The news story regarding the school district financial rating was interesting. I really liked the statement made by the Asst. Superintendent of Business Operations Mike Averyt, "What hurts the most was the legislature when they took our millage away." I have news for you Mr. Averyt, the legislature didn't take your money, that money belongs to the taxpayers. As a taxpayer, I don't feel overly compelled to ever see that money restored until some of the fat is cut out of the Highlands County School District. ...more

December 27, 2009

A recent financial rating gave the School Board of Highlands County a "good credit quality," which is one step above a "speculative' rating. ...more

December 23, 2009

The fire district's millage cap will remain at 2.50 after all. Robert Schenck made waves when he decided last month to reduce it from 2.75. ...more

January 24, 2009

Now that county commissioners have created standing committees to focus on the major issues of the day, just what are those issues? ...more

January 23, 2009

Florida voters last January approved Amendment One, which mandated an extra $25,000 homestead exemption on top of an existing $25,000 tax exemption on homestead properties. ...more

November 11, 2008

An anti-incumbent wave swept clear the decks of the county commission Tuesday night - at least for Democrats - as Diane Rowden and Chris Kingsley were voted out of office. ...more

November 5, 2008

To Ms. Kraft who wonders what Mr. Maxcy has been doing the last 2-16 years? He's been doing his part in helping to cut the millage and the unemployment rates, both of which were higher when he took office. He has been doing everything he could to help to make this a better county to live in along with the other four commissioners. You do realize that there are five of them that vote on things? May I ask what you have been doing these last two years? Have you been attending the meeting or committee meetings to help understand the goings on in our local government? ...more

September 26, 2008

Our elected leaders, both city and county, are laying the foundations for the future by creating ways to raise taxes on us and are doing it with all the vengeance and hatefulness they can muster without regard for voters and taxpayers. Sebring claims they will lower the millage to accommodate the 1-pecent fire assessment fee with a 10-percent cap. If one figures this out, a tax bill of $3,000 will become $3,300, then $3,630, etc. There goes the tax savings we voted on. ...more

September 3, 2008

This wasn't supposed to be the year of the angry taxpayer. In January, Florida voters passed Amendment 1, which promised property tax relief on several fronts, including nearly doubling the homestead exemption. ...more

August 30, 2008

After a public hearing for citizen comment, the Sebring City Council will consider Thursday the final rate resolution to implement a fire assessment. ...more

August 26, 2008