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The spreadsheet is presently populated with a taxable value
which reflects the average for single family residential units in Feather
Sound ($172,300) and monthly utility assumptions based upon an average of
actual amounts incurred by two of the CSA's Board members. These
assumptions show a $291 financial benefit of remaining unincorporated. A
Feather Sound resident called me and asked what the tax and fee impact
would be in his case. His taxable value was lower than the average
($108,200) as were his monthly utilities ($70/mo for electricity). In his
case, the financial benefit is about $100. As you can see, the financial
benefit of remaining unincorporated is a function of each individuals own
unique set of circumstances. The spreadsheet attached can be used to
calculate this comparison by inputting one's own amounts into the cells
shaded in green.
As noted
in the Mayor's letter, the City's property tax rate is slightly lower than
that presently paid by residents in Feather Sound. This differential of
0.44 mills equates to $0.44 (44 cents) for every $1,000 of taxable value.
What wasn't noted were the various utility taxes and franchise fees that
the City imposes on electricity (16%), water (10%), natural gas (16%) and
fuel oil as well as the storm water utility fee ($60/year). None of these
taxes/fees are imposed within the unincorporated area. All of this
information is detailed in the table below. Each resident will need to "do
the math" in order to quantify what a potential annexation may mean to
them. I can't think of a taxable value/monthly utility scenario, however,
where a resident would realize a financial benefit. Ultimately, the
decision to be annexed is influenced by both financial as well as
non-financial factors. The County believes that it's best to provide the
citizens with accurate information so that they can make their own
educated decisions.
Mark S. Woodard
Assistant County Administrator
315 Court Street, Room 601
Clearwater, FL 33756
(Voice) 727.464.3093
(Fax) 727.464.4384
mwoodard@co.pinellas.fl.us
Pinellas County Office of Management & Budget
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
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