High Springs Sets Preliminary Millage Rate

HIGH SPRINGS – At the July 25, 2024, High Springs City Commission meeting, the Commission proposed a tentative millage rate of 6.99 mills, matching the current year's rate. However, Commissioners Tristan Grunder and Wayne Bloodsworth expressed a desire to lower the final rate. Grunder emphasized that he had agreed to the 6.99 mills rate last year under the assumption it was for only one year.

The rollback rate is 6.3802 mills, with the proposed rate representing a 9.56 percent increase over the rollback rate. The 6.99 mills rate would generate approximately $3,372,295 in revenue for the City. A millage rate is one-tenth of a percent, which equates to $1 in taxes for every $1,000 in home value. Public hearings on the millage rate have been scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 and 23.

During discussions, it was revealed that the taxes on the city's solar array are estimated at around $500. The rezoning of this property from County to City had initially promised higher tax revenues. However, since the property remains zoned as Agricultural instead of Industrial, the tax rate is significantly lower. The City Attorney will consider a request to change the property's tax classification to reflect its industrial usage. The City Finance Director suggested this issue could be appealed to the Valuation Board.

The Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2024-J regarding the millage rate.

In related budget matters, the Commission approved the fire services rates for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25, maintaining the current rate structure. Residential properties will continue to be assessed at $223, while non-residential property assessments will remain based on square footage, capped at 40,000 sq. ft. Commercial properties will be charged $0.09 per square foot, Industrial/Warehouse properties $0.02, and Institutional properties $0.16.

Finance Director Diane Wilson noted that an assessment fee for a study to determine the appropriate rates to meet the city's expenses is projected to cost between $8,000 and $10,000. This study will be conducted by a consultant.

Code Enforcement Services

Willdan Engineering, Orlando, was unanimously approved to provide Code Enforcement Services to the City for a one-year period. City Manager Jeremy Marhsall said he interviewed all three responders to the Request for Proposals (RFP) and believes Willdan to be the best fit for the City. The cost is $750 per week with an additional $250 charged to attend Code Enforcement Hearings.

Marshall also said he had an RFP out for a Special Magistrate and anticipated a response in the next two weeks. The Magistrate is necessary not only for Code Enforcement but also for appeals to the speed zone charges.

Inoperable Meters

The Commission unanimously approved to surplus water meters declared inoperable. Marshall said that someone came to him with a request to purchase the meters for $7,000. Currently, they were stockpiling those meters as they were not repairable.

Comments

The High Springs Police Department has received an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Grant of $18,000 for advanced technology and law enforcement equipment. The department also received a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for additional ballistic vests for first responders. Each vest costs about $1,500 and requires replacement every five years.

The City of High Springs provides fire suppression and first response Advanced Life Support (ALS) EMS services. The Department went though inspections recently and, according to Marshall, “passed with flying colors.”

The City is considering what to do with an old pumper that the Fire Department is currently unable to use. Marshall has agreed to prepare a listing for govdeals for the next meeting for Commission approval. If the pumper does not sell, the City is considering donating the pumper to the Lofton Center.

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