Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–October 8
Oct 8, 2009
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Property tax appeals reach record highs
Facing deep declines in their homes values, South Floridians were out in full force this year, disputing their proposed property tax assessments.
Legislature faces $1 billion K-12 school budget shortfall
Spiraling property values, a migration of private school children and the final year of class-size reductions have state lawmakers staring at a $1 billion hole in the public school budget next year.
Economists warn of another big Florida budget deficit
Economists warn that Florida faces another budget deficit, mostly due to the growing Medicaid rolls.
A new financial report shows that all the tax increases, spending cuts and raids on savings accounts weren’t enough for Florida’s budget, which could have a deficit next year of as much as $2.6 billion.
Florida lawmakers came to the state Capitol this week with unemployment still in double digits and a bleak reality setting in: The state budget is in shambles.
Schools can compete for $650 million in stimulus funds
School districts and nonprofit partners can benefit from a $650 million competitive grant fund for school reforms pushed by President Barack Obama.
Florida is No. 1 in the nation for Powerball sales
The $189 million Powerball winner in Orlando Saturday? The odds were in our favor in Florida.
Florida is No. 1 among the 30 participating states (and the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands) for Powerball sales, selling about 15 percent of all tickets, said Chuck Strutt of the Multi-State Lottery Association.
Broward businesses invest more than $136M
From technology to armor, six companies created more than 1,000 new jobs and helped to keep 450 others, resulting in a more than $136 million investment in Broward County in the last 12 months.
Broward schools pay $1 million in OT to employees who hold two district jobs
At Broward County public schools, some custodians are making $38 an hour, more than three times the advertised rate. Activities bus drivers earn as much as $48 an hour instead of the posted $11.58 to $17.66. And after-care clerks are paid $33.16 an hour.
Broward School Board OK’s deals with employee groups
Broward School Board members on Tuesday approved agreements — but no raises — with several employee groups for this school year.
Broward School District to spend $90,000 to lease 44 parking spaces for 3 years
The Broward School District will spend $90,000 over the next three years to lease 44 parking spaces adjacent to a district maintenance office building — to the ire of the Broward Teachers Union, which calls it another example of wasteful spending.
Broward school district wants more time to decide whether to sue over disputed repairs
Broward school officials said Tuesday that they need more time to determine whether they’ll go to court to collect more than $765,000 auditors say the district is owed for repair work never performed after Hurricane Wilma.
Miami tax rate stays low — but fees to rise
Miami commissioners are expected to vote Thursday to raise by 5 percent most city fees — from occupational licenses to parking rates — in a move the city believes will generate more than $9 million but hit businesses in the wallet.
Firm creating 500 new jobs in Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade business recruiters are starting their 25th anniversary year with a gift for the local economy: 500 new jobs.
EDITORIAL: Miami-Dade teachers get a sensible deal
OUR OPINION: Miami-Dade teachers will get a raise and renegotiate annually
After an acrimonious year of finger pointing and unrealistic demands by the teachers union during tough economic times, United Teachers of Dade and the school system have agreed on a contract that’s realistic and fair.
Pasco School Board cuts its pay by $1,294
Pasco School Board members unanimously rejected a $24 pay raise out of hand when considering their salary on Tuesday.
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