TALLAHASSEE, FL. (WTXL) - Leon County Commissioners held a public hearing meeting Tuesday, discussing several hot topics including medical marijuana facilities throughout the county.
Leon County Administrator Vince Young started things off with a budget report and praised the fact the county budget last year ended the fiscal year with a balanced budget and no millage rate increase.
On Tuesday night, commissioners proposed its budget for 2018 at $253.7 million, which would come with a property tax increase. As county leaders wrapped up one five year strategic plan with success they're looking forward to the next five years.
According to Leon County Administrator Vince Long, "We established new bold goals for the next five years in the area of the economy, the environment, quality of life and governance. There is about 53 strategic initiatives."
One of the topics voted on was next years millage rate.
Commissioners voted 5 to 0 to keep the 2018 rate the same as last year at 8.8144 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. The millage rate is expected to raise the county $5.75 million and under Florida Law the extra revenue is considered a tax increase. The increase would cost homeowners on average $28 more a year.
Nothing was decided on the proposed amendments for medical marijuana dispensing facilities. It was put on hold until the next hearing at a later date. The county and city must be inline when it comes to an agreement on how they'll move forward with dispensaries.
Another area commissioners discussed was the need for securing more tourism to the area as well as finding more grants to pay for county wide programs.
Long says, "A lot of our economic return on our investment or significant amount comes from tourism, we had 2.4 million visitors last year. It has an impact of $863 million of economic benefit each year."
And as growth occurs in the county, further zoning changes are needed. Commissioners also voted to approve a proposed amendment on the official zoning map.
The second budget hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3.
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