Sarasota Commissioners Agree To 3 Percent Property Tax Increase

Sarasota, FL -- After an extensive review of the proposed 2018-19 budget, the Sarasota City Commission agreed to a 3 percent property tax increase.

In a 3-2 vote on Monday, July 16, the commission approved a tentative property tax rate of $3.26 for every $1,000 of assessed value, up from $3.17 for every $1,000, a 2.86 percent increase.

With the preliminary operating millage rate of 3.2632, a homeowner with a taxable value of $200,000 would pay an additional $18.08 a year or $1.51 per month.

According to city finance director Kelly Strickland, compared to all Florida municipalities, Sarasota’s current millage rate of 3.1728 is one of the lowest in the state.

Commissioners Shelli Freeland Eddie and Hagen Brody opposed the tax increase.

The tax increase will generate $914,546 to offset new parks and recreation expenses.

Commissioners say the increase is necessary to support five parks and recreation facilities, currently maintained by Sarasota County through an interlocal agreement, that will return to the city for operations and maintenance on Oct. 1 when the agreement expires.

These include Arlington Park and Aquatic Facility, Centennial Park and Boat Ramp, Ken Thompson Park, Lawn Bowling Facility and Payne Park Tennis Center.

The assessed value of property increased citywide by 8.87 percent this year.

Prior to setting the millage rate, the city will host two hearings on the proposed city budget. The first will take place Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. and the second on Monday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Anyone interested in speaking about the proposed budget is invited to do so then.

The proposed budget and budget workshops can be viewed on the city’s website. sarasotafl.gov.

The preliminary millage rate will be transmitted to the Sarasota County Property Appraiser who will compile all proposed millage rates for individual properties and issue a TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice later this summer.

Taxing authorities, including the city of Sarasota, cannot raise preliminary millage rates once they are established. However, rates can be lowered.

Image via city of Sarasota

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