Brevard County's proposed $1.29 billion budget includes decrease in tax rate

Tax rates for Brevard County property owners will continue to decline under Brevard County Manager Frank Abbate's proposed budget for 2018-19.

Abbate's proposed $1.29 billion budget plan was sent to county commissioners on Friday, and will be subject of two public hearings in September. Commissioners can modify the budget during those hearings. The new budget year begins Oct. 1.

The proposed budget sets a priority for road, drainage, sewage and other infrastructure improvements; maintains existing program and services; and gives county employees cost-of-living pay raises of 1.5 percent. 

Here are some highlights of the budget plan:

Total budget increases: The $1.29 billion budget is an increase of 0.85 percent from the current amended budget of $1.28 billion.

It is an increase of 10.25 percent or $120 million, when compared with the fiscal 2017-18 adopted budget. Half of that increase, $60 million, is attributable to the increased revenue from the half-percent special sales tax targeted for projects to improve the condition of the Indian River Lagoon.

The proposed general funds budget of $284.71 million is up 3.22 percent, from the current general funds budget of $275.82 million.

Most tax rates decrease: The proposed general fund tax rate is $3.95 per $1,000 of taxable property value, down from $4.16 per $1,000 in the current year.

This is the sixth consecutive year that the proposed general countywide property tax rate has been reduced from the prior-year rate. 

More:Brevard Children's Services Council seeks tax to help fund programs

More:Brevard property values increase 9 percent in 2018, new construction up 53 percent

The combined effect of an 8.97 percent increase in property values, new construction and the reduction in the general countywide property tax rate has resulted in increased general property tax revenue of $5.3 million for 2018-19.

Separate from the general fund, tax rates would decline in 18 taxing districts and would rise in the other four. These taxing districts cover such areas as law enforcement, fire control, recreation, roads, libraries, mosquito control and environmentally endangered lands.

The proposed aggregate tax rate, which represents all operational tax rates, is $6.03 per $1,000, down from current aggregate rate of $6.33 per $1,000. 

Infrastructure focus: In his 18-page budget message to county commissioners, Abbate said the proposal budget "is aimed at building on the success of infrastructure improvements made in recent fiscal years by continuing to invest in critical infrastructure needs, which will avoid increased costs if further deferment occurs."

Abbate cited road resurfacing, drainage system improvements and building repairs as examples. This will include projects at jail and courthouse facilities and at fire stations.

The proposed budget also addresses infrastructure improvements at parks, community centers and beach crossovers, as well as repairs at parks facilities that were damaged as a result of Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Addressing sewage discharges: An ongoing 10-year Utility Services Department capital improvement plan will address issues that resulted in sewage discharge into the Indian River Lagoon and elsewhere in the county. This will include accelerating a program to line pipes, as well as replacement of a failing force main.

Programs maintained:  The proposed budget maintains existing program and service levels, with the exception of funding for nonprofit "community-based organizations." The proposed budget reduces money for those organizations by 20 percent from its current level, in accordance with an ongoing County Commission-approved five-year phaseout of the program. 

Pay increases: The proposed budget includes a 1.5 percent cost-of-living pay raise for county employees. It also sets aside money to begin addressing recommendations of an ongoing wide-ranging study of pay levels among county workers. 

"With unemployment rates down to 3.4 percent as of May, Brevard County faces increasing challenges with employee recruitment and retention, as higher salaries are offered elsewhere in the market," Abbate said.

"Responsible" budget: Abbate said the proposed budget "represents a fiscally responsible spending plan that is consistent with" the County Commission's "public policy direction."

"Significant effort has been made to allocate funding to the board's highest-priority goals," Abbate said.

Dave Berman is government editor at FLORIDA TODAY. 

Contact Berman at 321-242-3649

or dberman@floridatoday.com.

Twitter: @bydaveberman

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