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Appraiser To Explain Exemption

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By JULIA FERRANTE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 11, 2008

DADE CITY - Full-time homeowners wondering how to take advantage of a new $50,000 homestead exemption may want to tune in to or attend Tuesday's county commission meeting.

Property Appraiser Mike Wells is slated to explain how qualifying property owners who claim Pasco as their primary residence may apply for the doubled exemption and a new tangible property discount approved through a state constitutional amendment Jan. 29.

Wells also plans to discuss how the amendment will affect the county budget. His presentation is scheduled during the 10 a.m. meeting at the historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave.

Michael Nurrenbrock, Pasco's director of management and budget, has estimated that the county commission will have to cut $16 million from the $160 million portion of the budget supported by property taxes. That is based on projections of little or no growth in property values. The total budget for the current fiscal year is $2.1 billion.

It is unclear how much "portability" - a provision allowing Florida residents to take their homestead exemptions with them when they move - will cut into the county coffers.

Pasco in the past several years has experienced record-breaking growth and corresponding boosts in property tax revenue. Wells has projected much smaller if any gains this year due to a slow real estate market and erratic sales prices. He usually gives a formal estimate of the county's taxable property value in the spring.

County commissioners last year had to cut close to $16 million from accounts supported by property taxes. Services on the line in the coming year include expenses for the sheriff's office, parks and recreation department and county libraries, as well as elderly nutrition and veterans' services. County Administrator John Gallagher also initiated a hiring freeze, although some positions were filled.

Also Tuesday, commissioners are slated to discuss:

• Ways to increase recycling. At a recent workshop they considered creating a franchise system that would require licensed haulers to compete to pick up recyclables in four areas of the county.

Use of cannons to scare away birds at commercial blueberry fields. Some residents in west Pasco have complained about frequent noise.

• A cost-savings incentive for employees. Commissioner Michael Cox plans to pitch the program.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.

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