BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Members of the public wishing to comment on the proposed Broward County fiscal year 2015 budget will have an opportunity to do so on Tuesday, September 9th  and again on September 23rd.  Budget public hearings begin at 5:00 PM and are held at the Broward Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave, Room 422 in Fort Lauderdale.

The FY15 recommended total budget, which includes tax supported and non-tax supported funds, is $4.1 billion.  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 $28.5 million due to an increase in the operating and debt service components and a decrease in the capital budget. The $28.5 million represents an increase of less than one percent in the total $4.1 billion budget.

Based on the Broward County Commission’s direction, the proposed total millage rate will remain the same as fiscal year 2014.  The proposed combined millage rate for FY15 is $5.723 per thousand dollars of taxable value. Homestead properties with “Save Our Homes” differential and an average taxable value of $127,000 will experience 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. 

It’s important to note that 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.

Broward County Commissioners are expected to approve a final budget after the second budget hearing on September 23rd. The fiscal year 2015 budget takes effect on October 1, 2014.