Opa-locka commissioners propose slight property tax increase in 2015-16 fiscal year

Opa-locka council members are proposing a slight tax rate increase for the 2015-16 fiscal year, but are not planning to add any new services for taxpayers.

The proposal

The council voted Thursday to set a tentative tax rate of $8.90 per $1,000 of assessed property value. If approved, the rate will be higher than last year, but lower than the 2013-14 fiscal year.

Impact on taxpayers

Under the proposed rate, the owner of a median home valued at about $53,000 (taken from the median assessed value from the property appraiser) would pay about $30 in property taxes.

This marks a $5 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 owner-occupied home.

Opa-locka will likely not raise that rate any higher as the budget season goes on.

Impact on services

For the first time in years, Opa-locka experienced an increase in property values, which will help to balance the budget, according to the city manager’s office. While the city’s Community Empowerment Team program was set to close, the commission voted to keep it open early this month.

What the city manager says

“The whole intent is to bring forth a balanced budget. You don’t want to have a budget that lends itself to any types of gaps.” — Assistant City Manager David Chiverton

Public hearings

▪ When: 5:01 p.m. Sept. 10 and Sept. 23

▪ Where: Sherbondy Village Auditorium, 215 Perviz Ave., Opa-locka

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 30, 2015 at 7:06 PM with the headline "Opa-locka commissioners propose slight property tax increase in 2015-16 fiscal year."