PINELLAS PARK — Residents can anticipate a lower property tax rate, millions of dollars for a public works complex, and sewage and water rate hikes from the county in next year's budget.
The proposed property tax rate is $5.49 for every $1,000 of assessed, taxable value. That means the owner of a home valued at $150,000 with a $50,000 homestead exemption would pay $549 in city taxes. This year's rate is about $5.59 for every $1,000 of assessed, taxable value.
The lower rate plus a 6.4 percent increase in city property values will bring in an additional $445,000 to balance the general fund, which covers the revenues and expenditures for most city departments.
Next year's capital improvement fund has money allotted for several infrastructure and maintenance projects throughout the city, including $3 million for a public works operation center funded by the infrastructure sales tax. The complex at 82nd Avenue and 62nd Street will allow the department to work in one building instead of being split between two, said City Manager Doug Lewis. There will also be space for mechanics to service city vehicles indoors.
Among other projects, the fund has $50,000 set aside for the 5600 block of Park Boulevard and $109,000 for restrooms, trails, a parking lot and other work at the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch at Lurie Park.
The proposed budget also includes 3.25 percent raises for nonunion employees and those covered by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. There will be no increase in health insurance premiums until April 1, when they may increase by 15 percent.
During a budget workshop last month, council member Ed Taylor expressed concern about increases in wastewater treatment and water rates but recognized they're hand-downs from Pinellas County. Residents should expect a wastewater treatment rate of about $4.26 per 1,000 gallons of wastewater, or a one percent increase from this year. The water rate is also anticipated to increase from $7.04 to $7.11 per 1,000 gallons.
Also during the workshop, the council decided to increase the donation to Vincent House, an organization based in Pinellas Park that serves people with mental illnesses, from $10,000 to $15,000 at the suggestion of council member Patti Johnson.
Donations to charities account for about $267,000, or half a percent, of the city's general fund budget.
Contact Kathryn Varn at (727) 893-8913 or kvarn@tampabay.com. Follow @kathrynvarn.