What is the 1-mill local-option property tax?

The 1-mill, local-option property tax supports Sarasota County schools. The tax began in 2002, and it costs a homeowner $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value.  The tax yields about $55 million for the Sarasota County School District budget each year.  Manatee County will be following in on Sarasota County’s footsteps by joining the referendum this year.

This is the first time a tax of this sort will be up for election in Manatee County.  The elections happening on March 20th are ask voters if they would like to extend the tax once again.

Voters have until 5 p.m. on March 14 to request ballots be mailed to them.

Listen to Jane Goodwin, Vice Chair for the Sarasota County School Board, explain further.

Picture credit: Your Observer