What would happen if Clay County lost funding based on the proposed changes to property tax laws that state lawmakers are discussing right now, and throughout this week? IN SHORT: These proposed changes will create less funding for your everyday services and fewer local choices.
Clay County already collects less revenue per person than most counties, ranking 60 out of 67 counties and ranking 51 out of 67 in spending, while having the 25th largest population in the state. Clay County continually leads the way to run as efficiently as possible, while getting the most value for taxpayer dollars.
Regardless, the proposed bill will have widespread impacts to everyday services:
- Public Safety - reduction in first responders, lifesaving equipment, and longer response times for fire rescue and law enforcement
- Public Works - reduced road maintenance and improvements, and mowing frequency
- Engineering/Planning - reduced staffing for proper planning and growth management
- Parks - reduced mowing, maintenance, and programming
- Recreational Facilities - reduced support for athletic associations and outdoor recreation facilities
- Animal Services - reduced animal control officers and support for adoptions
- Libraries - reduced hours, materials, and programming
- Community programs - reduction in public transportation, senior services, veterans services
- Public Buildings - reduced public hours, and maintenance for county-owned buildings and properties
- Local health services - reduced local funding for Florida Department of Health - Clay
- Constitutional Offices - reduced funding that supports services for Supervisor of Elections, Property Appraiser, and Clerk of Court and Comptroller
Should the bill pass, the Board of County Commissioners will prioritize reductions through the normal budget process through public meetings.
