The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners presented a tentative $488.4 million budget and a maximum property tax rate of 6.8822 mills for the 2024-25 fiscal year at a public workshop July 22.
It is a 1.75% increase over the $479.9 million budget in 2023-24.
The budget would reduce the millage rate from about 7.1 mills in the last fiscal year, the board said in a news release.
Nassau reduced the millage rate the past three years. It was about 7.3 mills in fiscal year 2021-22.
A mill represents $1 in tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. Because of rising property values, tax bills can increase even if the millage rate is unchanged. If the millage rate is reduced, the amount collected by the county could still increase.
The board in the release the proposal is a “structurally balanced budget” while funding capital improvement, pavement management and surface treatment programs. It said it will continue to focus on animal control, along with funding for land conservation and management programs, aligning with community requests.
“The commission’s engagement in budget planning through winter strategic sessions, policy updates and plan development has led to transparent, results-driven budgeting focused on lowering millage rates and improving services,” the release said.
A tentative budget is due to the county’s tax collector Aug. 1. Truth in Millage, or TRIM, notices are due to be mailed to property owners by Aug. 24.
The first public hearing regarding the budget and millage rates is scheduled for Sept. 9 after 5 p.m.