School board to vote on final budget, millage

After the regular meeting tomorrow, the Sarasota County School Board will be voting to adopt the 2014-2015 budget and 2014 millage rates.

Because of a decrease in the state-mandated portion of the millage rate, the total millage rate for the district will fall from 7.97 in 2013 to 7.777 in 2014. It is the first time the millage rate has decreased since 2011.

One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property valuation.
That means for every $100,000 of assessed value, homeowners will save $19.30 on their property-tax bill.

However, with home values in the area rising, the school district’s taxable values, the tax roll, increased 7.8% from last year. The net result will mean more revenue from property taxes for schools than last year.

At the July 24 meeting, Deputy Chief Financial Officer Al Weidner said the school’s budget is in “very good condition this year,” with a total $707 million. A total of $124.5 million has been cut from the district’s general fund budget since 2007, due to the effects of the recession. This year, $108,477 was cut—a smaller cut than previous years.
Because the superintendent and the board were conservative during the recession, all funds have adequate reserves.

After hearing public comment, the board will vote. The vote will be for the final adoption of both the budget and millage rate.

During the board meeting, the board will also vote on approving an agreement with Macy’s Florida Stores, the retail department store. The affiliation agreement allows students to participate in an “On the Job” training program, in which they will learn key skills and knowledge in retail sales and operation at Macy’s.

IF YOU GO

What: Sarasota County School Board meeting and final budget and millage adoption meeting

When: Board meeting: 3:00 p.m.; adoption meeting: 5:15 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Where: Both meetings will be held at the Landings Administrative Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd., Sarasota.