School Board sticks to millage rate

Members of the Manatee County School Board have voted against increasing school district-related property taxes anytime soon.

Board member Dave Miner had led efforts to raise millage by one mill, or $1 per $1,000 of taxable value, to overcome the district’s looming budget woes. District officials have projected the district will be short in funding its operating budget within the next three years.

The tax increase would generate an estimated $30 million annually.

Miner and Chairman Charlie Kennedy supported the change, while members Gina Messenger, John Colon and newly appointed Scott Hopes opposed it during a July 25 meeting. Overall, School Board members said they wanted a plan for how the dollars would be spent and they did not believe the public would support an increase so soon after approving a half-cent sales tax in November.