By John

June 12, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

I would love to see the management salary increases over the past 4 years as the revenue has steadily increased from the glut of extra tax $$$. Now they decide to let go the people actually doing the work. They need to re-evaluate salaries before taking such extreme measures. We need Fire Rescue people and cutting them is unacceptable.

By workmanscomp

June 8, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

“County workers”, what a freakin joke, sounds like “military music”.

By Ghinhee

June 8, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Something does not sound equal. Budget cuts, salary cuts, service cuts, layoffs, etc. for an average of paying $112.54 less in county property taxes next year. I will gladly give the Governor $112.54 so that the county does not have to go through all the cuts. Of course I will not be able to go out for dinner this weekend.

By Left SoFla

June 8, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

I guess I don’t understand why all you people are staying there and taking the daily kick in the head that’s going to continue for a long time. There’s a hell of a lot more to life than palm trees and the beach and livin’ in your compounds, oh I’m sorry, you call them gated communities.

By Fed up

June 8, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Palm Beach County has over 1 billion ( yes that is with a “b”) dollars in reserves. Why do they need to cut anything.

By Bruce B.

June 8, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

I am not understanding why a reduction of property taxes is causing such a reduction of revenue for the Palm Beach county. I see an enormous amount of building going on. Isn’t this all NEW tax revenue ? I live in Boynton Beach and the southeast corner of Gateway & Congress is producing an entire city. All new revenue.
Confused

By rukidding

June 8, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

There are certainly “things” that should be cut before jobs are actually cut. Hmmm…how many extra county cars are there? How many are cars that are taken home by upper level employees? don’t you think these “fluff” things should be cut before jobs? I agree with an audit. Let’s look at where the money is being spent. And the school system spending millions on the new pay system that has caused so many problems and then cost more money to keep staff on to fix. Geeezz. but hey, lets cut the people we need like fire, etc. that really makes sense. It is frustrating to observe and feel like I can’t do much about it. And i am a native of PBC as well as generations before me. We are considering a move away from the area due to the taxes and insurance.

By Explain This...

June 7, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Would someone explain to me what happened to the “extra” revenue that the county received from the property value increases in the past 3 years. A house that was sold recently now has over 3 times the taxes applied to it. Are we receiving 3 times the services? Did the local government have a deficit before the increases? How did they survive before? Where IS this extra money?!? Show me the money! I am just a blue collar tradesman with average pay. Here is a little food for thought for you Charlie boy, According to new reports, 2-3 bedroom homes had to cost between $113,000 and $130,625 in 2005 to be affordable, while the average home sales were at $390,000 that year. I hope you know how to press your own pants, Charlie.

By Angela

June 7, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Forget property tax! At least it is capped at 3% per year. Somebody should be watching our Homeowners Insurance bill!! Property tax=1800.00 Insurance=2700.00 GIVE ME A BREAK!

By johnb

June 7, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

I thought this was a local tax cut before Gov ChCr comes in and and cuts statewide.I want the no Property taxes for homesteaders and raise the salestax 2.5 so the tourists and New Whatever’s pay the bulk. All the NW and NJ people are opposed to tax cuts for us locals. IS this a local tax cut to keep these DEMOCRAT elected officials in power and out of LOIS’s Future jail cell.

By From the Inside

June 7, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

I work for the County… before you crucify me, know that I am a home owner who agrees that tax reform is needed and necessary. However, the only thing the County does like Corporate America is layoff… at the bottom level. So now, the guys I work with who already cannot afford to buy a house are going to lose their jobs… and be on unemployment… that’s right, we’ll be paying tax dollars to those who are laid off as they stand online to collect. It is a bit much for me to justify saving $9.00 a month to put people out of their jobs when nothing is accomplished. What is NOT being reported is that the County has increased personnel by less than 1% since 2002. Additionally, the County has put together a list of employees that make over $100K… more than half are Fire Rescue personnel. My department alone, has over 5 Directors…. And yes, the County is top heavy. However rather than layoffs, they should return to performance evaluations and fire those who do not “make the cut”. Offer early retirement to those who have been there for 20+ years and who simply do not care nor produce any longer. Additionally, the salaries of Commission staff should be reevaluated… a secretary making over $80K is agreeably ridiculous.

By Joe

June 7, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Florida Sucks…

By Eric

June 7, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

The fact that a 7% reduction is even put forth shows just how out of touch our local government is. To package this joke with scare tactics and doom scenaries insults all taxpayers.

By Joe

June 7, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

“That means the owner of a $325,000 home with the standard $25,000 homestead exemption would pay $112.54 less in county property taxes next year.”

So let me get this straight… Gov. Crist got elected on the premise that he would cut property taxes and all the homeowners get is a lousy $112.54 in return. Granted, at least he’s doing something about it but come on people… less than $10.00 per month in savings? OUTRAGEOUS!!!

By Media Scare Tactics

June 7, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

More Palm Beach Post scare actics complicit with local governments! local governments can lay-off the hundreds of new positions they created in the past 4 years instead of cops and fireman, like, Community Redevelopment Specialists, Community Outreach specialists, Historical Planners, Neighborhood Planners, Diversity Specialists, Recycle Co-ordinators, Public Relations Specialists,etc, making $60,000 a year doing nothing! The Palm Beach Post knows you dont even know about these useless positions much less care if they are cut. So instead they THREATEN YOU with firing police and rescue personnel.

By BJ

June 7, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

I agree we all need relief, and $112.45 isn’t good enough- however we all need Police officers, firefighters and paramedics. Maybe an exemption or percentage of an exemption like the school board would be acceptable.

By winn

June 7, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

It is a reality- they will be cutting back services as in fire, police, parks, libaries- its not scare tactic. Who said PBC Firefighter’s make over $100,000? you seriously believe that? how many firefighters do you know that work 2nd jobs on the side? probably 9 out of 10 do just to afford living here in PBC. Im all for tax relief but not at the expense of needing vital services in this community. Unfortunately for those that say its no big deal- you wont know the ramificatins of this cut until one day you are the one in need of their assistance. Im sure you will be the one complaining too in regards to delay in response time.

By gator

June 7, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

$112.00 per year on a $325,000 house, thats it? That is not what we were told two months ago. Sorry, saving $112.00 a year on my property taxes is not good enough. Floria’s State Republicans are liars!

By Jockeying

June 7, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

That is an arrogant statement by Bradshaw. Does this man know he is a SERVANT to the public or does he think he’s the king of the county?

Be careful how you speak. It reflects a “royal” distancing from the masses.

This man needs to be more flexible. There will be cuts.

Cuts at every level of government. This just has to be done.

The public needs to really look at the cut in property taxes that are being put forward…it’s a piddling amount. It will NOT amount to much at all.

There is an excess at all levels of public government.

Keep deputies… cut the extra layers of police. Put some of those desk jockeys back behind the steering wheel servicing the communities.

By scott

June 7, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

the statement by gov’t that they will ‘have to cut’ police and fire, I am sure has been looked at by Tallahassee. Cut the overtime and some non-essential programs so the average person can buy a home here. Property taxes have gone up 2-400% over the past 5 years, but incomes only 3-5%, you do the math!

By johnb

June 7, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

This is what happens when you have one party, the Democrats running the entire county. They have a license to steal and they always want more. When they don’t get what they want they threaten to cut services. Go ahead and cut em, we can’t afford anymore. Thank god there is a republican govenor who will stand up to these bullies.

By andrew james

June 7, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

How can you cut police and fire/rescue…279 firefighters. I was told that all of the county fire dept budget comes from property taxes. That’s b/c they are their own MSTU. It’s their ONLY SOURCE of funding. I guess people don’t realize what sweeping effects this will truely have unless you’ve needed them, like I had during my heart attack. From car accidents, fires, falls, or anything even in the middle of the night-. $112.00 is not worth my life or anyone else’s.

By NO-WAY

June 7, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

You have got to be kidding me. They are conducting a special session to give us back what amounts to nothing. They must think we are a bunch of morons. If this is really going to be the case then I, as a voter in this State, will vote for whoever is not in office now. It could be O.J. Simpson for all I care. Through the whole lot of them out I Say.

By Mike

June 7, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

How dumb do they think we are? raineyfox, you hit the nail on the head. $800 million in property taxes, and they can’t afford to pay teachers, gov’t workers will lose jobs, etc. Nice scare tactic.

By Andrea

June 7, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Time to crack down on people who falsely claim homestead. That could bring in some money to make up for cut. Harass Gary R. Nikolits the property appraiser.

By MAMAS Boy

June 7, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Finally A cuban Rafter Named Marco Rubio Wants To Lay Off All The police officers and County workers In Palm Beach county, only In America

By Ryan

June 7, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

I just bought a one bedroom condo and I have to pay $4,200 a year in property taxes. That is absolutely insane. I basically pay $350 a month just in taxes. I know people in other states who pay less than that in rent. Property taxes are essentially communism. It’s confiscation of wealth. Why is the government involved at all in my ownership of property? The only government services I use are roads. That’s it. That’s all I should have to pay for. Property taxes are so high that they are actually keeping people from buying homes. It’s depressing the real estate market in Palm Beach county. I moved here in September and thought I’d love Florida, but the property taxes have already made me completely disillusioned.

By Big Boy

June 7, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

If you Cant afford The Taxes Then get Out of Florida And dont let the door hit you on the way out we need more taxes.to support the standard of living

By Austin

June 7, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

“I’ve done all the cutting I’m going to do,” Bradshaw said

This guy has a nerve. He speaks as if it is his money. This really says it all. Get rid of this guy. Who the hell does he think he is. IT IS OUR MONEY JERK!

By More data

June 7, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Also, they have 2.5 Billion in investments, yes that Billion with a big fat “B.” And an additional undisclosed amount in reserves. I don’t think I should be taxed out of my home so they can continue to have billions upon billions upon billions to play with.

By Rick

June 7, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding me!!! They raised my taxes 100% and now they want to give me $112 a year back ha!!! Keep it , beleive me that will not help me keep my house.!!!!

By CUT SPENDING

June 7, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

For starters, the politicians should cut their staff.

Then cut all the middle managers.

By Thereareconsequences

June 7, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

The first to be fired should be the whole County Commission for overspending in the first place and now threatening…no threats…fire them…saves $700,000 immediately and more if their staffs go with them…

By raineyfox

June 7, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

According to the Palm Beach County clerk’s office, income has increased by an additional $300 million in 3 years from $500 mill to $800 mill, which is a 60% increase. So a measly 7% decrease will cost people their jobs? Why? The numbers just don’t add up.

By A Mass Exodus Soon

June 7, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Who do you think you’re kidding? We smell what you’re trying to sell from a mile away… And it really stinks! Our new 2% property taxes have already destroyed the real estate market! And if Mr. Crist and his cronies don’t do something to fix it soon… People will begin leaving the state, quicker than they used to come! Taxes and insurance today are costing us as much as the principle and interest on our home loans… And the hast to end soon or 90% of Palm Beach County will become a ghost town!

By johnboy

June 7, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

There are millions of illegals here that we can’t account for. If we just go with a sales tax increase and eliminate primary residence property tax, the illegals and tourist will more than make the current income for the politician’s greed.

By Pat

June 7, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Tax cuts are fine and needed as long as their targeted to the pork and not needed services. What Crist should be doing first is reinstituting the tax cuts that favored the rich that Bu$h made. That would increase my confidence that the additional cuts were going to be made appropriately.

By retired

June 7, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

jamesk you are sooo right

By JoeC

June 7, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

7% .. I p1ss 7%.. thats not good enough if you ask me. Someone needs to REALLY fix the situation. But I could care less, Ill be gone by the end of this year. Im sick of living in Little Mexico..

By Chicken Little

June 7, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

The sky is falling!!!

By sandra

June 7, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

I want to come back to Palm Bch. County but am waiting for taxes and insurance to come down. I don’t even know where to start looking for insur. in Fl. When does this decrease take effect?

By M.Sears

June 7, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

I would rather pay the $112.00 a year than to have layoffs. If you consider all of the local governments that will also have to lay off employees as well, it will amount to thousands unemployed. This is something we do not need in Palm Beach County. We already have a high unemployment rate and this will not help that situation at all.

By Thinker

June 7, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

THIS IS WHY THEY GET AWAY WITH SO MUCH! People are not even READING the article!

Of course 7% is a joke, but that’s NOT the final number!

Read the article before getting your pants in a wad!

THEN call Crist and your Rep and tell them that a 7% reduction MEANS TAX REVOLT!!

LOL as if the fine citizens of America care enuf about ANYthing to actually revolt!!

don’t think the powers that be dont realize this, either.

By Where are the scissors

June 7, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Make the cuts. There is SO much pork. The county will just have to lay off people. It’s too bad but that’s the way it goes. Maybe unions will have to re negotiate with the county. Will the people in senior positions be willing to reduce their income to let people in less senior positions stay? Look at what Delta pilots had to do to keep the airline afloat. That is what needs to be done in this county, state and even at the national level.

In addition, there are too many “fluff” positions at all levels…cut them.

The tax pay is fed up with the expense.

SOH ws enacted to protect the long time homeowner from the cost impact of new residents…roads, schools, etc. The people who were willing to move to Florida for the lifestyle should have to pay for the impact on the schools, roads, need to fire and police, hospital, etc. That was why your neighbor may be paying less in taxes on their homes. It was the “newcomers” which commanded the need for larger roadways, new schools, additional officers.

By taxpayer245

June 7, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Cut police, fire/rescue and other human-based sevices? NOT.

Here’s some true CRAP worth cutting to save $$—Cooperative Extension Service and the shithole dump called Mounts Botanical Garden.

By anon

June 7, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

State is doomed as if there was not enough of crime now this. Wellington going down again

By boats

June 7, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

We have to start some where before these crazy taxes have us all in chapter 7 and 11.

By Tom

June 7, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Oh wonderful! That 125 dollar deduction in taxes is going to mean a lot when property taxes have more than doubled for a fat-cat county government!

By Jamesk

June 7, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

What a joke!!! For $112 reduction in taxes, I would rather pay it than see people laid off. It is not even going to make a dent in my $8k per year tax bill!! Is this the best plan the idiots could come up with?? Why do we keep electing retards into office?

By Media Scare Tactics

June 7, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

More Palm Beach Post scare actics complicit with local governments! local governments can lay-off the hundreds of new positions they created in the past 4 years instead of cops and fireman, like, Community Redevelopment Specialists, Community Outreach specialists, Historical Planners, Neighborhood Planners, Diversity Specialists, Recycle Co-ordinators, Public Relations Specialists,etc, making $60,000 a year doing nothing! The Palm Beach Post knows you dont even know about useless these positions much less care if they are cut. So instead they THREATEN YOU with firing police and rescue personnell!

By lisa

June 7, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

[quote]individual cops and firemen are making well over a hundred grand +++, each and, some are making a lot more[/quote]

please get your facts straight. If you dont think that cutting police and fire rescue is not going to impact this county think again.

By Jim

June 7, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Don’t let the SOH be abolished. We will get the old bait and switch. They will give us an attractive rate and the before you know it your taxes will be high again.

By Carlos

June 7, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

we dont need all the fake services the county raves about. and for less police oficers, we have a solution for that buy a shot gun and keep your family safe. some county employees do nothing and make over 100,000 a year. to hell with the government thats the reason for our problems.

By Dixie Lee Dorsey

June 7, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Why does this paper even bother to print the local government’s threats? Ill bet Frankel’s pay to play election funds could cover any cuts that the city threatens to make. Lets get real. A low 7% cut would be rediculous. They need to stop giving our tax money away to their buddy builders and give us all a break.

By Sick of Waste!

June 7, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

“I’ve done all the cutting I’m going to do,” Bradshaw said

Let Bradshaw know “I’ve done all the paying I’m going to do”

By Sara Lee

June 7, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Oh BOO HOO!! These elected officials and so-called professionals should have taken the ‘free’ tax money they received over the last few years and saved it for a rainy day. They should NOT have been depending on it for future revenues! That is BAD PLANNING AND RECKLESS FINANCIAL SPENDING! I mean think about it on a personal level - if we got some huge unexpected bonus at work one year, would we ALL count on it to continue in the future and base our spending on it?? They should have known the bubble was going to burst - it was inevitable. The Fed said for months that they were trying to pop the real estate bubble! The local economy couldn’t support real estate prices, families moved out, investors are now overextended with mortgages to pay for real estate that is going down in value, banks will end up losing money - what were they thinking??

By Dennis Baker

June 7, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Definitely proof of tax and spending but now in reverse. The politicians saw a huge by and, by the time they were halfway through gorging themselves in pork projects, found that they really didn’t like the pie after all. Everyone should pay taxes, not just the homeowner because they have an attachable entity. Sales tax increases are paid by everyone who comes to the state, who benefits by the amenities of the state. We’ll see what “Extra” fees the county puts on to make up for their shortcomings.

By Scott

June 7, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

The entire US Government should be FIRED and we need to start over from scratch. The Local, State, and National are pathetic. All they are concerned with is lining their own pockets. If you think for a second that they have our best interest in mind, you are sadly mistaken my friends.

By fastfeat

June 7, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

The State of Florida would be best served by having a state income tax coupled with property tax rollbacks and caps. Local and county governments would have a stable pool of money from which to budget their services, and property owners wouldn’t have to work two or three jobs to pay the wildly inflating property taxes that increase based on yearly market reassesments. The money saved by cutting assessors jobs is a great place to start. This system has worked well in CA for years after the initial shock to the system brought about by the Prop 13 rollbacks. Florida should stop being so proud of its backwards status as a state without a state income tax.

By tim

June 7, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

typical propoganda! 7% reduction would shut down services? get real! gov’ employees at most levels are riding cushy jobs with extraordinary benefits (+++). individual cops and firemen are making well over a hundred grand +++, each and, some are making a lot more. this crying about 7% is straight up propoganda. how did the budget needs exceed the incredible, 200+% increase in tax revenues?

By Bryan

June 7, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

The commissioners spent all the excess on Scripps, and the SFWMD let too much water out of the lake. The citizens have to correct their mistakes out of our pockets. Nice!!

By Dan

June 7, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Maybe PBC should think about potential taxpayer input when they start projects and hiring the next time there is a housing “bubble” and tax revenues are skyrocketing. Poor decisions then about spending rather than saving are why PBC is now in its current predicament. Unfortunately layoffs in government never end up saving money because the Civil Service model allows for everyone to take lower positions to keep their jobs, forcing everyone down a notch, losing, at the end, only the lowest paid and new employees. As a result of the retraining, not much savings, if any.

By Charlie

June 7, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Abolish the TAX NOW!! cut the FAT at PBC they are out of CONTROL!!!!

By louis

June 7, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Its all about limited government, services has to be cut, and THAT will be our problem to deal with, there’s always a solution to a problem. As for security or police protection, we already have a remedy for that. Its called the Second Amendment

By palm beach king

June 7, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

DROP THE TAXES AND CUT THE FAT!!!!

By FW

June 7, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Even a seven percent tax cut is not enough,in view of the falling property values in Florida. I suggest a deeper tax cut.Drastically reducing the excessive spending by local and state Commissioners is a start, including a reduction of their salaries.

By County Employee

June 7, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Layoffs would be an awful thing. We don’t make enought at it is. So taxes go down and the unemployment & homeless rates goes up? Most of the young county employees don’t make enought to live on their own with. $40k a year is not nearly enought to live by one’s self in this over inflated County. Crist needs to rethink his plan…. hummm how about some better restrictions on welfare & food stamps for starters. Cutting jobs is not the answer.

By crazydem

June 7, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Cry me a river.

By Good

June 7, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Good, cut some of the fat from gov. Our local govs. should not have expanded to such levels over the last few years. Furthermore, taxes need to be cut more than 7% they need to be cut by closer to 60%.

By insearchofgodlywisdom

June 7, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

For The Post researchers and journalists covering this beat, it would be helpful if you would look deeper for your story. A multiple-page spread in the Sunday paper that includes much of the information/issues on this blog could be eye-opening, educational and verified. Salaries made public is a good start. Particulary enlightening would be public awareness of the County and City management and the thick layer of middle management salaries ranging in the $60-$140,000 + plus benefits. Exposure of the entire issue of the tax base, the combination of curruption and insidious local government management/mismanagement would be interesting to voters to better understand how to vote. and what is the deal with the roads, i really want to know.

By alex

June 7, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

It’s about time we pare down our bloated government sector. It’s amazing how greedy the county can get. In a period of unprecedented tax base growth (the housing explosion) they should have been planning ahead instead of wasting money. Go GOV. CRIST !!!

By CUT SPENDING

June 7, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Palm Beach County NEEDS AN AUDIT!!!

Let’s see where our money is really going!

By Vic

June 7, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

I thinks its a great idea to layoff some workers. Start off with the political croney created jobs. Then proceed to many of the commisioners jobs, projects like the PBIA expansion, and the middle management positions in most county offices.

Then ask Walmart to pay taxes on its properties and lift their tax breaks. Problem solved!

By C & C

June 7, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Charlie put a end to PBC goverment wasteing all our TAX MONEY LOOK AT MECCA FARMS WHERE SCRIPPS WAS GOING TO BE BUILT $160 Million Dollars us TAX Payers will never get that back our PBC wasted this TAX MONEY STOP THE MADNES NOW SAVE OUR HOMES FROM BIG GOVERMENT !!!!

By John

June 7, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Its amazing how all of a sudden there going to be cuts. This should have happened a long time ago. As an ex county employee there were more “supervisors” than actual people working. The bosses had bosses which had more bosses…All chiefs no indians and money is just being wasted. The county needs to stop with the fear tactics of cutting necessity services and start trimming the budget accordingly. I can bet they would move real quick if an independent audit was conducted and people saw exactly where their money was going.

By Heavymetal

June 7, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

If , AT THE VERY LEAST, this tax cut talk is putting the fear of God into public employees that performance matters and a civil job is NOT easy money….then already the point is made.

The city and county bureaucracy here NEEDS a good dose of accountibility. Give our public service employees the proper resources…but hold them to a private sector level of accomplishment.

One look at the makeup of the South Florida Water Management hierarchy shows just how far cronyism has gone.

By D

June 7, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

In my opinion the best solution is to do away with property taxes and let the state impose a progressive income tax. This is the fairest form of taxation. EVerybody pays in some, but the rich pay more (this way those piggies at the county are at least paying for their thievery). Assess the snowbirds only for half their yearly income, so they stop whining.

Everybody win. The state can allocate money to the counties and make fair assessments of which counties needs what: more people, more money. Don’t believe anyone who says cops and firemen will get fired, probably some minimum wage worker hired by the county to blog us about those scary conditions. As an earlier post mentioned, read: www.flalib.org/PDFdocuments/051007%20ToolKit.pdf

By Norm

June 7, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

How pathetic that you people are buying into these scare tactics. The politicians are threatening us with the loss of fire and police while there is no mention of fiscal responsibility. The tax rolls have doubled over the past five years. Are we getting double the services? I think not!

By Long timer here

June 7, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Why are taxes so high and why does our gov’t need so much money? Because, property owners, you are the only source of revenue and you are paying for all the illegals and criminals who suck the system dry. I know many people who are renting now instead of owning because they are saving a ton of money. The renters and illegals are getting a free ride on your back.

By Long timer here

June 7, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Why are taxes so high and why does our gov’t need so much money? Because, property owners, you are the only source of revenue and you are paying for all the illegals and criminals who suck the system dry. I know many people who are renting now instead of owning because they are saving a ton of money. The renters and illegals are getting a free ride on your back.

By Long timer here

June 7, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Why are taxes so high and why does our gov’t need so much money? Because, property owners, you are the only source of revenue and you are paying for all the illegals and criminals who suck the system dry. I know many people who are renting now instead of owning because they are saving a ton of money. The renters and illegals are getting a free ride on your back.

By Steve

June 7, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

A lot of spending issues need to be resolved in Palm Beach County and in the entire state of Florida, but the prospect of layoffs is a scary one. If you’ve ever been layed off from a job you really like, and lost your income and benefits at the same time, you’ll understand what I mean. You just don’t want that to happen to you.

By Steve

June 7, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

A lot of spending issues need to be resolved in Palm Beach County and in the entire state of Florida, but the prospect of layoffs is a scary one. If you’ve ever been layed off from a job you really like, and lost your income and benefits at the same time, you’ll understand what I mean. You just don’t want that to happen to you.

By CUT SPENDING

June 7, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

FOR STARTERS, CUT THE POLITICIANS STAFF, SALARIES, BENEFITS & PERKS!!!

PUT THE ENTIRE BUDGET ONLINE, INCLUDING THE SALARIES, COST OF BENEFITS, ETC. OF EVERY SINGLE POLITICIAN.

By Jim B

June 7, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

i think all those big time raises of all the upper managments are taking there toll. quit over spending OUR money..

By WAKE UP

June 7, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Folks - the real question here is why has the county budget increased from $2.2B in 2000 to $4.4B in 2007??? That’s 100%. What are we getting that’s any different in the last 7 years? Inflation has not been that high. Even if the budget was adjusted by 5% every year we’d be at a modest $3.1B. The commissioners have been pissing our money away.

Property Tax revenue has increased from about $450M in 2000 to $977M. Why can’t they get it done for $600M???

http://www.pbcgov.com/ofmb/budget/2007/B004-Revhist.pdf

By theBOOGIEMAN

June 7, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

ooooh they wanna spread FEAR of what a sad condition the county will be in with tax cuts… THEY JUST NEVER MENTION THE EXTORTION OF THERE CITIZENS THAT THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED OVER THESE PAST 2 YEARS !!!!!

By Tom

June 7, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

I’m glad to see the Sheriff’s department will be facing a cut. It is unreal that sheriffs deputies top out on their pay at $82,000 dollars a year. and that does not include overtime, which can easily put them over $100,000 a year. No where else can you get such a high paying job, with so little schooling. The only requirement is you have a highschool deploma. and a twenty week course at the local tech school. That is insane. Tell me who else makes $82,000 with a highschool deploma. That is why our taxes are so high, foolish spending. The sheriff tells us he needs the high pay to attract over qualified people. Well if they are so overqualified, why do you pick up the paper every day and read about another deputy getting arrested, or doing something they shouldent be doing. No matter what you pay you are still going to attract those whom think a badge puts them above the law. I’m all for the tax cuts.

By The BOOGIEMAN

June 7, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

ooooh they wanna spread FEAR of what a sad condition the county will be in with tax cuts… THEY JUST NEVER MENTION THE EXTORTION OF THERE CITIZENS THAT THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED OVER THESE PAST 2 YEARS !!!!!

By The BOOGIEMAN

June 7, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

ooooh they wanna spread FEAR of what a sad condition the county will be in with tax cuts… THEY JUST NEVER MENTION THE EXTORTION OF THERE CITIZENS THAT THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED OVER THESE PAST 2 YEARS !!!!!

By NATIVE

June 7, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

to wonder- I am native of pbc and I don’t have a second home here, and my taxes are going up over 143% because I bought last year. so please we are all not snowbirds. You have the SOH and no one wants to take that away, but what if the shoe was on the other foot????

By stevek

June 7, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

IF THIS HURTS US IT’S BECAUSE OF TWO THINGS; THE A******S WHO VOTED IN ALL OF THE CORRUPT OFFICIALS AND THE FACT THAT THYE STOLE OUR TAX DOLLARS AND CONTINUE TO DO SO! WHAT A F**KED UP COUNTY !!!

By G

June 7, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

It’s time to do what must be done. Vote these bums out. ALL OF THEM! We have the power. Too many of them have been in there too long they’re out of touch with reality. Look at the results of thier high pay, waste and more waste. All are in bed with developers and such. They feel they owe us nothing!Karen Marcus and Mary McCarty have been on the comission since I can remember. I’m 34! What have we gotten but a situation like this. Five or six years ago they made it work with less money but it seems to me the more they take in the more ways they find to waste it. YOUR’E ON NOTICE! Addie, Jeff, Karen, Warren, Mary, Burt and Jess I want you all gone. Lets wipe the slate clean and get some people that give a damn about the average person in this county. County Commission YOU’RE FIRED!

By Robert Lutein

June 7, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

If a business wasted as much money as the county does it would have been out of business years ago. Government’s answer is to simply raise raise raise taxes to get more money. Well, I am a home owner and for once I get a chance to get some money breaks, less taxes(?), less insurance (?). I wil believe it when I see it, but, I say it is about time we homeowners in S. Fla. get a break. Our taxes are approaching the N.E. and California. Our insurance is higher than those same areas. People are moving away from S. Fla. to N. and S. Carolina for less taxes. Continue the trend of raising taxes and more people will move, lessen the voter base, lessen the tax base. Then the answer is to raise taxes more. Are we learning anything yet?

By Robert Lutein

June 7, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

If a business wasted as much money as the county does it would have been out of business years ago. Government’s answer is to simply raise raise raise taxes to get more money. Well, I am a home owner and for once I get a chance to get some money breaks, less taxes(?), less insurance (?). I wil believe it when I see it, but, I say it is about time we homeowners in S. Fla. get a break. Our taxes are approaching the N.E. and California. Our insurance is higher than those same areas. People are moving away from S. Fla. to N. and S. Carolina for less taxes. Continue the trend of raising taxes and more people will move, lessen the voter base, lessen the tax base. Then the answer is to raise taxes more. Are we learning anything yet?

By Robert Lutein

June 7, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

If a business wasted as much money as the county does it would have been out of business years ago. Government’s answer is to simply raise raise raise taxes to get more money. Well, I am a home owner and for once I get a chance to get some money breaks, less taxes(?), less insurance (?). I wil believe it when I see it, but, I say it is about time we homeowners in S. Fla. get a break. Our taxes are approaching the N.E. and California. Our insurance is higher than those same areas. People are moving away from S. Fla. to N. and S. Carolina for less taxes. Continue the trend of raising taxes and more people will move, lessen the voter base, lessen the tax base. Then the answer is to raise taxes more. Are we learning anything yet?

By Bobkatz

June 7, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

First off, PBC has $2 billion in general reserves (there is where some of your tax money went!), and really, so we need another administrative building? Just look at the fire HQ at Southern going up at Southern & Turnpike, or the huge complex Engineering just moved into on Jog & Okeechobee to see where your money is being spent

By Art

June 7, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

Question to Mr. Weisman: What happened to all the windfall revenue the County took in over the past 6-7 years when property values were soaring? what ever happened to saving for a rainy day?

By Way To Go

June 7, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

Well Said Tax BS & Tax Payer Weisman i Hope Charlie puts you in your place and takes care of the Tax Payers

By Kerri

June 7, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

What will $112 do for the people who are working hard trying make an honest living?