San Antonio officials hold tax rate steady

Commissioners had proposed a 72-cent increase but decided to back away from the hike.

SAN ANTONIO - City commissioners have agreed to keep the tax rate for the coming fiscal year at the same level as last year, about $2.53 for every $1,000 of assessed property value, backing off from the $3.25 rate advertised earlier this year.

Commissioners set the rate Wednesday night and prepared to embark on a $300,000 overhaul of the city's roads in the coming year.

Mayor Roy Pierce said residents could take pride in the tax rate, pointing out that by subtracting the portion of tax money that is turned directly over to Pasco County to pay for fire protection, the city is operating on a property tax rate of just 83 cents per $1,000 of value.

"That is a heck of a low millage rate for any city in the state," he said.

Still, Pierce acknowledged that for those who have property that has seen an increase in assessed value, the amount of tax they pay will go up.

Under a formula established by state law to present a rate that accounts for increased assessments, called a rollback rate, even by maintaining the same tax rate, the city is levying a 12 percent tax increase.

The property tax is expected to generate about $75,000 of the city's $676,775 operating budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. Much of that money, $300,000, comes from loans being negotiated for street improvements.

Other major expenses include $64,744 to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement; $51,260 for fire protection; and $59,986 for employee salaries. Commissioners agreed to offer employees a 2.5 percent raise.

A final hearing on the budget is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at City Hall.

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