Aventura wants to keep property tax rate same

Aventura is proposing to keep the property tax rate the same for the upcoming 2015-16 budget year, which will lead to a small increase in the typical bill for taxpayers and allow the city to pursue drainage improvements and a build a new park.

The proposal

The commission is proposing a tax rate of $1.73 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which is the same as last year’s rate. It remains the lowest property tax rate in Miami-Dade County, and it is the 20th year in a row the rate has not increased.

Taxpayer impact

Under the proposed rate, the owner of a median condo valued at about $220,000 would pay about $2,964 in property taxes.

This marks a $30 increase from last year, assuming the owner qualified for the standard homestead exemption and the home’s assessed value increased by 0.8 percent, the maximum allowed by law this year for an owner-occupied home. The city will likely not raise that rate any higher as the budget season goes on, but it can be lowered or remain the same.

Impact on services

The proposed rate allows the city to budget for planned improvements, like drainage infrastructure upgrades, flashing pedestrian crossing signs at major intersections on Country Club Drive and a new park at Northeast 188th Street.

The proposed $60.6 million budget is nearly 2 percent higher than the previous year, with increasing operating costs to cover personnel needs in the parks department, increased building inspection and review costs, and a new public records specialist position to handle an increased demand for records.

What the city manager says

“Projects included range from drainage improvements to the opening of our new park and the commitment to invest in state-of-the-art technology to serve and protect our residents. Maintaining our infrastructure from government buildings to our park facilities continues to be a major funding priority to protect these assets.” — City Manager Eric Soroka

Public hearings

▪ When: 6 p.m., Sept. 8 for first hearing; 6 p.m., Sept. 16 for second hearing

▪ Where: Government Center, 19200 W Country Club Dr.

Check your mailbox

Homeowners will receive a letter called a “TRIM notice” in August giving them their proposed tax rate and hearing dates. The letter will also include proposed tax rates for the county, school board and other local agencies.

This story was originally published July 23, 2015 at 3:21 PM with the headline "Aventura wants to keep property tax rate same."