By Steve

June 17, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

75% of the monies budgeted for education go to paper pushers who do not teach our children, they should retire. The other 25% goes to schools, books and teachers. New house sales must retuen in order to save our jobs and this simutaneously adds tax money, for our wasteful government to spend. Grand Cayman has no property tax, nor income or capital gains, immagine that!

By David C.

June 15, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

why is the value of the property? why tax on Fair Market Value which you do see until you sell the house? Tax rate should be 1% during own and tax 5% on sale price when sold. everybody should be happy.

By L.W. AUNGST

June 15, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

I AM NOT SURE AT THIS POINT, HOW THIS TAX CUT PLAN WILL AFFECT ME. I THINK MANY PEOPLE ARE JUMPING THE GUN, AS TO HOW THIS WILL IMPACT LOCAL SERVICES. LOCAL GOVERNMENT CAN TRIM A LOT OF FAT OUT OF THEIR BUDGETS, WITHOUT CUTTING EMERGENCY SERVICES OR EDUCATION. NO AGENCY WANTS THEIR OX GORED.GOVERNMENT HAS NO MONEY EXCEPT FOR WHAT THEY TAKE FROM US IN TAXES. THEY MUST LEARN TO LIVE WITHIN THEIR MEANS & SAVE SURPLUSSES FOR A RAINY DAY AS I HAVE TO DO.

By RJ

June 15, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the calculator. After a 100% jump in my homeowners insurance, I now have an increase in my property taxes. I wish the Republicans would stop helping me soo much and I will be glad to not vote for them so they can take a break.

By THANKS PB POST

June 15, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

THANKS PALM BEACH POST FOR PROVIDING THE TAX CALCULATOR ON THIS WEB SITE.

EVERYONE SHOULD USE IT . THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE. THE 3%CAP ON SAVE OUR HOMES IS A MUST

By ibestrom

June 15, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Who says Florida doesn’t have earthquakes? If this tax reform passes with the voters, Florida will have the largest tax quake in history. The after shocks will be felt for years to come.

I feel sorry for those of you that have (ME,MY,I) vision. How can you help ME now? How can you save ME money? How can you cut MY taxes? Worst of all, what do (I) care about education?

Wake up people! We have immigration overcrowding our schools. We want to attract new home buyers, that will overcrowd our schools. But yet we cut back education budgets to benifit ME.

By V_ger

June 14, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

The scare tactics that the city/county commissioners use regarding reduction of services due to tax cuts is rediculous. All our officials have to do is stop funding pet projects that line their personal bank accounts, quit spending on insane projects that go no where and only end up costing taxpayers MORE wasted money, and start being HONEST, RESPONSIBLE STEWARTS of our local and county coffers. Personally, I’m fed up with the lies, cover-ups, pandering, cronism, embezzelment and criminal activity of our elected officials and those in the departments where the money changes hands. Get a handle on this and we will have significant tax reduction WITHOUT reducing services one iota. Apparently, local politicians would rather the cash be in their own pockets instead of the taxpayers pockets. Enough is enough.

By ronald

June 13, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

the tax burden on homeowners has to be cut in half. Its time that all the cheap labor that big business has let illegally into this country pays thier fair share with a payroll tax that penalizes employers who hire undocumented and Green card holders. Florida better get a handle on this unfair taxing of property owners before they leave in droves to NC and other friendly property tax states

By Eddie

June 13, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

What thet are really saying is. I do not care who dies I want the cuts. I do not care about anyone or anything but ME I do not care who Dies or GETS fired. I do not care about Education because i do not have one I do not care if a child is left out. I want cuts. I CARE ABOUT ONLY ME,MYSELF AND

By Glad to be here

June 13, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

As a 10 year resident of Palm Beach County, I have come to appreciate the quality of life our taxes have created.

Take a good look at the taxes, including state income taxes, and quality of life of most of the Northern States.

Let’s not let Crist’s attempt to deliver on his campaign promises affect our quality of life.

Most politicians forget their campaign promises, so should charlie.

By native

June 13, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

brandon- thanks for the information, but i only see the lobbists for goverment, county workers, city worker, who are afriad of losing their job. I purchased recently after my husband retired from 25 years in the military on a disablity, we live on a fixed income, no I was not advised of the that the taxes would be so high, last year it was 1200 my taxes will be 2600.00, Im not complaining I will pay and I understand the SOH people, I wouldn’t give it up either…the problem is with overspending by the government, and they will not do anything for tax reform this year or ever and if they do it will be voted down and they will say you the taxpaper made the decision, wise up make them responsible for their spending…

By Louise

June 13, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

I’m reposting Rob’s post as it is perfect.

By rob c

June 12, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Face it these free spending agencies have had gigantic windfalls for the past 7 years,they should have been reporting Surplus after surplus, as their demands never required the tax revenue that they received, check the 10+year history of budgets, and explain to me why they abused the system. Yes, it’s time to have a real budget for all agencies, education, police and fire etc.

By PB Post Readers

June 13, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Study the chart on page 6A of todays Post. I tells the whole story of what or representatives are trying to pull. This is a tax increase for the future.

What we need is the rate to be reduced to 1% and to have portability of the SOH cap.

By CREDIT TO THE POST

June 13, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

CREDIT TO THE PB POST FOR TODAYS FRONT PAGE. IT IS ABOUT TIME THEY GOT THE MESSAGE OUT THAT DOING AWAY WITH SOH WILL COST THE TAX PAYER MORE.

By Easy Living

June 13, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Sometimes simplicity is too easy. Why not $650 per every $100,000 and raise the sales tax to 8%

By Blue Moon

June 13, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this

You know, the Cities and Counties are just trying to scare us into believing that our important social services like “Meals on Wheels” for our senior citizens, the YMCA for our youth, police, parks, and other BASIC stuff, will be cut, that they cannot afford to lose revenue. Baloney!

How about all the “revenue” property owners have “lost”? How about how much we have to tightnen our belts and do without, just to pay the tax man so we don’t lose our property to the tax man? My kids are going without, and my car needs work, but I have to pay the tax man first, or I will not have a place to live.

Vote OUT all the city and county COMMISSIONERS when they come up for re-election. They are the ones who set our tax rate. And then get to appropriate where the money goes. How about some fiscal responsibility? How about the huge raises the dept heads voted for themselves, the new office furniture that had to have, and the unneccessary govt buildings we don’t need? There are many items that can cut back, before vital services are cut.

And for those in Govt that can’t handle the job of cutting responsibly, show them the door on election day.

And tell your friends and neighbors……

By Fire Johnny Gage

June 13, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

Your posts make you sound like a total moron - drinking the fear tactic koolaid being sold by local government.

You don’t sound like you should be ‘IN CHARGE of’ anything much less ‘a south florida fire rescue department’

There are room for cuts and there are too many sheep believing the fear tactics being sold by local government AND the local media.

By Johnny Gage

June 13, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Dear NoMorePropertyTax, Your a compete idiot. Why don’t you just say let Russia take us over and Ill welcome them with red carpets and roses. The state has no right to dictate what goes on in counties. The Federal Gov has no righ to dictate what the states do. This is America. Read the constitution. If you don’t wanna be here move away, please. I don’t want anyone dictating what I do.

By NoMorePropertyTax

June 12, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

I just caught a piece on the channel 5 11:00 p.m. news about county budget cuts in the wake of proptery tax reform. The clincher was a report that the Palm Beach county commission is already saying that they will use the proposed “supermajority” local vote to override any budget cuts enacted by the legislature. Total outrage! As much as I resent SOH (recent buyer), I have to say that you would have to be a total idiot to vote for any proposal that allows for local override.

By lazaro rodriguez

June 12, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Scare tactics they are not. When 200 + firefighters From PBCFR alone get laid off(I Am one of those.) Response times will increase, so instead of 8 minutes or less, it will be 10,20,30 minutes because the nearest Fire station was shut down. Your lives and your families lives will be at risk. Firefighters lives will be at risk. I am for some tax reform but not at the cost of Public saftey.

By Johnny Gage

June 12, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

I can tell you this. I am an officer with a south florida fire rescue department. If the cut backs occur and my department drops below safety staffing standards, I WILL NOT PLACE MY MEN AND WOMEN IN DANGER. What does this mean, well let me tell you, if there isn’t a life safety hazard in a structure thats on fire and I don’t have enough resources on scene to deal with it….I will let it burn until I get enough people there to handle the situation. Don’t jeopardize your safety, I’m not gonna jeopardize mine or my partners. I wanna go home to my family. Stop this nonsense with tax reform now and ask for exemptions for public safety officials. Stop it now before its too late. Once this is implemented it will be to hard to correct.

By daniel

June 12, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

I wonder if this will work like the insurance scam run by the state government on the property owners of Florida. If it does, I can expect my taxes to go up about 50 to 60%! No matter how you look at it, I bet the poor working slob gets it in the backside! I do NOT trust anyone in Tallahassee! It doesn’t matter if they are Republican or Democrat. Put them in a bag, shake and pour. You won’t be able to tell which one falls out. We would be better off if they met once every ten years!

By rob c

June 12, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Face it these free spending agencies have had gigantic windfalls for the past 7 years,they should have been reporting Surplus after surplus, as their demands never required the tax revenue that they received, check the 10+year history of budgets, and explain to me why they abused the system. Yes, it’s time to have a real budget for all agencies, education, police and fire etc.

By rob c

June 12, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that the State of Florida is not competitive to the other 49 states. The overall majority of states are appraised on average about 1%+/- of sales price (even High Price Tag States like NY,CT NJ) Florida needs this issue resolved immediately,and get rid of the Good Ole Boy Homestead Act. No other state in the Union has this? I wonder why?

By rob c

June 12, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that the State of Florida is not competitive to the other 49 states. The overall majority of states are appraised on average about 1%+/- of sales price (even High Price Tag States like NY,CT NJ) Florida needs this issue resolved immediately,and get rid of the Good Ole Boy Homestead Act. No other state in the Union has this? I wonder why?

By Bryan

June 12, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Ask anyone who moved here from up north what their taxes were. Double the amount here,…with a state income tax. This is all about big business and wealthy lobbying the politicians. The average citizen will save around $100,…and the “other” class will save millions. Oh,…and this $100 in tax savings a year will not turn the real estate market around. United Van Lines reported last year that they moved more people out of Florida than into Florida. Buy property in GA, SC, NC, and TN. Insurance and crime is the real problem to be tackled here.

By undrrcvr

June 12, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Schools going to lose money! Not going to change the crappy education our public schools offer anyways. LOTTO MONEY????? I agree with the renter, it’s cheaper to rent and you still benefit the same as a homeowner. Where is the benefit to homeownership other than a deduction on my federal taxes that I have to use to pay my property taxes.

By joe

June 12, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

why not just lower tax rate to where it used to be like 1 and 1/2 percent

By Gossip

June 12, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

The second phase of this plan is not going to get 60% of our votes folks!!

We will get a tiny decrease by the first phase then it will take them another year to put out another plan to us.

We have been had again!!!!

By happy to still rent

June 12, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

I can bail out of this area any time, since I rent a nice house month-to-month at lower cost than owning (even allowing for the federal itemized deduction).

By Lisa

June 12, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

I would have to say that isnt true on the firefighter’s pay. Maybe with special event pay, OT, during hurricanes,wildfires, 2nd jobs, etc. the averate PBC firefighter does not make with 7 years on $100,000.My husband would not be working a 2nd job and myself working every day he isnt. You people think they do nothing until one day you will actually need their services and then and only then will you realize who put their lives on the line to save yours. I seriously cannot people after reading through this- the rude and disrespectful comments from fellow Americans regarding Firefighters and Police esp. after everything we have seen and gone through as a nation since 9/11. These guys and girls work hard every day 24 hours on while you are sleeping in your bed or the officer is patrolling your neighborhood keeping you and your family safe. Their pay comes directly from our taxes not a company or corporation like most residents. I hope it will be worth that $100-$200 that you save of your tax bill because PBC is going to have a bigger problem on their hands bigger then this property tax reform if it goes this way and layoffs begin. But then again it will be the ones that look down on the firefighters/medics and police and will be needing their services one day and response time will be delayed due to manpower and of course will be the 1st to complain about that. Go figure…

By CB

June 12, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Am I the only person on this planet who sees that the tax rate is not the problem? The tax rate is really low compared to many areas of the country. The problem is the PRICING. Who devised the dream world of pricing property at the highest POTENTIAL use? And who has allowed this ridiculous, abusive system to remain? It is the pricing (tax value assesment) that is wrong, not the tax rate. I am happy to declare I am not a part of this surreal tax scheme and will never be.

By brandon

June 12, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

native, the info came from a meeting I attended recently . I work for a govt agency that has lobbyists in tallahassee. the problem we were told is that real estate has been lobbying for quite a while becuase what better to get FL’s property values back up-lower taxes. Lower taxes equals many more “preplanned mega communities”. what happens when all this new devolopment is built and all these services need to be reestablished, there will a tax cap so government services won’t be able to keep up with growth for essential services.

By mark

June 12, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

the only way 2 clear this matter on the taxes is 2 cut 50% percent…if u owe 5000.00 then paid 2500.00 then that may help.other wisewould be a waste of time. mark from wpb

By mark

June 12, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

the only way 2 clear this matter on the taxes is 2 cut 50% percent…if u owe 5000.00 then paid 2500.00 then that may help.other wisewould be a waste of time. mark from wpb

By mark

June 12, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

the only way 2 clear this matter on the taxes is 2 cut 50% percent…if u owe 5000.00 then paid 2500.00 then that may help.other would be a waste of time. mark from wpb

By Louise

June 12, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

The county needs to go back to the budget they used 4 years ago. Just because homes taxes went up doesn’t mean spend, spend, spend. Also, stop buying lunch for yourself and your buddies with tax payers money. If you can’t afford your own lunch….brown bag it, those people know who I am talking to. Also, I know firefighters with only 7 years on with the county making almost 100 thousand a year, talk about over paying.

By blue4dogs

June 12, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Where did you hear that unemployment rate is high in Palm Beach County? While it is true that unemployment has gone up a bit, keep in mind after having the lowest unemployment rate in years that it’s bound to go up. I think much of this “jobs will be lost” is scare tactics… They’re trying to make everyone afraid to cut taxes. Instead, the cities need to become more lean & effective… there is too much dead wood at the top - don’t get rid of the workers who keep everything running, instead streamline the depts & get rid of all the dead wood at the top. Will all their perks & bonuses gone I think we’ll realize there is a lot more money available for the truly important services. Too many bosses is a luxury we can’t afford!

By varo

June 12, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

it is no joke, no scare tactic. if the tax break goes through in it’s current capacity 250 firefighters will be let go this july. if the vote goes through in january another 200-300 will be let go. the education budget will be cut and police will reduce manning. then people will complain that their children are getting a poor education and that their local fire and police services are slow and they have lost a loved one due to it, resulting in lawsuits. all this because no one wants to pay high taxes on their 500k investment property that they have a interest only loan on. tell me again why tax reform is a good idea?

By RIGHT ON

June 12, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

AJD

IS RIGHT ON. JUST ADD A DOSE OF PORTIBILITY AND WE ARE ALL SET.

By AJD

June 12, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

YOU WILL LOSE SOH. You are being short sighted. In 10 years when your 500k house is worth 1 million…do the math. This is why politicians are so stupid…you never use numbers. When SOH was passed 25k was a huge discount…it was also about 25% of the cost of a house. Now its about 6% of a house. The solutions is so simple. Just cut the Friggen taxes. Instead of 2%, go to 1%.

By AJD

June 12, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

YOU WILL LOSE SOH. You are being short sighted. In 10 years when your 500k house is worth 1 million…do the math. This is why politicians are so stupid…you never use numbers. When SOH was passed 25k was a huge discount…it was also about 25% of the cost of a house. Now its about 6% of a house. The solutions is so simple. Just cut the Friggen taxes. Instead of 2%, go to 1%.

By The Post Lies

June 12, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

NO HOMEOWNER WILL LOSE SOH. According to today’s Miami Herald…“The greatest selling point of the plan: 73 percent of all owners of homesteaded property will get a better deal under the new plan — and those who would benefit more under the current Save Our Homes system CAN KEEP IT”. The Post is telling you that you will lose SOH because they want to confuse you and defeat any meaningful tax cuts for homeowners!

By Fireman12

June 12, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Dump Democrats

Its not so much a scare tactic for certian departments such as PBC Fire-Rescue. PBC resident pay a seperate “Fire” tax that is going to be eliminated when the tax reform goes through. Unless they make public safety exemption article (which I really hope they do) PBC Fire-Rescue is looking at cutting 200-250 firefighters. Theres absolutely no room to compensate for those guys with the new reform and that sir is no scare tactic that is simply reality.

By Fireman12

June 12, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Dump Democrats

Its not so much a scare tactic for certian departments such as PBC Fire-Rescue. PBC resident pay a seperate “Fire” tax that is going to be eliminated when the tax reform goes through. Unless they make public safety exemption article (which I really hope they do) PBC Fire-Rescue is looking at cutting 200-250 firefighters. Theres absolutely no room to compensate for those guys with the new reform and that sir is no scare tactic that is simply reality.

By native

June 12, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

brandon and where did you get this informaiton??????

By Dump Democrats

June 12, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

More scare tactics from The Palm Beach Post and the local politicans they are in bed with. Instead of cutting police and fire personnel, they can cut the hundreds of worthless new positions they created in the past 5 years like COMMUNITY REDEVELOPENT SPECIALIST, HISTORICAL PLANNER, NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNER, RECYCLING COORDINATOR, RENTAL HOUSING SPECIALIST, DIVERSITY HIRING SPECIALIST, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST, LITTER COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR, etc,etc. The news media has waged a war against meaningful property tax cuts for homeowners. The Palm Beach Post is NOT on your side!

By brandon

June 12, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

taxing out, the lobbyits for the taxpayers are one of the most powerful in the country- real estate. you can bet even more money has been poured into it then the cites/counties have poured.

By Taxing Out

June 12, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

The states legislature is rewarding local governments for Fiscal Irresponsibility which occurred when taxing authorities did not lower the millage rates proportionately to the escalating property values and the bad behavior shown thru the spending of taxpayers funds. The lack of concern for the taxpayers ability to pay and tactics which counties are using is appalling and shameful.

The State is a Bad Parent to an Unruly Child.

The temper tantrums and pressure tactics designed by The Florida Association of Counties Playbook is in full force. Obviously, it is a very effective tool to use against taxpayers. The FAC was hired by Florida’s local governments to attack taxpayers. To date, they have spent more than 4 to 6 million dollars to address their concerns. I guess the legislature find this one sided Lobbyist group a perfectly acceptable practice. Use the public servants ( Firefighter and Police Officers) to promote the Local municipalities agenda, use scare tactics to threaten the elimination of these services and jobs if taxes are cut, and use the taxpayers monies against the taxpayers. No solutions just excuses to rake the taxpayers over the coals.

Where is the same monies being applied for the taxpayers side of the argument? What Lobbyist Group was set up for the taxpayers? And, Were the taxpayers supporting lobbyists also allowed a 4 to 6 million appropriation in taxpayers funds? Is this equal representation? I hardly think so. So the Taxpayers voices are being silenced while the local municipalities have a full legislative attention and recognition. This is true, Taxation Without Representation.

The FAC’s unfounded accusations straight from their play book is bringing chaos, confusion and commotion within many of our local communities. The conquer and divide mentality which is causing citizens to verbally attack each other and become enemies over the taxation issues is wrong. Where is the equal representation on the issue? To top it off Locals are fighting against the very taxpayer which supports them. So my question to you, is Why is our state legislature caving into the local governments? Or is this just a case of: Protect Government at all costs.

By Taxing Concern

June 12, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

The tax problem is a two part equation Property Values vs Millage Tax rates. When property values went up - Millage rates should have proportionately brought down with an adjustment for population growth and cost of living inflation. It is really that simple. If the lawmakers in the House and Senate really wanted to find a viable solution they would have to figure out how to proportionately balance / scale out both sides of the equation and address these two elements.

By Max

June 12, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

So strange how nobody complained when the sale value of their home priced out most of the average income buyers. When you put your home on the market you have no problem setting the price at the market value that has climbed far more than wages have grown. No it is just when you have to pay taxes based on the value of your home do we hear “how can I afford my $400,000 home (that I paid $200,000 for in the 90’s), pay for the yard to be mowed and pool cleaned, and put gas in my BMW if I also have to pay more taxes!” Yes there is a mess with people living next to each other having homes valued far from each other. This was given to us by ourselves and was predicted with the tax bill will put before the voters.

Florida has one of the lowest tax rates in the nation but heck we can shoot for the lowest as long as we don’t want any services. Teachers and firemen don’t have to pay the same for houses, food, and to build a new school the construction workers all work for free right? To hear this group talk teachers and other county workers don’t need as much of an income here in Florida so we should be able to make the cuts with out a problem. spending money

Speaking of schools even with the gains in spending (most matched by gains in the numbers of students) Florida still ranks some place between 42nd and 46th in per student spending. Does spending count? Well five of the top ten states in student test scores are also in the top 25% for spending per student. None of the top states spend less that we do here in Florida.

I’m a 5th generation Floridian and I’m more than happy to see some of the whiners pack up and leave to find some place you will pay less in taxes (good luck with that one). I’m sure when you put your house on the market you will ignore the market assessment and price it based on the percentage of real income growth from the time you purchased the home and maybe even sell it at 1990 prices if a fireman or teacher was to buy it. Yep I’m sure all the tax whiners will do this right about the same time pigs fly!

By goober

June 12, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

First off, Florida doesn’t educate their children period. Stop being PC, it’s disgusting.

Secondly, politicians are like diapers—they need changing often and they’re ALWAYS full of sh_.

By no sense

June 12, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Why don’t we legalize gaming in Florida? And by the way, how come we can’t get into the Powerball…. is it because it’s legalized pocket greasing and our Politicians can’t profit from it? Think about the school taxes from the Lottery proceeds… makes you wonder.

By Taxed Out

June 12, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

A Fair tax plan is a 1% Tax plan which has been mentioned by the public but has been ignored by legislative committees. Residential Property Taxes would be based on 1% of the assessed value or purchase price and another 1% to 1.5% on an increased sales tax. (Keep in mind the average Fl. Millage rate is approx 2%) No future SOH exemptions only SOH protections would be allowed and current SOH would be phased out through time. Many new homesteaders would drop their current SOH if the costs were less. Commercial Tax rates could vary depending on type of commercial use.

This Plan is simple and uncomplicated. This tax proposal is easy for the Public to understand one buys a $200K home one will pay $2000 a year and through a 1% increase in Sales Tax everyone is contributing to the services which Florida provides. I believe it makes perfect sense our tourist industry contribute to the services provided to them for their protection while vacationing. A 1% increase is not going to break the bank on tourism by any means. It is fair and equitable. It also favors higher property values and future growth. Everyone’s happy, it provides the substantial tax break needed and makes up the difference by the increased sales tax which everyone contributes too. It is a Win Win proposition.

The tax issue should not be complicated and complex like the IRS Code and I believe this could be a simple solution to a very complex problem. The only other provisions would be to cap government spending and increases to property values and millage rates from year to year. These increases should be based upon inflation and population or a reasonable and affordable fixed annual % increase . I feel this plan would help stimulate the economy and it stops chocking the taxpayers of Florida. This plan would require no rollback at all, it is very Straight forward. Also, I think it would help bring taxpayer equality back for both homesteaders and non-homesteaders. Every taxpayer would be back on the same page.

By Chill kb

June 12, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Kb, I think you must’ve had too much homework or something when you were younger. Chill out..this is mostly about taxes, not unruly children you must’ve run into. Geezzz….some people really need to lighten up on here. A post on a PB Post blog is not worth having a stroke over!

By Taxed Out

June 12, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

I believe anyone who is not satisfied and has had their taxes rise at unprecedented rates over the past few years should appeal their upcoming tax bill. Maybe its time to turn from the Legislative Branch to the Judicial Branch for answers. If enough people start flooding the judicial system maybe then they will get the message.

By I-am-saved

June 12, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

WOW! I’m going to save a whopping $600 dollars a year! I can finally afford ‘the good life’ now!

Wake up, this is near meaningless tax cuts.

Just because you cut taxes by a few dollars doesn’t mean it’s good. I’ve seen taxes go from around $1000 to over $6000 in just a few years. A few hundred dollars doesn’t mean jack!

By Dump Steve Geller

June 12, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

More scare tactics from The Palm Beach Post and the local politicans they are in bed with. Instead of cutting police and fire personnel, they can cut the hundreds of worthless new positions they created in the past 5 years like COMMUNITY REDEVELOPENT SPECIALIST, HISTORICAL PLANNER, NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNER, RECYCLING COORDINATOR, RENTAL HOUSING SPECIALIST, DIVERSITY HIRING SPECIALIST, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST, LITTER COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR, etc,etc.The news media has waged a war against meaningful property tax cuts for homeowners. The Palm Beach Post is NOT on your side!

By Ron

June 12, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Hey Sears

Welcome to the real world. Since when are government jobs considered sacred rights never to be lost or downsized? Losing ones job in the private sector is an everyday occurrence. When we lose our jobs, do you in government give a damn? Hell no, you don’t!! We are still forced by law to fork over a huge percentage of our income to you and your fellow slobs, or face the threats of liens and eminent domain seizures of our property. It’s about time some of you knew what it’s like to face the same threats we in the private sector face every day. Pay your taxes or lose your home. Pay your taxes or go to jail. If you do lose your job, don’t worry, your fellow tax collectors will still come knocking.

By Hello

June 12, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

I currently work in the financial services arena and I had previously worked in government I can tell you it is the easiest job on earth and pays lots of money too. I literally would shut more door half the work day five days a week and sleep and look up sports scores, etc. Huge cuts need to occur across the board in government. I bet you tax payers enjoyed this post.

By Ron

June 12, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Hey LMD,

You are being fed a bunch of lies. Don’t believe the BS hype. PBCFDs budget has exploded through the roof over the last several years. As has every other county budget. Asking for a smaller increase will not hurt a thing. There are no actual cuts being made. Just smaller increases than expected. Budgets are never cut. Never. Expecting a double didget increase every year has to stop. Getting a smaller raise this year than last year does not constitute a cut in pay. Liberal democrats always spew this nonsense.

By Sears

June 12, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

I work in payables and my husband in parks for a local government and believe me, jobs are going to be lost. What will property taxes matter when people no longer can afford their homes due to lack of employment. Unemployment is high in PBC now, what do you think it will be like when the tax cut happens? Crist keeps talking about fire & police not getting cut, even if it is not fire & police that lose their jobs, there will be thousands of other employees in various departments that will lose their jobs. Don’t we count?

By Kevin

June 12, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Well it is the republicans who… no it was the democrats that…. or was it the republicans when…. but the democrats….

By Sears

June 12, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

I work in payables and my husband in parks for a local government and believe me, jobs are going to be lost. What will property taxes matter when people no longer can afford their homes due to lack of employment. Unemployment is high in PBC now, what do you think it will be like when the tax cut happens? Crist keeps talking about fire & police not getting cut, even if it is not fire & police that lose their jobs, there will be thousands of other employees in various departments that will lose their jobs. Don’t we count?

By Kevin

June 12, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Well it is the republicans who… no it was the democarts that…. or was it the reublicans when…. but the democrats….

By Kevin

June 12, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Well it is the republicans who… no it was the democarts that…. or was it the reublicans when…. but the democrats….

By Kevin

June 12, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Well it is the republicans who… no it was the democarts that…. or was it the reublicans when…. but the democrats….

By TheDecider

June 12, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Republican ploy. Divide us. Surely we residents are too stupid to understand the big money boyz are putting the screws to us again. The tax cut won’t help middle income folks. Sorry to let you in on that.

By Eileen

June 12, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Personal income growth? We have not seen ANY personal income growth in 10 years! Who are they Kidding? How about some REAL solutions? Employment reform - no more right to work state!

By gossip

June 12, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

What do they mean when they say taxes will increase with personal income growth?

They mean that they will be socking it to you in coming years. You give up the 3% you are a fool!!!

They are even going to allow local government to override the personal income growth! What a joke——

By Dump Steve Geller

June 12, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

More scare tactics from The Palm Beach Post and local politicans. Instead of cutting police and fire personnel, they can cut the hundreds of worthless new positions they created in the past 5 years like COMMUNITY REDEVELOPENT SPECIALIST, HISTORICAL PLANNER, NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNER, RECYCLING COORDINATOR, RENTAL HOUSING SPECIALIST, DIVERSITY HIRING SPECIALIST, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST, LITTER COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR, etc, etc. Of course, The Palm Beach Post won’t threaten you with eliminating these useless politically correct jobs paying $70,000 a year because they know you dont care!! The news media has waged a war against meaningful property tax cuts for homeowners. The Palm Beach Post is NOT on your side!

By Question

June 12, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

What do they mean when they say taxes will increase with personal income growth?

By Legalize Gaming

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

Legalize Gaming in Florida. Problem Solved.

I’m sure Trump wouldn’t mind.

By Michael

June 12, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Legalize Gaming in Florida. Solves all issues!

By Michael

June 12, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Okay everyone, you want a solution? I will give you one. MAKE GAMBLING LEGAL IN FLORIDA. Not just the idiotic way we do it now, but full blown gambling. Within two years Vegas and Atlantic City will be forgotten. The taxes and fees collected from our tourists alone will pay for us all to have no property taxes. And the reality is, we already have gambling in the state of Florida. But instead of allowing the business world to push gaming revenues to the next level, we are allowing only the paramutual facilities and indians to profit. Start a campaign, write your congressman, do something, cause this is the answer

By kb

June 12, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Performance in school is not tied to how much money is spent on education!! If it was test scores would have gone up and dropout rates would have gone down over the last decade as the amount of money spent on education drastically increased over that time period. What has happened has been the opposite. We are not getting our moneys worth in the area of education, why throw more money at it? Cut the budget in half to what is was 5 years ago when we had more students, eliminate bureaucratic jobs at the school boards throughout the state and stop the mindless construction and expansion of schools. Every school does not need a gymnasium and auditorium and media center. While we are at it let’s take a look at extracurricular activities. While I don’t mind pitching in to help pay for you childrens’ education, I don’t feel the obligtion to pay for your childrens soccer, football, baseball, basketball,volleyball,band, glee club,etc., etc.,etc. These are hobbies and should be treated as such. If you want your child to participate parents should be required to pay for these activities, otherwise let them play in the park or yard after school, it’s just as good for them socially and physically. If you are going to continue to expect me to subsidize your child’s education please instill some manners so when they interact whith me and their other benefactors they don’t act like the whiny spoiled brats that we are creating with this “cult of the child”. Education starts at home, teach them respect and decency,to take responsibility for their actions, and to do things for themselves and not expect a hand or a handout around every corner and they will be just fine. More importantly give them someone they can look up to at home. They are your children, no one else’s. Stop shifting the burden of raising them to everyone else.

By Dixie Lee Dorsey

June 12, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Its really sad that there is so much disregard for persons with non-homesteaded properties. The tax amount on my rental unit are just as unfair as the taxes on my home. Its still highway robbery and because of the taxes I am paying about $700 a month to make my mortgage payments on it combined with rent from my tenant. So unfair….

By GMAB

June 12, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

The police and fire dept are not going to layoff essential personnel. They are accredited agencies & they need a certain number of employees & a good response time in order to keep their accredition. The county might be telling the fire/police chiefs they will have layoffs, but that is just a scare tactic. They might not hire more employees, but I seriously doubt that 300 fire fighters will get laid off. You cannot layoff ESSENTIAL emergency personnel. I believe what another post stated: Everyone will vote NO on this amendment & the politicians can say “Well, we tried to help you, but you voted it down.” Relax, emergency personnel will not get laid off.

By Budman

June 12, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

It’s time to start helping solve the problem instead of complaining about. You need to keep ALL the Firefighter/Paramedics’, and Police. Why not try a couple of ideas i have. 1- All Goverment employees in the State of Fla, agree to take a cut in pay. If you earn up to $100k, a 5%. $100k up to $150k 6% ANYONE over $150k takes a 7.5% cut. This way people keep their jobs and the State can re-valuate how it spends it’s money properly. It’s like a house hold. You adjust the way you spend your money so you can Live Within Your Means…..

By john b

June 12, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Get rid of all property taxes for anyone with a homestead exemption. Raise the sales tax 2.5. If you don’t spend a lot you will save money. These DEMOCRAT blood suckers in this county will never get enough of our money.County Commisioners,Bradshaw,Legislators, School Board all DEMOCRAT hacks except for a few. Get rid of these bums next election.Cut the budgets of the Scools and Sheriffs Dept. Enrollment is declining in schools and they still want more.

By LMD

June 12, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Dear PBC resident, These are accurate numbers handed down by the Fire Chief himself. My husband may be one of them. We have been told that almost three hundred firefighters may be let go as soon as July 1st. This is the reality of these cuts. I’m not spreading propaganda-I’m trying to bring the public awareness. I want some tax relief as much as the next person, but I am not willing to sacrifice public safety for it. Are you?

By Don Roy

June 12, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

The only equitable and easy to understand method to reduce property taxes in the State of Florida/PBC is to ‘roll back’ the millage rate while using current real estate assessment criteria. That way, everyone will know what his/her real estate tax bill will be from year to year. Additionally, state agencies, schools, etc will know how much to reduce their budgets. Don’t touch Save Our Homes or make any other exclusions/exceptions. To do so, leaves way too much room for bickering, unfairness, predjudices, etc. such as what we see today by our representatives/politicians! For instance, many non-homesteaded property owners are screwed by the current proposal! No ‘smoking mirrors’ for the voters/taxpayers. Once again, plain and simple — lower the millage rate while using current PBC real estate assesment criteria. If the solution is too complex such as what is being proposed, it opens the door later when our tax bills begin to ‘skyrocket’ that our representatives/politicians come back and tell us we ‘should have known’ the drawbacks!

By JoeC

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

I see someone else used my name. Thats a cute move.

Anyways, it all goes full circle. Which is why Im leaving South Florida. Ive lived in many states but this area is out of control. I see the local government has reached thier goal of Making the Citizens Duke it out while they line thier pockets so Im done with this Post Area.

How easily we are all tricked.

By PBC Resident

June 12, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

z

To LMD:

Who gave you those numbers? They are abusrd and false.

The PBCFR budget for 2007 is $290 million and includes 44 fire stations.

The PBCFR budget for 2005-06 was $245 million and included 40 stations.

So, just two years ago, the fire department was doing well on $50 million less dollars. They added just 4 new fire stations. But guess what? Those fire stations were built with impact fees.

Stop the lies and propaganda.

z

By John

June 12, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Dear Joe C:

Thank you for at least listening. It’s more than we can get the politicians to do.I have to go now.

By Don Roy

June 12, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

The only equitable and easy to understand method to reduce property taxes in the State of Florida/PBC is to ‘roll back’ the millage rate while using current real estate assesment criteria. That way, everyone will know what his/her real estate tax bill will be from year to year. Additionally, state agencies, schools, etc will know how much to reduce their budgets. Don’t touch Save Our Homes or make any other exclusions/exceptions. To do so, leaves way too much room for bickering, unfairness, predjudices, etc. such as what we see today by our representatives/politicians! For instance, many non-homesteaded property owners are screwed by the current proposal! No ‘smoking mirrors’ for the voters/taxpayers. Once again, plain and simple — lower the millage rate while using current PBC real estate assesment criteria. If the solution is too complex such as what is being proposed, it opens the door later when our tax bills begin to ‘skyrocket’ that our representatives/politicians come back and tell us we ‘should have known’ the drawbacks!

By mb

June 12, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Let there be no doubt now that democrats are the most ignorant people on the face of the earth. They actually buy into this crap this rag of a paper and their “leaders” feed them. Never look at the big picture and what’s really wrong with this. You suck up what’s fed to you the way they want you to eat. We need to divide this country and let the dems live in their dumb little “can’t think for myself” society.

By William L. Butler

June 12, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

The mystery of taxes is so arcane that no sane person could possibly understand the complexity of numbers thrown at the public and the cries of politicians and their cohort. Remember: money is the mother’s milk of politicos. Education should not be the sacred cow behind which taxes fail to be reduced. If kids were the beneficiaries of taxes one could accept the burden. It is the bureaucrats, their pensions and health benefits that hold the tax payer hostage. Elected officials represent the tax paying voters; or do they?

By ROSE

June 12, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Is the PB POSt owned by the Democratic Party of PBC???

You would think so

By to Joe C

June 12, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

you have made a complete fool of yourself.

now you have made the other blog.

joe c, you have no clue.

By LMD

June 12, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue could lose almost 1/3 of its firefighters with the proposed tax cuts. This means help may not be there when you need it. Many stations will be closed. PBCFR receives its funding directly from property taxes. There has to be another option.

By john

June 12, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Dear Joe C:

Who would pick up your check if the snowbirds leave?

By We are getting laughed at

June 12, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

We are getting laughed at on The Real Deal Blog and making comments about our anger to all of this.

I’d like to see some of them do a hard days work.

Then well see whose laughing.

By Dump Lois Frankel

June 12, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

More scare tactics from The Palm Beach Post and local politicans. Maybe instead of cutting police and fire personnel, they can cut the hundreds of worthless new positions they created in the past 5 years like COMMUNITY REDEVELOPENT SPECIALIST, HISTORICAL PLANNER, NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNER, RECYCLING COORDINATOR, RENTAL HOUSING SPECIALIST, DIVERSITY HIRING SPECIALIST, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST, LITTER COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR, etc, etc. Of course, The Palm Beach Post won’t threaten you with eliminating these useless politically correct jobs paying $70,000 a year because they know you dont care!!

By JoeC

June 12, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

John, I find it interesting that SnowBirds are a bunch of whiny bastards!!!

You want to hang out in our area but god forbid you provide some money to keep the place clean and enough officers on the streets so you dont get robbed.

SnowBirds, we dont want you here. Please go home or to Orlando. If you want to move here and be a local then do it, but goodluck making a living here. You will have to see what life is like for the locals that are being pushed out so you have somewhere warm to spend your winters. . Wahhh Wahhh Wahh, quite your whining

By Tony B

June 12, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

The schools system, policeman and fireman did just fine before this rediculous increase in revenue from the rising homeowners taxes. Now why should everyone get these 10% cost of living adjustments, pay less for health insurance and take home county vehicles paying little to no gas cost at the expense of the Florida tax payer who is watching their standard of living decrease. We will not stand for it. I say cut the taxes and fire whoever needs to be, politicians and the unions caused the problems so now they should see the results as much as the rest of us. All the remaining employees will need to work harder to make up the extra pay and incentives they receieved for doing nothing more. I only wish I could get paid more for doing the same thing

By PBC Resident

June 12, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

z

Florida’s education budget for 2002-03: $12,780,370,401

Florida’s proposed education budget for 2007-08: $23,945,881,047

So, in five years our school system has seen their budget DOUBLE! Not only should we cut their budget, we should halve it.

It’s absurd that the Palm Beach post and others are not reporting the facts. It’s all propaganda to scare the taxpayer. Disgusting!

z

By charles robb

June 12, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

The democrats have been against the tax cuts from day one. The only thing that changes is their scare tactic rationale. First it was police and fire cuts that would make our streets unsafe, now it’s education will be devastated. Bottom line is that democrats don’t believe in tax cuts…ever. Do Florida a favor. Vote ‘em out.

By john

June 12, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

I find it interesting that floridians,witout shame, want to have snowbirds pay more to educate their children than they do.What class!

By JoeC

June 12, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

This looks like another waste of time. My Solution. WE ALL MOVE!!!!
Im out at the end of this year and I suggest you all do the same.
First they wont fix the tax issue properly and after we are done working out the taxes, next we will have to fix insurance and that wont be happening. So Either stay here and get raped for all your money. Or stop crying about this terrible town and move out. Have fun People..