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Martin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
The good news on tax increases is that there were none. In fact, some ad valorem rates decreased. As you may know (and if you don’t, look at the back of your annual TRIM notice which you recently received from the property appraiser’s office), there are numerous independent taxing authorities which can raise your taxes. While they have 1 more public hearing to go through, this is how it’s going to shake out.
Taxing Authority
Martin County (Board of County Commissioners) - decreased by .713% from 9.987 to 9.9185
School Board – decreased by .573 from 5.7500 to 5.1770
Children’s Service Council – Originally wanting to raise the rate to .4250 from .3618 several speakers including the MCTA showed up at their public hearing and protested the increase. One point brought up by several was that there was no vetting in place to guarantee that the funds which are distributed by the CSC don’t go to illegal children.
South Florida Water Management District – kept flat at .0327.
Florida’s Inland Navigation District – kept flat at .0288
The County will employ 11 more people and the Constitutional Officers (Sheriff, Prop Appraiser, Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections, Clerk of the Courts) will employ 11.5 more staff members.
Fire/Rescue’s Ocean Rescue division will apply for a Surfing Evolution and Preservation Foundation grant in the amount of $3,180 for training mannequins with no County match.
Staff will apply for a Derelict Vessel Removal and Disposal grant from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) for $88,492.
A grant of $120,000 with no county match will be applied for from Resilient Florida Planning.
It was voted to accept the Statewide Response for Opioid Abatement Fund for $763,637 to be added to an existing agreement bringing the total to $2,947,117.
An FAA grant to rehabilitate a taxi lane at the airport in the amount of $865,949 has been accepted. The airport is an enterprise fund, meaning that it makes its own money, so this will not cost the County taxpayer.
There was a budget resolution to accept $26,488 from FDOT for Transportation Disadvantaged funds to help fund Martin’s Metropolitan Planning Organization. The MPO is “a federally mandated public agency that works to coordinate the improvement of all facets of the transportation network in Martin County”. https://martinmpo.com/about-us/
A contribution from the US Sailing Center of $60,981.48 was accepted for the construction of an overflow parking lot at Indian Riverside Park. Thanks!
Ongoing service contracts accepted were:
Shoreline restoration and stabilization – capped at $2M over 5 years.
Painting – capped at $1,500,000 over 5 years.
Utility painting – capped at $1,500,000 over 5 years.
Electrical services - $5M over 5 years.
Hobe Sound draw bridge repair and maintenance - $2M over 5 years.
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On Sept. 9th MCTA hosted its first in its new INSIGHTS series of events. The purpose of these meetings is to inform the residents of Martin County where their tax dollars are going. WE WILL TELL YOU THINGS YOU CANNOT READ IN THE NEWSPAPER OR SEE ON THE NEWS. For the most part these get-togethers will be regarding local government spending. And that’s what they are going to be designed to be…get togethers. We want to know what you what to know about. We want you to ask questions. These are going to move around the county. The next one will be at the Schnitzel House in Hobe Sound from 4:30 to 6:30pm. The guest speaker is to be determined.
Representative Toby Overdorf was the guest speaker at the initial meeting. He has been appointed the co-chair of the Select Committee on Property Taxes. And it’s a hot topic which will affect us all. The event was attended by 200 people. So, a nice start! The Representative was well informed and open for suggestions as to how to achieve the Governor’s request of ridding the state of property taxes. One theory is that the Governor thinks the local governments are being too frivolous in many cases with your money. So, if local government spending is tightened up, they may be able to rid us of property taxation. People are skeptical. The conversation has just begun and we will keep you informed.
These meetings are for everyone. Please put Nov. 11th on your calendar. Bring friends and neighbors (no pun intended). It is open to the public. You will be well rewarded with information presented in an interesting manner.
For further information, please contact Darlene at 772-285-7447. |
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Confused About All These Topics?
Check Out Our New Free Event
Insight Series
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Insights Series
🗣️ Let’s Talk Local: What No One Told You (But Should Have)
A Community Briefing on Where Your Tax Dollars Are Really Going
Ever wonder where your money’s going—and who’s deciding how it’s spent? This eye-opening event pulls back the curtain on how your local tax dollars are allocated, who’s behind the decisions, and what it means for you, your neighborhood, and your future.
🧠 Get the inside scoop from our featured local guest speaker
🤝 Network with movers, shakers, and change-makers
🍴 Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar in a relaxed setting
📣 Gain the knowledge—and the voice—you didn’t know you needed
WHEN & WHERE: Coming November 11th
FEATURING – A Local Guest Speaker to be announced
This isn’t your average community meeting. It’s your chance to ask questions, get answers, and connect with others who care about what’s happening right here in our hometown.
✅ Come curious. Leave empowered.
🗓️ November 11
📍 TBD |
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Get Involved – We Need You!
Your 70+ year old, non-profit, taxpayer watchdog organization works with volunteers. There are many county meetings (usually lasting only about 1 hour) that are open to the public. We ask volunteers to attend just one a month (some don't even meet that often) and become the "expert" on that particular committee. You will pick a committee meeting that interests you. Then report back to the MCTA. You need not write anything except notes for yourself. If you are interested in serving your community without investing a lot of time, please contact Darlene for further information at 772-285-7447 or mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com
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Keeping an eye on how our tax dollars are managed
For over 70 years, this volunteer non-profit organization has been the "Watch Dog" for
your Martin County Tax Dollars.
Your Donations Save You Tax Dollars!
Please consider a donation so we may continue for many years to come. |
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How Can We Serve You?
Do you have pressing questions you would like answered? Are you curious about how your tax dollars are being spent? Do you know who all the candidates are that are running for County Commissioner? What would you like to know? Ask us and we will do our best to find out. Have something interesting to share about Martin County History? Let us know and we just may share it here. |
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Dear friends and supporters of MCTA,
Enjoy our newsletter, and if you would like even more info on Martin County please consider checking out "Friends and Neighbors of Martin County." It is the county's fastest growing online news source.
Thoughts on MCTA - Hear what others have to say about MCTA
Please share your thoughts about MCTA and why it is important to you - we'll be sure to include you here. Send us and email mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com. (put "Newsletter Thoughts" in the subject line)
Are there topics you would like us to cover?
Send an email and we will do our best. mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com (put "Topic to Cover" in the subject line)
Please share this newsletter with everyone. The more we all know, the more power we have! |
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