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Published: September 24 2014

Broward County Commissioners gave final approval to the fiscal year 2015 budget. The total budget, which includes tax supported and non-tax supported funds, is $4.1 billion. The combined millage rate for FY15 is $5.723 per thousand dollars of taxable value and remains the same as in fiscal year 2014.

The fiscal year 2015 budget funds a variety of county programs and services such as transportation, parks and recreation, libraries, elderly and veterans services and a variety of human services.  Nearly half of the property tax supported General Fund is allocated to the Constitutional Offices, primarily the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Property Appraiser and Supervisor of Elections.

Homestead properties with “Save Our Homes” differential and an average taxable value of $127,000 will see an estimated increase in taxes of $17.  Other residential properties, primarily non-homesteaded properties, with an average taxable value of $142,000 will experience an estimated increase of $58. 

The recommended budget continues Broward County’s long standing tradition of financial stability, multi-year planning and responsible stewardship. Overall, the total budget increases by $24 million due to an increase in the operating and debt service components and a decrease in the capital budget. The $24 million represents an increase of less than one percent in the total $4.1 billion budget.

Broward County Commissioners voted 7 to 1 to pass the FY15 budget.  Commissioner Chip LaMarca voted no on all of the budget items voicing opposition to tax increases and Commissioner Kristin Jacobs was not present. 

Broward County taxes consist of less than one-quarter of the overall tax bill, which also includes city taxes, school district taxes and special taxing districts.

The fiscal year 2015 budget takes effect on October 1, 2014.