Ed Martin's INSIDE VENICE FLORIDA Blog          Thursday, 29 July 2010 Did Council Approve A 20% Increase in Taxes? No. Actually the all too typical headline, designed to scare readers to the story, does not reflect reality. Actually the reporter in his second paragraph, points that out. The way millage setting in Florida works, the Council sets a maximum rate, then can reduce it--which is what Council has done virtually every year. If you set the minimum rate and the budget hearings indicate a greater need, you can not increase the millage rate. It will be September before the Council, after two days of public hearings and comments, finalizes the budget and sets the final millage rate. Even without the benefit of Sunshine- prohibited discussions with fellow members I can virtually assure readers that the maximum rate will not be approved. (The meetings start at 5:01 p.m. to allow working folks to take part.) Council will consider whether any increase at all is justified given the millions of dollars of reduced revenues because of falling property rates, and the annual need to tap dwindling reserves which is a concern in this hurricane belt area. Come to the meetings and hear the issues discussed and take part by expressing your views. insidevenice@verizon.net Post A Comment Posted By Ed Martin at 5:48 PM in Category:Inside Venice Replies No replies yet.