The city of Apopka gave an update on their final public hearing dates regarding the city’s fiscal year 2017 proposed budget.
Whereas the previous dates were Wednesday, September 7 at 1:30 p.m. and Wednesday, September 21 at 7 p.m., the final public hearing dates are Wednesdays, September 14 and 28 at 5:05 p.m. The meeting will be held at City Hall, 120 E. Main St., Apopka.
The proposed budget, worth $102,264,752, includes the raising of the property tax rate by a half-mill, which would equal $50 in additional annual taxes for every $100,000 in taxable property value. The proposed property tax rate would go to 3.7678, up from the current 3.2678 mills.
Items that have been earmarked for funding in the proposed budget include a new fire station, a new tower for the city’s internal communications, five police officers and other staffing needs at City Hall.
The proposed budget are comprised of the following: general fund budget, special revenue funds, and enterprise funds.
The general fund budget increased approximately $4.6 million or 10.6 percent over last year’s budget basically because of the addition of Fire Station 5 including equipment and personnel for $1,300,000, the construction of a second communication tower for dispatch to the tune of $2,800,000 and an increase in debt service $600,000.
The special revenue funds, which are monies restricted for specific purposes, increased $2,200,000 or 33.4 percent. These funds include $2,000,000 for downtown improvement, as well as individual costs for a skate park and a splash pad.
The enterprise funds increased by $5,400,000 or 13.8 percent because of the continued construction of the sewer treatment plant for $16,000,000.
For a full scope, here’s the fiscal year 2017 proposed budget.
Check back with The Apopka Chief for updates on the city budget and other news from City Hall.Â
