commission her proposed budget. During July, August, and September, the proposed budget is available online to the public.

Additionally, there is a link online to ask questions about the budget, and city staff is available to answer any questions any resident has on the budget. The Commission reviews the budget in July and has workshops on the budget in August and September.

The final votes on the millage rate and the budget take place during two meetings in September. To view the current proposed budget (which will be available online after July 8, 2020) and previous budgets, please visit www.cityofparkland.org/budget.

The only ad valorem part of your tax bill that the Parkland City Commission votes on is the City of Parkland millage rate. Your tax bill is made up of many other governmental entities, not just the City of Parkland ad valorem.

By doing a quick online search at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s website at www.bcpa.net, you can find your property and then click on the “Click here to display your tax bill” link at the top. This will take you to your property’s tax history and give you the ability to review the full details of your tax bill. In 2019, the ad valorem charges on your tax bill included (percentages are rounded to the nearest .01%):

Broward County (29.89%), Broward Schools (37.26%), South Florida Water Management (1.4%), North Broward Hospital District (5.44%), Children’s Services Council (2.57%), City of Parkland (23.30%) and Fl. Inland Navigation (.17%).

In addition to the ad valorem charges, you will also find a City of Parkland Fire Assessment Fee, a direct charge from your drainage district, and a direct charge from Waste Management. I highly recommend going online, reviewing your 2019 tax bill, and then reviewing your proposed 2020 taxes that are in the TRIM notice you should receive by mail in August.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy July 4th! Enjoy these summer weeks with your family and friends. I hope you will all have time to relax and recharge. As always, feel free to reach out to me at any time at [email protected] with your questions or comments.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Christine Hunschofsky

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