Coral Springs budget proposal seeks to increase fees for services and add 25 new positions across various city departments
Coral Springs, Florida – City leaders in Coral Springs are preparing to present a preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year, outlining plans to increase staffing levels and raise fees for residents. The budget proposal, scheduled for discussion at a special meeting on Tuesday, highlights a number of changes that could impact both the city’s workforce and the wallets of its residents. Among the key elements of the proposal is the addition of 25 new positions across various departments and the introduction of higher fees for services such as fire rescue, garbage collection, and stormwater management.
Under the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, the property tax rate will remain unchanged at 6.032 per $1,000 of taxable value. However, many property owners will find themselves paying more due to the rising values of their properties over the past year. As property values have increased, so too has the amount that homeowners are required to pay in taxes.
For the average single-family homeowner with a taxable property value of $346,876, the new budget would result in an additional $57 in property taxes. Additionally, residents will face increases in other city fees, including a $21 hike in fire rescue services, bringing the total to $308.18, and a $20 increase in garbage collection fees, which will now total $454. The stormwater assessment will also see a modest rise, increasing by $4.35 to a total of $149.22. In total, the proposed budget would raise the average single-family homeowner’s city taxes and assessments by $100.04.
Condo owners will not be immune to these increases either. Those with an average taxable value of $148,617 will see an increase of $65.09 in their total city taxes and assessments under the new budget proposal.
The proposed budget is not only focused on raising revenues, but also on expanding city services. A major component of the budget is the addition of new positions across various departments. The fire rescue services will see the largest increase, with the proposed addition of 12 new firefighters. These new positions are expected to strengthen the city’s emergency response capabilities and improve overall public safety. Parks and maintenance will also receive a boost, with two additional employees to be hired.
In a move to enhance the city’s digital infrastructure, the budget also includes the hiring of two new digital evidence technicians. These positions are aimed at improving the city’s ability to manage and process digital evidence, which is becoming an increasingly important aspect of law enforcement.
However, these new positions come at a significant cost. The city expects to spend approximately $2.4 million on staffing for these new roles, with a further $116 million allocated to properly equip the new firefighters. While the cost may be substantial, city officials argue that these investments are necessary for maintaining and improving the city’s services, especially as the population continues to grow and the demands on public safety and infrastructure increase.
The city is required by state law to report its expected property tax rates and assessments to the property appraiser’s office by early August. Once the appraiser’s office receives this information, it will notify residents and businesses of the proposed rates in what is known as the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice. The TRIM notice provides a clear picture of what taxpayers can expect to pay in the upcoming year. While city leaders are required to report their proposed rates, they can adjust them downward before the budget is finalized. However, they cannot increase the rates after the initial report is submitted to the appraiser’s office.
Following the release of the TRIM notice, Coral Springs residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions at two public hearings, which are scheduled to take place later this year. The city commission will then vote on the final budget proposal in late September.
It is important to note that the city’s property taxes are just one piece of the overall tax bill that residents will receive. Property tax bills in Coral Springs are made up of several different taxing authorities, including the school district, county, water management district, and other special taxing districts, in addition to the city itself. As a result, while the city’s tax rate may remain relatively stable, homeowners may still experience an increase in their overall tax liability depending on the changes in the values of their properties.
The proposed budget and its associated fee increases are set to be discussed at a special meeting of the Coral Springs City Commission, scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday at City Hall, located at 9500 W. Sample Road. As the city moves forward with its budget planning, residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the upcoming public hearings to share their thoughts on the proposed changes.
