2013 Property Tax Rate Increase!

Dear Editor:

Citizens of Deerfield Beach, have you noticed that the city commission wants to raise the city property tax rate by more than one mill? What happened to the promise that the Utility Tax would help to avoid increases in the property tax rate. We’re now back to the pre-utility property tax rate in just one year.

The new mayor even campaigned against the Utility Tax and now she wants both that and a large increase in property taxes. I guess we were fooled again by promises from politicians that seem to vanish once elected. Other surrounding towns (Lighthouse Point and Pompano Beach) have held their rates. Why can’t Deerfield Beach? What can be done?

Attend the hearings and voice your objection.

David Nace

Deerfield Beach

Why are your taxes going up?

Dear Editor:

This budget cannot be considered without touching the conclusions brought about by the Fitch ratings downgrade of our municipal bonds.

[Regarding the merger with BSO fire-rescue], the former commission was sold a bill of goods and voted with the city manager’s endorsement to merge the fire dept. with BSO in 2011. They were told to expect an immediate savings of $1.6 million in addition to long-term savings. The projections were based upon a cursory, one-year cost analysis that was provided by the county. There are not any savings that have been clearly identified to-date.

With the passage of the 10 percent Utility Tax, the commission figured they could lower the millage rate by 1 mill – not knowing that it was creating financial chaos.

Please do not blame this newly-elected commission for the sins of the past.

We are now faced with cleaning up the mess.

Jean M. Robb,

Mayor

Deerfield Beach