Citrus digest

Business owner enters council race

CRYSTAL RIVER -- George Dluhy entered the race for City Council Seat 4 on Wednesday. The seat is being vacated by Russ Kreager, who will not seek re-election. Dluhy, 61, owns a picture framing business in Lecanto. He faces former council member Robert Holmes. Qualifying ends Friday.

Crystal River approves budget

CRYSTAL RIVER -- The City Council this week approved the 2002-03 budget, which calls for a property tax rate of 5.8 mills. The current rate is 5.818 mills. The general fund budget is $3.7-million, and overall spending is up about 12 percent. Finance director Donna Kilbury said the increase is due to a general higher cost of doing business and rising insurance costs. A mill is $1 in tax for every $1,000 in appraised taxable property value. The owner of a $75,000 house who takes the $25,000 homestead exemption would be billed $290 to support the city. Although the new rate is lower, homeowners might pay more taxes if the assessed value of their property has increased.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright