Newberry Sets Preliminary Millage Rate

NEWBERRY – The City Commission conducted a short meeting on Monday, July 27, the primary purpose of which was to set the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Preliminary Millage Rate.

The preliminary millage rate is routinely set higher than the rate the City Commission hopes to implement by the time the budget is set and the Final Millage Rate is reported to the County. The Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices are sent by the County to residents on Aug. 1. TRIM reflects annual property taxes and fees based on assessed property values including all exemptions.

Commissioners voted to set this year’s Preliminary Millage Rate at 6.4501 mills, which is $6.4501 per $1,000 of assessed property within the City of Newberry. The rolled-back rate, as computed according to Florida Statutes, was set at 5.8930 mills, which is $5.8930 per $1,000 of assessed property within the City.

However, “the budget has been based on 5.9999 mills, the same rate as the current year,” said Director of Finance & Administration Dallas Lee. “Earlier numbers were based on estimated property appraisals. On July 1 the City received actual property appraisals from the County.”

The first public budget hearing to consider the proposed millage rate and tentative budget is set for Monday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. The second public budget hearing to adopt the final millage rate and final budget is set for Monday, Sept. 28, also at 7 p.m. Both public hearings are tentatively scheduled to be held at Newberry City Hall.

Depending on the governor’s executive order between now and the hearing dates, hearings may be held virtually or in a public meeting. Currently, his order allows virtual meetings to be extended to the end of September. Citizens are asked to check the City’s website to determine which method these meetings will be held.

Because students are expected to be in their classrooms on Aug. 24, Mayor Jordan Marlowe said he believes the City should also hold their meetings at City Hall rather than continue virtual meetings. No serious discussion took place during the meeting, but Marlowe said he would meet with each Commissioner individually to determine their wishes on this issue.

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