July 5, 2006 - St. Lucie County Commissioners Finish Day One of Budget Review Session

The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners finished the first day of their budget review sessions with staff proposing a 9% millage decrease countywide. This would be the largest millage decrease in the County's history. The total millage reduction proposed, including Mosquito Control, is .6057. This would result in a savings of $136 for a house valued at $250,000 with a $25,000 Homestead Exemption. Homeowners with a Homestead Exemption will receive a 3% increase in property values as established by the State; however with this proposed millage reduction, they would receive a 6% net reduction in their County property taxes.

Other highlights from today's budget review session include an overview of potential Criminal Justice programs, a snapshot of the County’s $28 million Parks and Recreation projects currently underway and budget requests from several county departments.

Commissioners will continue the budget review process tomorrow, Thursday, July 6, with each of the Constitutional Officers and Statutory Agencies. During Friday's session, Commissioners will review outside agencies' budget requests, as well as more county departments. Finally on Monday's session, Commissioners will review the budgets of the Public Defender, Parks and Recreation and address any unresolved business.

The budget review sessions are held in Conference Room #3 at the St. Lucie County Administration building located at 2300 Virginia Avenue in Fort Pierce. The sessions are open to the public. For more information, call (772) 462-1100.