SEBASTIAN — The city of Sebastian will host three public workshops next week to educate residents on how property taxes are spent when funding local community services.
The workshops have been scheduled for Tuesday, 24th of Feb. at 10 a.m. and at 5 p.m., while another one will take place on Wednesday, Feb.25, starting from 2:00 p.m in the City Council Chambers at 1225 Main Street in Sebastian.
Property taxes continue to provide an important source of revenue for local governments, which fund services such as police protection, road repairs, emergency response and schools. Unlike state or federal funds, these dollars remain in the community.
While the state has a bill that could potentially eliminate property taxes, it would not mean an end to taxation, but could shift costs onto other sources such as sales taxes or user fees.
Central to the debate is the millage rate, which is the tax levied on every $1,000 in taxable value of a property. A 3.45 rate represents $3.45 in city taxes per every $1,000 of assessed valuation.
That rate is then determined by the City Council, at public hearings and through an open budgeting process, ensuring local control.
Revenue from those taxes pays for essential operations, including the Police Department, maintenance of streets and sidewalks, community events and programs and upkeep of its parks and public spaces.
The workshops are open to all residents and no registration is necessary. To learn more, call the city at (772) 589-5330 or visit the city of Sebastian’s website.
