Council proposes reducing tax rate for 2021-2022 fiscal year
The governing board of Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County on Monday proposed a 2021-2022 millage rate of .6233 – a four-percent decrease from last year.
If finalized, the Council’s property tax revenue will remain the same despite the reduction in the millage rate, allowing the Council to meet the needs of the community in innovative ways. This is especially important as a global pandemic continues to take a toll on Palm Beach County’s families.
In the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, the Council will focus on reducing disparities in child outcomes, supporting child care providers during the ongoing pandemic so parents can get back to work, and implementing a new mentoring initiative for children in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The Council also plans to increase mental health/trauma-informed care supports for children and increase supports for literacy, while focusing on community-driven innovations.
“It’s been a difficult year and half, as Palm Beach County has struggled to stay safe and care for those most in need during Covid-19,” says Lisa Williams-Taylor, CSC’s CEO. “But our community is resilient, as are our providers and partners. We are proud to work together to support the health and well-being of Palm Beach County’s children and families.
“This budget means we can sustain all of our current programs and services over the next year, as well as meet the increased needs of our children and families during these unpredictable times.”
Under the proposed millage rate, a Palm Beach County owner of a single-family home with an assessed property value of $350,000 (with $50,000 in typical exemptions) will pay about $186.99 in ad valorem taxes to the Council in 2021-2022.
Total ad valorem taxes to the Council will be $133,216,049. Nearly 93% of the Council’s overall budget will go to support children’s programs and services.
The Council will have a final vote on the millage rate at the second TRIM (Truth In Millage) hearing at 5:01 p.m., Sept. 23.
About Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County
The Council is a local, special-purpose government created by Palm Beach County voters in 1986 and reauthorized in 2014. For more than 30 years, it has provided leadership, funding, services and research on behalf of the county’s children so they grow up healthy, safe and strong.
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