The City of Wilton Manors Lowers Tax Rate to Benefit Homeowners While Advancing Major Goals

WILTON MANORS, Fla., Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilton Manors homeowners will see a reduced tax rate for the upcoming 2014-2015 Fiscal Year.

At the first public hearing on the millage rate, budget and fire assessment fees on September 12, 2014, the City Commission voted for a total 2014-2015 millage rate of 6.7225. That's a reduction of 3 percent or .02094 mills from the 2013-2014 rate. The millage rate includes 0.2178 mills for the 1999 Parks Bond and 0.4364 mills for the 2008 City Hall Bond. The final budget public hearing will be held on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers, 2020 Wilton Drive.

Mayor Gary Resnick praised the collaborative process in which city staff, the Commission, residents, and the Budget Review Advisory Committee all take part. "Our budget process has enabled us to lower the millage rate and still pursue capital and operational goals to bolster public safety, code enforcement and improve parks and recreational amenities in the City.  We are in a very strong fiscal position," said Mayor Resnick.

The FY 2014-2015 budget allocates funding for additional staffing in the Police Department, Code Compliance Division, Library and Leisure Services Department. Technology upgrades will be utilized to streamline services and improve efficiencies in the Library and Leisure Services Departments. Necessary vehicle replacements, including marked police cars and upgrades to city facilities, including $1.4 million for the repurposing of Mickel Field, are also funded through the budget.  The City also is implementing a wage and classification study to adjust pay ranges to make them competitive.  Finally, the budget includes the City's implementation of a new three-year contract with the police union to position the City to recruit and to retain qualified police personnel in a sustainable manner.

Commissioners also approved new fire assessment fees. The fees are based on the number of emergency calls a specific type of building receives. Residential will pay $169.80 per unit.  Other property categories pay a rate per 100 square feet of building space: Commercial will pay $25.45, Industrial will pay $2.55, Institutional will pay $18.47 and Nursing Homes will pay $67.99.

ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community.  It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents.  To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com

CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or) [email protected]

SOURCE Wilton Manors