Buddy Dyer Calls for Property Tax Increase
Monday, July 28, 2014
By: Matthew Peddie

July 28th, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando- Orlando city residents could see their property taxes go up- if Mayor Buddy Dyer has his way. Dyer said Monday the increase will help the city meet a $29 Million budget shortfall.

[Orlando City Hall. Photo: Matthew Peddie, WMFE]

In a presentation to city commissioners, Dyer called for a millage increase from $5.65 to $6.65 per $1000 of property value.

He says residents also need to understand the money will go towards essential services, including police, firefighting, and street maintenance, and not new venues like a multi-million dollar soccer stadium.

“There may be some out there who see the news that Orlando has raised its millage rate and want to wave their finger in the air and that money must be going to pay for those new venues," said Dyer.

"I think it’s fair that we challenge these sorts of claims head on, with the facts.”

Dyer says like many Florida cities, Orlando has been struggling to get enough revenue even as the economy improves.

That’s because of statewide legislation passed in 2008 which placed a cap on the growth of property tax.