Broward considering raising property taxes

No savings for you. Maybe.

Most homeowners would have seen their property tax bills go down this year because of falling home values. But county commissioners are considering raising the rate 13 percent to help cover Broward County government's $100 million-plus deficit.

The average homeowner would pay $78 more than they would have owed if the rates stayed unchanged.

Even with a rate increase, spending on libraries, parks and social services would have to be trimmed $12.9 million. And commissioners would want another $11.4 million in cuts from Sheriff Al Lamberti, even though he has said he can't downsize further without jeopardizing public safety.

Commissioners plan to decide June 16 whether to have their staff draw up a budget with or without a tax rate hike. They continued to brace for a battle with Lamberti, emphasizing yet again that he must share equally in any cuts and stepping up accusations that he spends too much on overtime.

"I'm not going to be bullied by anyone, the sheriff included," Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion said.

Under revised budget projections, the county faces a shortfall of $108.3 million rather than earlier estimates of $129 million. Budget analysts said the new number reflects better projections on costs for fuel, utilities, insurance and payroll.

Cuts proposed to cover the shortfall without a tax rate increase include closing smaller libraries, shutting down regional parks two days a week and reductions in social services to the poor and elderly. The Sheriff's Office has offered to lay off 177 employees, end a program that assigns cops to patrol school grounds and close the old stockade jail.

A 13 percent hike in tax rates would allow the county to collect as much in taxes as it did before property values tumbled last year. Under state law, a majority of the commission could approve the higher rates without declaring it to be tax increase.

According to the county's budget division, most long-term property owners would pay less than they did in 2005 regardless of whether rates go up this year or not. Commissioners have been divided about what to do -- not wanting to make deep cuts in services but also not wanting to face a backlash for higher rates in a recession.

"Where does the public set its values?" Commissioner Kristin Jacobs asked. "Is it willing to lose all these services or is it willing to pay a little more this year?"

The average homeowner who qualifies for state homestead tax breaks would pay $597 if rates remain the same and $675 if they are increased. That's based on a taxable value of $122,028, the average for a homesteaded condo or home, according to date from the Property Appraiser's Office.

Scott Wyman can be reached at swyman@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4511.