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Dade City commissioners okay $10.3-million budget

By Helen Anne Travis, Times Staff Writer
In print: Tuesday, September 23, 2008

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DADE CITY — Commissioners approved a $10.3-million budget for 2008-09 and formally set the millage rate at 7.10 mills Monday night.

The rate is about 10 percent less than the rolled back millage rate, the amount needed to equal last year's income.

A mill produces $1 in tax for every $1,000 in taxable property value. At 7.10 mills, a person whose home is assessed at $150,000, minus the $50,000 homestead exemption, would pay $710 in city taxes.

Commissioners also voted to return utility billing deposits, typically $50, to customers who have managed to go two years without a late or returned payment.

"The way I look at it, it's not really the city's money to begin with," said Commissioner Steve Van Gorden.

Qualifying customers will see the deposit credited to future utility payments.

In other news:

• After weeks of wrestling with park rental fees and deposits, commissioners finally reached a decision Monday night.

Fees and deposits will be waived when the facilities are used for government meetings and activities. Current nonprofit tenants, and those that provide a governmental function, including league play, also will be exempt from the fees and from rules that forbid standing reservations.

Nonprofits that provide inkind services to the city are also off the hook for deposits and fees.

• The city is also considering ending a lease on 1.5 acres at the corner of Church Avenue and Eighth Street, once considered a potential site for a new City Hall.

"Looking at the budget, and the way the economy's going, I personally don't see a City Hall being built on the property," said City Manager Billy Poe.

The property, owned by the Weitzenkorn Family Partnership Ltd., is also used for overflow parking for downtown businesses and for special events.

The property costs the city $10,734 a year, which includes taxes and upkeep. The city also pays insurance on the lot.

Helen Anne Travis can be reached at htravis@sptimes.com or (813) 435-7312.